Springtime on San Juan Island - Lodging on Friday Harbor

Spring has definitely sprung at the Harrison House and on San Juan Island. The gardens look like a giant Easter Basket with tulips, daffodils, and Camellia in full bloom. While the weather has been a bit seasonally cool, the blue skies and afternoon sun do not deter. The transient whales have been around for the last week so many of our guests have enjoyed encounters on their whale watch adventures. While on the water, our guests have also had the pleasure of seeing Stellar Sea Lions, Eagles, Seals, and other migrating marine birds who are still hanging around the Islands. Restaurant Coho has been open for three weeks and has been receiving rave reviews from guests. One of the most popular specials last week was our smoked duck breast with a morel mushroom wine sauce. Due to our limited seating with only eight tables, we recommend advance reservations so that we can accommodate all of our guests.

Coho Restaurant opens on San Juan Island

It was really gratifying to see the beautiful food emerge from Coho Restaurant's kitchen during our opening weekend. All the months of planning and weeks of cooking brought the restaurant to life. Having patrons enjoy the fresh local ingredients from the Island's local farms was really gratifying. We showcased some amazing local ingredients - spring greens from Sweet Earth Farms, Blue Moon Farms, and Synergy Farms, tenderloin from Barlow Bay Fish Company on Lopez Island, and Westcott Bay Oysters. Our signature whole seed encrusted salmon was a beautiful dish. A bed of greens provided the foundation for a grilled rice cake and salmon fillet and slightly sweet mirin sauce. The plate also had a spring medley of asparagus spears and golden beets. We are placing our farm orders and already preparing for our specials for this coming weekend. We took lots of pictures and will post them soon.

Harrison House Welcomes Diana & Greg to our Innkeeping Team

The Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn are pleased to welcome Diana and Greg to our Innkeeping Team, San Juan Island's newest residents. Diana & Greg, follow a path similar to many of us who have moved to the Islands leaving jobs, family, and secure careers behind. They packed up their belongings in a small 8 x 6 trailer and drove from Sante Fe, New Mexico with their three four-legged friends late last week. The larger trailer that they planned to use was not compatible with Diana's hitch so they had to downsize their belongings even more! We promise that summer will be alot easier than your move! We are thrilled to have here. So next time you call or email, welcome them to the Island.....because before long, they will be welcoming you.