Port Ludlow Resort

Recreational kayaking is a beloved Pacific Northwest activity. In 2014, over 13 million people paddled kayaks to both explore and relax upon beautiful waterways. But did you know there are many health benefits associated with kayaking? It is a low impact activity that can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility.

So the next time you’re at the Port Ludlow Marina, make sure to check out the new kayak dock installed in late November 2015.

Shoreside Marine built the 28”x 60” dock to accommodate kayaks, rowing shells, and sailing dinghies.  Tike Hillman was the consultant on the project. Hillman is no stranger to Port Ludlow or the Marina. He helped build the first phase of Port Ludlow Marina in the late 1960s.

The new kayak dock is ADA approved and complies with agency regulations for light penetration. Light penetration allows for fish to hide from their natural predators. The dock’s racks are built from Cumaru wood – similar to teak, and the dock’s side decking is built from Port Oroford cedar – often found along streams.

Need a place to keep your kayak? The Marina has racks available to rent for $20/month. Many of Port Ludlow’s kayaking residents enjoy keeping their kayaks at the Marina for easy access to Ludlow Bay.

Interested in renting a kayak, SUP, or storing your kayak at the Marina? Contact the Port Ludlow Marina at 360.437.0513.

Written by: Kaitlin Chester

The holidays are quickly approaching, and it is never too early to start gift shopping. Rather than fighting the traffic and mall crowds, The Inn at Port Ludlow invites you to stay local. We offer an array of thoughtful, unique, and regionally made items perfect for anyone on your “Nice” list.

New Columbia Sportswear will keep everyone warm and stylish. Sleek vests and heathered fleeces are great for every activity and season.

Wrap up in elegant pashminas and scarves. In a wide array of shades, they will make any outfit occasion-ready. A Eulogia Bag by Laurie is ideal for holiday errands – practical, colorful, and locally made. Take a closer look at all of those shopping lists and recipes with new Glance Eyewear. These premium reading glasses are lightweight, distortion free, and scratch resistant.

A cozy home is a happy home, and a CW Pillow adds a charming, whimsical touch to winter décor. Made in Washington, they bring the spirit of the Northwest indoors. Wine and champagne glasses etched with the Port Ludlow logo are a perfect host gift that can be used year-round.

The always popular Gurgle Pots collection has expanded. Now featuring Mini Gurgles and salt and pepper shakers, you can complete a “school” of the vibrantly colored fish, and add a splash of fun to the tabletop.

Take time to treat yourself this holiday season. A luxurious spa robe, La Joba lavender lotions, and signature soaps and bath salts by Sweetlife Farm will take you away from the hustle and bustle to a place of peaceful relaxation.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Inn at Port Ludlow. Come in from the cold, and we’ll help fill up your sleigh.

Written by: Jennifer Kavanagh

Port Ludlow Golf Club is excited to welcome back Dick Schmidt as the Head Golf Course Superintendent. Schmidt was the original Golf Course Superintendent and has returned to the position 26 years later. He brings a deep knowledge of turf care and a passion to return Port Ludlow Golf Club to its great standing in the golf landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Schmidt oversaw construction of the course in 1971.

He started his golf career in Indian Canyon Golf Club in Spokane alongside his father, Louis, who built the course in the early 1930s. He started off mowing greens, hand watering, caddying, and picking up range balls. It was there that Schmidt got his taste for the sport and started learning the ins and outs of a good golf course.

Schmidt left Spokane at 18-years-old for Meadowlark Golf and Country Club in Montana to become an Assistant Golf Professional. He returned to Washington two years later to become the Assistant Golf Professional at Overlake Golf Club in Bellevue, later becoming Assistant Superintendent. When Schmidt’s father moved to Seattle to be the Head Superintendent at Inglewood, Schmidt became his assistant. A year later Schmidt became the Construction Superintendent, overseeing construction of a half-dozen courses in the Seattle-Tacoma area.

Schmidt’s father built world class golf courses such as Sahalee in Redmond and Indian Canyon in Spokane. His uncle, Clarence, built Esmeralda in Spokane and Twin Lakes in Idaho. His brother, Ray, constructed Kayak Point in Everett, Semiahmoo in Bellingham, and Bellevue Municipal. The Schmidt family was involved in constructing many additional courses. With a family whose legacy is rooted in golf course construction, it is no surprise Schmidt took on the task of building Port Ludlow Golf Club.

Schmidt arrived in Port Ludlow in 1971. He said, “Building Port Ludlow was the ultimate construction job.” After overseeing the construction of Port Ludlow Golf Club, he became the Head Golf Course Superintendent and Director of Golf and Recreation.

His position expanded over the years to Director of Golf for Village Resorts and Operations in Washington, Utah, Arizona, and California. He left Village Resorts and Operations to accept a position to run Orange Tree Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Schmidt oversaw the construction of Crosswater in Sunriver, Oregon, and before retirement Schmidt was the Director of Golf at Bend Country Club. After he retired to Ennis, Montana to enjoy his passion of hunting and fishing, he and his wife returned to Washington in 2000, to be closer to family. With enthusiasm and pride Port Ludlow Golf Club welcomes back Dick Schmidt.

His job expanded over the years to Director of Golf for Village Resorts and Operations in Washington, Utah, Arizona, and California. Schmidt left Village Resorts and Operations to accept a position to run Orange Tree Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. He oversaw the construction of Crosswater in Sunriver, Oregon, and before retirement Schmidt was the Director of Golf at Bend Country Club. After he retired to Ennis, Montana to enjoy his passion of hunting and fishing, he and his wife returned to Washington in 2000 to be closer to family. Port Ludlow Golf Club welcomes back Dick Schmidt with enthusiasm and pride.

As Front Desk Representatives, we frequently send visitors on the Farm Tour Package. When guests check-in, they are given a large basket and Farm Bucks vouchers to spend at three local farms and Finnriver Cidery. After meeting with one of The Fireside’s chefs, their selections are whisked away to be transformed into a special, multi-course tasting menu. Last Tuesday,  my co-worker Lisa and I had the change to experience the magic for ourselves.

Our first stop by SpringRain Farm and Orchard. A walking tour of this farm is available with advanced notice, but we were happily content with the farm stand. Lemon cucumbers were a fun find and new experience for Lisa. SpringRain also makes jam, the plum-rhubarb caught our attention.

We couldn’t miss the “Bonkers for Broccoli” sign outside Red Dog Farm. Convenient bags were available, along with fresh green beans, stalks of rhubarb, colorful purple potatoes, strawberries, and bunches of basil. Red Dog Farm also carries Mystery Bay goat cheese, a farmstead chevre with a creamy tangy flavor.

Finnriver Cidery is a unique and inspiring place, with a farm, orchard, special events, and a cozy tasting room. We were expertly guided to the limited release Crew Selection Sidra. With its blend of organic bittersweet cider fruit and organic dessert fruit, the Spanish style Sidra has briny notes, a gentle bubble, and a nutty taste. We also had to pick up a basket of Finnriver’s famous blueberries on our way out.

With our basket overflowing, we returned to the Inn to meet with Chefs Aaron and Chris. Two hours later, Lisa and I came back to a delightful seven-course dinner. Each dish was unique and utilized the full assortment of what we brought back, along with a few of their specialties. Our wonderful server Wendy detailed the ingredients as she brought out each course.

The menu featured:

Crab Cake Started with Lemon Cucumber, Tomatoes, and a Goat Cheese Topper

Warm Purple Potato Salad with Pickled Lemon Cucumber, Green Beans, Red Onion, and Cider-Basil Vinaigrette

Tiger Shrimp in a Creamy Bacon Vinaigrette with Fresh Green Beans

Raspberry Granita

Jidori Chicken with a Rhubarb Compote, Oven Roasted Broccoli and a Balsamic Reduction

Spring Greens with Cider Vinaigrette and Currants

Napoleon with Fresh Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries for dessert

The meal was an absolute delight, and we ran out of ways to describe how delicious each dish was! This area abounds with fresh produce, meat, and fruit, and the Inn’s Farm Package Tasting Tour is the perfect way to experience the bounty. The chefs’ creativity and expertise, a beautiful setting, and excellent service made this an experience to savor.

To learn more about the Farm Tour package, please call the Front Desk at 360-437-7000.

Written by: Jennifer Kavanagh

August is one of our favorite months in Port Ludlow – summer is in high gear, visitors and locals alike are enjoying the Golf Course, Marina, and the Port Ludlow trails, and blackberries are falling off the vine ready to be eaten on the spot or baked into a special treat.

Another reason we love August is because it is Washington Wine Month.

There are many fantastic Washington wines which makes it so much fun to celebrate what our great state offers in terms of viniculture. The wine list at The Fireside includes many Washington wines, including hyper local wineries like Lullaby Winery and Christina James in Port Townsend and Wind Rose Cellars in Sequim.

The Fireside is celebrating Washington Wine Month by selling select Washington wines at 25% off or perhaps stop by The Fireside to enjoy a glass or two out on the veranda.

Just in time for Washington Wine Month, The Resort at Port Ludlow and The Fireside have been acknowledged for their wine program by both Wine Spectator and Touring & Tasting – Pacific Northwest Magazine. Congratulations to The Fireside team for their hard work and dedication to The Resort’s wine program.

Wine Spectator awarded The Fireside a Best of Award of Excellence. This award is given to restaurants that have wine lists of 350+ wines, superior presentation, vintage depth, and excellent selection across several wine regions. Click here to read the press release.

Touring & Tasting – Pacific Northwest Magazine named The Resort at Port Ludlow at Gold Medal Accommodation. The Resort is only one of ten resorts, inns, and hotels in wine country or feeder markets nationally to have received Gold Medal Accommodation status. Click here to read the press release.

Written by: Kaitlin Chester

Recently we hosted a Leadership Retreat for a company and their experience was flawless. Sarah Hanke was their Sales Manager and this is her recap of the event…

“As seen in the video of Port Ludlow (see video below), groups have come to The Resort at Port Ludlow to re-live their childhood by working hard and playing harder.

We want to share the tale of our last three days of a group that came to us last December to plan their summer retreat.

Their adventure began in downtown Seattle as they boarded one of Kenmore Air’s seaplanes. After flying for 15 minutes, they landed right in front of what was to become their home for the next three days. As they flew in for their landing our sales team and their meeting planner took pictures and eagerly waited to see their faces. Once they disembarked the plane their faces did not disappoint. Filled with excitement, wonder, and sheer terror, thy were amazed at the scenery surrounding them.

This was the first adventure of many to come. After check-in and settling into their guest rooms, each with a fireplace and jetted tub, they began the night with a team building pasta cooking class. It was immediately a competition and the team captains picked individual co-workers to join their team in creating homemade pasta. Following the class, the group enjoyed an Italian themed tasting menu, featuring the same type of pasta that was previously made. After dinner, the night ended with much laughter as they competed in a team game of Cranium in the living room atmosphere of the Marina Room.

The next morning began with a focused meeting in the Andrews Suite. This room features a fireplace, couches, and sofa chairs along with conference tables to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere for groups less than 12. By early afternoon they were done with their hard work and ready for some fun. Most of them participated in the whale watching experience, while others enjoyed quiet time and spa services. As they were traveling to the boat, many questions and emotions became apparent as some had never been whale watching before. Once they saw the boat and received their boarding passes their faces again turned to excitement. The experience was a once in a lifetime moment where they had whales breaching, spy hopping and hanging out close to the boat. The waters were smooth as glass and the whales did not disappoint. On their journey back to The Resort all they could take about were the pictures they got and their new favorite whale “Blackberry, J27.” The day finished with a relaxing night in the Marina Room with another tasting menu featuring local seafood and produce that The Fireside gets daily.

The next morning, they woke up to a quick meeting and breakfast, followed by a pottery class where they worked together to create an animal or object. After using their imagination to create different things, they detailed a tumbler mug so that it could be a take away to remember their three days of fun, and some work, in Port Ludlow. The ending of this three day adventure could have been more perfect. We all said goodbye as they boarded the seaplane that was painted as an ORCA!”

Interested in hosting your group event or retreat at The Resort? Call the Sales Team at 360.437.7040.

Written by: Sarah Hanke