Hotel at a Glance: The Captain Whidbey Inn

Tucked away on Whidbey Island, amid the pine-fringed shores of Penn Cove, The Captain Whidbey Inn has a been a mainstay of the area for more than a century. The main building was constructed in 1907 using timber from the surrounding forests. Today the historic inn retains its rustic feel, along with original log walls and wood-burning fireplaces.

• Fine dining: Sample fresh Penn Cove oysters and mussels in the waterfront dining room.
• Sleep like a baby on comfy Euro-top or feather beds. Guest rooms located in the main building have shared bathrooms, and lagoon rooms feature private bathrooms.
• Room with a view: Inn rooms overlook either Penn Cove or the garden, and lagoon rooms are located next to a small body of water.
• Stay connected with the inn’s WiFi access.

Coupeville, Washington: Historic Sea Captain’s Settlement Along Penn Cove

Coupeville has been called the “town of sea captains,” since it was founded on the shores of Whidbey Island by Captain Thomas Coupe in the 1850s. Today the historic homes of the town’s first sea captains line downtown Coupeville’s waterfront streets, with seafood restaurants and antiques stores located inside. Complete your glimpse into the island’s past with a visit to nearby Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, where rolling prairies surround red barns and farmhouses, many of which house cattle and shellfish to this day.

Coupeville’s coastal setting makes it ideal for outdoor recreation. In the fall and winter, it’s popular to take whale-watching tours to spot orca whales migrating through the Puget Sound. Warmer months bring hikers to the coast, where wooded trails lead up to steep cliffs that provide views of the Olympic Mountains. Year-round kayaking and fishing for bass and trout are also popular pursuits.

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