a camera, a passport, a ukulele

You Need a Beach Vacation. I Have One to Give You.

June 12, 2009 – 5:24 pm | by nerd's eye view

Okay, Nerd’s Eye View, let’s tell the readers what they can win! (Cue game show music…)

That’s right, it’s time for you to take a summer trip out to the Washington Coast! There’s the Westport harbor, a lively fishing port. There are windswept rugged beaches (no, seriously, I know that sounds like florid touristy hyperbole, but check out the photo, it’s from our last trip out there!), oyster farms, cranberry bogs, and more oyster farms! There’s walking the wide swath of sand at the Grayland State Park — a great place for kites and sand castles — there are funky little coast towns, and hey, did I mention the oyster farms? There are sea birds and tidal flats and the drive out there, yeah, it’s kind of amazing, really, especially if you’re lucky enough to have sun, though I am also fond of the mystery of fog. But don’t take my word for it, you can go see for yourself, courtesy of the generous folks at Vacations By The Sea.

South Beach Coast

Let’s start with the disclaimers. Restrictions apply, dates subject to availability, the usual stuff. If you win and you schedule your stay post Labor Day, some of the attractions may be operating on limited post-summer hours or be closed for the season.You’ll need to book your stay before October 1st and holiday weeks would be excluded — that’s Labor Day and 4th of July. Finally, while I’ve been to Westport — and do NOT recommend the Mexican restaurant in town there — I’ve not been to this resort so I can’t tell you anything about it first hand. I hope to get there before summer is over, but you may see it before I do.

On to the fabulous prize, from our hostess:

We’d like to give away one of the following packages:
  • Wine, climb & dine option 1:  4 mid-week nights in one of our lovely 2 bedroom partial view or park view condos; a complimentary wine, chocolate & cheese tasting at the Westport Winery, passes for 2 to climb Washington’s tallest lighthouse (Grays Harbor Light Station aka the Westport Lighthouse) and a $100 gift certificate to the Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill.
  • Wine, climb & dine option 2:  2 week-end nights in one of our lovely 2 bedroom partial view or park view condos; a complimentary wine, chocolate & cheese tasting at the Westport Winery, passes for 2 to climb Washington’s tallest lighthouse (Grays Harbor Light Station aka the Westport Lighthouse) and a $100 gift certificate to the Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill.

Okay, how great is that? Pretty great! How do you win that package? All you have to do is leave a comment. You MUST fill out the email address form, but I won’t share that with anyone — I just need it to contact you if you’ve won. If you wanted to include a link to a fabulous beach photo or beach blog post, hey, that would be cool because I love the beach, but it’s not required. I’ll pull a winner at random on June 19th.

Good luck. And if the fates align, maybe I’ll see you at the beach!

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  1. 77 Responses to “You Need a Beach Vacation. I Have One to Give You.”

  2. By Julie Ovenell-Carter on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    And here I was just this morning saying to my husband: “We really need to take a road trip to Washington again one of these days…”!!

    Always a pleasure Ms. Nerd…

  3. By Beth Lowe on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    I’m so glad I discovered you on Twitter. I very much like your blog — the writing and the photos are really, really good.

  4. By Amber Rowland on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    Hey! I love the Washington Coast! The ocean has a mysterious way of restoring my internal balance. I have been vacationing by reading blogs about people who actually get out of thier desks. I would love to be one of those people! :)

  5. By Howlin' Hobbit on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    If I win I don’t know exactly how I’m going to get there but I surely know what I’ll do when I arrive!

    Hint: sit on the beach and play my ukulele.

    (OK. That wasn’t exactly a hint…)

  6. By Mark Manning on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    Funny, but my sweetie was just saying that she’d love to spend some time on the Washington coast this summer, and . . . .

    And whoever wins this is going to be a lucky dog. I haven’t “done” Westport really, but the whole coast is an absolute treat that anyone would enjoy.

    Good luck to everybody who leaves a comment (myself included, natch)!

    Cheers,
    TandMark

  7. By Nancy D. Brown on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    Very cool contest. If you get a chance to visit the coastal area of Charleston, Oregon, you might like this VRBO property (Vacation Rental By Owner)right above the beach.
    http://lodging.uptake.com/blog/loft-by-the-lighthouse-charleston-oregon-cape-arago-state-park.html

  8. By Rachel on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    I love the Washington coast, in many of its forms. I’d love a chance to go back. Here’s from a trip a few years ago at Beach #1:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/sallysimpleton/181443444/

    And from the Kalaloch Lodge!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/sallysimpleton/181444160/

  9. By Sarah on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    I like beaches!

  10. By trellis on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    Wake me up if I win!

  11. By Miss Expatria on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    I want to win this and gift it to a fabulous couple I know who live in the region and REALLY need a vacation.

  12. By Serena on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    I remember seeing buoy sculptures inside rusting old cars on Main Street in Westport long ago and I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since. Clam gun (and license) in hand… oh nights of fried molluscs and Washington mist… I’m there in spirit even if I don’t win…

  13. By Janet on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    I don’t have enough beaches in my life. Sure could use a little vacation!

  14. By Wendy-Escape NY on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    How could I not throw my hat in the ring. Would love to see and photograph this part of the country.

  15. By Traca | Seattle Tall Poppy on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    I could use a little get away….Like this day trip up to Taylor Shellfish. http://www.examiner.com/x-255-Seattle-Food-Examiner~y2008m8d30-Day-Trip-to-Taylor-Shellfish

  16. By Sonia on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    Mmmmm, I could *definitely* use some beachy goodness right about now!

  17. By Lori on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    Gregg and I have wonderful memories of staying in funky cabins in Grayland and getting bombarded by ladybugs on the beach (that was weird, but fun). Please enter us into the running.

  18. By marta on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    Ooohhh… a walk along the beach sounds wonderful right now. It has been about a year since I was over on the WA coast. Did a little yurt camping at Cape Disappointment and this lovely hike at Leadbetter State Park last August.

    http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/marta/archives/005483.html

  19. By malia on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    beach photos? did someone say beach photos?? i’ve got tons! (but i’d love to add some more to my collection so please pick me! pick me!) =)

    we have a new year’s tradition here on oahu in hawaii where all of my friends gather at sandy beach park on the east shore to toast the first sunrise of the year: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maliayoshioka/sets/72157612005450025/

    here’s a beautiful sunset in fiji: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maliayoshioka/2588900434/in/set-72157605676295567/

    i love the way that there are offerings everywhere in bali, even on the beach: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maliayoshioka/2451608940/in/set-72157605148628380/

    a serene moment at sunset in ko surin, thailand: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maliayoshioka/2303018371/in/set-72157604023530955/

  20. By Diane on Jun 14, 2009 | Reply

    We always enjoy stays at a beach. In our nearly 36th years of marriage we’ve stayed at several places on the southern Washington coast, have camped at various places on the coast north and south and also have stayed at places like Canon Beach on the the Oregon coast. The kite festival and sand sculpture events are great. But in winter months nothing beats a nice Hawaiian beach to escape our Washington winter weather.

    A stay at the beach for our anniversary would be wonderful!

  21. By Kelly on Jun 14, 2009 | Reply

    Can I bring my surfboard? :)

  22. By Anil on Jun 14, 2009 | Reply

    You got me! I’d love to go…

  23. By Karan on Jun 14, 2009 | Reply

    We love Westport. Taffy, salmon fishing, surfing, jetty walking…all good stuff. Take a look at the place via their web cam: http://www.westportcam.com/

  24. By Gord on Jun 14, 2009 | Reply

    Great contest! Would love to experience the Pacific Northwest.

  25. By Gregg on Jun 14, 2009 | Reply

    Not only did we stay at funky cabins in Grayland, but for several years, I would take my daughter out there for a week in the summer, when she would come to visit from Iowa. She says those are some of the best memories from her childhood.

    She’s nearly 30 now, and it’s been a long time since I’ve stayed out that way. I spent a very gloomy Christmas out there all alone the year before meeting Lori – gray, stormy, quiet … a perfect soul-searching time.

    Summer and early fall are great times to be out in that area. Maybe we’ll win?

  26. By Julie Gordon on Jun 14, 2009 | Reply

    Westport looks amazing. I would love the chance to stay at Vacations by the Sea condos.
    We have only gone to Longbeach & Ocean Park WA. Would love the chance to experience other Washington Costal towns.
    Thanks for the great giveaway.

  27. By Courtney Johnston on Jun 14, 2009 | Reply

    I want to be spend every weekend on the WA Coast. Love it.

  28. By Hydro on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    Heard great things about the WA coast. Would love to see how it compares with the OR coast.

  29. By Kris on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    We’re pondering a trip to WA in our future. Sure, I’m in – a prize like this could bring that trip closer to fruition!

  30. By Chookooloonks on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    Oh, hell yeah. I’d love this.

    Amazing giveaway!

    K.

  31. By susie on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    Yes, please!

    BTW, I love the name of your blog. Awesome.

  32. By Daiva on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    If am not going to win this I am going to throw a fit! :-)

  33. By cranky cyclist on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    I was born in Carmel by the sea. Beaches are in my blood!

  34. By CruiseJess on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    What an excellent adventure. Haven’t been to this part of the Pacific northwest, but it sounds great. Really enjoy your website and blog! Keep up the good work! ( Oh yeah, and pick me!)

  35. By Lucky19 on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    Oooh! That sounds dreamy. Well here’s a photo from Belize (oh how i miss it): http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1070757&l=f27eee18c3&id=530703774

  36. By Pam Heldenbrand on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    Love Washington – but have never seen the coast!!! It’s on my to-do list.

  37. By Karyn Johnson on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    I live in Washington, but I’m fairly new here and haven’t been to the coast yet, so this would be awesome!

  38. By MetroOwl on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    I was just talking with some friends who have either lived in the Pacific NW or recently traveled there, and every one of them raved about it, urging me to make that my next destination. I certainly hope to do that soon!

    Happy Monday!

  39. By Alisa on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    I’ve never been to the West Coast. Would be great!

  40. By Betsy on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    It’s gotta be better than Luanda, Angola where we live 10 months of the year – would love to visit REAL civilization on our time back in the States

  41. By Lara on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    I heart Washington, and the coast even more! Need a retreat from all that is Alabama…

  42. By Katie on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    I used to live on Orcas Island–would love the chance to see some more beachfront of Washington!

  43. By Kelly O on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    Hey! This sounds like a lovely vacation. :) Love the Washington coast!

  44. By Christina W. on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    Our only Washington State experience was a brief few hrs. before getting leaving for an Alaskan Cruise, It was long enough for us to realize we DEFINITELY need to return!

    For a nice lighthouse pic from out cruise check out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bellaeatsbooks/3272591384/

    Thanks,

    Christina

  45. By Selena on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    This sounds fantastic! Thank you for coordinating this contest and for spreading the word on Twitter. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I’m a winner ;)

  46. By Laura on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    This would be a wonderful excuse to grab my friends that live in the area and finally spend those days on the beach we keep talking about! Thanks!

  47. By Ann on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    We haven’t been to the coast for several years. We love it there!

  48. By nancy white on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    I never turn down the possibility of a trip to the WA coast. I’m thinking crab….

  49. By Chris Day on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    While I have lived in Florida my whole life a visit up north would be Interesting to see how the Northerners enjoy themselves.

  50. By Jenna on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    One of the few places/beaches I have yet to dig my toes into. Would be an honor.

  51. By Doug Dosdall on Jun 15, 2009 | Reply

    Been a while since I’ve commented but I’m not above taking a bribe to comment more often; let the giveaway begin!

  52. By Crystal on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

    Ooh, what a gorgeous photo and offer!

  53. By Daniel Noll on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

    Audrey and I are curious to do a compare and contrast between beaches in Central America and Washington State.

    Wishing you a good summer (even if we don’t win).

  54. By Krista Parry on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

    This new mama could use a vacation!

  55. By @chellenyc on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

    I have not ever been so far west as that! My hubby does not like the transit part but he would so love wine tasting and climbing a freaking lighthouse. It could be the first vacation we’ve ever had where he actually allowed himself to have fun…

    It is so cool that you can do stuff like this btw. Someday you must tell me your secret :)

  56. By Karen G Anderson on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

    No picture, just a story about my first ill-fated trip to the Washington Coast. Surely I deserve a second chance!

    http://web.me.com/karenand/Portfolio/Detour.html

  57. By Stretch Mark Mama on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

    I live in PDX so I’d love to win and actually USE the vacation! We’ve been in OR just under two years, but have seen the coast only once. But it was lovely. :)

  58. By Hugging the Coast on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

    Sounds truly wonderful! Count me in!

  59. By Lillian on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    This sounds lovely

  60. By Richard on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    I like it. I’m in!

  61. By James Sindt on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    WA coast in the fall? Sign me up!!!!!

  62. By Vanessa on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    Git Er Done!! ;-)

  63. By Erica on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    Wow. Awesome contest! I do need a beach vacation; would love to visit the Washington Coast.

  64. By mom2tot on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    I so need a beach vacation!

  65. By Angie on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    Wow…great contest. I would love to go to the WA and be on the beach. I so need a vacation!

  66. By Karen on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    Since I have to go to Oregon anyhow, a side trip up the coast would be lovely….

  67. By Lori in Denver on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    You have wine there, right?

  68. By Angela on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    Very cool! Having grown up nearer to the Oregon coast, I remember the exciting revelation that in Washington, you are allowed to drive your car on the beach. Right. On. The Sand. Kinda feels like eating dessert before dinner, in bed.

  69. By Knox Gadner on Jun 18, 2009 | Reply

    The beach and me are meant to be together!

  70. By TR on Jun 18, 2009 | Reply

    I’ve always wanted to get out to the West Coast!

  71. By Kelsey on Jun 18, 2009 | Reply

    My 5-month-old daughter has yet to dip a toe in the ocean. I’m wondering if her first time will be in the Atlantic or the Pacific.

    If I win, it would be the Pacific!

  72. By Corinne on Jun 18, 2009 | Reply

    I want. I want. I want…..to gooooooo! From your pix, great photo ops…

  73. By Louise Brown on Jun 19, 2009 | Reply

    Sounds like a great place to relax and write more on my blog!

    Louise Brown
    TravelPod Community Manager

  74. By Lisa Gerber on Jun 19, 2009 | Reply

    I used to live in Seattle. I miss the Washington coast!! We already have a trip over there planned in September. perfect time to extend it for a beach stay. I’m already visualizing my win.

    one other favorite beach destination? Tofino on Vancouver Island.

  75. By Estelle on Jun 19, 2009 | Reply

    oysters…mmmm..wine…mmm..cheese..mmm..chocolate….mmm, and all this at the coast. looks and sounds loverly.

  76. By Raymond Doyle on Jun 19, 2009 | Reply

    I have a stunt kite that wants a vacation at the beach!

  77. By jessiev on Jun 19, 2009 | Reply

    how fun is that? you know, we tried a mexican restaurant in the wisconsin dells that was highly recommended on chowhound. it was the WORST mexican i’ve ever eaten. cripes! but when they are good, they are REALLY good…

  78. By Jessica, WhyGo Italy on Jun 19, 2009 | Reply

    My favorite beaches are the windswept rugged kind – the kind where you might be comfortable in shorts, but where a hooded sweatshirt is also a good idea. So this sounds lovely. :)

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