The Bavarian theme of Leavenworth includes all the local restaurants and shops. (Credit, Karen Ulvestad)
Bindlestiff’s Riverside Cabins
1600 Highway 2
Leavenworth, WA 98826
(509) 548-1685
www.bindlestiffcabins.com
The Bavarian town of Leavenworth is 2.5 hours east of Seattle via Stevens Pass. Bindelstiff’s Riverside Cabins are on the east side of Leavenworth and sit on the banks of the Wenachee River. Leavenworth hosts many festivals year-round, is home to many art galleries and puts on Arts in the Park. The area is close to many rock-climbing areas, hiking trails and river rafting. Room rates start at $89.
The Salish Lodge sits at the top of Snoqualmie Falls. (Credit, Karen Ulvestad)
Salish Lodge
6501 Railroad Ave. S.E.
Fall City, WA 98024
(800) 272-5474
www.salishlodge.com
The Salish Lodge is 40 minutes east of Seattle via I-90. This lodge and spa offers a luxury weekend for stress relief from daily living. The lodge sits above Snoqualmie Falls, just north of I-90 between the towns of Snoqualmie and Fall City. The area has numerous hiking trails, including the one at the bottom of the falls. This trail will re-open in the fall of 2013. The park next to the lodge has overlooks for the falls, beautiful gardens, picnic benches and grassy areas to enjoy the outdoors. Rooms start around $199 per night, though the lodge runs specials throughout the year.
Black-tail deer are frequent visitors to the Log Cabin Resort. (Credit, Karen Ulvestad)
Log Cabin Resort
3183 E. Beach Road
Port Angeles, WA 98363
(855) 584-5293
www.nationalparkreservations.com
The Log Cabin Resort is a group of rustic cabins sitting along the shores of Lake Crescent, about three hours from Seattle via the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry. The cabins offer beautiful views of the lake, colorful sunsets and abundant wildlife. Nearby are many hiking trails and access to Olympic National Park. The best places to visit while staying here are Sol Duk Falls, Salt Creek State Park, Hurricane Ridge and Marymere Falls. It is best to purchase groceries in Port Angeles before checking into the resort. Cabins start at $120 per night.
LaConner Country Inn
107 S. 2nd St.
La Conner, WA 98257
(888) 466-4113
www.laconnerlodging.com
The LaConner Country Inn is in La Conner about 1.5 hours north of Seattle via I-5. The Inn is centrally located and within walking distance of downtown La Conner. This quaint town is filled with wonderful art galleries, great restaurants, a bookstore and little coffee shops. The Inn offers many spa treatments, pleasant rooms and friendly staff. With a short drive, visitors can venture up to Anacortes and the San Juan Islands, or Deception Pass on the north end of Whidbey Island. Rooms start at $129 per night.
Sunset Inn and Suites
1111 Burnaby St.
Vancouver, BC V6E 1P4
(604) 688-2474
www.sunsetinn.com
Vancouver, British Columbia is about 2.5 to three hours from Seattle. The Sunset Inn and Suites are located near the beach on English Bay, Stanley Park and boutiques on Robson Street. The first-class service and hospitality makes it a great place to stay while exploring Vancouver. Travel to Canada requires a passport and crossing through Customs. Room rates start at $135 per night.
Karen Ulvestad is a mother and professional writer/photographer, who lives in the greater Seattle area. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in English Composition. Her background is in fitness, travel, photography and writing. She continually researches locations to visit, and/or entertainment opportunities for family outings and/or photo shoots. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
