Vashon Island is home to several beautiful beaches that offer visitors a chance to explore the island's natural beauty and enjoy the Puget Sound. Here are some of the top beaches to check out:

Point Robinson Park: This waterfront park is home to a historic lighthouse and a sandy beach that's perfect for beachcombing and picnicking. Visitors can also explore the park's trails and enjoy stunning views of Mount Rainier.

KVI Beach: This secluded beach is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. The beach is accessible by a short, steep trail and offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.

Lisabeula Park: This family-friendly park offers a sandy beach with calm waters that are perfect for swimming and paddling. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, and a boat launch.

Dockton Park: This waterfront park offers a sandy beach, a boat launch, and a playground. Visitors can also explore the park's trails and enjoy views of Quartermaster Harbor.

No matter which beach you choose to visit, you're sure to find a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life on Vashon Island.

The Vashon Island Farmers Market is a beloved community event that has been operating for over 30 years. The market is held every Saturday and Sunday during the summer months and on select days during the winter. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food. The market also features live music, and it's a great place to meet up with friends and neighbors.

The market is run by the Vashon Island Growers Association (VIGA), which is a non-profit organization that supports local agriculture and sustainable food systems. VIGA was founded in 1995, and since then, it has played a vital role in promoting local food production and education on the island. In addition to the farmers market, VIGA also operates a farm tour program, hosts educational events, and supports local farmers and food businesses through various initiatives.

VIGA is committed to fostering a strong and resilient local food system, and its work has helped to make Vashon Island a model for sustainable agriculture and community building. If you're interested in learning more about VIGA and its programs, you can visit their website or attend one of their events.

Vashon Island is known for its vibrant agricultural community and has many farm stands scattered throughout the island. These farm stands offer visitors the opportunity to purchase locally-grown produce, flowers, and other farm-fresh goods.

Some popular farm stands on Vashon Island include Pacific Potager, Vashon Island Lavender Farm, and Langley Fine Gardens. Pacific Potager is a small family-run farm that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, including heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and berries. The Vashon Island Lavender Farm, as the name suggests, specializes in lavender and offers visitors the chance to walk through the fragrant fields and purchase lavender products like soaps and lotions. Langley Fine Gardens is a local flower farm that features a wide selection of seasonal flowers, perfect for creating beautiful bouquets and floral arrangements.

In addition to these popular farm stands, there are many others to discover on Vashon Island. Some are small roadside stands, while others are more elaborate and offer a range of produce and goods. A great way to explore the farm stands on Vashon Island is to take a self-guided tour using a map or guide provided by the Vashon Island Growers Association or the Vashon Island Farm Stands Association.

Whether you're a foodie looking for fresh produce or simply looking to experience the island's rural charm, exploring the farm stands on Vashon Island is a must-do activity.

Here are some of the best trails to explore:

Shinglemill Creek Trail: This trail is a moderate 2.5-mile loop that winds through the island's forested hills and offers stunning views of Puget Sound.

Fisher Pond Trail: This easy 1.5-mile trail is perfect for families and takes you through a peaceful wetland area that's home to many species of birds.

Maury Island Marine Park Trail: This trail offers a 1.5-mile loop through a forested area that leads to a beautiful beach. The park is also home to several tide pools that offer great opportunities to spot marine life.

Island Center Forest Trail: This 363-acre forested park has over six miles of trails that wind through some of the island's most beautiful and secluded areas.

Point Robinson Park Trail: This park has a short .25-mile loop that takes you through a wooded area and offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the lighthouse.

Dockton Forest Trail: This 2.5-mile trail is a great place to spot wildlife and offers stunning views of Quartermaster Harbor.

Fern Cove Nature Preserve Trail: This 9-acre nature preserve features a short .25-mile loop that takes you through a forested area and offers views of the island's wetlands and wildlife.

No matter which trail you choose, you're sure to find a peaceful retreat in Vashon Island's stunning natural beauty.

Vashon Island has a vibrant and thriving art scene, with a variety of galleries, studios, and art events that showcase the work of local artists. Here are some highlights:

Vashon Center for the Arts: This multi-disciplinary arts center hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, and classes throughout the year. The center includes a 20,000-square-foot gallery space that features rotating exhibits of local and regional artists.

Vashon Island Art Studio Tour: This annual event takes place over two weekends in May and December and allows visitors to tour the studios of over 100 local artists. The tour includes a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, pottery, glass, and jewelry.

VALISE Gallery: This artist-run gallery features the work of emerging and established artists from Vashon Island and beyond. The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions and events and is a great place to discover new and exciting work.

The Heron's Nest Gallery: This gallery features the work of over 50 local artists and artisans, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more. The gallery also hosts events and classes throughout the year.

Vashon Island Visual Artists (VIVA): This non-profit organization supports and promotes local artists through exhibitions, events, and community outreach. VIVA also operates a community art studio and hosts an annual art auction to raise funds for local arts programs.

Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or simply appreciate the beauty of art, Vashon Island's art scene is sure to delight and inspire you.

Vashon Island is home to several beautiful parks that offer a range of recreational activities and opportunities to explore the island's natural beauty. Here are some of the top parks to check out:

Point Robinson Park: This 10-acre park features a historic lighthouse, picnic areas, and stunning views of Mount Rainier. The park also has a small beach area and offers access to a network of trails for hiking and bird watching.

Dockton Park: Located on the east side of the island, this 62-acre park offers beach access, hiking trails, and a boat launch. The park is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Vashon Island Maury Island Marine Park: This 320-acre park features over 1.5 miles of shoreline, including a sandy beach and several rocky tide pools. The park is a popular spot for bird watching, beachcombing, and hiking.

Island Center Forest: This 363-acre forested park has over six miles of trails that wind through some of the island's most beautiful and secluded areas. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and bald eagles.

Paradise Ridge Park: This 10-acre park features a network of hiking trails that offer stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park also has a picnic area and a playground.

Fisher Pond: This 20-acre park offers a short, easy loop trail that takes visitors through a peaceful wetland area that's home to many species of birds. The park also has a picnic area and a playground.

No matter which park you choose to visit; you're sure to find a peaceful retreat in Vashon Island's stunning natural beauty.

Vashon Island is home to a handful of wineries and cideries that offer visitors the opportunity to taste locally-made wines and ciders in a picturesque island setting. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

Nashi Orchards: This family-run cidery produces a variety of ciders made from organic apples grown on their 27-acre orchard. Visitors can taste ciders, take a tour of the orchard, and enjoy the beautiful views from the tasting room.

Palouse Winery: Located in a renovated farmhouse, this winery produces a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. The tasting room offers views of the vineyard and the surrounding woods.

Vashon Winery: This small, family-owned winery produces a variety of wines, including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling. Visitors can taste wines in the cozy tasting room and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Dragon's Head Cider: This award-winning cidery produces a range of ciders made from heritage cider apples grown on their orchard. Visitors can taste ciders, take a tour of the orchard, and enjoy the views from the tasting room.

No matter which winery or cidery you choose to visit, you'll have the opportunity to taste delicious locally-made beverages while taking in the Island vibes.

Vashon Island has a thriving culinary scene, with a range of restaurants and cafes that showcase the island's local ingredients and flavors. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

May Kitchen + Bar: This popular Thai restaurant serves up flavorful dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The cozy, intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a romantic date or special occasion.

The Hardware Store Restaurant: Located in a historic building that once housed a hardware store, this restaurant offers a range of American-style dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The outdoor patio is a popular spot for brunch on weekends.

Snapdragon Bakery & Cafe: This charming bakery and cafe serves up fresh, homemade pastries, sandwiches, and soups. The outdoor garden seating area is a great spot to enjoy coffee and pastry on a sunny day.

The Ruby Brink: This trendy restaurant and cocktail bar offers a rotating menu of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The bar serves up creative, seasonal cocktails with house-made syrups and infusions.

Island Queen: This restaurant offers a range of classic American-style dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a great selection of beers on tap and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere.

Cafe Luna: This popular cafe serves delicious breakfast and lunch dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. They also have a great selection of coffee and tea.

Pop! Pop! Bottleshop: This cozy bottle shop offers a wide variety of local and imported beers, ciders, and wines. They also have a small selection of snacks and a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere with games for kids.

No matter what type of cuisine you're in the mood for, you're sure to find something delicious on Vashon Island. Check out more below!