Travel Back To The 50s With This Vintage Lodge Of Private Cabins, Vintage Travel Trailers, Suits And Campsites
A younger generation of RVers have appeared in Long Beach, Washington...a culturally diverse group of artists, musicians, free-thinkers, nature enthusiasts...hipsters, one might say. They're all flocking to the Sou'Wester, a “hodgepodge” of private cabins, vintage travel trailers and campsites that offer live music, wellness classes and art workshops among others.
In fact, this past summer there were yoga and meditation workshops, classes on health and wellness, ones about nature (like identifying mushrooms)...art. “Summer Camp For Adults” offered 39 artist-led workshops, where guests learned to paint, draw and create.
The Sou'Wester, in congruence, has become its own little community, complete with micro-businesses, including an honor system store and a thrift shop. “The place is a counter culture of sorts,” noted Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau marketing communications coordinator Drew Foster. “In the RV world there's been a bit of a resurgence and this place really taps into that. It appeals to a more younger, modern traveler. You don't just pull up your RV and gather around your own campground. There are so many communal areas where people can listen to music, play horseshoes...[even] have a BBQ.”
While many view RV'ing as a way to escape from the world and have some alone time, the Sou'Wester was actually created as a way to bring people together. The Atkins founded the resort 32 years ago when they started collecting vintage RV's in the 1980s. The Bohemian-fueled, eccentric academics were into the idea that these mobile homes from the 50s and early 60s represented the mobile home culture of the 50s...a “great utopian ideal of Democratization,” according to owner Thandi Rosenbaum, who purchased the land four years ago.
“It was one of those things where you jump first, ask questions later,” she explains, noting that she had been enchanted with the property and its concept. “I'm into all of that kind of stuff. I think it's important to have a holistic take on life, no matter what you're doing. It's good to have some creative expression...some self care...and I'm specifically drawn to the vintage trailers myself. They're really cute and I've enjoyed working on...and renovating them.”
While there are suites in the communal lodge as well as camping areas with outdoor kitchens and fish cleaning stations and 20 RV hookups, the best way to stay at the Sou'Wester is in the fleet of 17 vintage travel trailers on the property, which are rented out nightly.
While the RV's have been renovated, it was important to Rosenbaum that they stay authentic, never losing their vintage qualities. Old linoliem floors are replaced. They search for old appliances – like record players – to decorate the RVs with but they make sure all the systems are rewired and running. An overnight stay in one of the RV's becomes like traveling back in time.
“Many of our Trailer Blaze Ladies Comics Residency residents stay in these beautiful, decked out, kitschy trailers with unique bedspreads and curtains, record players, neat touches in décor that make staying there so much fun,” said Short Run co-founder Kelly Froh. Short Run is a small arts organization out of Seattle that focuses on celebrating and promoting indie comix and self-published, small press and handmade books. “Each trailer has a unique set of vintage dishes...sometimes even a cool tea kettle. The patterns on the bedspreads and curtains are ones you just won't see anymore. The number one thing for our artists is the solitude of having a trailer to themselves...a creative space to work. [Here at Sou'Wester] they know they're surrounded by other creative people.”
It's this unique atmosphere that has attracted hipsters, “who have an across the board appreciation for vintage,” explains Foster. “The place just attracts people that identify with that vintage lifestyle.” The funky and eclectic scene has pulled in visitors from Portland, Oregon and other nearby cities, creating even more revenue and diversity for Long Beach.
According to Foster, the Sou'Wester often invites the community in for many hands-on activities and programs including decorating bikes and community parades. Live music is also free and open to the public.
“We attended a concert held in the Lodge and [a lot] of townspeople came to it,” continues Froh. “Everyone was super welcoming. The people staying there were so nice. Many were artists or creative people plus a few families. There were a lot of flannel shirts, beards, and men and women with rolled up sleeves. I described it to someone as 'peninsula life,' which is not city life. City life is what many of us were trying to escape.”
Despite being a huge part of Long Beach, the Sou'Wester has been able to remain its own community as well, focused on bringing together through art and wellness. Solitude is a huge part of Sou'Wester's appeal. While everyone – including the staff and guests – are friendly and open, most people feel they are left to relax and get inspired without interruption. Froh says Short Run picked Sou'Wester also because of its close proximity to Seattle. “While there you feel really far away from the city, despite being a five minute walk from Long Beach.”
While the trailers evoke nostalgia and the atmosphere may remind some of the hippie communes in the 60s, the Sou'Wester remains forward thinking and modern, making RV'ing exciting for a younger generation.
Olivia Richman
A graduate of East Connecticut State University in Journalism, Olivia has written for Stonebridge Press & Antiques Marketplace among others. She enjoys writing, running and video games.
Make Sure To Stay At:
The Sou'Wester, located minutes from the surf and less than 15 miles from Astoria, in historic Seaview on the Long Beach Peninsula. Indulge in our Spa. Borrow a bike to explore the peninsula.