Honeymoon Destinations
By : Kate Galambos and Sarah Sibley
After the wedding with family and friends,
continue the magic with your own private
party for two. Here are some honeymoon
options for the happy couple. Best part:
You don’t even have to leave the state.
CAMPING
NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE BASE CAMP
For those newlyweds looking for back-country adventure without giving up a hot shower and warm bed at the end of the day, the North Cascades Institute Base Camp makes an excellent destination. The institute is located in the heart of the North Cascades, along the crystal-clear, magic-blue shores of Diablo Lake. Base Camp is one of a variety of programs the nonprofit organization operates to meet their mission to educate and inspire people through wilderness exploration. Base Camp accommodations include access to outdoor classes like birding walks, naturalist-led hikes, and three superb home-made meals daily in addition to lodging. For couples looking for privacy, expect to spend $230 for a double-occupancy room May through October and $200 from November to April. Best of all, you can feel good about the experience—all proceeds from Base Camp go back to operational costs for the nonprofit.
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VINEYARD
THE INN AT ABEJA, WALLA WALLA
Take a step back in time as you wander the 38 acres of gardens, vines and renovated farm buildings at the Inn at Abeja, located just eight minutes outside of downtown Walla Walla. The inn is more than a place to lay your head. It is an experience. The inn is located on the same property as the Abeja winery at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, and it is also available for weddings. Each guest suite is a renovated farm building, giving visitors the utmost privacy during their stay. In addition to lodging and gourmet breakfast, wine tastings are included in the cost of accommodations. Guests have a wide array of choices when it comes to their specific lodging. From the intimate “bunk house,” which features one bedroom with a queen bed, antique clawfoot tub and kitchenette for about $400 a night during peak season, to the grand, two-story “hayloft suite” for about $600 a night.
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ISLAND RESORT
DOE BAY RESORT & RETREAT, ORCAS ISLAND
With the pristine blue waters of the Puget Sound and the rugged beauty of the San Juan Islands as a backdrop, nature provides the perfect getaway at Doe Bay Resort & Retreat on Orcas Island. Located an hour’s ride on the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes (also accessible via air), this stunning spot is ideal for experiencing the Pacific Northwest at its best. Doe Bay offers unique spaces for relaxing, dining, pampering and entertaining. There’s yoga, massage, a secluded bathhouse with soaking tubs and a sauna that overlooks the bay, along with guided kayak tours and plenty of hiking trails. Doe Bay Cafe, located on the property, is famous for its hyper-locally sourced menu. There are accommodations for every budget, including tent spaces (from $30), yurts, cabins and houses. Rates vary seasonally, so check the website.
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URBAN
ANDERSON SCHOOL, BOTHELL
The McMenamins family chain is famous for transforming aging buildings into destination experiences. Anderson School, a junior high school built in 1931, provides an ideal spot for a honeymoon destination in the Seattle area. Once you arrive at Anderson School, there’s no reason to leave. Within the “school” there are restaurants, themed small bars, a brewery, movie theater, and swimming pool. The bars serve up famous McMenamins handcrafted beverages and freshly brewed beer. The North Shore Lagoon is a heated pool that stays open until 11 p.m. on the weekends. The 72 guest rooms (starting at $155 for a king) include private bathrooms, television and free WiFi. Just 20 minutes from Seattle, couples can experience all the perks of a destination without all the travel.
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