Lummi Island, Washington is my favorite place on planet earth. That is a bold statement, and yes I might be biased. I was born and raised on Lummi Island, and it was my home for over 18 years. My parents still live on Lummi Island today and we make many trips there every year to visit family and friends.
Visiting Lummi Island can be memorable weekend getaway, but there are some important things to know ahead of time. From how to deal with the ferry, to where to stay and what to do- there are so many little hidden gems of information that you would only be able to gather from a local. Enter, Aleesha.
Ok so maybe I'm not considered a local anymore, but I still FEEL LIKE IT and know my parent's book number at the islander* so I think that counts for something. My parents moved to Lummi Island almost 40 years ago and I was born in my house on the island! I know every road like the lines in my hand and it is a very special place. But like the quote goes...Along with special places comes great responsibility...wait...er something like that. Anyway, Lummi Island is unlike anywhere I've ever been and I love sharing some of the special parts of the island with others, but it is also a very unique place that I want to hide away from people forever. It's already been discovered through the popularity of the Willows Inn restaurant, so I figure I might as well share about how to visit while still being respectful to the land and how not to piss off the locals. But if you see my parents, make sure you say hi 🙂
*The book is an accounting system at the little islander store where locals can keep a balance (or go into the red) and as kids we used to load up on candy and snacks and charge "the book" after school and before walking back (solo of course) to the boys and girls club at a tender age of 8.
Lummi Island is home. Even after 15+ years, it still feels like "home" to me. Though, I've noticed these days the power outages and big storms tend to scare me a little bit more now that I've lived with the luxury of the city for more than a decade. Sometimes I think I'd trade delivery pizza for the open views of the sea and the slow pace of island life...
What to do on Lummi Island:
Full Bloom Farm
Visit my friends at Full Bloom Farm for their Farm Stand and flower gardens during the Spring-December months. Fresh eggs and produce are kept at the stand along with local imported goodies. It's a must stop
Saturday Farmers Market at the Islander Field
Stop by and see what's going on at the Islander Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in the summer.
Go to the beach
Unless you are staying at a rental house with direct beach access I do not recommend walking down to the beach or accessing the beach via any unmarked trails or houses. Islanders are friendly, but not when you trespass on their property. Period.
But! "The Church" beach is a great option if you are visiting. There is an easy path and a parking lot to park in. The beach can be accessed easily from the path behind the Lummi Island Congregational church. Which is the only church building on the island.
Artist Tours on holiday weekends
There are often artist tours scheduled for holiday weekends in the summer like Memorial day, Labor Day, etc. Maybe 4th of July? 4th of July is always packed on the island so I can't remember if they also do an artist tour. 4th of July is also usually the community's Pancake Breakfast held at the grange and the annual rummage sale which is a MUST.
Visit the library and book barn
I am also biased because I used to work at the library, but I truly think the island library is the cutest and best library in the world. It's had a major remodel since I've worked there, but it's always a great place to stop by and visit and my kids love hanging in the kids room whenever we go. We always have to peel them away 🙂 During the summer, they open up the book barn for their 2nd hand book sale. It's also a place we have to literally peel our kids away from and we always find some great books for the entire family!
Take a hike at the Otto or Baker Preserve and research the Lummi Island Heritage Trust
Where to stay on Lummi Island
Check out Stay and Sea Lummi to find beautiful rentals! There are also a few places listed on airbnb and VRBO including the apartment at Full Bloom Farm!
What to eat on Lummi Island
There are not a whole lot of options for food on the island so my number one piece of advice is to make sure that you stop at a grocery store before you come out to the island and know what you are getting yourself into!
The Beach Store Cafe is open and under new ownership - I've heard great things!
The Islander has backups but it is like a super expensive mart with a total hit or miss inventory. Sometimes things are stocked up and sometimes not so much.
The Willows is no longer....yikes.
What not to do:
Do not cut anyone off in the ferry line, and do turn off your car while you wait
Don't trespass on anyone's property, beach, private road, etc. This is a must.
Don't be loud and obnoxious on the beach or in other public areas.
Do not drive over 25MPH, go slow, give a LOT of room when there are pedestrians, like go into the other lane - lots of room.
What to know about the ferry:
Always check the ferry schedules before going and know that if there are lots of cars lined up, you are not guaranteed a spot on the ferry. It is first come, first serve and there are no reservations made ahead of time.
Unless you are a frequent visitor, you will likely need to pay for a single passage across the ferry. Fares are ROUND TRIP and you only pay on the route from the mainland TO the island. Fares are about to increase so double check rates before you go if you are curious but right now it's about $22 for a car, driver, and adult passenger. Cards are accepted, no cash
Lines can be very long (multi hours!) in the summertime so plan accordingly. There are spaces to park your car and walk across if you are meeting folks on the other side or can walk to your rental nearby if you are staying.
Have you ever been to Lummi Island? What did you do? Or come hope over to my dm's in IG and let's chat about your upcoming trip to the island if you're planning something 🙂
