Whidbey Island’s summers aren’t as uneventful as they used to be. Every weekend there’s one or more big attraction, with the upcoming one featuring the Loganberry Festival at the Greenbank Farm and the Day on the Prairie at Ebey’s Prairie. By all means enjoy these events, but carve out a little time to take the kids to the Coupeville Wharf to visit the Lady Washington.

Since its launching in 1989, the Lady Washington has become a symbol of the Northwest, headquartered in Grays Harbor but keeping a high profile in Puget Sound’s maritime communities.

The Lady Washington is a faithful replica of the original Lady Washington that sailed from approximately 1750 to 1798. Her vessel type as described on its Web site is “a merchant brig of 90 tons.” Her official title is “Washington State’s Tall Ship Ambassador.”

Lady Washington’s crew welcomes visitors, offers an environmental message to young people and literally brings history to life. If you think you’ve never seen the Lady Washington, think again. She’s been featured in such hit movies as “Pirates of the Caribbean – Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Star Trek – Generations,” and many more.

Coinciding with the brig’s visit is a Pirate Festival to give kids some fun and raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. It’s well worth a Saturday or Sunday drive to the Coupeville Wharf.