Every so often my husband and I try to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a quick weekend jaunt. Over the years we have stayed at several different places, but I would like to share a few of our favorites with your readers.
It's always fun to visit and shop in La Conner, especially on an off-weekend when the town is quiet. A couple of Septembers ago we stayed in a wonderful Victorian inn called the "Wild Iris" - just a couple of blocks from downtown. We were asked to choose from a collection of beautifully decorated theme rooms with balconies that faced east looking out over the Skagit Valley and the North Cascades. It was a drizzly weekend, but our room was comfortable and cozy especially with the in-room Jacuzzi and gas fireplace. We walked to town for dinner, but their complementary breakfast was delicious and filling. I've heard now that they serve dinner on the weekends - I'm sure their menu would be exceptional since everything else was. Our La Conner trip was a perfect getaway.
Another great place we visited was the Kalaloch Lodge on the coast of the North Olympic Peninsula. Actually, we stayed in one of their cabins which sits right on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was what many would consider rustic - with no phone, radio, or TV - but being cutoff from the rest of the world was exactly what we were looking for. The fireplace kept us warm (wood was supplied) and the sound of the waves crashing at our doorstep was very romantic. We strolled the beach at sunset and well into the evening, and explored the Olympic National Park and Hoh Rain Forest during the day. The cabins have kitchens, but dinner at the lodge was irresistible. This was truly a relaxing and enchanting experience.
And last, but not least, was our stay aboard the Jacquelyn, a "Wharfside B & B." She is a 40' wooden schooner moored at the Friday Harbor Marina in the San Juan Islands. The skipper and his wife, who also charter their boat for sails to Victoria, were our gracious hosts. The yacht has just two cabins for guests, and is richly finished in teak and brass. Although we were tied up, the gentle swaying and lapping waves made us feel like we were out on the open seas; we slept like babies. Breakfast was served up on deck - the coffee and homemade rolls were dynamite! We explored the island during the day and walked from the Jacquelyn to a local tavern for pizza and beer at dinnertime. This was definitely our most memorable "weekender."
Mary Parker, Bellevue
