One of my husband’s and my favorite Valentine’s Day ideas is to forgo the gifts and pool our resources into planning a getaway to reconnect.
Quick escapes are also an excellent option if you are busy at work or with the grandkids. Our state is so diverse when it comes to climate and landscape, there are so many destinations which will suit every type of traveler! From mountains and beachfront retreats to small towns rich with history, here are our top four picks for a couples trip this February.
Alderbrook Resort and Spa – Union
This sophisticated resort, situated along Hood Canal, is the idyllic location for a romantic couple’s escape. The hotel features luxurious lodge rooms in the main building, along with cozy cottages which offer more privacy. Accommodations offer comfortable beds with high thread count linens, spacious bathrooms, and a cozy sitting area. Upgraded rooms have fireplaces and spectacular views. The hotel offers a saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art spa, and a high-end restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Book a couples massage at the spa where you and your partner can unwind and relax after a day of hiking at the nearby nature trails across from the hotel. Book reservations at The Restaurant at Alderbrook, where you can enjoy fresh local oysters and seafood. The menu is diverse and can accommodate vegan and gluten-free options. A five-minute drive takes you to the adorable Union City Market, which features gifts, grocery essentials, along with a menu of seafood selections to eat as you snuggle up and enjoy water views.
Eritage Resort – Walla Walla
Take a picturesque getaway to Walla Walla wine country in the southeastern part of the state. Stay at the stunning Eritage Resort, which is a mere 10-minute drive to downtown Walla Walla, where you’ll find lots of shopping and dining options. Set amid rolling hills and built around a peaceful man-made lake, the resort sets the stage for romance. Luxuriously appointed suites open to a back patio with views of the Blue Mountains. The resort’s restaurant serves breakfast and offers a fanciful dinner, which is inspired by local and sustainable farmers and purveyors.
If you’re into history, make your way over to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, where the 1847 massacre that took place played an integral role in America’s westward expansion. Begin at the visitor center where you can take a self-guided tour that includes trails to the Mission House, the Great Grave, the Whitman Memorial and the reconstructed Oregon Trail Ruts.
For a mouth-watering lunch, stop by TMACS, where Executive Chef Jose Meza’s creative plates will leave you wanting more. The restaurant’s inventive craft bar serves up expertly crafted cocktails to match your mood. For dinner, Walla Walla Steak Co. is an excellent option with award winning fare along with a rotating list of dessert offerings.
Spend some time outdoors on a stroll with your loved one at Bennington Lake, a popular spot for hiking, jogging, and birdwatching.
Whidbey Moon Landing – Coupeville on Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island sits just to the north of Seattle and is easily accessible by ferry. It’s one of the longest islands in the United States, stretching about 40 miles. Best known as the film location of the 1998 classic Practical Magic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Coupeville is a hidden gem for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Book a couple of nights at this unique Vacasa vacation rental, which is a circular structure, offering expansive 180-degree vistas. There’s a second building or bunk house, connected by a dining patio. It’s perfect for couples craving more space. The property also features a full kitchen, hot tub, and gorgeous wraparound deck. Centrally located, you’ll find the Coupeville Ferry Terminal about a six-mile drive away, along with plenty of parks and beaches worth exploring nearby. Lace up your trail shoes and hike Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve with your loved one. The beautiful reserve sits along Puget Sound with more than 30 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels. You can also meander along the oceanfront looking for seashells and sea glass – it’s a very walkable beach with compact sand. Don’t miss the 30-minute drive to Deception Pass, a popular attraction with plenty of trails and several beaches for exploring.
For delicious restaurant options, check out Molka Xete, which serves casual Mexican food. If you have a hankering for gold old-fashioned barbeque, make the 20-minute drive to Oak Harbor, where you’ll find Orlando’s BBQ, some of the tastiest selections in the Pacific Northwest! Portions are huge and prices are reasonable.
The Inn at Pleasant Beach – Bainbridge Island
Snag a suite at The Inn at Pleasant Beach where you’ll be immersed in the convenience of Pleasant Beach Village with its bustling shops and restaurants. Rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, some feature private decks with views of the village. As a guest, you’ll have access to the pool from the end of May through mid-September, book a tasting at Earth and Vine, which is steps away from the inn. The wine bar offers a diverse selection of red and white wines, with discounts on select weeknights. For diner, Joe’s Restaurant offers casual fare such as chicken wings, artisan pizzas, and salads. I highly recommend their kale salad, which is a blend of hearty and healthy!
Take a short drive to Bainbridge’s Historic Main Street, which is lined with boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries. Visit BIMA, or Bainbridge Museum of Art, which offers free admission seven days a week. The museum features seasonal exhibits that focus on the Puget Sound region. Additionally, they host educational and social events throughout the month. Battle Point Park, spanning 40 acres, is a great spot for enjoying a walk. The former naval radio station offers hiking trails, pickleball courts, and picnic tables.
