May brings good things to Lummi Island, Washington. Orcas, for example, start migrating south through Puget Sound, providing a prime show for anyone who happens to be on the deck of the Willows Inn at just the right moment. Full story »
GETTING THERE
Lummi is about a two-hour drive (plus a 10-minute car-ferry ride) from Seattle. The Whatcom Chief car ferry ($7 per car and driver and $2 per passenger or pedestrian round-trip; 360/676-6692) departs from Gooseberry Point every 20 minutes weekdays, hourly weekends. From Bellingham, take I-5 north to exit 260, then Slater Rd. 3 miles west; turn south at Haxton Way and drive 7 miles to ferry landing.
WHERE TO STAY
Full Bloom Farm On a 14-acre farm and garden specializing in organically grown peonies — which peak in May and June — a lovely cottage with full modern kitchen and a big deck that sleeps two or more; the upstairs apartment sleeps up to four. The cottage costs more but is more enticing. INFO: 1 apartment from $120 per night, 1 cottage from $150 (two-night minimum); 360/758-7173.
The Willows Inn Five country-style rooms, plus a four- to six-person guesthouse and cottage, on a pretty property with a hot tub and bocce ball court. INFO: From $135, including breakfast; 888/294-2620.
WHAT TO DO
Lummi Island Artists' Studio Tour On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, visit about 20 artists and crafts¬people on a self-guided tour around the island. INFO: 10–6 May 24–25 and Aug 30–31; free; 360/758-7121; maps available at the Islander Store, 2106 S. Nugent Rd.
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| Jim Henkens |
| Lavender sachets from Three Pheasants Farm |
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Lummi Island Reefnet Festival Watch reef-net fishing in action and feast on wild salmon and other island bounty. INFO: 1–9 Aug 16; Village Point Marina on Legoe Bay (off Legoe Bay Rd.); 360/758-2620. Lynn Dee Studios Local art, by appointment. INFO: 1669 S. Nugent; 360/758-2815.
Three Pheasants Farm Wonderful veggies, plus lavender in July. INFO: Late May–Sep; 2265 Tuttle Lane; 360/758-2711.
Windy Hill Art Michael Oppenheimer's kinetic sculpture park. Visit on a windy day. INFO: Free; 1825 S. Nugent; 360/393-2683.
WHERE TO EAT
The Beach Store Café Reef-net–caught salmon and chips, soups, salads, and pizzas in a casual cafe, steps from the ferry landing. INFO: $$; 2200 N. Nugent; 360/758-2233.
The Willows Inn dining room and Taproot Espresso Bar and Pub Spot prawn dinners take place every Sunday in summer. The pub is in a downstairs grotto with indoor/outdoor seating and microbrews. INFO: Dining room closed Mon–Tue; $$$; pub $; 2579 W. Shore Dr.; 888/294-2620.
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