The Willows Inn - A Review

A few weeks ago, a past client reached out to let me know he and his wife had been casually looking for a vacation island home and one popped up on Lummi Island they were VERY interested in. He asked me if I could refer him to an agent there or if I would help him. I didn't skip a beat and told him I would be happy to help him. 1. I didn't have a relationship with anyone there and didn't want to pass him off to someone I didn't know 2. I was overdue for an excursion out of town somewhere new. I quickly did a search online and there I found pages and pages about the famous Willows Inn. World famous, to be exact. It looked like a perfect spot, so I booked one of the few rooms at the inn for one night, and started to get into vacation mode.

Lummi Island is less than 2 hours from Seattle. Drive up past Bellingham (so nearly in Canada), and then head west to the Whatcom Ferry terminal, which is the tiniest ferry terminal I have ever seen.

The Whatcom Chief Ferry holds 20 vehicles and up to 100 passengers and takes 5 minutes to sail from the mainland to Lummi Island. The island is 9.25 square miles, about 1000 people live on the island, and I don't think most people would know about Lummi Island if it weren't for The Willows Inn.

Honestly, I had never heard of The Willows Inn. I thought it might be the sister to The Willows Lodge in Woodinville, WA (which I sadly have never been to), but it is not. It is its own entity. A tiny B&B with 7 beautifully updated on-site rooms ranging in price from $240-485/night, and a few off-site cottages/houses ranging in price from $385-645/night. The Willows Inn is most famous for its dining and renowned chef Blaine Wetzel. The Inn has won numerous awards, and many consider the dining experience one of the best in the world! I was so excited for my stay here!

I wouldn't consider myself a, "foodie." I consider myself more of a, "picky eater." So, unfortunately, I didn't partake in the full-on dining experience. But, for a mere $225, you can indulge in the tasting menu fit for a king or queen. But don't feel bad for me, I was able to enjoy both a lunch and breakfast while staying at the Inn.

The stress release happened as soon as I arrived at the ferry dock on the mainland. There is a certain je ne sais quois about the ocean air. A smile emerged on my face, and this immeasurable sense of peace radiated throug my body. It was incredible. When I arrived at The Inn, I was so happy I had found this little piece of heaven directly across from the glistening water.

It felt so comfortable and relaxing. The room I selected was Heather,, "The Heather is located in the Guest House behind the Inn. Offering a king size bed with a large modern bathroom with double shower heads," and it was perfect. Next time I will book Haven, "This second floor suite offers a King size bed, a small seating area with gas fireplace and plenty of room to make yourself at home. You also have a private deck with ocean views." The grounds are impeccable with bocce ball, a fire pit, several picnic tables, a hot tub, gardens, endless complimentary snacks and drinks at check-in, bikes to use, and across the street from the beach. Oh, and the restaurant.

When I arrived, I decided to lunch. It was the very beginning of summer, so still cool, but the large deck had heaters and blankets and a view, so there was no way I was sitting inside. I ordered a bowl of the salmon chowder and the grilled cheese sandwich, and they both were amazing. The salmon chowder was creamy and perfectly seasoned, and the sandwich was hearty.

After filling my belly, I took a bike ride around the island, which didn't take me very long. :)

After the bike ride, I walked the few steps from my room to the hot tub, and relaxed while I waited to get hungry for dinner.

Don't forget your swimsuit! I did and had to make do.

Since I wasn't eating at the lodge, I drove down the street to the Beach Store Cafe, and ordered a yummy pizza with pea shoots, garlic and arugula. It was filling and delicious, and the setting was nice.

After a great night sleep, I woke up, went for a run on the beach, and worked up an appetite for the prix fixe breakfast, which was as beautiful as it was tasty.

I tried to linger as long as I could, and I really didn't want to leave, but I know I can always go back.

I highly recommend The Willows Inn. It is a quiet and peaceful and the perfect spot to unwind. I don't think I would bring my kids there. It is so quiet, I wouldn't want my kids loudness (even though it's charming) to interfere with the vibe. Although I wished they were with me the whole time I was there. There is even a pet-friendly room, so come alone or with your furry friends (whether they are human or canine). :)

TIPS:

• Don't forget your swimsuit

• Bring clothes/shoes to hike, beachcomb and bike ride

• If you are a foodie, you should do the dinner tasting menu. It's a bucket list item, apparently

• Come hungry!

Please reach out with any questions!