Westfalia: the designation of various specially converted Volkswagen camper vans.
Kicking off the spring camping season, a little early…
What better way to celebrate women’s day than with a whole weekend of fun-filled road trip adventure? This was the kind of adventure that left me speechless after walking the creaky halls of the Quinault Lodge, revived after hiking through snow-covered trails in the fern-filled forest, and amazed that I got a little sunburnt on the beach, in March.
As the Adventure Coordinator at PacWesty, I send most of our VW Camper Van renters out to places that I truly love. Westport has made my list, joining Hobuck, Salt Creek, Kalaloch, Second beach, and many more coastal wonders. I am so thankful to have the privilege to explore these incredible places, just a hop skip and a jump from my hometown on Bainbridge Island.
Support the locals, anywhere and always.
Not only does supporting small-town local shops keep businesses afloat through the winter, it also opens a curtain into unique cultural vibes. Every town has character, collectively created by the people and places who reside there.
In Westport, be sure that you stop into the “Surf Shop”. This little shop has been in business for over 20 years and has as much charm as you’d expect. Adding to the charm is a wood stove and a giant wave mural on the building. Even if you’re getting your gear from LOGE, stop in and rent the gloves and hood to complete your wetsuit ensemble here. If you’re lucky, Trista will be in, and she’ll tell you all about her bad-ass “Salty Sunday” meetup group formed by all local female surfers. Some of the ladies in this group are very dedicated and chase the best waves all the way down the California coast. Trista can also tell you pretty much anything about the ocean (and is also a yoga instructor), so it went right over our heads when we were supposed to find her at the “the second jetty over by Molokai..” Well, we can’t be as cool as the locals, but we can try.
Capt’n Jack’s coffee is all the rage with the locals and is claimed to be the best (and pretty much only) good coffee shop in town. Keep your eyes peeled for the bright green drive-through coffee shop on the left side of S Montessano St, heading north on your way out to Point Chehalis for some oceanside enjoyment. Once again, do as the locals do.
Live Outside Go Explore
If you’re headed to the coast in a PacWesty VW Camper Van, be sure that you’ve asked for the exclusive PacWesty X LOGE At The Sands discount code. Not only will you get to stay at the best place in town, but it will also probably be the most affordable option too.
LOGE is just the coolest, they combine multi-faceted offerings in the most seamless way. LOGE at The Sands is not only the best place around to camp, but it’s also a motel, hostel, surf, and bike rental shop, a cafe, a beer and wine bar, and a music venue. They’ve brought together the charm from the pre-existing Inn, with the modernity and coastal vibes of LOGE perfectly.
The nice thing about LOGE At The Sands (or really any LOGE location) is that it seems like everyone goes there with an open mind and willingness to have a community experience. You don’t have to go far to meet a friendly, smiling face. In our case, we got into camp late and was nicely “gifted” a campfire and leftover wood from the campers before us. If you’re lucky enough to see Joanie while you’re there, she’s the most accommodating, friendly person you’ll ever meet (she’ll also check you in, and serve you beer and breakfast). If you’re headed to LOGE At The Sands, don’t hesitate to bring more kitchen-friendly food, since their community kitchen is open to everyone who stays (not just for folks in the Hostel). If you’re looking for something more suitable for solitude and introverted-ness, scout out a Hipcamp or a Forest Service Road spot, tucked away from society.
A few other recommendations:
- Blackbeard’s Brewing is claimed to have the “best pizza and brews in Westport” and the locals give it a thumbs up too
- Grays Harbor Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Washington with 135 steps
- Shop ’n Kart will surprise you with some unexpected organic goodies
Do it right, and have fun
When adventuring in the PNW, it’s always a good idea to do it in a VW Camper Van and bring some cool gear along. Not only does PacWesty provide all the camping gear you’d need, but there’s also a ton of cool add-ons. If you’re on the fence about bringing your hammocks, longboards, polaroid cameras, or s’mores kits- we say go for it! Stop at Kavu before you roll out and add some new additions to your camp wardrobe. Once you put on a tye-dye “Chillba” hat and a pajama onesie to go with it from Kavu, you really can’t go wrong.
