ADD SPICE TO YOUR DAY LESS THAN TWO HOURS AWAY
The season of love doesn’t end on Feb. 14 — at these romantic spots, you and your significant other can turn any day into Valentine’s Day.
Snoqualmie Falls
Just as New York’s Niagara Falls is a notorious honeymoon location, Snoqualmie Falls is Washington’s next best thing.
This picturesque waterfall can be enjoyed day and night for free. But be sure to bring a raincoat: the mist it emits from its raging waters can leave you soaking.
Afterwards, warm up inside the gift shop at the neighboring Salish Lodge, a luxury resort and spa where out-of-towners and locals alike can stay.
Tip: The falls, lodge and various locations throughout the greater Snoqualmie area are all filming locations of “Twin Peaks,” making this a perfect destination for fans of David Lynch’s 1990 mystery series.
The Smith Tower
Situated in downtown Seattle’s Pioneer Square, this century-old building oozes art deco. It is the oldest skyscraper in the city with all the charm to match, and for a time, was one of the tallest in the nation outside of New York.
Take one of its original elevators up to the observatory for a 360 degree view of Seattle that looks stunning around the clock, both indoors and outdoors.
This room is filled with historic Chinese decor and houses the famous Wishing Chair — which, according to legend, declares that any unmarried woman who sits in it will be married within the year.
Also featured in the observatory is a bar that serves prohibition-themed cocktails and elegant entrees.
Tip: Take your time walking through the building’s own museum on the first floor to learn about its rum-running roots in the era of flappers and speakeasies.
Historic Downtown Snohomish
This shop-lined street is a time capsule, with preserved storefronts dating back as far as the 19th century. It’s also an antique lover’s paradise: just one walk up the main drag and you’ll see why it has come to be known as the “antique capital of the Northwest.”
The town is equipped with a candy shop that serves ice cream and fudge (Snohomish Creamery & Espresso Cafe), along with restaurants like Todo Mexico, where you can enjoy satisfying Mexican fare next to a scenic view of the Snohomish river.
For the more adventurous couples out there, book a helicopter or airplane tour to a location of your choice through Snohomish Flying Service.
Suncadia
This resort’s winter activities are superb. Here, you can spend your days inner-tubing, cross-country skiing, taking sleigh rides around the grounds and more.
At night, enjoy ice skating or soaking in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow.
The historic coal mining town of Roslyn is just a short drive away, offering restaurants and groceries for all of your out-of-resort needs.
Tip: Located one hour North of Suncadia is Leavenworth, another Winter Wonderland famed for its Bavarian village theme.
Yakima
Located two and a half hours outside of Shoreline, Yakima is a vacation spot you don’t have to leave the state to enjoy.
Take this road trip at night and you will get an incredible view of the sky, as winding mountain roads take you into the desert city that is the self-proclaimed “Palm Springs of Washington.”
Once you arrive, you can enjoy a variety of attractions at a comfortable distance. Get a glimpse of Washington’s rich history at its Yakima Valley Museum, visit a handmade soap store (The Little Soapmaker) and stop by the kitschy 1950’s-themed Mel’s Diner.
Tip: The Yakima Valley Carriage Co. specializes in romantic occasions, and will escort you and your significant other around Yakima in horse-drawn carriage that comes with wine tasting, flowers and a special gift from the company to you.
Pike Place Market
This renowned market in downtown Seattle features flowers, fruit and all kinds of shops to browse. Diverse food stands serve bites from around the world, making for an ideal lunch outing.
For dinner, The Pink Door is a classy, secluded Italian restaurant home to cabaret and burlesque performances every Saturday night.
Tip: The Market closes at 6 p.m., but the fun doesn’t stop there. Head down to the waterfront where you can stroll up and down the piers with a sweeping view of Puget Sound, feed Seagulls at Ivar’s and take a gondola ride on the Seattle Great Wheel.
The Summit at Snoqualmie
Try your hand at skiing, snowboarding and tubing at this popular destination.
If you don’t have your own equipment, gear for each activity is available to rent. You will also find shops stocked with winter accessories to fulfill any last-minute requirements.
Nothing can beat the view from the ski lift, where you will see snowy hills and Evergreen trees stretching for miles.
After warming up by a fire at the mountain’s base, take your pick of the Summit’s various restaurants to enjoy warm food and drinks in a log cabin atmosphere.
Tip: When you order tickets online, you can go night skiing for as low as $25.
Llandover Woods
On a more local note, just five minutes south of Shoreline is a wonderful walk through the woods near the Highlands neighborhood.
This hike consists of steep trails and lush forest, making for a peaceful winter day out.
Tip: End up at nearby Saltoro for a intimate dining experience featuring juicy steaks, truffle fries, butternut squash ravioli and decadent desserts.
