Washington's Whidbey and Camano Islands are known for scenic beaches, vibrant characters and delicious, from the source fare. Meet the makers and sample their handiwork at several events in early 2019. World-famous Penn Cove Mussels, as recently showcased on PBS Tastemakers, are the centerpiece of a weekend of celebration at MusselFest in Coupeville. Find hand-blown glass art on the beaches and beyond at Great Northwest Glass Quest and sip local at a variety of upcoming wine tasting events. Read on for details:

• Red Wine & Chocolate, February 9-10 and 16-17, 2019. Explore Winter on Whidbey with a glass of red wine in hand. Five venues around the island, including Holmes Harbor Cellars, Mutiny Bay Distillery, Blooms Winery, Comforts of Whidbey Winery, Whidbey Island Distillery and Spoiled Dog Winery, present samples of reds and seasonally-inspired, hand-crafted spirits paired with chocolate creations. whidbeyislandvintners.org

• Great Northwest Glass Quest, February 15-24, 2019. This treasure hunt takes place throughout Stanwood and Camano Island and awards scavengers with hand-blown glass balls by world-renowned local artists Mark and Marcus Ellinger. Each morning throughout the 10-day adventure, plastic replicas of these treasures are placed in parks and at local businesses. Participants use the treasure map to track the location and then exchange the plastic balls for the real deal. Each limited edition Great Northwest Glass Quest Treasure is stamped with the 2019 logo, signed by the artist, and marked with a unique number. thegreatnwglassquest.com

• Penn Cove MusselFest March 2-3, 2019. World-famous Penn Cove Mussels, as recently showcased on PBS Tastemakers, become the centerpiece of the weekend as the town of Coupeville celebrates these bold, briny and blue fruits of the sea. The fishing village hosts two days of festivities, including chowder tasting, chef demonstrations, mussel eating competitions, farm tours and activities for all ages. This event offers the once-a-year opportunity head out to sea to tour the Penn Cove Mussel Farm and see the world-class operation by boat. thepenncovemusselsfestival.com

• Savor Spring, May 18-19, 2019. Join the Whidbey Island Vintners in tasting new releases and seasonal tastes paired with food prepared by some of Whidbey Island's top chefs and caterers. Participants include Holmes Harbor Cellars, Mutiny Bay Distillery, Blooms Winery, Comforts of Whidbey Winery, Whidbey Island Distillery and Spoiled Dog Winery of Langley. whidbeyislandvintners.org

  About Whidbey and Camano Islands

Drive off the mainland to find two of the most accessible and scenic island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey sit just north of Seattle, a short trip via bridge or ferry. Offering a different experience with each season, the islands provide locally inspired shops and restaurants, dynamic events for a variety of interests, recreation and beach combing. Rich history and a healthy dose of local color in all mediums is provided by the region's many artists. Lodging options range from nationally renowned hotels with farm to table dining to secret spots ideal for a quiet retreat. For more information on amenities, lodging and a calendar of events visit whidbeycamanoislands.com. Connect on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook via @GoWhidbeyCamano.