Things to Do


Cozy Get-Away...Comfortable, Restful, 
Simple

A Simple Cottage is an apt name for this small, affordable rental cottage located in Coupeville on Penn Cove, Whidbey Island, Washington. Whidbey Island is one of many islands in the Puget Sound of Washington State.  In the central portion of Whidbey, Penn Cove is a beautiful 90-minute drive from Seattle via a Washington State Ferry.  Our small cottage overlooks the Penn Cove Mussel Farm rafts.  Penn Cove mussels are served in great restaurants across the country, and every March Coupeville sponsors the popular MusselFest, a festival to celebrate Penn Cove's famous shellfish.

From this charming one-bedroom cottage, it’s an easy walk to Coupeville, with its historic homes, unique shops, and restaurants with local farm-to-table appeal. Stroll the beaches and collect agates or driftwoodExploreEbey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, historic Fort Casey State Park and lighthouse, and take in the spectacular views. Be sure to visit Deception Pass to the north.  Back at the cottage, enjoy watching eagles soar above you while relaxing on the deck overlooking the beautiful cove. 

Bring your kayak (rentals available) or bicycle.  Jog or walk the many nearby parks and trails, or just curl up in the cottage with a good book.

Local activities include:
  • Summer Farmer’s Market (April through October)
  • Arts and Crafts Festival
  • March MusselFest
  • Summer garage and barn sales
  • Sailing, kayaking, fishing, clamming
  • Whale watching tours (from Anacortes on north end of island
  • Bird Watching (eagles and more)
  • Spectacular photographic opportunities
  • Lavender Wind Farm
  • San Juan Islands accessible by ferry one hour north

Nearby A Simple Cottage, you’ll find many places of interest. A 10-minute walk and you're in downtown Coupeville. Enjoy the many shops along the historic waterfront, and at the famous Knead and Feed along Front Street, stop for coffee and indulge in one of their delicious cinnamon rolls—large enough for four people! From April through mid-October, buy fresh produce and local artwork at the Farmer’s Market. Popular annual events begin in March with the MusselFest. In May, the Memorial Day parade along Front Street includes a navy jet flyover, and in August 2012, the well-known Arts and Crafts Festival will returns for its 49th year. Come December, Santa Claus is the guest of honor in the Christmas parade. Whatever time of year, the typically mild weather keeps visitors trekking the many trails in the area offering panoramic views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca, both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and of course, high bluffs and beautiful beaches.