Modern Oceanfront Hotel with Local, Sustainable Ethic
Masses of gnarled driftwood typically wash up along the shore of the Long Beach Peninsula, each hunk bleached by salt and smoothed by waves. Nearby, Adrift Hotel and Spa rises from the southern tip of the oceanfront boardwalk, appearing as if it might’ve just lazily washed up on the beach before deciding to stop and permanently admire the view. But when viewed up close, to the attention to detail can clearly be seen at the hotel, with recently renovated, eco-friendly décor that highlights the beauty of natural and reclaimed objects. In the lobby, rough-hewn wooden crates reassemble into shelves and coffee tables, and dangling energy-efficient light bulbs lend an industrial-chic vibe.
Sustainability is more than just a design concept here: the hotel stocks complimentary beach cruiser bikes and relies on various green and local products, including the goodies in the included welcome package. Among the locavore offerings inside are vegan truffles in varieties such as espresso and salted caramel as well as regional beverages such as an 8.8% ABV black stout or a full-bodied red wine. In accommodations such as the basic single queen room, unpolished wood furnishings and black-and-white landscape prints continue the modern, minimalist aesthetic.
In the evening, a four-course prix fixe dinner at The Depot Restaurant (included in some deal packages) lays out a sampling of award-winning fare, such as chowder made from prized local razor clams, and is set amid a repurposed former train station. The next morning, instead of flossing with celery strings, cultivate a healthy regimen with the breakfast basket, which arranges scones, fresh fruit, and organic yogurt in a convenient package so it can be toted along to nearby sand dunes for a sunrise picnic.
Long Beach, Washington: Historical, Family-Friendly Pacific Coast
The winter months form the quiet season of Long Beach Peninsula. Although it's chilly—average temperatures are in the 40s—crowds gather for a number of government-approved recreational clamming dates, taking to slick seaside sands to dig for fresh razor clams. Outside of clamming season, gallivanters can trawl the shoreline for gleaming oyster shells and pearl necklaces from a retired mermaid’s estate sale. Come spring, warmer weather brings out swarms of colorful kites, a favorite local pastime documented at the nearbyWorld Kite Museum.
In 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition came to the area at the end of a transcontinental adventure; with the sight of the ocean, Clark noted in his journal that there was a "Great joy in camp." Today, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center overlooks the same vista from a 200-foot cliff, accompanied by interpretive panels, films, and reprinted sketches from the expedition itself.
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