Recently, I had the opportunity for a mid-week, mini staycation at a new-ish destination just a couple of hours away from Seattle call Captain Whidbey Inn. It was SO beautiful, SO cozy, and SO festive that I knew I had to share with you! It was also the furthest I’ve been from Seattle since my lung surgery, so I was especially happy to be there. Breathing the fresh air of the PNW really brought some stuff into focus for me. Captain Whidbey is a truly magical spot where I will definitely be returning!
The Coziest Pacific Northwest Destination, Captain Whidbey Inn
About the Inn
Since 1907, Captain Whidbey, has been a place of natural beauty, community gathering and quiet, exalted delight. The fully reimagined 6-acre waterfront property has been given new life by a team with a keen design sensibility and expertise in creating an inclusive and welcoming sense of place. They have a deep appreciation for forging a revitalized feeling of destination for hotels that honor the people involved in them everyday and the settings in which they were built.
The Accomodations
There are a variety of options for rooms at Captain Whidbey, with each area on the propert being different. There are tons of historical details and custom furnishings that make it truly unique and perfect for some quiet time. I stayed in a Lagoon Room and loved waking up to the peaceful calm of the water. It’s also worth mentioning that these rooms are dog-friendly, too!
You can also book a room in the Historic Lodge, which feel almost like a secret clubhouse! These rooms are virtually unchanged since 1907 and embrace everything that’s special and authentic to the inn from creaking floorboards to shared bathrooms to views of Penn Cove. The best part? There’s a special telephone with a direct line to the bartender in case you need a little something special to sip!
There are also 4 cabins above the shores of Penn Cove, each designed by local designers and tastemakers in the PNW including Filsen, Glasswing, We the Nomands and Edit Whidbey. Each room has a fireplace, king size bed, and private porches. Next time I go back, I’m taking Sean and booking one of these private spaces!
Let’s talk about my most favorite thing about traveling… food! The tavern at Captain Whidbey was absolutely fantastic. Chef Eric Truglas balances French, rustic and hearty vibes with the classic seafood of the PNW… and it’s all so good. My favorite was actually quite simple, but so well-done: the breakfast board. It’s definitely an idea I want to copy, but basically it’s a combination of all the wonderful things you often find on a breakfast menu… but in small portions and combined on a board in the same was a cheeseboard. It’s totally genius.
The Miracle Pop Up
While I was at Captain Whidbey, it was decked out for the holidays in the most merry way imaginable. Turns out it’s all part of the Miracle Pop Up, a Christmas themed pop-up cocktail bar offering seasonal drinks in a festive setting. Because of this, the lodge is gussied up with twinkly lights, holiday-inspired cocktails and cozy Yuletide spirit. It’s the kitschiest Christmas decor… and I love it! There’s something so fun about all the old fashioned bows, faux snow, and paper snowflakes.
BTW, you don’t even have to be a hotel guest to hang out at the pop up or dine at the amazing restaurant. Since Whidbey is just a fast ferry ride away , I could totally see us coming back for a cozy dinner and drinks one evening.
If you’re looking for a quick getaway in the Seattle region for the holidays, I highly recommend checking out the Miracle Pop Up at Captain Whidbey! Visit soon because the pop up ends New Years Day.
