Inn at Ship Bay

With an unobstructed view of the East Sound of Orcas Island, the Inn at Ship Bay has been an historic landmark on the bluff since 1869. The farmhouse, the second timber-framed home built on the island, was originally the home of Michael Adams, whose apple, pear and plum orchards were part of the cornerstone of this island's historical agricultural economy.

Today, the original farmhouse serves as the inn's restaurant while the ten state rooms and one suite are in surrounding buildings that were built in 2000 to match the vintage farmhouse. Located just one mile from the village of Eastsound, it offers some of the most comfortable accommodations on Orcas Island (the "horseshoe-shaped island"), which is the largest and most mountainous of all the San Juans.

An unpretentious inn with a casual and relaxed atmosphere, it is still surrounded by acres of fruit bearing trees. It is owned and operated by Geddes and Mary Anna Martin, who have over 20 years of experience in the hospitality field. Looking for a business to run together while raising their own family, they decided to take the inn over when the previous owners retired. A natural segue for them, welcoming guests just comes natural.

Your Home Away from Home

Elegantly furnished in a relaxed, comfortable Northwest style, all rooms have commanding sound views and include propane Franklin stoves, balconies and private bathrooms. Every convenience is offered, including wireless Internet, cable television, and mini-fridges. The suite has a separate living room in addition to the bedroom, an oversized deck, plus a double bathroom with a two person soaking tub.

The king-sized beds (in all rooms) with oversized down pillows and comforter offer a wonderful night's sleep. You'll find the state rooms appointed with a sitting area that has an "overstuffed" love seat and easy chair. It is an especially relaxing chair after a day of shopping in Eastsound village or hiking in nearby Moran State Park. Watching the sun settle over Turtleback Mountain (on the west side of the island) from the privacy of your own room offers a romantic ending to any day.

A complimentary breakfast served each morning features their house made granola, muffins, juices, fresh coffee, plus seasonal fruit, some of which is picked from trees right on the grounds.

Fresh Wholesome Food Prepared Daily

While outdoor waterfront dining with stunning water views is an option in warmer months, year round the Inn at Ship Bay's Dining Room offers seasonal menus that feature fresh, locally farmed products including the herbs and vegetables picked from the gardens onsite.

With prior experience as the Executive Chef at nearby Rosario Resort and in Portland, Oregon, co-owner Geddes Martin has been creating some of the island's most favorite dishes for nearly a decade. Fresh seafood choices are available nightly as are entrees such as grass-fed beef filet, pan seared Draper Valley chicken breast, and roasted breast of duck. Their reasonably-priced wines come from Oregon, Washington and California. All of the breads and desserts are created in-house and most of the produce is supplied from local Island farms.

Mardi especially loves (as do I!) their sourdough bread, which is baked from a starter that is over 100 years old and has been passed generation to generation in Mary Anna's family. A family secret to be shared, it is yours to enjoy whenever you visit your "extended" family at the Inn at Ship Bay.

This is the only place we have found on Orcas where you get fine dining and accommodation in one place. We will be back!!