Whidbey Island: A Pilgrimage to the Filming Location of 'Practical Magic'

The 1998 film 'Practical Magic,' directed by Griffin Dunne and featuring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, was filmed on Whidbey Island, Washington. Although the narrative takes place in Massachusetts, Dunne opted for the island's historic seaport scenery. Coupeville, the primary filming location, still showcases several movie-related sites, such as the former Verbena Botanicals shop in the Sedge Building from 1866, Toby's Tavern (renamed Catch and Fry), and a barbershop that now operates as The Beary Scoop. A movie prop, the hanging ice cream sign at Kapaw's Iskreme, is still on display. After filming, the Owens Victorian home, designed by Roman and Williams, was demolished. The local chamber of commerce exhibits original props, while the Blue Fox Drive-In theater had a sold-out premiere for the sequel on September 10th. Additionally, The Inn at Langley, recently renovated by Akin Hospitality and reopened in July, provides views of Saratoga Passage. The author experiences the spa, dines on a tasting menu at Passage by Michelin-starred chef Johnny Spero, and visits natural attractions like Ebey's Landing, Meerkerk Gardens, and Earth Sanctuary, a 72-acre nature reserve featuring a stone circle.