As the recession starts to fall behind us business owners on Whidbey Island are seeing an increase in revenue for the start of 2011.

Whidbey Island. Home to quaint bed and breakfasts, charming shops and restaurants and bird watchers galore has seen is share of hard times. The past several years have been a struggle for some Whidbey Island businesses but the start of 2011 tells a different story.

Some owners saw a slight increase in 2010 and are hopeful this is a good sign of things to come. People cut back a lot in 2009 from vacations and eating out and now as the economy starts the uphill climb those types of businesses are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Although some local joints have closed up, others are starting to boom again. Vacancies are normal for this time of year but that is also having an increase since February is good time for couples to get away.

Construction and developers are still a bit nervous about breaking out the bulldozers just yet on many new plans but do like the direction many businesses are heading. Business owners in Coupeville a little more optimistic than those in Oak Harbor but merchants in the historic Ebey's Landing just completed their widely popular red ticket event in which over 18,000 participants spend $20 in local shops per ticket.

The way to drive the traffic there is transportation and the Victoria Clipper is scheduled for more stops this coming year. The Island county bed and breakfasts draw a lot of crowds in the spring and summer and this business is holding steady.

For more information or to find Oak Harbor homes, restaurants and local businesses on Whidbey Island contact us any time. We are experts in Island County real estate and life and would love to help you find your way around Whidbey Island.

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