Entertainment

POSTED: Tuesday, Apr. 17, 2007

Lummi Island well worth a short ride

The natural beauty of the region is epitomized in a day trip to Lummi Island. Lummi is the closest and most accessible island in the San Juan archipelago but it’s not your regular San Juan tourist destination. The island draws you in with breathtaking vistas and the slow pace of island life.

What’s there: Nature walks, biking, bird watching, art galleries.

Who will enjoy it: Couples, families and out-of-towners.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

How to get there: From the north, take I-5 to exit 260, head west on Slater Road. Turn left at the Silver Reef Casino on Haxton Way and continue on Haxton until you come to the Lummi Island Ferry Terminal. The ferry costs $4 for the vehicle plus driver and $1 per passenger. Vehicles over 8,000 pounds are $8 with driver. To ensure smooth travels, check the Lummi Island ferry rates and schedules at www.lummiisland.com, then click “Ferry.”

Parking: To enjoy most of Lummi Island’s natural beauty, you can just pull off the side of the road. The island is mostly flat, which makes for easy traveling by foot, bike or car. Going off the main road into hiking trails may not be suitable for disabled or stroller-going day trippers. Be sure to pay attention to all trespassing and private beach signs. Plan to stay: 2-3 hours DINING

Lunch: Taproot Pub and Espresso at the Willows Inn, 2579 West Shore Drive, 758- 2620; open daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., closed Wednesdays. Or try The Beach Store Café, 2220 N. Nugent Road, 758-CAFÉ (2233); open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday- Friday, 9 am.-9 p.m. on weekends

Dinner: Willows Inn Restaurant, 2579 West Shore Drive, 758-2620; open February through Memorial Day, 5-8:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday; Memorial Day weekend through October, Wednesday-Sunday, 6-8:30 p.m.; Labor Day to New Year’s Day, Wednesday-Sunday, 5-8:30 p.m.

ISLAND EVENTS

Annual Lavender Festival (July)

Annual Reefnet Festival (Aug. 11)

Artists Studio Tour (May 26-27, Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 1-2, and Dec. 1-2)

THREE THINGS TO DO

1. Seven Mile Loop

Location: Loop that circles the northern half of Lummi Island starting and ending at the ferry terminal.

Hours: dawn to dusk

The loop is an opportunity for day trippers to see the different sides of Lummi Island. The loop is great for bikers, walkers and drivers who want to see ocean views, wetlands and forests.

The loop begins as soon as you walk or drive off the ferry: take a left onto Nugent Road and a quick right onto Legoe Bay Road, which curves around the west side of the island. Wetlands are on the right and a view of Orcas Island on the left. It’s common to see pedestrians and bicyclists in the roads, so drivers must should pay attention.

2. Artisan Wine Gallery

Location: 2070 Granger Way, 758-2959.

Hours: Saturdays, 1-5 p.m.

Sample an array of fine wines from around the world with a touch of local art.

Visiting Artisan Wine Gallery is an opportunity to taste wine in the company of experts, and visitors can learn about the art of wine tasting while admiring the work of Lummi Island’s artists.

3. Bird watching

Location: Various locations.

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

Bring your field guide and your binoculars, because Lummi Island is home to more than 167 bird species. While enjoying any of Lummi Island’s hikes or scenic drives, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.

It’s not unusual to see a great blue heron gracefully searching for food across a soggy marsh or a woodpecker hammering away on a tree, but many come for the bald eagles.

The island is home to eight nesting pairs and their offspring, which can be seen gliding over the island.