submitted by Lisa Russell
Beautiful surroundings and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities make Washington State a romantic destination. In central Washington, deserts and farmland host quiet retreats, like agricultural tours and wineries. The Cascade Mountains are a cooler place where adventurous couples can enjoy skiing, hiking, camping and forest activities. On the coast, cooler temperatures and a picturesque coastline give visitors a good reason to snuggle.
Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail
The Yakima Valley is known for its wineries and 15 of them have joined forces to form the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail. It starts at the Rattlesnake Hills winery. Ask for a complementary tour of the vineyards and stroll hand in hand while you learn about the wine making process from start to finish. Afterwards, follow the wine trail map through the sunny Yakima Valley to visit each winery. The winding country roads and charming scenery make for a relaxing day with plenty of opportunities for conversation. Wine tasting is available at each winery and most also have gift shops, a cafe, fresh local produce and gourmet grocery items. The Yakima area is east of the Cascade mountains, meaning it’s sunny almost all year-round, a stark contrast to the west side of the mountains, which is notorious for its rain. Lodging packages are available on the Rattlesnake Hills website and some wineries offer guest cottages for overnight stays.
Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail
P.O. Box 1825
Zillah, WA 98953
509-965-4521
rattlesnakehills.com
Friday Harbor
A charming little town located on San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is accessible by ferry, personal watercraft or plane. Small, artsy shops, galleries, museums and restaurants occupy the downtown area, while the interior of the island is mainly organic farms and ranches. Stroll together in and out of the shops, pick up mementos and enjoy the ocean breezes while dining at an outdoor cafe. From mid May through October, Orca whales migrate through the area and can be seen from the shore or, more certainly from one of several boat excursions. There’s a bicycle rental in Friday Harbor for couples who prefer to explore the island by bike. On the opposite side of the island, less than ten miles away, Roche Harbor has an old-fashioned boardwalk with a gift shop and an ice cream parlor. A grassy lawn adjacent to the harbor is a lovely backdrop for a romantic picnic. Also at Roche harbor, adventurous couples may want to try their hand at sea kayaking. Kayak rentals and instruction are available at the marina. The Highland Inn at Friday Harbor is a quiet bed & breakfast that overlooks the sea for prime whale watching. Every morning a full gourmet breakfast is served.
Highland Inn
P.O. Box 135
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-378-9450
highlandinn.com
Salish Lodge and Spa
The Washington Salish Lodge and Spa is located in the scenic Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. This region has thousands of places to lay a picnic blanket, sneak a kiss behind the trees or take an impromptu dip, with over 700 lakes and a host of beautiful waterfalls to delight hikers and picnickers. The breathtaking Snoqualmie falls is 270 feet tall and has an observation bridge, a salmon ladder and interpretive signs that help visitors understand how hydro-power generates electricity. The surrounding hills are great for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding in the warmer months. In the winter, Alpental Ski Resort opens and visitors enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and inner tubes. The Salish Lodge, overlooks the river, just above the falls and provides guests with luxury rooms with romantic over-sized, jetted tubs and wood-burning fireplaces. The lodge has 2 restaurants and a spa.
Salish Lodge and Spa
6501 Railroad Ave SE
Snoqualmie, Washington
425-888-2556
salishlodge.com
