In this episode, AJ and Chris dig into a playful but insightful exploration: What would happen if an outsider spent a weekend in Bellingham guided solely by web searches or AI?
Fresh off a Portland conference with heavy AI themes, AJ tests what “SmackGPT” thinks a weekend in Bellingham should look like across five traveler personas: the Local Explorer, Family Adventurer, Mindful Explorer, Camper, and Lux High Roller (exact output posted below).
The gents review, refine, and sometimes hilariously correct the AI-generated recommendations, offering their hyper-local expertise on food, lodging, hikes, coffee shops, costs, and hidden gems. Along the way, Amtrak stories, camping advice, critiques of $10 gas estimates, and an update on the infamous “mics on sticks” recording setup.
It’s a mix of travel guide, tech commentary, and classic Bellingham banter all better than any bot.
🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from AJ and Chris
🤖 “SmackGPT vs Locals”
As mentioned- the output from AI (ChatGPT after a bit of conversation with the bot)
Five Ways to Spend a Weekend in Bellingham (with Estimated Costs)
With Estimated Costs for 2025
Below are five distinct ways to experience Bellingham — from hidden-gem explorers to luxe travelers — each with activity ideas and estimated weekend totals (Fri–Sun).
1. Local Explorer
Hidden gems, coffee shops, local seafood, & Baker trails
Estimated weekend cost: $400–$550 per person
Friday Evening
Check into Hotel Leo or Fairhaven Inn (~$180/night)
Coffee at Makeworth or Camber
Sunset stroll at Boulevard Park
Dinner: Rock & Rye Oyster House ($45–60)
Saturday
Coffee + breakfast at Camber ($15–25)
Drive SR 542 toward Mount Baker → stop at Nooksack Falls
Hike options: Horseshoe Bend, Yellow Aster Butte, Chain Lakes Loop
Lunch from Old World Deli (packed $12–15)
Espresso + pastry at Wake ’N Bakery
Dinner at Carnal or Keenan’s on the Pier ($40–60)
Sunday
Tony’s Coffee + brunch at Evolve ($25)
Chuckanut Drive detour & oysters at Taylor Shellfish ($30–40)
Final coffee at Lettered Streets
2. Family Adventurers (Kids 4–11)
Kid-friendly hikes, parks, treats, simple pacing
Estimated weekend cost: $600–$850 for a family of four
Friday Evening
Stay in Fairhaven Inn or Larrabee cabins (~$200/night)
Boulevard Park playground time
Dinner: Boomer’s or Colophon ($40–50 family)
Mallard Ice Cream run ($20)
Saturday
Breakfast at Evolve or Magdalena’s ($40 family)
Easy Mount Baker stops: Nooksack Falls, Horseshoe Bend (short sections)
Picnic at Silver Lake Park (snacks ~$10)
Pizza at North Fork Brewery or local family option (~$50 family)
Early evening in Fairhaven Village Green
Sunday
Crêpes at Magdalena’s ($40 family)
Short hike at Stimpson Reserve or Whatcom Falls
Boulevard Park lunch and playtime ($30 family)
Edaleen Ice Cream stop on the way home
3. Mindful Explorer (No Alcohol)
Tea houses, wellness walks, yoga, calm nature spots
Estimated weekend cost: $350–$500 per person
Friday Evening
Hotel Leo (~$160/night)
Kombucha flight at Culture Café ($10)
South Bay Trail walk
Dinner at Keenan’s or Wild Oat ($40–50)
Saturday
Gentle morning yoga at 3 Oms ($25)
Coffee at Refind or Avellino ($10)
Mindful walk at Stimpson Nature Reserve (free)
Healthy lunch at Leaf & Ladle ($12–20)
Late afternoon tea at Evolve
Sunday
Coffee + light lunch ($15–25)
Sehome Hill Arboretum lookout or Clayton Beach tidal walk
Reflection/journaling break before departure
4. The Camper
No hotels, minimal cost, full-time outdoors
Estimated weekend cost: $200–$300 per couple/person
Friday
Camp at Larrabee State Park or Silver Lake ($30–40/night)
Campfire dinner or simple takeout ($10–15)
Sunset on Larrabee cliffs
Saturday
Camp coffee + oatmeal ($5)
Mount Baker hiking day: Yellow Aster Butte or lakeside loops
Lunch from camp supplies or Wake ’N Bakery ($10)
Dinner over the fire (salmon/veggies ~$10–15)
Sunday
Pack up camp
Quick hike at Fragrance Lake or Clayton Beach
Taylor Shellfish oyster stop or casual lunch ($25–35)
5. Luxe Explorer
High-end stays, spa, private hikes, elevated local dining
Estimated weekend cost: $900–$1,400 per person
Friday
Stay at Chrysalis Inn & Spa (~$320+/night)
Welcome drink & balcony sunset
Dinner with local seafood tasting menu ($70–90)
Saturday
Brunch at Keenan’s or in-room dining ($45+)
Private driver or curated transport to Artist Point (~$150)
Optional private mountain guide (~$75 per person)
Catered picnic at a scenic viewpoint ($60+)
Dinner at a fine-dining restaurant ($90+)
Sunday
In-suite brunch ($45–60)
Spa treatment (90 min $150–200)
Scenic drive or chauffeured Chuckanut outing (~$100)
☕ Local’s Additions and Corrections
Woods Coffee (local staple)
Camber (micro-roastery)
Fenex (Bellwether )
Avellino (downtown)
Café Adagio (Chris’ all-time favorite)
Banter & Avenue Bread for breakfast/brunch lovers (with shoutout to Ben Mann art)
Boomers math checks out ish (≈$35–40 for a family)
Better lux dining: Silver Reef Steakhouse, Anthony’s, Chuckanut Bay Oyster House
Mindful dining: Leaf & Ladle, Soy House, Whole Foods Market seating area
3 Oms Yoga (accurate)
Flow Motion, Joy Pilates also solid
AI mistakenly mentions Wild Oat (closed)
Anthony’s Grill
Chuckanut Oyster House
Silver Reef Steakhouse
