Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 - (Page 48)

DESTINATIONS PACIFIC NORTHWEST TOP: A guest room at The Shelburne Inn has French doors that lend to a quaint atmosphere LEFT: The Shelburne Inn in Seaview is near the longest beach in North America UNIQUE INNS A cozy experience and commissions! ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO ENJOY A STAY IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON is at one of the local bedand-breakfast establishments. Here, Travel Agent looks at three properties that provide a quaint “inn-style” experience—and on top of that, they also pay commission, which is a policy written into the bylaws of Unique Inns (www. uniqueinns.com), the North American bed-andbreakfast innkeeping organization to which they belong. Unique Inns has 45 members throughout British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. Willows Inn (www.willows-inn.com) is in the San Juan Islands, accessible by a six-minute ferry ride from Bellingham. The cozy property, 48 | TravelAgent April 28, 2008 BY RUTHANNE TERRERO which is on Lummi Island, has eight rooms, all with private entrances, showers, fireplaces and covered decks. Of note is the Guest House, which has two king beds; two bathrooms, one with a walk-in steam shower; and a full kitchen. Contact innkeepers Riley Starks and Judy Olsen at innkeeper@willows-inn.com to discuss the unique qualities of each room or to elaborate on the island’s activities, such as exploring the nearby beaches, whale watching and kayaking. Rates, which run from $145 to $310, include a full farm-style breakfast. Be sure to tell clients that The Willows Inn serves “organic fine dining” and is a fan of the burgeoning Slow Food Movement (www.slowfood.com), which was launched to counteract “fast food and fast life.” As a result, organic produce, pastured chicken eggs and fresh-caught salmon and other seafood are regularly served at the property. Additionally, the inn, which can be bought out for weddings and corporate retreats, provides a package called the “Agritourism Experience,” which allows guests to work with a Nettles Farm intern. At the end of the day, they can enjoy the fruits of their labor at the restaurant and take home a box of produce to enjoy. The program costs $95 per person and requires a two-night minimum stay. The Shelburne Inn (www.theshelburneinn. com) in Seaview is near the longest beach in North America on the Long Beach Peninsula, in the extreme southwest portion of Washington. This location makes it a sanctuary for nature lovers who also adore lighthouses, ocean vistas and a forest setting. The inn has 13 guest rooms and two suites. Of note is Suite #17 for its French doors that lead out onto a deck overlooking the herb garden. There’s also a separate sitting area and a bedroom, all furnished with European and American antiques and fine art. Wireless Internet is available throughout the inn. Dining is a dream at The Shelburne, thanks to the fact that the highly acclaimed Shoalwater Restaurant and Heron & Beaver Pub are on its ground floor. Both restaurants specialize in incorporating fresh local products with rich, interesting flavors. Innkeepers David Campiche and Laurie Anderson serve guests a daily breakfast. Contact Anderson (innkeeper@theshelburne inn.com, 360-642-2442) for insider details on when and what to book. Rates run from $135 to $279. CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 http://www.theshelburneinn.com http://www.theshelburneinn.com http://www.theshelburneinn.com http://www.uniqueinns.com http://www.uniqueinns.com http://www.uniqueinns.com http://www.willows-inn.com http://www.slowfood.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Africa: Where to Stay in the Gateway to Southern Africa South Pacific/Australia: Luxury Lodges in Queensland and Tasmania Pacific/Asia: Shanghai, China’s Cosmopolitan Powerhouse, Sees New Hotel and Cruise Development Canada: Downtown Calgary is Easy to Get Around and Filled with Historic and Cultural Attractions California: Laguna Beach Blends Culture with Coastal Beauty Florida: Golf, History, Food and Fun Defined Our Stay at the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine Las Vegas: Vegas Hotels Gamble on the Allure of Men’s Grooming Pacific Northwest: Washington Inns Emphasize Local Charm Mexico: Tulum Comes Into its Own as a Luxury Destination Europe: Cruising the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with Amadeus Waterways Rudi Schreiner, President of Amadeus Waterways, Talks about River Cruises Caribbean: Travel Agent Reports From the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange The Slot Spot: Gaming at the Casino Dominicus Cruise: Suppliers and Businesses Use Ships as Springboards to Satisfy Enthusiasts’ Hobbies and Passions Key Legal Decisions Will Affect the Future of Alaska’s Cruise Industry Cover Story: Exclusive Beach Destinations Hotels: The Girlfriend Getaway is an Exploding Market Agent Profile: Sabine Harris’ Personal Touch Provides a Memorable Experience Virtual Tourism: New Websites Give a New View of Tourist Destinations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Anguilla’s Cap Juluca Sold Aloha Airlines is Grounded Exorbitant Hotel Rates Make Alternatives More Appealing Koepf takes Helm at NACTA, Plans to Expand Membership In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

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