There are lots of couples out there who can’t wait for school to get started again.
I’m not super proud to be one of them but, if you have kids, I’m sure you can commiserate.
If you can’t relate, maybe this story will help.
Last summer my wife and I planned a romantic getaway at Salish Lodge in Washington State. We found a babysitter for the weekend, mortgaged our house to pay for our rooms, and packed our bags.
But when we got there, ready for relaxation, there were children running literally everywhere. Apparently, the parents who didn’t get babysitters just brought their kids with them with the idea that they could roam free (or that other travelers would baby sit them for free…)
However, now that school is back in, the idea of a romantic getaway is back on the table.
So, if you’re in the same boat (or any other romantic boat) here are my top 5 romantic getaways in Washington State. Whether you’re looking to kindle a new flame, feed an already roaring fire, or blow on some old embers, one of these is sure to be exactly what your relationship needs!
5 Best Romantic Getaways For Couples In Washington
1. Salish Lodge
Possibly the most romantic location in all of Washington state is Salish Lodge which sits at the top of an other-worldly waterfall.
To makes things even better, the Salish is less than an hour east of Seattle on Interstate 90.
The falls are actually 100 feet higher than Niagara so it’s no wonder that people are impressed. This natural water-and-light show attracts 1.5 million awe-struck visitors every year.
Nearby is the Salish Lodge, which always ranks highly among quality hotels in the U.S. The lodge opened in 1913. Today you’ll enjoy spacious rooms, massive king beds, and real fireplaces. Balconies and window seats complete a theme of casual luxury in this peaceful alpine setting.
The lodge also is known for its spectacular breakfast. It is all organic and prepared by a gifted chef and staff that have made the day’s first meal nothing less than magical. You’ll want to order the restaurant’s famous four-course breakfast and enjoy it in a window seat overlooking the spectacular falls.
2. Sun Mountain Lodge
One great place to have Couples Getaway is Sun Mountain Lodge near Winthrop in North Central Washington. Your room at the lodge will give you a birds-eye view of the beautiful scenery in this part of the state.
The lodge ambiance is a big part of the attraction. Picture in your mind a Northwest mountain lodge and you will and will see something pretty close to Sun Mountain Lodge. Lots of logs and stone were used in the construction, and the design incorporates huge windows to take full advantage of the lodge’s biggest asset: its view.
The lodge has been around for a few decades but there have been frequent updates. The room amenities are what you would expect from a luxury hotel. For example, the Dining Room is sure to impress you. It has a 5,000-bottle wine cellar and has received the Four Diamond Award from Triple-A for more than 20 years.
3. Glamping
Destiny Ridge Vineyard and Alexandria Nicole Cellars offer glamping — in other words, glamorous camping. They have what they call Tiny House glamping. These 400-square-foot houses are in the middle of the vineyard situated all by themselves. They each have great views, a deck, and even wine on tap depending on which house you rent.
They’re quite simply appointed — a mini-fridge, a gas stove, and a few amenities such as a French press for your morning coffee. The object here is to enjoy a quiet respite with your significant other in surroundings that are beautiful and quite romantic.
The tiny houses are located in Paterson, Washington, near the Columbia Gorge.
4. Stehekin
If quiet seclusion is what you’re looking for, a great option is to plan a trip to Stehekin in North Central Washington. Stehekin is a tiny village at the northwest end of the 55-mile-long Lake Chelan. It’s a mecca for people who love the outdoors.
You get there by boat or floatplane — there are no roads to Stehekin, although there are some roads the locals use in and around the area. You can cruise to Stehekin by boarding the Lady of the Lake in Chelan. A few hours later you’ll be in the heart of the North Cascades.
You’ll be able to stay overnight at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin, which features accommodations and dining for people who want to spend some time in this remote village. Nearby are lots of trails for you and your Significant Other to take even further into the wilderness, as well as fishing, horseback riding, and other activities.
5. Boatyard Inn
The Boatyard Inn is a lodging that looks like an old boatyard and is right on the water near Langley on South Whidbey Island. The ferries run every half hour from Mukilteo to Clinton, at the southern tip of Whidbey Island and from there, it’s a short drive to Langley.
Langley is a charming and very small town. With its historic main street and eclectic shops, it’s no surprise that this little berg is a magnet for artists and people who feel a rejuvenation of the spirit. The views across Saratoga Passage are breathtaking, both from downtown and from the Boatyard Inn.
The Boatyard is a unique and comfortable place to stay located on the water just a quarter mile or so from downtown. The studio suites are ideal for couples. With their high ceilings, these rooms seem more spacious than most and feature updated furnishings, top to bottom.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Washington State is one of the most romantic places in the United States. You have great dining in Seattle, all kinds of places to escape from the city, and just about every activity you could imagine.
So choose a spot to stay and start planning a getaway for you and that special someone! Or just yourself, that’s cool too.