<\/a>The Captain Whidbey Inn was built as a “resort” for camping and fishing by Judge Lester Still in 1907. (Photo by Kristen Marie Parker)<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t
The new owners say they will take their time before making any major changes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“We’re going to live here for the summer and hear what the community and our customers have to say,” Mike said. “When we saw the Captain Whidbey, we could tell it definitely had been a community hub for a long time, and that’s a great legacy to build off.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
They have already hired experienced new innkeepers, Jeff and Erin Towery. (Jeff is originally from Sequim.) Next, they expect to work on improving the landscaping and refreshing the guest rooms with natural cork floors, new custom furniture, fresh paint and new beds “up to boutique hotel standards,” Eric said. Then, this winter they plan to redesign the lobby, kitchen, restaurant and bar, but those plans are still in the works.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
As millennials themselves, the new owners are aware of what their generation is seeking in experiences away from work and the city. “What we do here relates to what’s going on in Seattle with urbanism, job stress and fast-paced living,” Matt said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
And Mike added, “It’s almost a luxury these days for people and families to find a place to get away but not go far, relax and enjoy the ‘freedom’ of spotty cellphone coverage (which parts of Whidbey are famous for).”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
In other words, the new owners want to expand the demographics of the inn’s guests, which in recent years has often been mostly older adventure travelers and retired baby boomers. “We’re not looking to make this place an exclusive resort,” Eric said. “We want it to be fun and casual.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
The new owners say the refreshed Captain Whidbey may try things such as a monthly guest chef series, performances by local musicians and gatherings that mix locals with overnight guests. And it will offer space for community organizations to hold events.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“Our initial reaction is that the Captain Whidbey has become somewhat unknown,” Eric said. “We want to get the word out to visitors and reconnect with the local community.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Some of that will involve improving the inn’s website and doing more advertising and marketing. It may also involve partnering with community organizations.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
The new owners also plan to spend lot of time dreaming up other ways to enhance the experience of the historic property. “We have 6 acres to work with,” Matt said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“There is waterfront on both sides, and the place is historic and cozy. There is so much potential.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
And that potential definitely includes making better use of the inn’s dock and waterfront on Penn Cove. Kayaks and canoes might be available for guests, as well as buoys to tie up private boats.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“That’s our biggest obsession right now,” Matt said. “The other night we were standing out on the dock with a full moon shining on the cove, and it was amazing. The connection with the water is what really makes the Captain Whidbey Inn.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
________<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t