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Life // Travel

Pacific Northwest day trips and regional detours

by Lori A. May, Special to the Seattle P-I

The days continue to grow shorter as we approach the winter solstice, but sometimes a cozy regional getaway is the perfect pick-me-up to get through the season. Even on a cool day, a scenic drive can warm the soul-especially when local tastes are on the menu after a good hike.

Whether you prefer to keep it close to home with a day trip around the Puget Sound or are seeking an overnight getaway by the waterfront, the Pacific Northwest has plenty to offer this time of year.

As always, be sure to plan ahead for safe travels by packing plenty of face masks and hand sanitizer. Also check local operating hours for your planned destination and determine if dining reservations are required. Then head out for a day or two to enjoy these regional detours.

Poulsbo, Washington
Head for the Kitsap Peninsula to enjoy a day in historic downtown Poulsbo. Fill a basket with local harvests from the Poulsbo Farmers Market and settle in for a family picnic along the Liberty Bay Waterfront Park. Along this waterfront, the annual Poulsbo Yacht Club lighted ships parade will light up on December 12 for a free festive celebration. No visit to this “Little Norway” town is complete without a visit to Sluys’ Poulsbo Bakery, famous for its sourdough breads, oversized donuts and Nordic specialties. Keep the sugar fix going strong with a visit to Boehm’s Chocolates of Poulsbo to pick up cherry cordials and buttercreams for the road. Take in the scenery during a hiking or cycling outing at Port Gamble Heritage Trails, or let the kids hop dirt ramps at the Poulsbo Bicycle Pump Track on Little Valley Road. Combine birdwatching with recreation along the trails at Kitsap Memorial State Park. Or bring your own paddleboard for a quiet tour around the Poulsbo waterfront.
Maskot/Getty Images/Maskot

Head for the Kitsap Peninsula to enjoy a day in historic downtown Poulsbo. Fill a basket with local harvests from the Poulsbo Farmers Market and settle in for a family picnic along the Liberty Bay Waterfront Park. Along this waterfront, the annual Poulsbo Yacht Club lighted ships parade will light up on December 12 for a free festive celebration.

No visit to this “Little Norway” town is complete without a visit to Sluys’ Poulsbo Bakery , famous for its sourdough breads, oversized donuts and Nordic specialties. Keep the sugar fix going strong with a visit to Boehm’s Chocolates of Poulsbo to pick up cherry cordials and buttercreams for the road.

Take in the scenery during a hiking or cycling outing at Port Gamble Heritage Trails, or let the kids hop dirt ramps at the Poulsbo Bicycle Pump Track on Little Valley Road. Combine birdwatching with recreation along the trails at Kitsap Memorial State Park. Or bring your own paddleboard for a quiet tour around the Poulsbo waterfront.

When hunger strikes, enjoy outdoor patio seating or to-go orders from Slippery Pig Brewery or visit the kid- and dog-friendly tasting room at Valhöll Brewing. Or peruse downtown gallery windows on your way to waterfront dining at JJ’s Fish House, a local favorite for chowder, steamers and fresh fish entrees.  While Poulsbo is a short distance from Seattle, consider turning this day drive into an overnight romantic getaway with a waterfront stay at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. Located directly on the shores of the Agate Passage, this property boasts stunning scenic views with guestrooms featuring a rustic cabin vibe. The resort pool is open at a reduced capacity and with guest pre-registration, while the Angeline Spa has limited hours and a reduced treatment menu. Turn an overnight stay into a play-packed weekend with tee time at White Horse Golf Club. The golf range has also reopened and does not require reservations. Onsite Cedar Ridge Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner, along with nightly happy hours and a Saturday prime rib dinner special.
Michael Marfell/Getty Images

When hunger strikes, enjoy outdoor patio seating or to-go orders from Slippery Pig Brewery or visit the kid- and dog-friendly tasting room at Valhöll Brewing . Or peruse downtown gallery windows on your way to waterfront dining at JJ’s Fish House , a local favorite for chowder, steamers and fresh fish entrees.

While Poulsbo is a short distance from Seattle, consider turning this day drive into an overnight romantic getaway with a waterfront stay at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort . Located directly on the shores of the Agate Passage, this property boasts stunning scenic views with guestrooms featuring a rustic cabin vibe. The resort pool is open at a reduced capacity and with guest pre-registration, while the Angeline Spa has limited hours and a reduced treatment menu.

Turn an overnight stay into a play-packed weekend with tee time at White Horse Golf Club . The golf range has also reopened and does not require reservations. Onsite Cedar Ridge Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner, along with nightly happy hours and a Saturday prime rib dinner special.

Ketchikan, Alaska
While Alaska travel has been understandably restrictive this season, the new year offers hope in reuniting outdoors enthusiasts with gorgeous seaside towns. Salmon Falls Resort, an intimate full-service waterfront property, is now taking 2021 reservations. Plus, to encourage guests to embrace fresh air and open spaces, the resort has launched a series of adventures customizable for small-scale, private outings. These all-new experiences focus on adventure, culture and the area’s rich culinary tapestry. For adrenaline seekers, a Misty Fjords floatplane excursion takes guests from the dock at Salmon Falls over the Misty Fjords National Monument, surrounding lakes and glacial bays. Food enthusiasts may prefer a salmon roe and wine pairing event or an oyster farm tour along the Alaska shoreline.
Rebecca Harding/Getty Images

While Alaska travel has been understandably restrictive this season, the new year offers hope in reuniting outdoors enthusiasts with gorgeous seaside towns. Salmon Falls Resort , an intimate full-service waterfront property, is now taking 2021 reservations. Plus, to encourage guests to embrace fresh air and open spaces, the resort has launched a series of adventures customizable for small-scale, private outings.

These all-new experiences focus on adventure, culture and the area’s rich culinary tapestry. For adrenaline seekers, a Misty Fjords floatplane excursion takes guests from the dock at Salmon Falls over the Misty Fjords National Monument, surrounding lakes and glacial bays. Food enthusiasts may prefer a salmon roe and wine pairing event or an oyster farm tour along the Alaska shoreline.

Guests are also invited to witness wildlife on a boat safari or join a guided tour to ethically view black bears in their natural habitat. Or take a scenic kayak tour of Clover Passage, suitable for all skill levels. With an increased demand for Alaska travel building in recent months, Salmon Falls Resort will be opening six weeks earlier than usual. From May 1, 2021 and beyond, guests may relax in a stunning setting and take advantage of an all-inclusive room rate providing three meals per day. Located at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s Inside Passage, Salmon Falls Resort in Ketchikan is just a 90-minute flight from Seattle.
shaunl/Getty Images

Guests are also invited to witness wildlife on a boat safari or join a guided tour to ethically view black bears in their natural habitat. Or take a scenic kayak tour of Clover Passage, suitable for all skill levels.

With an increased demand for Alaska travel building in recent months, Salmon Falls Resort will be opening six weeks earlier than usual. From May 1, 2021 and beyond, guests may relax in a stunning setting and take advantage of an all-inclusive room rate providing three meals per day. Located at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s Inside Passage, Salmon Falls Resort in Ketchikan is just a 90-minute flight from Seattle.

Lake Chelan, Washington
Here’s a great deal you won’t want to miss: Campbell’s Resort in Lake Chelan has a special bed and brunch package available for stays now through the end of April 2021. The one-night brunch getaway package provides guests with a dining voucher redeemable at Campbell’s Pub and Veranda. Prefer to arrive in time for a romantic dinner for two? Campbell’s also has a night out package available for one-night stays including a dinner voucher. Morning through night, the restaurant focuses on Pacific Northwest seasonal flavor. The drinks menu highlights regional microbrews and seasonal craft cocktails.
Mint Images/Getty Images/Mint Images RF

Here’s a great deal you won’t want to miss: Campbell’s Resort in Lake Chelan has a special bed and brunch package available for stays now through the end of April 2021. The one-night brunch getaway package provides guests with a dining voucher redeemable at Campbell’s Pub and Veranda .

Prefer to arrive in time for a romantic dinner for two? Campbell’s also has a night out package available for one-night stays including a dinner voucher. Morning through night, the restaurant focuses on Pacific Northwest seasonal flavor. The drinks menu highlights regional microbrews and seasonal craft cocktails.