Same time...years later

Years ago when our sons were very active toddlers, my husband wanted to surprise me with a weekend excursion for my birthday in February. Asking some old friends of his who frequently enjoyed local getaways, a new Inn was recommended, on a spit of land near Bellingham, separating Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay...yep, The Inn at Semiahmoo.  

I remember our first visit...a scenic drive down toward the main lodge with salt water, sand, and driftwood on each side. The main lodge was a tall, four story, building with a true Northwest feel...stained shake siding, pine floors and tall fireplaces, and many windows to view the water. We enjoyed the indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub, a massage in the Spa, riding bikes on paved trails, walking the beach, and eating out at several restaurants on site, Stars, and Packer's Oyster Bar.

We loved our stay so much that we began to go to Semiahmoo every year on my birthday weekend. Eventually, several friends joined us and we played tennis, golf, wally ball, enjoyed the gym, made day trips into Lynden ( a nearby cute Dutch town) and White Rock, BC, just across the Canadian border. 

Well, our boys eventually became active in school activities and sports, and our annual trips to Semiahmoo in February came to an end. We did go once in July for our anniversary, but the resort had a different vibe at that time of year...sunnier and warmer, for sure, but much busier, more people, less restful. 

Eventually we heard the Inn had declined in quality after a change in ownership, and then it actually closed down for a while. Thankfully, new ownership came in and did a major renovation, restoring the Inn to its former standards.

So, after all these years, we decided to give it a try once again. Leaving on Friday late in the morning, we drove to Bellingham Bay and enjoyed delicious Fish and Chips at Nicki's Bella Marina. With the sun shining and blue skies, it was a perfect day for a drive along the water.  As we approached Semiahmoo Resort (new name),  we noticed some changes...the lodge had been painted a bright golden yellow, the bike rental facility was gone, along with a gift shop, Stars restaurant was closed...but overall, the feeling was the same. The water with its sandy beaches and driftwood still beckoned, with the majestic mountains in the distance.  The pool and hot tub were wonderful and we took a long walk on the walking trail.

Enjoying a yummy dinner of fish tacos at Packer's Oyster Bar was a perfect ending to our day, as we enjoyed the sunset, the moon and lights on the water. As we walked back to our room, we passed several families enjoying S'mores at a fire pit right on the beach, having a great time. Semiahmoo doesn't really have any night life to speak of but is a wonderful place to get away and relax...in a beautiful setting. 

Our stay ended with a lovely continental breakfast delivered to our room...just the perfect meal after a long run along the beach! With the sun shining once again,  we left refreshed and off to do a little shopping in the Fairhaven Historic District of Bellingham before heading home. Until next year maybe...

How about you? Do you have any favorite get away places in the Pacific Northwest? Would love to hear about them! Enjoying our sunny, clear cold days....Warmly, Gracia