Deception Pass State Park: Come see the most visited state park in Washington! Over 4,500 acres of fantastic forest filled with 251 campsites, 300+ picnic sites, and 34 miles of simple-to-rugged hiking trails. You'll also find an interpretive learning center, a marine state park with boat launch, mooring, nature area, and scuba diving, and much more. 675-2417 Deception Pass Bridge is a man-made marvel built in 1935 to connect Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. This national historic monument is actually two bridges that span almost one-third of a mile. Each year millions of visitors thrill to the raging waters that churn in the narrow passage below or to the soaring eagles that often circle above. It’s no wonder that Deception Pass Bridge is one of the most photographed subjects in the Pacific Northwest.

The Roller Barn and The Neil Water Tower are side-by-side local landmarks on the old James Neil Farm property. The barn was once the largest on the West coast, and is now a unique spot to roller skate. The restored water tower houses the Orren and Ruth Ward museum which showcases local history and artifacts. It is open to the public from 2-4 p.m. the last Sunday of the month. The Whidbey Playhouse brings you community theater at its best. Since 1966 local talent has staged, starred and produced nearly two hundred popular musicals and plays. Each summer the Playhouse hosts a children’s theater with classes and a public performance. The Playhouse also supports a Theater Explorer Post. Season tickets are available. 679-2237

Flintstone Park, City Beach Park, and Smith Park are three great places in Oak Harbor to have a picnic. Overlooking the Oak Harbor Marina is Flintstone Park. The park got its name from the full-size stone replica of Fred’s prehistoric footmobile that graces its entrance. Come sit behind the wheel for a memorable photo! There are benches, barbeque grills, picnic tables, restrooms, vending machines, telephone, covered picnic area and a full-sized windmill. Fishing is also permitted. Gaze at the snow-capped beauty of Mount Baker and the tranquil waters of Crescent Harbor from City Beach Park, a full-service park. Enjoy the swimming pool with bathhouses, and kitchens, picnic tables, tennis courts, ball fields, play equipment and a walking path along the beach that is lit at night. Nearby is the City Beach Trailer Park with accommodations for RV vehicles. Because of its many Garry oaks Smith Park was referred to for many years as the "Oak Tree Grove." You’ll find plenty of shade beneath these majestic oaks, old glacier rocks to climb on, benches, barbeques, play equipment and a gazebo. Downtown Oak Harbor is

Oak Harbor Marina is a full service marine park. Home to the Whidbey Island Race Week regatta each July, the marina offers 450 permanent and guest moorage slips, two pump-out stations, fishing, a playground, pit barbeque and picnic area, on site laundromat and the Oak Harbor Yacht Club. 679-2628 Shellfishing is a favorite past-time on Whidbey, and you can find some great places to angle for a bucketful of crabs, clams, mussels or geoducks ("gooey ducks") on North Whidbey. All you need is a pail, a shovel, some boots, and you’re all set! Oh, yes, you’ll also need a license. For current shellfishing information as well as public sites, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-360-902-2200. Whidbey Island Race Week is recognized by Sailing World Magazine as one of the Top 20 regattas in the World, and Top 10 Regattas in the United States. This premier sailing event

Holland Happening is Oak Harbor’s biggest annual festival. Now in its fourth decade, this weekend long event celebrates the unique Dutch Heritage of Oak Harbor as well as the diverse traditions represented in Northwest Washington. Stroll the waterfront, watch a wooden shoe carver and delft painter at work, and enjoy the wide variety of displays, activities, food, and fun. For more information, contact the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 675-3535 or visit The Chamber’s website.

Old Fashion Fourth of July: three-funfilled days celebrating the founding of our great nation! The jubilee begins with a morning parade and afternoon picnics. Listen to live music in the city park as well as the carnival. Browse through a variety of shops along Pioneer Way just one block up from the waterfront. There you can find goodies from A (antiques) to Z (ok, W: Whidbey souvenirs) and several restaurants offering cuisine that’s Chinese, Greek, Italian, American, and all good! Then top off your day with a dazzling fireworks display by the harbor, sponsored by area merchants. For more information, contact the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 675-3535 or visit The Chamber’s website.

Christmas Village: Sweet Christmas smells, jingling sleigh bells, bright twinkling lights, tannenbaum delights, animals galore, all this and more await you and your family at the annual Soroptimist gift to the city, Christmas Village. Wind your way down Candy lane, pet the barnyard animals, enjoy hot cider and cookies at the cozy hearth, watch the model trains travel ’round a scenic display, and of course, come sit on Santa’s lap and say hello to Mrs. Claus. And it’s all free! Call the Chamber at 675-3535 for times and dates.