How an article in Sunset Magazine changed our lives
Back in 2013, we came to the Olympic Peninsula for the first time. Scott's mom had been sending us Sunset Magazine for probably 10+ years in the hope that we'd relocate to California and the West Coast one day. Early in 2013, in Arlington, Virginia, I read the article and began planning a 10-day trip to the Peninsula to celebrate the Sequim Lavender Festival, and Sunset made the trip planning easy as it charted out numerous places to stay and things to see.
Our itinerary was unique as we tried to cover the entire Olympic Peninsula and Victoria, BC in our 10-day trip. We arrived mid-July and started with the Port Angeles and Sequim communities, taking full advantage of the Lavender Festival, enjoying time visiting farms and wineries as well as the downtown festival with its own music and vendors. We still have vivid memories of getting a purple lavender mojito at one of the farms and listening to a local band play summertime music. Sunny Sequim and the Olympic Mountains rain shadow delivered day after day of sunshine and blue sky.
We then made our way to Forks via Crescent Lake for a hike to Devil's Punchbowl and were able to immerse ourselves in the lush forest. From giant Pacific Sword ferns to Douglas Firs, the Sitka Spruce and many varieties of Cedars, all towering over a very thick understory…everything drew us in.
What was only supposed to be a vacation turned into the next chapter of our lives as we decided to purchase property in between Sequim and Port Angeles, on the high bluffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca toward Victoria, Canada. From 2013 to 2020 our family would visit the area during vacations. During COVID it became the perfect place to work remote. In 2020, we decided to leave the DC area and make the Olympic Peninsula our new home. A separate piece of property near our home came up for sale, and a new plan was hatched: a lavender farm and cidery. We planted 480 cider apple trees, 3,500 lavender plants, and set the foundation for the Olympic Bluffs Cidery and Lavender Farm. In 2023 an adjoining property with a Bed and Breakfast became available. For six months we remodeled the inn and rebranded it as Salt and Cedar Bed and Breakfast.
How to plan your escape?
If you are looking for an opportunity to truly relax and unwind and be swept away by Nature's beauty… Salt and Cedar B&B, collocated with Olympic Bluffs Cidery & Lavender Farm, is the perfect location. The 21-acre property is located on the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, on a bluff that overlooks the Salish Sea. The location is dreamy with views of Mount Baker to the east and a quick ferry ride to Victoria, B.C. to the north. Whether you choose to relax on the inn's property above the ocean, walk through the lavender fields, or treat yourself to a guided cider tasting, a relaxing getaway is waiting for you.
About us…
Olympic Bluffs was founded by Ginger and Scott Wierzbanowski, who found farmland years earlier on a trip to Washington State. Both are Air Force Veterans, with Ginger serving as an Intel Officer and Scott as an Air Force F-16 pilot.
We met in Korea, married in Denmark, and lived in Europe where in France we discovered Cider and Calvados. Years later our love of cider helped frame Olympic Bluffs Cidery and Lavender Farm, which has an onsite lavender shop, a cider production area, and Salt & Cedar Bed and Breakfast next door. Take in views of the ocean and the Olympic Mountain Range, walk through the orchard and lavender fields, or treat yourself to a stroll down the beach…and don't forget to enjoy a glass of cider.
