Eco-Friendly Shopping through Langley and Anacortes

My dear friend A and I took a much needed long weekend/girls trip up from Portland and Seattle respectively, to Anacortes. On the trip, we realized we've known each other for exactly 20 years, and what a fun way to honor that friend-iversary!

Our B&B check-in wasn't until 4pm, so we had plenty of time to slowly meander our way up there. We started with taking the ferry from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island, and then stopping in the first seaside town, Langley. What a gem! If you're seeking a day trip from the Seattle area, you can easily hit this adorable town, full of cute beach-themed shops, boutiques, and galleries. 

Here we ended up at Star Store, a "natural market and fashionably fun mercantile", and I fell in love with these LOVE bags. They have two styles, a stiff tote (which can stand on its own) and a flexible chico bag (which easily collapses into its own pouch for portability). These bags are made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, washable, and will save you bag fees at the register! They come in fun prints like the kitties and sandpipers shown here.

 

 

The next day, our B&B host recommended we head to Commercial Ave in Anacortes, which is a several blocks-long strip of shops and restaurants. At the north end of the strip is the historic Marine Supply & Hardware store. While it still houses some marine supplies, it also now contains Alley Cat Antiques.

Antique stores are such a great way to find unique treasures - especially if you are a collector or seeking something nostalgic. While not as great of a steal as thrift shops for generic items ("I want a serving bowl"), these stores will have curated pieces and harder to find older brands ("I want a carnival glass bowl").

Just a few of the great pieces from Alley Cat: this Lladro statuette of Girl and Piglet.

Display case upon display case on Fenton glass bowls, in every color under the sun.

 

On the marine supply side of the store were these fun candles, made from upcycled beer bottles. Not only is the bottle upcycled, and but the candle is made of soy wax, made in the USA, and donates to Support the Troops. 

 

We worked our way down Commercial Ave, and entered Pelican Bay Books and Coffeehouse. They not only have a sizeable collection of used books in all categories, but they also have a cozy fireplace, coffee shop, and piano ("for skillful playing" only). We took a load off from the October rain, and enjoyed a nice beverage while perusing the stacks.

They had nostalgic collections, such as vintage hardcover Hardy Boys (for $5 per book).

As well as anthologies like this collection of Lewis Carroll complete works for just $11.

Moving on to Ink & Wool, a shop that features locally made artisan goods, as well as sustainable goods. I enjoyed the feel of these flannel cloths that are designed to replace paper towels and more.  They're super soft, and at only $16 for a 6-pack, you'll be hard pressed to compete with washcloths or tea towels.

And they come in super cute prints like rainbows and mushrooms.

Once we left Commercial Ave, we spent the rest of the weekend hiking, eating, and laughing with new friends made around the breakfast table at the B&B. We left the area rested, rejuvenated, and impressed with the options to buy used, upcycled, recycled, and antique.