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Is it Summer Yet?

The view from my office is beautiful. I’m fortunate enough to be able to look out the window and see the water, the new development of Ludlow Cove Cottages and bit more than the occasional deer wander past. Being at the very tail end of the Washington state banana belt (or at least we feel like we are), it’s sunny and bright here more often than not. Being from Colorado (although I’ve lived in the PNW most of my life) to say that I love bright blue sky, is an understatement.

There is nothing better than blue sky here on the peninsula. It’s November and we’ve experienced one of the nicest autumns I can remember. However, I’m already longing for the lengthy days of summer. Days where I can enjoy the magnificent mountain and water views that come together like a breathtaking puzzle; take long hikes on endless miles of trails; ride my bike at 8:00 PM in shorts; and most all change my daily attire from boots, jeans and sweaters to capri’s, tee-shirts and flip-flops. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

OK – if you’re wondering what it is that has me on this “I’m ready for summer” rant in November? Well, it comes from watching this video of Port Ludlow over and over again. Watch it – I bet you’ll find yourself dreaming about the long warm days, too. Enjoy…

A Little Reminder I Received While at the Office Today…

Someone shared this video with us this week and I have to admit that I didn’t watch it until now, when I’m working feverishly to get the November Newsletter together. This was too good not to pass along…

Busy in my own daily life with kids, pets, family, work, and friends I make it a priority everyday to find ways to stay healthy, active and as appreciative of life as I can. It’s not always easy, but I’ve experienced a couple of events in my life that have left me with a deep appreciation for being able to walk, for being ableto coach basketball and for being able to do anything I put my mind and heart into. I saw a NIKE t-shirt once that said “I RUN…because I can”. Such a simple phrase that carried so much weight for me. Staring down the path of my 40th birthday – I plan on running there all the way.

Aging and getting older is something that happens, but how we age, how we change is up to us. This sweet and inspirational lady is a reminder that the our desires in life shouldn’t end until our heart stop beating.


This video warmed my heart and welled up my eyes with a reminder that life is what you make it and if you find your happiness and willingness within first…you will shine and be beautiful forever. Enjoy!

Read the November Resort Newsletter here



The Knitters are Coming…

If you’re into knitting, spinning and laughter this might be a group for you….

Later this week, we are expecting one of our favorite groups here at the Resort at Port Ludlow. Our glorious knitters and spinners meet here three times a year for their Strung Along Retreat.  The best part is what they leave behind when they go – the Resort will be uniquely decorated with little touches of spectacular knitted items. Stay tuned for photos after their departure!

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/strung-along-retreats/

Field Trip to Finnriver
A few weeks ago I took some time to visit Finnriver Farm & Cidery on a Sunday afternoon for their cider and wood-fire pizza event. This summer staple is a not-to-be-missed event and I would highly recommend you venture out for a delicious afternoon of food and beverage. This particular event takes place every Sunday during the summer months and begins at noon.
 
Finnriver is an organic family farm that produces handcrafted cider as well as a variety of vegetable and berry crops. The farm is a walking adventure and you are encouraged to roam throughout the land picking blueberries, peaking at the chickens and goats and just admiring the great outdoors. They’re also one of our partners here at The Fireside and we are proud to serve their ciders in our restaurant.
Located just 15 minutes from Port Ludlow this little slice of foodie heaven is the perfect place to explore when visiting with us. Their cider tasting room is open every day from 12pm-5pm and costs $5.

I was lucky enough to have attended their Summer Cider Soiree by happen-chance when I visited the farm. Live music, ice cream floats, chevre cheese samples from Mystery Bay Farm and delicious wood-fire pizza all in celebration of the release of their Lavender Black Currant. Here are a few snapshots from my visit:
  

Next time you’re visiting with us, or just looking to explore some gems on the Olympic Peninsula I would definitely recommend you make Finnriver a part of your adventure.

If you’re looking to elevate your farm-to-table experience we would love to have you join us for our annual Finnriver Farm Dinner on Friday, August 29th. Held at their farm you’ll enjoy a six course tasting menu prepared with Finnriver’s finest and freshest ingredients and enjoy an evening with the farmers. 
Tickets for this fun event can be found online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/620065

Have you had the chance to explore Finnriver? If so, what was your favorite cider/fruit wine? 

Farm Dinner Series

The Fireside restaurant prides itself on working to provide its guests with seasonal and local ingredients plucked straight from our local family of farms. Daily deliveries of fresh produce, fish and poultry from our local farmers and fisheries allow us to provide our guests with a truly unique farm-to-table approach. 

What makes us unique is our commitment within our resort property as well as our surrounding community. We are contributing members of the Jefferson Land Trust and look forward to helping to preserve open space, working lands and habitat in Jefferson County. 

This summer we invite our guests to dine with one of our local farmers and enjoy a 
multi-course dinner prepared by our staff with ingredients brought in by the farmers themselves. In our second summer season we look forward to sharing our stories and those of our partners with all of you. 

Want to attend our first event with SpringRain Farm as our guest? Simply tell us what efforts you make in your home to support your local farms or perhaps what your favorite thing is to grow in your own garden.

Winners will be announced on Friday June 20th and will be given two tickets to the Friday, June 27th dinner and an inclusive wine pairing with each course. If in the event the first prize winner cannot attend we will do our best to find a suitable runner-up. 

Click here to purchase tickets to this event. 

BringFido Award
The Resort at Port Ludlow is pleased to announce that we have been honored as a 2014 Fido’s Favorite Award winner by the pet friendly travel website BringFido.com. This annual award recognizes hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts that attain superior pet-friendliness ratings from BringFido.com customers.  To recognize this award we wanted to share with you all a day in the life of post for our visiting pets. We look forward to seeing you and your best friend on a future visit.
   

Day 1
2:55 pm–  Arrive in Port Ludlow and immediately thinking, I can’t wait to be outside—there’s so many tress and very little “dog stations,” I hope this means Molly, my owner, can take me anywhere.
3:00 pm– The VIP welcome board says I’m royalty here. I mean I always knew that to be the case, I’m just excited someone else has chosen to recognize this. I hope they tell Molly, sometimes she forgets.
3:00 pm– Check in to The Inn at Port Ludlow- Currently drooling over the homemade dog treats that the nice lady at the front desk keeps handing over to me. I hope this never ends. Nice lady = holder of  treats and goes by the name Julie—note to self to become best friends with Julie.
I spy a trail map—phew lots of walks on this trip—and not just on the busy sidewalk streets, it looks like 25+ miles of glorious grass!
Julie also hands Molly a beautiful collapsible water dish—she really understands that I must stay hydrated. A good night’s sleep and plenty of water keeps your highness looking so fit and young.

3:10 pm– We head to our room fit for a Queen (that’s me). Molly and I take a few moments to unpack, I take a quick nap and then it’s off to the beach for us!
4:00 pm– Sand between my paws, Frisbee in my mouth and nothing but blue skies—I always considered myself to be a city dog but I could get used to all of this freedom! I spot a lean, dark and quite yappy lab down the beach and decide to call him a friend for the next few chases of the Frisbee. Alas, I begin to grow tired from all of this excitement and I tell Molly we need to wrap it up and get some dinner.

7:00 pm– A full stomach lends itself nicely to a great night’s sleep so I leave Molly and curl up on my favorite doggie bed that she so graciously brought for me from home.
Day 2
7:00 am– I tug at Molly for a few moments before she musters up the strength to climb out of what looks to be a very comfortable bed. I think she’s gotten the hint that I am ready to play but then she throws me for a curve. Usually she’s quick to take me for my morning walk and then get ready for work but today she takes her time, makes herself a cup of coffee from the Keurig in our room and enjoys a few moments to watch the sun out on our balcony. I let her enjoy this moment for as long as I can stand it but I bark a few times to let her know she can’t neglect me forever, after all this is my vacation.
9 am-12 pm– I am in HEAVEN! Molly and I spend the morning exploring all of the trails in Port Ludlow. I get to see so many different things that we don’t normally see in the city and it feels so good to get all of this fresh air! I’m sad that we have to check out today but I can’t thank Molly enough for such a great weekend. I give her lots of kisses to let her know how much fun I am having and hope that it’s enough to bring us back here again one day.

Want to bring your dog for a weekend getaway? Be sure to check out all of our packages on our website.

Charlie decided to share a little. Comment below with your favorite outside activity to do with your dog and be entered for a chance to win the delicious homemade treats and water bowl Charlie mentioned in the post! Winner to be announced on our Facebook page on June 9th as well as in the comments section of this blog. 

Time for Tea

On the third Tuesday of each month from 2pm-4pm we host an afternoon tea at The Fireside. This three course meal includes fresh baked biscuits and homemade marmalade, an assortment of finger sandwiches and a delicious selection of bite-sized desserts, all served alongside locally sourced teas from Wild Sage, Port Townsend. Each course pairs perfectly with the chosen tea, and the selection rotates each month so you’re sure to try something new.

Afternoon tea is the perfect excuse for a long lunch, a social meeting with your friends or a chance to enjoy small delicacies without feeling guilty. This month the marketing team (Jennifer and Tara) stepped away from our desks and enjoyed an afternoon full of conversation and stories with friends and visitors of Port Ludlow.


This month’s first course included Chef Dave’s orange marmalade and creme fraiche paired with a plum spiced tea (herbed tea of cinnamon, ginger and spices with a smooth plum finish). The flavors of both the tea and biscuit blended in unison to create a taste that reminded us all of fall. Chef even offered to share his recipe for the orange marmalade with our guests.

Our finger sandwiches included: lox and cream cheese croissants, cucumber and dill on white bread, caprese on a honey wheat bread and egg salad on a french bread. This course was paired with a Paris Gold Black Tea–the perfect balance of sweetness with four different black teas, a vanilla aroma and hints of caramel.

Green tea with lemongrass and coconut was our final tea of the afternoon. Desserts included mini creme brulee (our favorite), pineapple curd pastries with powdered sugar–the best one to pair with the tea, chocolate and hazelnut dipped strawberries and a lemon pudding tart. The best part was that you could sample each of these perfectly sized “tastings”.

If you have had the opportunity to enjoy Wild Sage Tea what was your favorite blend? Perhaps we can add it to our next menu!
We love sharing these memories with our readers and hope that you’ll join us for a future afternoon tea. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 360.437.7412. The next tea is Tuesday, June 17 and we hope to see you there. 
Easter Brunch at The Fireside

Sometimes we can tell a much better story with pictures than we can with words. Brunch at The Fireside, especially on Easter is one of those occasions where we wish there was such thing as scratch and sniff on our computer screens. The spread was phenomenal and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon with all of you!

Trust me, it was as good as it looks! The good news is that you don’t have to wait until next year to join us for such a delicious afternoon. We’re rolling out the red carpet for our Mother’s Day brunch and can’t wait to indulge again! Join us on Sunday May 11th from 11am to 3pm. 
Brunch will include your choice of entree: prime beef hash, eggs benedict, french toast, all american, steak au poivre, grilled steelhead, kobe beef prime rib and a FULL buffet including: fresh pastries, fruit, salads, Dungeness Crabs, fresh shucked oysters, Steelhead lox, Manila clams, Penn Cove Mussels AND if you save room a dessert station!
Reservations are highly encouraged– 360.437.7412
Treat mom to a special afternoon with us! 
     

aMaurice Winemaker Dinner

     What an incredible event this was! We were thrilled to host aMaurice to The Resort for a fun-filled evening of wine and food. Six courses PERFECTLY paired with a delicious wine–what more could we ask for?

The tables were set with beautiful poems at every seat 
I miss the smell of your Viognier I long for a taste of your Toby I was caught with your Chardonnay on my lips I dream about your Syrah/Grenache I crave your Malbec I have been seduced By your Night Owl Love, Anne
The Menu:
Amuse Bouche
Country Natural Beef Tartar
Paned Amore Crostini, Mustard Vinaigrette
2008 Toby

Soup
DharmaRidge Yukon Gold Potato and
Nuskes Apple-wood Smoked Bacon
2009 Malbec

Fish
Wild White Shrimp Stuffed with Northwest Dungeness Crab
2009 Chardonnay

Meat
Kobe Beef NewYork
Vert d Madagascar, House Demi, Oregon Bleu Cheese
2009 Night Owl


Refresher
SpringRainGreens with Sherry Vinaigrette
2011 Viognier

Dessert
Theos Chocolate Souffle with Tart Fruit Coulis
2008 Syrah-Grenache

The event couldn’t have been possible without our excellent team, pictured below
     We were proud to host such a great room full of people who genuinely enjoyed excellent wine, food and conversation and we can’t wait to do it again! If you’re feeling like you missed out there is still a chance to join us at our NEWLY announced winemaker dinner with Januik Winery on June 29th at 6pm! 
Tickets can be found online at  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/660252
     Keep you eyes peeled for upcoming contest posts and you too could join us for FREE at our next event. 
Below is the photo of our winners from this event with their Doritos and Bottle of Wine: 
Rosé surprisingly pairs well with Cool Ranch Doritos. 
Does wine always have to be with a fancy meal?.” 
     We had to surprise them with a takeaway of their favorites!
Cheers!

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