San Juan Islands: most striking thing to us is the total lack of billboards or even signs advertising businesses on the road. The tourist office in Orcas explained that businesses were not allowed to sign post the buildings except on the building itself. This means that your impression of the town is of a 19th or 20thC street— no neon, no billboards— no tackiness!!! It was wonderful! (Not so easy to find the grocery store or library— but who was hurrying????) Oh yeah, the library has a plate of freshly baked brownies to entice you over to the “banned book section”. Satanic Verses was checked out but after a brownie or two, I’m resolved to read it!
San Juan Islands were wonderful—- cannot recommend them enough.
As well, no national chains, eg no BurgerKing, McDonalds, TacoBell, Kroger. Every business appeared to be a one-off and locally owned. Hence, amazing customer service. For example, I asked the beverage clerk if I could buy a single beer, instead of a six pack. He replied, “Madam my store is YOUR store. If that’s what you want, then I can make it work.” Love it!!
We loved Olga’s Rising coffee shop on Orcas where she served freshly made frittatas containing veggies. I asked her how the frittatas were so tasty and she explained that you need to roast each vegetable separately til they caramalise. So delicious— will have to try that at home!
1 comment:
Mary and George -- what a fantastic trip you had! I've never been to the Pacific NW so now I am yearning to go. Safe Travels
Post a Comment