Ep. 240 "GPT takes on Bellingham, and we correct it?"

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