A visitor’s perspective
UFOs? A bike in a tree? Sheep riding shotgun? Gay pets? Yeah, that constitutes as weird. If you are looking for a bit of odd culture and atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do in Vashon. Not a knowledgeable resident, but from a visitor’s perspective, this island is quite different from many other places people vacation to. The quaint and quiet little town is just a short ferry ride from Seattle and offers a unique experience. Make 2023 your year for trying new and weird things.
History
Rural Feel
Historically a rural town but it is becoming more urbanized with an influx of people and money. It remains off the mainstream grid with its slower pace lifestyle and interconnected relationships among its residents.
The Bike in the Tree
Whether you want the real story or the more fun made-up version, there truly is a bike in the tree. Not just a bike up in a tree, no… the bike is physically in the tree. Maybe this explains the UFO? We may never know!
Things to do
Restaurants
Visit one of the dozen eateries and bakeries that boast local flare as you stroll down sleepy downtown streets. Enjoy live music while mingling with locals without the sounds of a bustling, busy city and the sirens of police on the chase. You won’t find chain restaurants here. Instead, you’ll relish the uniqueness of a traditional Vashon restaurant.
Strawberry Festival
Visit the island in July and partake in the Strawberry Festival. Dance in the streets while Thriftway clerks push shopping carts in a contemporary motorcycle drill formation. Drink, eat, and be merry with the weirdest residents around.
Stupid Bike Night
Just as the name infers, this interesting event is all about having fun and further confirming the weirdness of Vashon Island. The first Friday of September each year, dress to impress (i.e., in your weirdest get-up), hop on your bike and stroll the streets with a dozen of your closest friends and relatives. Finish off your ride with some yummy BBQ and lots of laughs.
Come see what all the hype is about on your next vacation. Come for a short stay or for the summer and help keep Vashon weird.
This article has been submitted by a Vashon Resident (or non-resident somehow connected to Vashon). Anyone can submit an article on any related island subject should they choose. Articles submitted to Vashon-Maury.com through our “Submit an Article” process are carefully reviewed for grammar, spelling, and accuracy to the best of our ability, though we sometimes miss the mark. Articles posted from these submissions are the opinions, statements, and facts provided solely by the Author and do not reflect the opinions or statements of the Vashon-Maury.com business and/or the Vashonites community.
