May is for Seafood

Spring is the time to come to the coast for an amazing selection of fresh seafood! Carrying over through the winter there is still fresh Dungeness Crab, which is worth a trip to the coast on it's own merits. Several recent low tide series have moved Razor Clams to the top of everyones list for a delicious treat from the sea.

In May Halibut season opens making this month the best for getting some fresh, delicate and delectable Halibut on you table PLUS this is the best time of year for the even more rare Pacific Spot Prawns! There is nothing better than a grill full of these sweet (think lobster), succulent large prawns fished locally and delivered to the dock as fresh as possible!

Also in May, Charter Fishing is in full swing with daily trips for Ling Cod and Rockfish available for your sportfishing (and dining) pleasure. Last but not least for the fishers out there... Surf Perch fishing is HOT in May with some fish weighing in over 2 pounds! Perch is a delicate whitefish with a wonderful flavor.

So... good luck & good fishing if you are going to enjoy hooking your own dinner... or check out two GREAT options for buying fresh seafood! Both are located at the marina in Westport and even though our front street is under construction... you can still get to these wonderful markets to get your hands on the seafood you are craving!

Seafood Connection - Located on Float 8 right on the water

Merinos Seafood - Located on the corner of Nyhus and Harbor Streets.

And of course... while here why not spend a night or two in a beautiful waterfront home? Check out options at Westport Beach Escapes

Wind Power - Perfect for April

April has already had several major windstorms and the turmoil at sea has made the beach a bounty for beachcombers. Glass fishing floats have been washing up regularly and if you are out there near high tide and have the stamina to get out in the weather... you may be rewarded with a rare treasure. We're not talking about some artsy fartsy glass ball created to be dropped in the sand like easter eggs for the finding. These are the real thing... travelling from japan in the currents and washing up on our beaches after being at sea for years!

Big news is the Grayland Wind Farm nearing completion. 4 huge windmills mounted on the hills overlooking Grayland's cranberry bogs and the pacific ocean. These tremendous generators will power up to 700 homes when online and will provide an estimated $500,000 to the Coastal Community Action program which assists low income families in Grays Harbor and Pacific County. See more at GRAYLAND WIND

Don't forget... next week is clam digging, crab races,feed and derby & the Tokeland Art Festival. Why not settle into a beautiful oceanfront condominium for the week end and have a great escape? VACATION DEALS

Tasty Clams, Fast Crab and Coastal Art

April is a wonderous month on the coast for many reasons. The weather is a roller coaster of sun, rain and wind with flowers bursting from the ground and rainbows arching across the sky. Recent storms have gifted many with the ultimate beachcombers prize... a glass fishing float washed up after years at sea.

This month also brings several exciting "happenings" to the beach. The week end of April 16,17 & 18 there will be something for everyone. There will be a 3 day razor clam season starting on Friday the 16th with great minus tides in the mornings for the best digging of the year! To see more go to "Razor Clamming"

Also on the 17th & 18th will be the Annual World Class Crab Races, Derby & Feed! This popular event has live crab racing down a 6 lane track! Enter the derby, name your crab and cheer him to victory to win sweatshirts, kites and accomodations... and enjoy a delicious crab dinner too. During the week end the commercial crab fleet will be filling the marina with live crab for your fishing enjoyment... catch a tagged crab and win big bucks! See more at "Crab Festival"

Also on the 17th will be the Annual Tokeland & North Cove Artists Gallery Tour. Twenty local artists will hold open studio tours and public art displays throughout Tokeland, North Cove and Grayland. For more information contact Judith Altruda 360-267-2326

While at the coast take the time to really experience the relaxation possible by staying in a beautiful waterfront home overlooking the beach or the historic marina. Check out the SPRING SPECIALS

RARE 7 Day Razor Clam Dig

Spring always brings with it some of the most enjoyable digging of the year and this season we have a new twist that adds even more excitement on the coast. March 26th begins 7 consecutive days of digging with the first 3 digs during afternoon tides and the last 4 days are morning tides! That combination of night/day digging has not been seen on the coast before and may not be seen again... so you best come take advantage of it while you can!

The limit is still 15 per person per day and the populations are high. Grab friends, bring family and make this an unforgettable week of playing in the sand on the South Beach. Check out "Multi-Night Specials" that make your time at the coast affordable too!

If you are new to clamming... or just want a nice update CLICK HERE to link to the state's site on rules, regulations, digging and the cleaning of clams.

Tall Ships in Spring

April 9th we will be welcoming the Tall Ships Lady Washington & Hawaiian Chieftain to the Westport harbor for a 3 day visit. These beautiful vessels will offer dockside tours as well as bay sailing cruises with mock cannon battles so don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the thrill of tall ship sailing!

The Lady Washington has starred in Pirates of the Carribean films and travels the Western United Sates conducting educational cruises and tours. To see more about the Seaport and the history of the Lady Washington & sister ship the Hawaiian Chieftain CLICK HERE.

For prime Tall Ship viewing all week end long consider the luxury accomodations at The Point at Westport Harbor! Our top floor harborside homes have a stellar view of the ships as they arrive and depart on each tour and our oceanside home views the hoisting of the sails as these proud vessels take to the sea. Check out special rates for the week end at The POINT.

Fine Feathered Friends

All over the South Beach the return of shorebirds is evident. On the beach the Dunlin, Sanderling and Sandpipers are growing in numbers. Around the harbor the Pelican flocks are building and even the Raptors are seen more frequently. Typically this activity is a bit later in the Spring but everything is early this year.

The Annual Shorebird Festival held at Bowerman Basin and splilling over to the ebaches and bays of Grays Harbor is scheduled at the end of April but with this early pattern the best viewing may be well before that date! Find out more about the festival by clicking on the link above.

OR... head to the beach early and do a little "birding" on your own. Our accomodations at Westport by the Sea and Cohasset Beach are ideal for beach walking / birding and the luxury homes at The Point at Westport Harbor offer a view of Pelicans, Loons, Grebe, Cormorants, Godwit and more... right from the living room! Check available accomodations at Westport Beach Escapes and have a wonderful stay!

Thar she blows...

The gray whales have returned a month early and can be seen cruising the coastline! From the beach it is easiest to spot them in the afternoon... when the sun is behind the spray when they blow. Binoculars then come in handy as you follow them in the surfline. Soon Charters will begin conducting Whale Watching. A cruise in the bay or ocean to view these amazing creatures is an enjoyable adventure. The whales even cruise into surfing territory near the jetty (see pic).

Our recent family visit to the beach included kite flying & sand castle building with an eagle overhead and a whale playing in the surf! Why not join us soon and enjoy a beautiful waterfront condo from which to explore the coast? Westport Beach Escapes