So imagine you’ve been exiled from Los Angeles by your stepfather because you threw a totally illegal party at a rooftop pool after getting dumped by your boyfriend of three weeks. The night ends with helicopters, fireworks and your arrest. Outrageous right? You were only looking to have a good time after feeling so shitty. 

Instead, you’re banished to a backwater town at the edge of nowhere (the Pacific Northwest to be precise) to think about your actions. It just so happens that this is the town your late father is from. You haven’t been back since he died as it’s far too painful for your mother to bear. However you have been left with a bar and the apartment above it. 

This can’t be too hard. A few months to prove to your stepdad that you’re not a total airhead. Thank god your angel of a sister is coming with you because once you spot the tallest, muscliest, beard-sporting, beanie wearing, most gorgeous man you’ve ever laid eyes on, you’re screwed right? 

Tessa Bailey’s It Happened One Summer takes us to the town of Westport Washington. Famous for fishing and crabbing, this quaint little town is a complete contrast to the luxury materialist lifestyle that Piper Bellinger was used to in Bel-Air. 

When it’s time to decide what she wants out of life, who will Piper choose to be? Is there really a home for her in Westport when everything about her feels out of place? 

Westport, Washington is a small fishing town on the Pacific Northwest but welcomes tourists too. I’ve laid out the ultimate highlights for a trip to this quaint little town with a few nods to our Bellinger sisters.

Day One: Arrive in Westport Washington

After arriving in Westport and settling in at your hotel – or forgotten apartment if you’re our FMC Piper Bellinger – head out to the Westport Winery. As our MMC Brendan Taggart suggests, it is the perfect first stop on a tour of Westport and is a perfect location for some instagram selfies. But remember to enjoy the moment too.

This is a winery afterall so there may not be much to do after chugging back a few wines. Enjoy the evening and chill.

Day Two: Westport, Washington

The town of Westport, Washington may be small but there is still an abundance of activities to do – depending on the time of year. 

In the morning, grab a coffee and head for a stroll around the Fisherman’s BoardWalk Pier. It’ll give you a chance to check out the boats in the marina. Now, this is a small town, so from here, you can walk around the shops to find some nautical themed souvenirs. Props to anyone who finds a It Happened One Summer book.

Whilst you’re in this end of town, head to the Maritime Museum. It houses the Destruction Island Lens (a huge lighthouse lens) which operated for over 100 years. The museum also has historical exhibits on shipwrecks in the area, rescue operations, and the whaling and fishing industries.

Sticking to the marina, you may be lucky enough to spot some Sea Lions sunbathing (if the sun makes an appearance) on the pontoons. These are huge and dangerous animals so best to keep your distance. They are oddly cute though with their long whiskers. 

Once you’ve had your fill of the marina, head to the Westport Light State Park and go up Grays Harbor Lighthouse. Whilst it isn’t exactly the same on the cover of It Happened One Summer, it’s still super cute. 

There is also a 1.3 mile walking trail around the park which you can do if the weather holds out. 

Day Three: Crabbing

Today you can channel your inner Captain Brendan Taggart and Fox Thornton by crabbing at the marina. Whilst not quite the same as being out at sea for days on end, hauling your own crab is maybe more fun than weeks away from your Piper or Hannah Bellinger.

You can rent equipment and get your license from businesses in the marina as well as the bait of course. 

If you are interested in getting the full Brendan Taggart experience, you can do a chartered fishing day. There are day trips for Rockfish, Cod, Salmon, Halibut and Tuna. Take your pick. Different fish have different limits on how many each person can catch. It’s likely this will be a full day event so get those sea legs ready. 

More information can be found about charting fishing boats on the Westport website.

Extra: Seasonal Activities in Westport

Razor Clam Digging – as far as I can tell, there are set dates that you can dig for Razor Clams at low tide. According to the Washington Gov website, there can be as many as 1000 diggers along a mile stretch. You will need some specialist equiptment to get these clams so be sure to plan ahead.

King Tides – Extremely large (20+ foot) waves crashing into the marina causing absolute carnage. There is a viewing tower that you can view the waves from but you have to get up it first. The waves carry debris with them, so you must be careful whilst watching. The Westport website gives dates you can anticipate these King Tides.

Day Four and Five: Seattle

OK, OK, this trip is not just a visit to Westport. In the book Fox hypothetically says that if he were to want to date Hannah, he would take her to Seattle to the vinyl expo. Brendan then pulls rank and forces Fox to come to Seattle so he can spend some quality time (and quality money) on Piper, whilst Fox and Hannah attend the expo. 

Whilst in the city, the foursome don’t do much sightseeing. Piper and Hannah get waxes – much to Brendan’s joy (regarding Piper of course) and then he takes her shopping  because – in his own words – spoiling her makes his dick hard. SWOON. 

We love a man that spoils his girl, especially when his love language is quality time which our Brendan’s is. 

So for Seattle – find yourself an outrageously hot fisherman in Westport, let him take you to Seattle and spend ALL THE MONEY. 

Alternatively, here are some Seattle attractions in case you haven’t got yourself a ridiculously hot, rich and loving fisherman:

Seattle Space Needle – Our man loves being at sea level so it would be interesting to see how he copes at such a height. 

Chihuly Garden and Glass – incredible colorful glass creations infused with the gardens. These are stunning. 

Museum of Pop Culture – a contemporary museum that showcases everything popular culture has to offer.

Seattle Aquarium – As if our foursome don’t see enough fish in Westport, perhaps just observing might be a fun activity. They even have otters!

Or if you want out of the city for a day, consider these day trips:

Whale Watching – potentially see orcas, humpback, gray and minke whales. 

Snoqualmie Falls – just a thirty minute drive from Seattle, these waterfalls are worth the excursion.

Day Six – Head Home

As always here is the spreadsheet for It Happened One Summer – Westport. 

I hope you enjoy the book themed travel itineraries – they are so much fun to research and create.

For more book inspired itineraries – check out my Ana Huang inspired series: