The July/August, 2009 issue of Victoria Magazine lists the Shelburne Inn among the Inns We Love section. On the cover it reads, “Our Favorite Beach Finds, charming coastal shops, soothing interiors, and enchanting seaside inns.” The Shelburne is one of five featured inns, and the only one on the west coast. The Herbfarm Restaurant, located in Woodinville, Washington, owned and operated by our friends, Ron Zimmerman and Carrie Van Dyck, received six pages of well-deserved attention in the same issue. On the stands now–pick it up!
Victoria Magazine Features Shelburne Inn
June 18th, 2009Washington Wine Country
June 9th, 2009
Grape Vines in Yakima Valley Washington
On a recent trip to visit friends in Yakima and Spokane, David and Laurie took a little detour through the Yakima Valley wine country. Not to be missed is the printed brochure, “Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail,” which has a map and listing of 16 of the region’s best wineries. A handful of these winemakers went into winemaking about the time David and Laurie became Innkeepers. We’re proud to offer wines from Eaton Hill, Masset and Silver Lake Wineries in the Shelburne Restaurant and Pub. According to the Rattlesnake Hills brochure, there were over 150 awards given to wines produced by the 16 wineries along this wine trail. You can attibute that to the rich, volcanic soil, long days and warm climate of this region as well as the ever-expanding expertise of the winemakers. Definitely worth the trip!
The Historic and Romantic Shelburne Inn
May 21st, 2009The Past…it’s just so yesterday, or is it?
A former guest sent us a copy of an old “Hotel Shelburne” brochure that appears to date back to the 1950’s. When we read it we were struck by how things had changed, of course, and also by how they hadn’t. Inside, the brochure read as follows (with the exception of our italicized editorial comments):
Modern Hotel Shelburne is located in Seaview…when you think of the sea, you will think of the Shelburne. Many wintry gales have weathered its features, but the Shelburne still maintains its salty dignity, the glow of its hearth, and the warmth of its charm. Here you will find:
No juke boxes—
No pinball machines—
No chrome or streamlining—
BUT!
You Will Find—
A relaxing home-like atmosphere; good beds (sleep in if you like—a hearty breakfast served ‘til noon) [now true on Sundays], home-cooked foods (yummy home-made bread); and twenty-eight miles of splendid beach thrown in. The tide is in and out twice every 24 hours.” [duh!]
Today we take pride in the Shelburne’s history, dating to its beginning in 1896 and the fact that it is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the State of Washington. Indeed, the Shelburne has weathered many a storm, but in addition, as a business, it has survived two world wars and a major depression. Admittedly, that gives us a little extra dose of courage as we face current economic challenges. As much as it is historic, it’s also modern in terms of its comfort level and the amenities offered such as a full-service restaurant and pub, wireless Internet service and of course, all private baths. The Inn is getting a new coat of its signature forest green paint and antique white trim, so it’ll be all spruced-up for the spring and summer season. The flowers are blooming and the glorious local foods of our region are on the table. Our friendly staff is eager to point you in the direction of all that the area has to offer. Won’t you join us soon for a much-deserved escape?
Long Island on Willapa Bay
May 9th, 2009
Tall Western Cedars
As the weather warms and is somewhat tamed by the change of season, we hanker for outdoor activities that inspire and challenge us. One of our favorite things to do is to go kayaking on Willapa Bay, specifically to Long Island, in the middle of the bay. Spangled by bright sunlight, the water gleams and glistens as our kayaks slice through it. A small copse of western cedar, hemlock and Sitka spruce are all just a few steps from the shoreline of Long Island. The only sound other than the raspy protest of a Stellar Jay is the low prayer-like gurgle of water rubbing stone. Such simple treasures abound on Long Island, the jewel of Willapa Bay on the east side of the Long Beach Peninsula.
Northwest Micro-brewed Beer
May 8th, 2009The historic Shelburne Inn in Long Beach is a romantic Washington Hotel with a gourmet restaurant and pub. Since 1896 visitors to the Long Beach Peninsula and the local population have frequented the inn which is known for its use of fresh, local ingredients. Recently, three new taps were added in the pub, bringing the total to six. The current draft beer offerings are: Alaskan Amber Ale, Blue Moon Belgian-style Wheat Ale, Organic IPA Fishtail Hefeweizen, Mirror Pond Pale Ale from Deschutes Brewery, Black Butte Porter from Deschutes, and Curve Ball Summer Ale from Pyramid. Pictured below is the popular Blue Cheese Bacon Burger and hand-cut fries with a mug of Black Butte Porter. Black Butte Porter is crafted from chocolate and crystal malts, and is Deschutes Brewery’s flagahip brand. It was developed in 1988 and has enjoyed a passionate following since then. The Shelburne Pub remains loyal to its regional micro breweries, since it is a Washington Pub. So, the featured micro-brewed beers on tap are all from Washington and Oregon. With warmer weather on the horizon, the innkeepers have spruced up the outdoor seating on the pub deck, for their guests to enjoy the longer days of spring and summer. Open 7 days a week, the friendly staff extends a warm invitation to all to come in and experience a longstanding Pacific Northwest tradition in dining and hospitality.
Black Butte Porter and Burger
Fiber Arts at the Shelburne Inn
May 8th, 2009On most Thursdays if you were to wander into the Lobby of the Shelburne Inn, you would find a group of women sitting at their spinning wheels spinning an array of fibers. As a general rule they meet here every Thursday from about 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. They are all members of the local Clatsop Weavers and Spinners Guild, which started in Oregon in the early 1950’s. Membership in the guild stretches from Gearhart, Oregon to Grays River, Washington. There are currently 24 members and they meet monthly at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco. A variety of fibers are used by the spinners, including sheep’s wool, bamboo, cord, silk, llama, angora, cashmere, alpaca and even poodle. Once spun, the yarns are used either for a knitting or weaving project, some for personal use and some which will be sold. If you are a guest of the inn or restaurant and would like to watch the spinning process and learn about it, these women are a wealth of information and they give it freely! Between the four women who were here this Thursday, they have a combined 60 years of spinning experience. If you’ve never spun and are curious or would like to try it, please come by for a free lesson on Thursday evenings. To encourage you, Rose Power taught her 75 year-old mother to spin in one day. Rita Smith taught herself. Cheri Diehl has been spinning for 20 years. Here are some photos of the spinners and some yarn and knitted items from Rose Power.
Spinners in Lobby
