Carolyn Lhamon scoops together a bowl of ice cream for a customer while working her summer job at Kapaw’s Iskreme on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Coupeville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Carolyn Lhamon scoops together a bowl of ice cream for a customer while working her summer job at Kapaw’s Iskreme on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Coupeville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Plays, parks and perfect sundaes: Whidbey serves up summer island getaways

It’s not tropical, but the island is full of family-friendly activities (and ice cream) for those long summer days

By Patricia Guthrie / Special to The Herald

Whidbey Island offers lots of activities, events and places to stroll when the sun finally pops out and stays a while. Rainbows of rhododendrons, prehistoric creatures in the woods and a dose of culture (at prices suited to all budgets) await. And when the temps really soar, numerous homegrown ice cream shops offer heaps of cool treats.

Two visitors enter Meerkerk Gardens on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Greenbank, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Two visitors enter Meerkerk Gardens on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Greenbank, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Blooms, trails and tunes

There’s no place like Meerkerk Gardens in May to affirm that winter is finally finished, kaput, done for. Hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas blush and burst in all colors — cotton candy pink, sherbet orange, royal red, snowdrop white — thanks to Ann and Max Meerkerk. The globetrotting couple collected unique specimens of flowering trees and conifers from around the globe and began growing and hybridizing rhododendrons on their land near Greenbank. Bequeathed in 1979 to a nonprofit organization, the land is sustained as a “peaceful woodland garden with an emphasis on rhododendrons and companion plants.”

Tucked away but still readily accessible, Meerkerk Gardens encompasses 10 acres of display gardens enveloped by 43 acres of natural woodlands featuring moss, ferns, mushrooms, cedars, pines and stunning views of Baby Island and the Salish Sea. Many sections of its groomed trails are lightly graveled.

Meerkerk added more lawn concerts and gardening classes this year. Although its peak season generally runs mid-April through early June, it’s a wonderful place to wander and find beauty and solace in all four seasons, said operations manager Ron Newberry.

“It offers a quiet space anytime. A place to stroll, bird watch, walk your dog and stop and admire the thousands of plants,” he said. “And I think the views from our bluff are just spectacular, maybe one of the best on the island.”

In addition to the gorgeous flora, deer roam the woods and amphibians hop and bop in three small irrigation ponds. Kids love to peer into the ponds in search of the tiny critters, including the weird and wonderful rough-skinned newts.

“We’re one of the few places where you can find the western toad,” Newberry said. “Pacific chorus frogs, ensatina salamanders and western toads have all been confirmed on our property. We also have a wide variety of birds, including five types of woodpeckers, here.”

Many plant sales and family-friendly activities are scheduled throughout the year, including the popular Mother’s Day concert (May 14), Bluegrass Festival (Aug. 19) and Octoberfest (Oct. 7). Prices range from $10-15.

Meerkerk Gardens, 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Admission $5 adults; kids under 16 are free. Dogs allowed on leash. Free guided tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 360-678-1912, gardeninfo@meerkerkgardens.org

Joe Treat’s Tyrannosaurus Rex greets hikers along the wooded path at Price Sculpture Forest on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Coupeville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Joe Treat’s Tyrannosaurus Rex greets hikers along the wooded path at Price Sculpture Forest on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Coupeville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Eye and buy the Bard

Shakespeare has taken to the stage for more than a decade at Langley, buffeted by a huge white-and-orange circus tent nicknamed Henry.

Island Shakespeare Festival usually features three rotating plays on its outdoor stage but downsized this summer to two plays: Shakespeare’s timeless “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Bold Stroke for a Husband,” written by Hannah Cowley in 1783. Both productions are for all ages, said Olena Hodges, executive artistic director.

“Although ‘Romeo and Juliet’ includes heavy themes, they will all be dealt with in ways that little kids won’t be scared by, and it should inspire healthy conversations with older kids,” she said. “‘And ‘Bold Stroke for a Husband’ is hilarious and will be fun for the whole family.”

(The play has been described as the feminist response to “Taming of the Shrew.” Hilarious, indeed.)

“It features five awesome women who all have agency and vulnerability, and who all have their own versions of the love they’re seeking and how they’re going to get it,” Hodges said. “It reads like a contemporary rom-com, with witty commentary on the pursuits of love.”

The small theater company has a big reputation, attracting professional actors and directors from across the globe. This year 540 actors auditioned; 13 were selected. Local residents house the actors and the company relies on volunteers to stage productions in a 180-seat outdoor amphitheater that pops up every June behind an old school.

The stage is surrounded by woods and a lush, colorful garden, planted and harvested by local school children.

Garden-gazing and strolling are encouraged. Peering at snap peas, smiling at sunflowers and gawking at funny gourds can be a good distraction for those not inclined to sit still and be quiet.

“The garden provides a fantastic respite when kids get restless,” Hodges said. “We invite folks to just step out for a few minutes if their kids need a break. They can be reseated when they’re ready.”

Audiences are not charged at the gate as the company continues its “Pay-What-You-Will” philosophy imbued by founder Rose Woods. Actors pass the hat at show’s end, reminding people that most live community theater productions charge between $20 to $30.

The company suggests that paying $30 per person would help sustain it. Its budget is primarily funded through donations and company sponsorships.

“Rose was committed to this model from the beginning, believing everyone should have access to live theater,” said Hodges. “That has remained a core value at ISF.”

Over the years, Island Shakespeare Company has emphasized gender diversity in acting, directing and playwriting. It recently struck a three-year partnership with Expand the Canon, a project of Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre of Brooklyn, with hopes of producing more plays by women.

Island Shakespeare Festival also runs a quirky little shop in the Bayview Historic Cash Store called Bard’s Boutique. Open year round, it features Shakespeare novelty items, kids books and local handmade items, including beautiful vests, hats and scarves made by Peggy Juve, one of the co-founders of the festival.

Island Shakespeare Festival, 5476 Maxwelton Road, Langley. Two plays take place outdoors in the 180-seat amphitheater on a rotating basis from July 21 until Sept. 10. Catch 6 p.m. performances Thursday through Sunday and 1 p.m. matinee Sundays. Wheelchair accessible; fans, water provided on sunny days. Information: 360-331-2939, www.islandshakespearefestival.com bards.boutique@islandshakespeare.org

Two hikers walk past Jenni Ward’s Lichen Series: Spore Prints at Price Sculpture Forest on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Coupeville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Two hikers walk past Jenni Ward’s Lichen Series: Spore Prints at Price Sculpture Forest on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Coupeville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Leaving a trail of art

Beware the T-Rex. Watch out for the wings of Pegasus. And be sure not to follow Icarus when strolling through Price Sculpture Forest. Located south of Coupeville, nature is protected and art selected along two trails where the public is encouraged to “Wander in Wonder.”

The 16-acre forest featuring 38 sculptures is a conservation easement, protected as open space and overseen by a nonprofit organization.

Artists from near and far — Bow, Coupeville, Langley and Port Townsend to New Mexico and New York City — are featured.

Letting nature and art coincide and not override one another is an important design concept, said Scott Price, founder and board president. His family helped coordinate the community effort to save the land from development.

“A new sculpture is chosen based on both its standalone merits and on how it fits within the overall park and collection,” he said. “We are nearing the maximum number of sculptures that we want to have.”

Some 50,000 visitors have taken in the art since its October 2020 opening.

“The reception and visitation has exceeded expectations,” Price said. “This has provided a terrific exhibition opportunity for both established, well known artists and for unknown though talented artists.”

The forest recently launched an augmented reality sculpture exhibition that it touts as “the first in the world.”

Visitors can use their personal devices and the park’s free WiFi to scan a QR code on a sign in the parking lot. The app program allows visitors to see real-live sculptures from around the nation as an add-on to the garden’s artwork that they can see up close and personal.

“Nobody had done that before,” Price said. “I love that even more, because it’s based on something real.”

On Aug. 19, last summer’s successful event called “Wander/Wonder: A Dance Happening” will get an encore. It features music with professional dancers located at ten sculptures throughout the park. The dancers, professionally choreographed by Eva Stone, will re-interpret and add to each sculpture with their movements and story, Price said. Each performance will be repeated throughout the afternoon so visitors can see all the dancers.

Price Sculpture Forest, 678 Parker Road, Coupeville. Two easy, gentle trails divide into two loops; total is 0.6 miles, leading to 38 sculptures placed throughout the old forest. No dogs, bikes or horses on trails.The Nature Nurtured trail is wheelchair accessible. Free admission with donations accepted. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset (whichever is first.) Self-guided tour available at entrance kiosk. More information: sculptureforest.org.

Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Langley, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Langley, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

We all need ice cream

Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream. Here are four places to stop the car on Whidbey Island for cold treats and cool drinks.

Clinton

Sprinklz

4141 Highway 525

Open 1:30-7 pm Wednesday through Saturday

360-341-5257

Langley

Sweet Mona’s Chocolates

221 2nd St., No. 16

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

360-221-2728

Coupeville

Kapaw’s Iskreme

21 Front St. NE

Open noon-5 p.m. Friday-Monday

360-678-3637

Crabby Coffee

10 Front St. NE

Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday

360-929-2392

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo SUV (Provided by Mazda)
2025 CX-90 Turbo models get Mazda’s most powerful engine

Mazda’s largest-ever SUV is equipped to handle the weight, with fuel efficiency kept in check.

Provided by Bridges Pets, Gifts, & Water Gardens.
Discover where to find the best pet supplies in town

Need the perfect store to spoil your furry friends? Herald readers have you covered.

VW Jetta SEL is a sedan that passes for a coupe. Photo provided by Volkswagen U.S. Media.
2025 VW Jetta Offers Greater Refinement, Technology And Value

A Perfect Choice For Small Families And Commuters

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.