Not that you really need an excuse to visit beautiful San Juan Island, but if you were looking for an additional incentive to go, you should know that this coming weekend marks the 15th annual San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour, a self-guided tour of 15 different studios on the island, producing art in a wide variety of media.

While you’re there you could also take a boat tour, go fishing, rent a bike for a bike tour, visit the San Juan Island Historial Museum or the Whale Museum. They have an excellent farmers market, as well. There’s really a lot to do out in San Juan(San Juan Guide, Emily’s Guide) and neighboring Orcas (Orcas Chamber of Commerce) and Lopez Islands; unlike certain other islands in Washington, these places haven’t yet had all the local charm beaten out of them yet.

There are several private firms that will get you there, you can also use the Washington State Ferry system.