Wild About Wildwood

Mon dieu! It's been a bit since last I wrote. There was travel galore and catching up, while also prepping for a parental visit in a few weeks.

Excuses aside, I must tell you about the amazing B&B adventure we had in Oak Harbor, WA - on the north side of Whidbey Island. A recent new friend, Heather Carder, and her boyfriend Gregg Lanza own a spectacular working horse farm called Wildwood Farm. Acres of rolling hills, horses quietly munching on grass in the early morning mist, the pounding of hooves and the whinnies of playful comrades sparring in the pasture - this is what awaits you if you stay in this "get away from it all" paradise.

Heather breeds horses, as well as boards them for others. The main house contains some B&B guest rooms, but we opted for The Mustang Bunkhouse, a tricked-out 1914 shed with lovely warm wood walls, ceilings and floor that couldn't have been more than 200 sq feet. With just a queen size bed (with single bunk on top), a nightstand, closet and a charming heater, this was the perfect rustic respite from city life. We even got to take Eddie the Wonder Dog, as Heather allows pups in the bunkhouse only.

Oak Harbor didn't have too much going on (there is an army base in town and lots of government houses) but we did find a gem of a gourmet restaurant in Frasers Gourment Hideaway. Lovely goat cheese salads, fresh local mussels, and steak cooked to perfection were the order of the meal, served in a clean, open, chic setting. We nestled into our leather chairs and enjoyed every moment of our "spare no detail" meal.

And even thought it rained on us, we ventured out to see the sights and landed in breathtaking Deception Pass. This is what your image of the Pacific Northwest is in your dreams. As we braved the drizzle, we were rewarded with a sweeping vista from the tall bridge of green trees, stone-lined shoreline and little islands. Just gorgeous.

If you're thinking about camping for all it's peace and stripped down serenity, but the thought of laying your head on cold, wet ground leave you yearning for a warm blankie, then Wildwood is just the antidote for the gray city blues. Remember, chickens: summer is just around the corner. Get those feet pedicured.