WHIDBEY ISLAND - A Washington travel guide

[@NomadicBard]

What do you think of Whidbey Island? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for watching!

[@terrydawkins9936]

A very nice place. Quite well what is quite when the A6’s are flying….and the F18.

[@sherriefetterman1051]

My daughter lives there. Her husband is stationed there. I took a trip to see them a year ago. Such a beautiful place. So different from, Williamsburg, VA, where I'm from. So quaint and a different all together. You can feel the chill laid-back vibe. Everyone was so friendly. Home to serious nature. This video brought back memories of my trip.

[@lizwilson6043]

Love seeing the sights where l was born 81 yrs ago. Thank you!!

[@lindycombs2217]

Oh my, I just found this video. I lived on this island from 8/2009 - 12/2017. This video streamed all my memories...well, nearly all....into my mind's eye. I so regret leaving this paradise. I lived on Main Street in Coupeville. THANK YOU so very much for this awesome trip!!

[@mariamercy7317]

Hi Lindy, I hope to visit your past hometown very soon... If you see this message, please have me in your prayers. It's a 6 hour long flight from Florida to Washington. God bless you! 🙏

[@wagstaffe7]

I'm arrived here 50 years ago. When I retired from the Navy I stayed. It's heaven.

[@Gpacharlie]

Thank you for serving and defending this great Country of ours. You are rare and much appreciated. Whidbey is a very special place.

[@annakaster7272]

Nomadic Bard...Your video is the best of all the videos I have seen about Whidbey Island. I have never been there but I am going there tomorrow to see a house and possibly move there. After seeing your video I feel that that that's the place for me to be, a piece of paradise. Thank you for this amazing video.

[@NomadicBard]

Hi Anna! Thank you so much for those kind words :) We really enjoyed Whidbey Island, hopefully you will too!

[@arkadventure2]

Did you move there on the end? How are you finding it?

[@annakaster7272]

@@arkadventure2 Thank you for asking. Unfortunately, no. The house I was interested in sold within hours. After unsuccessfully engaging in numerous real estate "bidding wars" I gave up on finding a property in Wa. state and moved to East Texas where I found a lake front property on 3 acres. As beautiful as the nature is here, I miss Washington state every single day.

[@arkadventure2]

@@annakaster7272 Thank you so much for letting me know, and for sharing your experiences. Sounds like you are living in a lovely spot. You never know, maybe you’ll find yourself back in Washington one day. Take care

[@annakaster7272]

@@arkadventure2 Thank you for your kind words. I hope so. I am originally from Germany and I lived in many countries around the world, including India. What I learned from it is that every place on earth carries with itself specific energy and specific vibrations, Washington state has high vibrations. All the best to you, stay well.

[@RayeRaye77]

Your video brought tears to my eyes. My dad was stationed on Whidbey Island when I was a little girl. I've only been back once as an adult but I've always said it's the home of my soul. Now I'm trying to find a way to retire there, eventually to die there and have my ashes scattered there. Sorry to be so morbid but life is short!

[@barbaranicholson2963]

I have lived on the island all my life. I love it here. Your video was great! But you can't see the Pacific Ocean from Deception Pass......look to the mainland or off into the San Juans...That said, I read your comment to someone about you were just a visitor enjoying our island. So glad you enjoyed your time here. Do not be a stranger!

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks for watching, Barb - glad you enjoyed the video! I know it doesn't look directly at the ocean, I more meant it looks out in the direction towards the Pacific. But I am indeed just a humble tourist who had an amazing time there. You're lucky to be a native!

[@shamimahmed1080]

I've just done reading the book 'The Edge Of Nowhere', where i know about this island. And now i'm really want to see how this island actually looks like.

[@ZakJJ1]

Thanks man. I was just a young kid when I was stationed at NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND. It was absolute peace. You have done an excellent job of capturing the feel of this island 100 percent. Thank you.

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks so much man - glad you enjoyed it. It's a stunning island for sure!

[@ZakJJ1]

Nomadic Bard, there is a video that shows the drive from NAS Whidbey Island to Deception pass. I walked there and back before I had my car at the base and took my time doing it. There is a large valley at one point and the strawberry fields I remember are still there

[@chriswayne7628]

I was stationed there too, VP-40 93-96

[@ZakJJ1]

@@chriswayne7628 Vaq 139 back when they had the prowlers for me brother

[@rsd_mtnbiker6422]

I love Whidbey Island. Friends of mine lived in Oak Harbor. The moment you get on the island you feel a sense of calm. And the ferry! Grab some clam chowder and enjoy the trip.

[@NomadicBard]

That's exactly how I felt when arriving there for the first time. Such a beautiful place Thanks for watching!

[@805Coastal]

I love taking the ferry!! =}

[@PamelaJensen-sj4ls]

I lived on Whidbey Island for three years and loved it.

[@arkadventure2]

Just wondering why you left? It looks nice, but does it lose its charm after time?

[@annh8885]

We love Whidbey Island! We are fortunately just north of Seattle and are able to take advantage of this beautiful Island year round. She has many faces. Quiet solitude of the forest and in the winter the winds can howl creating fun storm watching along the Sound. A visceral experience. Coupeville has an amazing Art Fair every summer too. Loads of local Artists and great food. Fort Casey is also a great place to visit with spectacular views. I cannot explain the true, relaxing and peaceful feeling I get every time I get just across the bridge or stepping off the ferry. The people who live there are truly friendly and represent the Island feel :-)

[@cpettis]

I love your language about Earth Sanctuary: grotto, deep and primordial sense of stillness, reserved individualism, acts of mindfulness, cobbled labyrinth... Thank you! - Chuck Pettis

[@sherrieprice1800]

You give a splendid narrative. Thank you

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks for watching!

[@Gpacharlie]

Haha, I wanted to comment, “well done” and saw that I did just that three years ago. A wonder Island that has a spirit of peace and mystery.

[@joescott3098]

Wow, excellent! Been there and you've done a great job at taking me back. Thanks!

[@markrossi4624]

Thank you for a superb video. We will be visiting and staying on Whidbey Island as part of our trip to Washington in October 2024.

[@NoSQLKnowHow]

It's why I live on the island. I get to live where others vacation.

[@willstegall2527]

Beautifully shot. Saw Whibdey Island on an HGTV show the other day....had to find out more about it!! Adding to my list of places to visit.

[@melissainches9307]

You have done an amazing job capturing the spirit of Whidbey. It truly the closest place to far away. Next time you come I’ll show you the portal to the center of the universe. I had a very emotional response to you video.

[@NomadicBard]

So glad you enjoyed our video! We'd love to go back to Whidbey Island someday. 🙌

[@mariamercy7317]

Good Morning, it's awesome for this video to pop up at this moment! I was watching HGTV last night and this place was shown to homebuyers. I immediately told my daughter about it because I plan to visit the State of Washington sometime. Now even more I long to see Whidbey Island.

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks for watching! You should get up to the Pacific Northwest sometime, Whidbey Island is a great place.

[@mariamercy7317]

@@NomadicBard Oh yes, thanks! I shared your video with my daughter. I'll be on my way there very soon 😃

[@timebong8366]

Also from way back I miss kow korner in oak harbor

[@terrancewalker7768]

Kow Corner. I too miss Kow Corner Mr. Bong...

[@timebong8366]

@@terrancewalker7768 nice loved them greasy burgers. Also they had the best drink too they would take and make like a shake but put real strawberries and 7UP in it and then mix it up

[@jamessomera9448]

Love your story telling and cinematics of Whidbey, glad I ran and watched this video.

[@PresenceVideography]

Inspiring, thanks for sharing! We also love Whidbey Island and have done several great kayak trips there.

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks for watching!

[@Postmortumaz]

Whidbey island is great. I was there with the Navy. We used leave work and go out the back gate and go fishing regularly. Captain Whidbey inn is worth a visit. Fort Casey.

[@cindycluff2159]

Thank you for showing our island so beautifully

[@brightmorningstar9449]

Beautiful video, love your voice, the music kills it.

[@NomadicBard]

Thank you so much! So glad you liked it!

[@michellejensen5166]

My younger twin brothers and I were born there. It's absolutely a beautiful island. I wouldn't mind going back and bring my daughters there to visit.

[@NomadicBard]

Very cool. It's a gorgeous place for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@Scott-j5u]

Seattle born and bred i live in North Carolina now and miss Whidbey soooo much.

[@chuckgardify]

I am from here and have family here. You nailed it...thank you

[@NomadicBard]

We're so glad you liked it :)

[@teo829]

Great video. Wish there was more mention about coastal Salish native tribes that used to thrive there

[@Mike-ze6jq]

Had a chance to visit way back in the early 80's. such a beautiful place

[@johnmagee2394]

i was there two weeks ago, it was Beautiful, I'll be back soon !!!!

[@deblund]

Lovely video! Coupeville, the most picturesque and historic area (mentioned but not seen), along with the incredible Ebey's Landing, was missed, as was the historic Greenbank Farm and store. But, you'll have to come back and explore those yourself! You've definitely captured the essence of our home, but, a little cautionary advice... If any of you move here and think you'll change your ways, remember-wherever you go, there you are. It's easy to fill your days and overwhelm yourself here, too. But peaceful places abound if you take a moment to be there in them. And for that, we are lucky indeed.

[@robertwerner6208]

What a wonderful video! The videography and narration were both superb! P.S. Growing up as a kid in Vancouver, BC in the 1960's & 70's, I always delighted in visiting Whidbey Island with my parents. I really need to get back there!!!

[@NomadicBard]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@pam9088]

I lived in Oak Harbor 1991-1996 / Navy! I loved it there. I went for a visit in 2014, boy....felt like I never left. I almost moved back in 2018 but then my health took a turn. Oh well.

[@vbetz6357]

Thanks for this beautiful overview. I have family that moved to the island last year. I look forward to visiting, hopefully next year.

[@anngoulding4389]

We live here....shhhhh, don't tell everyone how wonderful it is here. ROFL It is amazing! But, Oak Harbor is a "town", the only city on the island is Langley, the rest are towns. Loved your video. Thank you for sharing!

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks for watching and commenting, really glad you enjoyed the video. You're incredibly lucky to get to live here! :)

[@AydenSchofield]

What? Oak harbor is the largest on the island. Langley has a little over 1,500

[@TomLloyd-18]

@@AydenSchofield a technicality. Coupeville - being the county seat is only a "town" and has under 2000 population. I live in Freeland . . . we don't even get the title of "town" . . . we're a "Census Designated Place" (CDP) with a slightly large population than the county seat. But I'm still unclear how they determine the population and borders of these "places". For instance if you look on a map at how they designate the official CDP of Freeland - - you'll notice a large geographical area outside that designated border that is not a part of the neighboring towns of Langley or Greenbank . . .and if you live there you have a "Freeland" address . . . . and as far as I can see - - remains unaccounted for population-wise.

[@NomadicBard]

Didn't mean to stir up a controversy here, haha. I was just going off of the welcome sign and official website that say "City of Oak Harbor, WA". But local residents will know best. Regardless, we love this island and the great responses to our film. Thanks to all of you for watching!

[@PamelaJensen-sj4ls]

I lived in Freeland WA and a beautiful area.

[@BurlapandLight]

Used to be three ways onto the island when I was there. The puddle jumper prop plane that was just south of Oak Harbor was a direct flight to SeaTac. Not sure if it's there anymore. But the drive onto the island is just as gorgeous coming on as well. But I love how you described the island. PERFECT! I miss living there and would love to be back sometime soon!

[@lizzdrawss_7055]

As someone who lives on whidbey it is really interesting to see the island in this light. :)

[@birdlynn417]

This was excellent done!!

[@avpfilms27]

Looks great!

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks much!

[@Gpacharlie]

Well done. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@399geekfavorites]

You must have watched a lot of Antony Bourdine videos, you sound like him. Not a bad thing brother, he was an awesome story teller.

[@timebong8366]

Was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island from 1991-2000 I miss it.

[@selfworthsam]

Amazing visuals and narration. The rock music drowned narrator out in some parts. Still incredible video. Thank you.

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad that you liked it.

[@timebong8366]

Tobys tavern in coupeville best clam chowder

[@paulg2132]

This was a very good video. You are very good at your craft. I watched this because I am writing a book and needed some research on the area. Question: are there nice waterfront properties (Multi-million dollar estates) or like the lifestyle you describe, it is more down to earth there?

[@armalennn]

Just moved to Western WA from Southern CA. Exploring KZbin to find some cool places to find while living up here-- stumbled upon your video and was not only taken aback by the beautiful Whidbey island, but also your amazing cinematic video style. Great job... subscribed!

[@NomadicBard]

I'm so glad you enjoy our videos. Thanks for the sub :)

[@yamilehazouri3287]

Haven’t been a ferry yet so I’m in the same boat as you

[@guysmith3996]

I was in the Navy stationed at NAS Whidbey Island in the 80s. There is a 3rd way onto the island. That is a 2nd ferry that goes between Port Townsend and the ferry landing near Coupeville. Just a fair warning to all who plan to visit. There are times of the day when that peace gets shattered by jet aircraft during flight ops at NAS Whidbey and OLF Coupeville. Just a little trivia for you. At deception pass there are 2 bridges. The south or longest bridge is the actual "Deception Pass" bridge. The north or shorter bridge is called the "Canoe Pass" bridge. It is a gorgeous place to visit. You need to treat yourself to a trip there at least once in your life. Spend at least 2 nights there. Spend the first night resting up from you trip there and leave your full 2nd day there seeing all the sights. Make sure you take a side trip to Anacortes. If you are going to take the Mulkiteo ferry onto the island you might want to do a factory tour of the Boeing plant in Everett. The largest building in the world by volume.

[@sachinmrao]

You’re so talented man. Your narration style resembles Anthony Bourdain

[@NomadicBard]

Thanks. He is an inspiration, for sure.

[@ezeNdog]

Muka taya yo ?.... Lol muka teee o. ... Nice video though, it's a cool place

[@trwent]

I have lived in the hot, polluted, crime-infested, and now drying up San Joaquin Valley in California for most of my life, and now I am beginning to think about where to move to for my retirement. I am looking to go someplace where the air is clear, life is peaceful, people are friendly, and yet the big city is not too far away (I am a big concert fan). Whidbey Island would seem to check all the above boxes, plus it is close to ample outdoor recreation opportunities being on Puget Sound, and close to the North Cascades and the Olympics. And Glacier National Park, Mt. Ranier, British Columbia, and Vancouver Island are less than a day's drive away (okay, GNP is one LONG day's drive away, but that is not too bad). I am definitely going to put this island on my short list of places to spend the rest of my life when I retire in a couple of years!!

[@7swordmary567]

💓You MUST film the rest of the San Juan Islands AND the Ferry Ride over the Sound.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

agree 100% - my folks were lucky enough to retire there. It's one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The one thing I would add is what NAS Whidbey adds to the equation. Tired of wonderful beaches and spectacular views? Go watch EA-18 Growlers do touch and goes off the OLF practice field and let their afterburners rumble the inside of your lungs.

[@ClarenceMoriwaki]

Lovely video, but it's NOT the Pacific Ocean (6:14)! As you previously - and accurately - described, it is Puget Sound, an inland sea. The Pacific Ocean is more than 120 miles westward up the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

[@SarahKirkconnell]

Mulk-i-te-o ;-)

[@anngoulding4389]

Nope....Muk-il-teo

[@NomadicBard]

Honestly, I have no idea - just a visitor who had a great time on the island. Ha! 😀

[@TomLloyd-18]

@@anngoulding4389 yep - its pronounced phonetically exactly as it is spelled

[@cocoaorange1]

I never knew the Northwest had so many islands.

[@johnduffy532]

Is that Anthony Bourdain narrating or just a sound alike?

[@eugenehorvath2494]

I was stationed there from 68 to 71. When God made Whidbey Island, he broke the mold.

[@mollyjacobson8946]

I live in whidbey I have my hole life!

[@canadiankid75]

Wow does this guy sound exactly like Anthony Bourdain or is just me?

[@NomadicBard]

Hey, thanks for watching. Bourdain is a big influence on me for sure. Hope you enjoyed the episode!

[@quarantinedchaos8127]

dont move here locals are too swaggy

[@birdlynn417]

Peace and quiet with the military planes roaring over Whidbey Island???

[@robertjohannnewton7489]

The music could be a little more peaceful.

[@patriciawhidbeysewing8681]

Thanks for visiting. Now go home.

[@Lead1121]

If only it wasn’t so expensive

[@birdlynn417]

What about the sounds of the growler planes??? It's obvious this author does not live here.

[@hatingontruth9118]

Dude come on.. Deception Pass Bridge isn't boring..

[@richardlee9207]

All tranquility..... until the booming jets roaring overhead to and from the naval air base on the island. LMAO

[@thomassmestead9905]

Don't come here. It rains ALL the time.

[@aronkaspar6369]

Only rich people can afford to travel these days

[@paulavancott9414]

The sad thing about this island is jobs, very hard to get a good paying job, and like most small towns, gossip is everywhere. Yes it is beautiful, but there is also a dark side of gangs, cults and whites only. Political problems too! Old families own the island, can’t do a lot of changes or getting permits without going through high jumps. Just come to the island with endless money, this island will suck it all up. Visit, but don’t stay.

[@jpallen719]

Thank god it cost a fortune to live there or it would be over run like everywhere else…….

[@nancywahl9541]

Wow, that background music was so inappropriate for Whidbey.

[@NomadicBard]

Hey Nancy, thanks for checking out our video. The Puget Sound and Seattle areas of Washington are actually considered the birthplace of indie rock and grunge rock. Many amazing rock bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Death Cab for Cutie got their start there, so we felt it was fitting to pay homage to that legacy. Sorry you don't feel the same way. In any case, thanks again for watching!

[@SparklyStoner360]

Your name suits your perfectly, Negative Nancy! 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

[@penelopeplimsoul3617]

Enough of the water sound effects. Geeze.

[@NomadicBard]

Hey, thanks for watching! Since Whidbey Island is surrounded by the beautiful Puget Sound, we thought that a recording of the waves on the shore was a fitting intro to the film. Sorry you didn't enjoy it. If you'd like to skip ahead to the music, it starts at 1:49.

[@dirtyflipflop]

Whidbey island is a depressing place