Roche Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA

Roche Harbor is a prep's paradise.  One must take a plane (preferably float plane), ferry, or private boat to get there, as it is in an island chain ("The San Juans") between the large Vancouver Island and the Washington mainland.  It may be the one place in Cascadia where embroidered shorts, "red ochre" shorts, seersucker pants, and all that other prep regalia are NOT given a second look.  Ahhh, to be back in one's spiritual homeland. Birding and general naturalist activities are strongly encouraged here. Mac's Field Guide to the Gulf and San Juan Islands is sold in virtually every country store, marina, and activities shop. Roche Harbor even has true presidential credentials - Roosevelt (Teddy) slept here!  With whom, I am uncertain, but I'm sure it was a rough ride.

If you visit, you must attempt to stay at Roche Harbor Resort. It is not inexpensive, but it is worth it. Stroll the grounds, play tennis, swim in the heated outdoor pool, meander the boat slips, imbibe at the Madrona Grill, and play bocce ball (I prefer pétanque.) Do this amongst the well-educated, well-clad and well-heeled without seeing black "Tap Out," Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), NASCAR, or Harley-Davidson t-shirts anywhere.  

On our annual visit last week, we were upgraded to the Quarryman Hall Deluxe Suite, since our stay the year prior was disrupted by an out-of-control late night wedding reception. Needless to say, this upgrade has ruined me... the bar has been raised as has the room rate. Ah, but it will be worth it.

view of the marina from the room

Quarryman Hall

Madrona Bar & Grill and McMillin's Dining Room

a 7-yr old bocce prodigy

(Should I tell her I'm closer? Nah!.)

The author in poolside repose wearing tired

Tretorns and J. McLaughlin swim trunks

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True Cascadian colors - green and blue

Roche Harbor on San Juan Island - a true Cascadian, Northwest, and American Treasure!

The Roanoke Inn Tavern

The Roanoke Inn Tavern is in Mercer Island, Washington. Mercer Island is an actual island in Lake Washington, between Seattle and Bellevue.  It consistently ranks amongst the highest in scholastic test scores and the wealthiest of zip codes for Washington state. These superlatives, however, are not the Cascadian prepster's only draw to Mercer Island. 



a full parking lot at lunch time

In a nutshell, another key reason is HISTORY. Preps of all sort love things steeped in lore and history and this fine establishment has both. First, the place has been around for about 100 years. It is rumored that it once hosted "dancing girls" and prohibition-era drinking (What establishment didn't host "dancing girls"?)  Reportedly, even Roosevelt (Teddy) had imbibed here and preps of all types just love Roosevelts.



Obligatory historical plaque



drink first, then order food

Second, it's a good value - good beer and liquor selections and good pub grub at a fair price. This is recognized by working stiffs and lay-abouts, alike. Perhaps it is this final reason - the diverse mix of clientele - that makes it such a great haunt for the Cascadian prep.  On any given afternoon, you are sure to find Jewish American Princesses swigging Stella Artois next to Presbyterian Proctologists.  In the back, you might find the latest Amazon.com billionaire playing darts with a contractor from the Millionaire's Club.  And Volvos and Acuras cohabitate the pea gravel parking lot in back.  Oh My!

   It's all good and it's all over at The Roanoke Inn Tavern.