Ruth Boyer O'Dea - Real Estate

09/26/2026

Fall has officially arrived on Whidbey Island! 🎃🍂

Starting October 1, Scenic Isle Farm in Coupeville opens its seven-acre pumpkin patch for a full month of fall fun.

Take a trolley ride out to the pumpkin patch, search for the perfect pumpkin, explore family activities, and visit the farm stand for pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The Enchanted Barn features an interactive spooky wall, oracle card readings, and potion creation.

Whether you’re looking for a classic fall tradition with the kids or simply want to spend a beautiful autumn day on the farm, it’s a fun way to enjoy the season here on Whidbey.

📍 Scenic Isle Farm, Coupeville
📅 October 1–31
⏰ 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays; weekday times TBD

Learn more:

🎃✨ 2026 Pumpkin Season at Scenic Isle Farm ✨🎃 ​ — it’s a REAL pumpkin patch on a REAL farm ! ​⭐️ New this year: 3 days of weekend fun. Friday, Saturday and Sunday! ⭐️...

09/26/2026

09/24/2026

Moving is a great opportunity to take stock of what you actually want to bring into your next home.

Before packing up every drawer, closet, and storage bin, take a little time to declutter. The goal isn’t simply to have fewer boxes. It’s to avoid paying to move things you no longer use — and to start life in your new home with a little less clutter.

A helpful question to ask before putting something in a moving box: “Is this worth paying to move?”

Here are some more ideas on what to leave behind before your next move:

https://www.thespruce.com/what-to-declutter-before-packing-for-a-move-12075627

09/22/2026

It was a busy summer on the water. ⛴️

Washington State Ferries had one of its busiest summers in years, with nearly 7 million riders traveling the system between Memorial Day and the end of August — nearly 100,000 more than during the same period last year. Several days saw more than 90,000 riders, with August 8 marking the busiest ferry day since 2019.

Here on Whidbey Island, the summer surge was especially noticeable. The ferries are more than transportation — they’re part of everyday island life, connecting our communities to the mainland and bringing visitors here to experience everything Whidbey has to offer.

As summer winds down and fall settles in, it’s interesting to see how much interest there is in traveling to and from the island.

Read more about this summer’s ferry traffic:

The Mukilteo-Clinton route alone carried more than 400,000 riders in August.

09/19/2026

As the seasons change, our homes naturally start to feel a little different, too.

You don’t need to completely redecorate for fall to make a space feel warmer and more inviting. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding a few richer textures, bringing in deeper colors, layering lighting, rearranging furniture to encourage conversation, or bringing a few natural elements indoors.

Here are some ways to create a cozy fall atmosphere through thoughtful, subtle changes —without making your home feel overly seasonal.

Designers reveal the subtle layers of color, texture, light, and even furniture that make all the difference

09/17/2026

Fall may be one of the best times to think about planting for the future. 🍎🍐

Apples, pears, cherries, peaches, persimmons, and even pawpaws are among the trees that can be planted in fall. And there’s something especially rewarding about planting a tree today and knowing that, with a little care, it can provide fruit and beauty for years to come.

If you're thinking about adding a fruit tree to your garden this fall, this is a helpful guide to varieties and planting tips.

https://www.bhg.com/fruit-trees-fall-planting-12066814

09/15/2026

Whidbey Island has a remarkable way of holding onto the stories of the people who have helped shape it.

This recent article looks back at Gloria Steinem’s connection to Whidbey and the legacy she left here. It’s a fascinating reminder that this island's history is shaped not only by its landscapes and communities, but also by the people who have found a home here and contributed to its character.

It’s one of the things I’ve come to appreciate so much about living on Whidbey — there is always more history, more context, and more stories to discover.

https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/2026/09/08/steinems-whidbey-legacy-lives-on/

09/12/2026

What if your home were designed with your dog in mind? 🐾

“Barkitecture” is the latest home design trend putting pets at the center of the conversation—and it goes well beyond a cute dog bed in the corner. Think built-in feeding stations, dedicated washing areas, durable flooring, easy-to-clean materials, cozy nooks, and thoughtful storage for all that pet gear.

Learn why “barkitecture” is becoming a bigger part of home design.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2026/08/25/what-is-barkitecture-and-why-should-dog-owners-embrace-it/

09/10/2026

Two Whidbey Island towns just made a list of the Pacific Coast’s best downtowns!

From Coupeville’s historic Front Street and Penn Cove waterfront to Langley’s bluff-top views, galleries, shops, and small-town charm, it’s easy to see why these communities stand out.

A nice reminder that some of the best places to explore don’t require a big city—or a long drive. 💙

Skip the famous coastal cities. These Pacific Coast small towns keep their best shops, theaters, and beaches within one walkable downtown.

09/08/2026

As the seasons change, a few simple maintenance tasks can help get your home ready for cooler, wetter weather.

Clearing gutters, checking the roof, cleaning windows, replacing HVAC filters, and preparing outdoor spaces are all worth adding to the seasonal to-do list. And once the practical work is done, it’s time for the fun part—bringing out those cozy fall touches.

Here is a helpful checklist of things to take care of as summer winds down and fall arrives: https://www.bhg.com/closing-shift-summer-to-fall-12058325