Rich in agricultural heritage, Orcas Island was a center for the Washington fruit packing industry in the early 20th century, and as you drive around the island on this self-guided tour, you can still see many orchards, old barns, and even a restored strawberry packing plant in Olga, now an artists’ co-op called Orcas Island Artworks).
Farm stands along the way sell flowers, produce, eggs, meat and more. Shuck local oysters on the beach, sip island-made beer or wine at a local farm-to-table restaurant listed below, or dine alfresco at a farm dinner at Red Rabbit Farm in West Sound. Saturday mornings, pick up fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods, locally roasted coffee beans, and more at the Orcas Island Farmers' Market.
412 Eastman Rd., Eastsound ; (360) 376-7035
Visit this original Orcas Island farm and learn more about Orcas Island history on a 1 - 1.5 hour tour. Pet and feed goats and horses. Feed chickens and collect eggs, pick fresh fruit, flowers and herbs, as well as alpaca and wool yarn, plus fleece & roving for spinners. Rate is $60 for the first 3 people and $10 per person for additional visitors. Ask about fees for children and special needs accommodation.
Orcas Moon Alpacas Farm
329 Dolphin Bay Road, Eastsound ; (360) 376-2707
Come join in the farm fun! Orcas Moon Alpacas is a small family farm owned by Jen and Jeff Pietsch, located on beautiful Orcas Island. They raise alpacas and chickens, purebred Romney and Cotswold sheep. The onsite farm stand is open year-round and offers raw alpaca fiber, roving, yarn, grass fed lamb and sheepskins. They also raise chickens for egg and meat production. Bring your family and meet the animals up close and personal. Tours and farm classes are offered year-round.
3341 Deer Harbor Road, Eastsound ; (360) 376-6161
When you stay on this working farm, you can pet the goats, stroll the organic garden, gather oysters from the beach, have a bonfire, paddle out to Skull Island and more. Overlooking Massacre Bay on Orcas Island, Pebble Cove's south facing saltwater farm offers two private suites and an expansive lawn with a walk out beach.
PO Box 1921, Eastsound ; 520-991-9291
Established in 2011, as the first and only winery on Orcas Island, Orcas Island Winery is a boutique family vineyard & winery committed to crafting ultra-premium Washington wines, including both red & white varietals. Under new ownership as of early 2019, Wesley and Tera Landman are proud to work with some of the very finest Washington vineyards while tending their own first leaf vineyards.
171 Main St., Eastsound ; (360) 376-2200
The New Leaf Cafe prides itself on serving French inspired Northwest food by friendly people in the historic Outlook Inn. Enjoy house-infused spirits, stellar regional wines, plate-licking-worthy sauces, and a general good time, all with an incredible view of East Sound.
138 North Beach Rd., Eastsound ; (360) 376-2009
The Orcas Island Food Co-op is a full-service grocery store focusing on locally grown and organic products. The full-service deli offers made-to-order sandwiches and salads as well as a variety of scratch-made entrees. Take lunch to go, or have it heated to enjoy in the outdoor courtyard or upstairs common room. Pick up a bottle of organic wine or beer, farm fresh meat and produce for your family barbecue, or fresh salads for a picnic on the beach.
249 Prune Alley, Eastsound ; 360-376-6958
The Kitchen has a farm-to-table Asian-influenced menu, featuring fresh organic produce, fish and meats from Orcas Island farms. Located in a lovely courtyard setting in the heart of Eastsound, The Kitchen is a very informal, walk-up counter service, with picnic style service-ware. The Kitchen is proud of their commitment and contribution to the local food movement, supporting island farmers and organic food production. The Kitchen has been serving the community, visitors and special event catering for 16 years.
326 Olga Rd., Eastsound ; (877) 276-7296
With its unique and unforgettably beautiful island setting, the Inn at Ship Bay's innkeeper and executive chef Geddes Martin also showcases fresh, local, and organic foods in the historic restaurant - some grown in his onsite garden and small orchard - along with a full selection of wines and spirits.
117 EJ Young Rd., Olga ; 360-376-5280
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm offers fresh locally caught crab, prawns, salmon, halibut and other seasonal seafood. Their gourmet oysters and clams are harvested off the beach, and organically grown vegetables are picked daily from the Buck Bay garden. You can shuck an oyster at a picnic table overlooking Buck Bay, and make friends with the chickens that call the farm home.
33 Hope Lane, Eastsound ; 360-376-6079
Island Hoppin’ Brewery produces quality beers using only the best ingredients on beautiful Orcas Island, which serves not only as their home, but as an inspiration for their brewing mentality. Nate Schons, Becca Gray, and Jim Parker began brewing as a team in 2009, expanding to a larger space in 2012. Building on their mutual ardor and Nate’s extensive training under brew masters including Joe Nester of Cashmere Brewing, their combined 10 years of brewing experience soon drew the attention of friends all over the island.