So many to choose from. Have you seen this website, below? It will help you to narrow your choices by location, view, price... Once you have done so, ask us which of these we know and can comment on. You are providing a nice anniversary gift.

www.southwhidbey.com/accommodations.htm

Thanks for the link. I have seen it but I never looked at it, until now, because everything I have read says it rains so much on the north and south ends of the island and that the best place to stay on the island for nice weather is the Central West side. Everything I have looked at so far is either booked for the days I need (May 22 - 27th), in a crowded beach community or it's so expensive. I would love to find a secluded, no-bluff beachfront house (I'm being picky!) for no more than $150/night....but it looks like we may have to settle for a B&B. Does anyone know about Eagle Aerie? Thanks for the help. I've never been to the Pacific North West before, I just want this trip to be perfect :)

Hm, well, I don't think there's that much difference in rain on any side of the island--when it rains, it rains :) I wouldn't let that drive your decision in terms of where to stay on the island.

I'd personally recommend the Inn at Langley in Langley, but that might be beyond your price range.

We stayed at a B&B called Eagle's Nest, not Aerie. Options are, pick one: You are talking about the Eagle's organization and their Aires; you are talking about Eagle's Nest, and you are a birder; or it's a new or renamed facility.

Inn at Langley is nice but pricey.

I am fond of the south end of Whidbey, and typically I would recommend you look for cottages south-end of the Island on the beach in the Langley (east side) or Maxwelton Beach area (west side) or hotels in Langley (Inn at Langley, Boatyard Inn) but the The Naval Air station is on the north-end of Whidbey, which maybe more memorable for your husband. Perhaps you might want to look mid-island (Coupeville, Greenbank, Keystone) and further north.

There are several Whidbey sites with vacation rentals - have you tried this one?

http://visitwhidbey.com

Also try craigslist - seattle, under vacation rentals & whidbey.

HI TVG -

The weather issue should not be a deciding factor in which part of the island you stay. It's unpredictable and changes hourly and we'll wish for nothing but sun and warmth for your visit.

Another website with updated lodging information is the official tourism website for the island.

http://www.whidbeycamanoislands.com

The Eagle Aerie is in a beautiful location high on a bluff in Ebey's Landing. I have not been to the property so can't comment on it. It is near Coupeville, so centrally located on the island. If your husband was stationed at the NAS, the Coupeville area is about 15 min. from Oak Harbor. Coupeville has a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in the town park (complete with gazebo) usually with lots of military in attendance.

The South Whidbey area is about 30-40 min. from Oak Harbor. It is closest to the ferry (Clinton-Mukilteo) and has a kind of rural/artsy character about it. Bayview Corner and the quaint town of Langley are full of art galleries, unique shops and coffee houses.

Another good website for lodging is the www.vrbo.com

For South Whidbey listings try: Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, Clinton/Useless Bay/Langley/Freeland/Holmes Harbor/Mutiny Bay

For Central Whidbey listings: Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, Greenbank/Coupeville

For North Whidbey: Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor

For a special dinner my recommendations are:

Langley: Inn at Langley, Prima Bistro, Cafe Langley, Fish Bowl

Oak Harbor: Fraser's Gourmet

Coupeville: Christopher's

Freeland: Gordon's

Good idea to call for reservations as these will be popular.

Also, be prepared for longer ferry wait times since it is a holiday weekend.

Enjoy and Go Vols! (my mother was from E.TN)

Thanks, swhidbey2, your list had it. You suggested that it's more updated than the one I used, and, though I've used both, I guess we should rely on yours.