My husband and I recently had the chance to escape for a weekend in Woodinville, and we had such a blast! Just a short 30-minute drive from Seattle, we found ourselves surrounded by boundless culinary options and lovely parks. Woodinville is a dream for wine lovers, boasting over 130 wineries and tasting rooms—who knew? But it’s not just about the wine; the town has a great mix of craft breweries, cute little shops, and plenty of outdoor areas for the kids to explore. We made some wonderful memories, and I can’t wait to go back!

Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:

• Willows Lodge
• Wine Tasting Adventures
• Embrace the Outdoors
• Culinary Delights
• Plan Your Trip

The post Weekend Getaway to Woodinville, WA appeared first on Visit Seattle.

The city’s ample and far-reaching transportation options make it easy to explore, even if you wind up in a neighborhood you weren’t expecting to. You don’t have to budget time or money for parking. Kids 18 and under ride our transit systems for free. And let’s be real: you want to try Seattle’s iconic transportation options while you’re here anyway, from the monorail to our state ferries and seaplanes.

I’m a Seattle transit rider and transportation nerd. Here are my recommendations for visitors without cars.

Getting Here | Neighborhoods to Explore | Payment | Itineraries

The post Exploring Seattle’s Surroundings Without a Car appeared first on Visit Seattle.

For accommodations, we stayed downtown at W Seattle in a Faces room under their Nordstrom Shopping Package. While we specifically stayed in The Stella Room, all guest rooms on the fourteenth floor house an original hand-painted mural by the talented artist, Morgan Zion. Each room and mural tell a fictional story, and ours fit us perfectly, Stella being from Portland and loving Capitol Hill. (You can read more about the rooms before booking your stay, which is also a wonderful way to learn about the different neighborhoods and activities available in Seattle, further helping you plan your ideal itinerary.) If shopping is of any interest to you, the Nordstrom Shopping Package was a unique treat, complete with a gift card, drink tickets, and a special shopping experience (available until November 2024).

After checking into our hotel and enjoying a sweet anniversary treat, we decided to spend the day at the Seattle Center, home to the famous Space Needle and other local attractions. One exhibit I have longed to see is Chihuly Garden and Glass, so we went there first. Though I had seen pictures online, I was not prepared for how large the glass displays were in person. While each delicate piece of art created by Dale Chihuly is spectacular, my personal favorite was in the Sealife Room: the Sealife Tower. It was inspired by the Puget Sound, which is where my favorite animal lives—an animal we saw on day three of our trip. We also enjoyed a mocktail at The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass—a delicious mix of apple cider vinegar, cardamom, and spruce—before going to the food court at Seattle Center, otherwise known as the Armory.

We could not explore the Seattle Center without going to the top of the Space Needle, so we hopped in line for that once we were done eating. While it was a bit of a wait being there on a weekend afternoon, there were informative posters along the walls illustrating and detailing the history of the Space Needle, which we found entertaining. Once to the top, the views were beautiful. We took a moment to walk around the whole observation deck and then we found an empty bench to sit on, enjoying a memorable anniversary moment together, like it was just the two of us, floating above the city.

The following day, we were a little tired from our previous day’s adventures, so we decided to have a restful morning. We ordered breakfast and coffee to be delivered to the hotel, read for a bit, and watched the seagulls fly by our windows. Once we were ready for some fresh air, we walked down to Pike Place Market, grabbed a glass of lavender apple cider, and strolled through the vendors, admiring their art, flowers, and yummy treats before walking over to the Nordstrom flagship store for some shopping. (We love picking out new fragrances when we travel, so the memory of its smell always correlates with that trip.) Continuing our easy day, we opted to have dinner and mocktails at the hotel that night instead of going out, excited for the early morning ahead of us.

We saved the best for last, truly. For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with orcas. I have dreamed of seeing them in the wild, but it was not until recent years that I realized I could see them in Seattle. Having been on whale tours before, I highly recommend Puget Sound Express—we will absolutely be booking another tour with them in the future! For starters, the boat was extremely nice. You could sit inside and sip coffee while looking out the windows, avoiding the strong winds, waiting for a whale to be spotted in the distance. When one was spotted, we saw not only one orca, but a family of six! The T65As, to be exact. Which brings me to the second reason I recommend Puget Sound Express—they maintain the required distance between the boat and the transient orcas, ensuring they stay safe while taking the time to teach you about the specific orcas you are seeing. There was even a professional photographer on board taking pictures, and afterwards, we were able to purchase all the pictures he took that day. But we also got great pictures (and videos) with our phones! Seeing an orca in person is like nothing I have ever experienced before! Magical, memorable, and honestly, addictive. Watching their dorsal fins break through the water with the Pacific Northwest landscape stretching behind them, it was like looking at a painting. You must see it for yourself!

Our anniversary celebration was exactly what we were looking for, and we are already looking forward to visiting again. See you soon, Seattle!

The post From Land to Sea: A Weekend in Seattle appeared first on Visit Seattle.

Lodge at St. Edward Kristin Gillespie

Despite its proximity to the city, The Lodge at St. Edward Park truly feels like a getaway destination from the moment you arrive. And while it serves as a relaxing escape for adults—complete with the indulgences of two bars, fine dining, and a spa—I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it offers exploration and adventure for pint-sized travelers as well. My 5-year-old’s interest peaked when she heard of our plans to not only visit a park, but to stay overnight. One of her first discoveries upon arriving was Otto the Otter, a bronze statue who greeted us just outside the front entrance. After spotting Otto again in the lobby mural and on the kids’ menu in the restaurant, my daughter instantly became one of The Lodge’s most faithful ambassadors.

Our guest room was so comfortable and elegantly decorated that it was a challenge not to sink into the pillows and plant ourselves there for the duration of our stay. But the lure of adventure proved greater. We dropped our bags, tucked in some stuffed animals, and set out again.

The Lodge provides complimentary transportation to help guests explore the surrounding area within a 10-mile radius. Wine tasting in Woodinville, shopping and dining in Kirkland, or a sightseeing flight with Kenmore Air are just some of the activities that are readily available to Lodge guests. That said, there are so many activities and amenities available right on property that my family didn’t find the need to leave the grounds during our stay. Our daughter’s favorite amenity? Hands down, the library. It is available to guests 24/7 and has a ready supply of not only books, but games as well. And snacks—granola bars, fruit snacks, pretzels, trail mix, lollipops, free for the taking. After making that discovery, you can bet that she asked to stop by the library to snag a lollipop each time we returned to our room.

Our first priority was to get out on a trail. After a quick stop at The Grotto, where my daughter procured a white rose from the remnants of a recent wedding, we picked up the Seminary Trail and followed it down to Lake Washington. As we were taking in the view, a bald eagle swooped down to graze the water’s surface and back up again to perch on the branches that hung above our heads.

Returning to The Lodge, our exploration of discovery continued. We were delighted to happen upon the Chef’s Garden and apiary, learning later that the produce, herbs, and honey harvested there are often incorporated into the menu at the signature restaurant, Cedar + Elm. We made a game of finding, scanning, and sharing the trivia found on QR codes that make up the self-guided historical tour, scattered throughout the property. And we wandered through the Gallery of Fine Arts, an on-site showcase of rotating local art. Did my daughter identify her favorites and pose next to them, demanding photos? Yes, indeed, she did.

Dinner that evening was a treat. Fans of Bravo TV’s Top Chef may recognize Chef Luke Kolpin from season 19, now Executive Chef at Cedar + Elm. The menu focuses on sustainability, seasonality, and support of local producers and purveyors. Our selections for the evening: crisp, raw oysters with a fermented chili mignonette and black garlic braised short ribs with a delicate mushroom flavor. Artistically crafted cocktails from Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar rounded out our evening—and I have it on good authority that they make a mean Shirley Temple as well.

The lure of the trails called to us again the next morning and we decided to head out to the park once more—this time on two wheels. My husband and I had considered borrowing some of the mountain bikes that The Lodge keeps on-hand for guest use, but ultimately decided to stay on our feet so we were available to help our daughter through some of the tougher parts of the trail. Naturally, we had to make a stop at the playground afterward. With a castle-like structure, a climbing wall, slides, swings, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, it was well-populated—obviously a magnet for kids of all ages.

Finally, the time came for us to take our leave. As we circled the driveway and turned our car away from the beautiful brick façade, a voice from the backseat asked if she could celebrate her next birthday at The Lodge at St. Edward. If that is not the ultimate endorsement from a 5-year-old, I don’t know what is. I guarantee that my family and I will be back for another visit.

Kristin Gillespie

The post A Family Getaway at the Lodge at St. Edward Park appeared first on Visit Seattle.

The WAC lobby decorated for the holidays. Marielle Jardiel

Let me start by saying that I love being a tourist in my city. With so many new restaurants, new places, and new adventures to discover, writing about the city of Seattle has always intrigued me. Today I’m going to share my first-ever staycation. Yes, you heard that right—I have never had a staycation before!

So, when I had the opportunity to stay at the Inn at the WAC, I couldn’t turn it down. The timing over the holiday break in December was perfect, and my boyfriend was especially excited as it was some well-earned time for us to unwind and relax.

The Washington Athletic Club (a.k.a. the WAC) was founded in 1930 as a private club. The top ten floors house the Inn at the WAC, one of the finest hotels in the city that encompasses many amenities, services, and friendly staff that makes sure you have what you need.

Soaking Tub and Bathroom; Premier Room at Inn at the WAC Marielle Jardiel

We stayed in one of their Premier Rooms, which featured several amazing amenities, including a wine fridge, a large soaking tub, and a separate shower. We took full advantage of the soaking tub by using all our relaxing essentials: bubble baths, bath bombs, and shower steamers. Other perks include free Starbucks coffee/tea Keurig pods and an elegant collection of Molton Brown London bath essentials, my favorite of which was the Heavenly Gingerlily!

On our first night, we went to Hagerty’s Sports Bar inside the WAC. It was Happy Hour and Washington Huskies game night! For Football game days, they have some great specials, such as a cheeseburger with fries or scrumptious chicken wings, which we both enjoyed. I knew there was always the possibility of running into one of my fellow Visit Seattle colleagues during our stay, and sure enough, we did.

The WAC has an incredible five floors of exercise facilities that cover everything from gym equipment and group classes to sports courts and even a swimming pool. We worked out the next day in the co-ed gym on the fourth floor, which also features a private spa. My boyfriend thoughtfully booked us a deep tissue massage there—talk about a relaxing, tranquil escape! Monty was my masseuse, and she was kind enough to explain the entire process and make me feel at ease.

The WAC is in a centralized location in the city, within walking distance of a host of different restaurants, shopping centers, and other city sights. We had a late lunch with a friend for his birthday celebration at a sushi place down on First Ave called Japonessa Sushi Cocina. Japonessa is one of my favorite restaurants in the city and features a great Happy Hour menu that runs from lunch until close every day!

That night, we decided to try the new Asean Streat Food Hall in Westlake Center which encompasses a wide variety of Southeast Asian food from spicy noodles and rice dishes to crepes and bubble tea! We both got the Mee Goreng Kee Mao ‘Cup of Noodles dish’ which was pretty flavorful and spicy.

On New Year’s Eve, we delved into a delicious pizza place inside Amazon Spheres called Willmott’s Ghost (my second time, his first.) They have superb cocktails, tasty, marinated olives, and a delectable pecorino and calabrian chili fritti! However, the flatbread pizza with crispy pepperoni was the hit favorite!

We walked off the calories by heading to the Space Needle and back, then got all dressed up for dinner at Chan’s Seattle, a new Korean fusion restaurant in the Paramount Hotel. First off, we were super impressed with the drink menu! Then we tried the roasted bone marrow, soy-cured king salmon, spicy deep-fried rice cakes, and chili caramel glazed chicken wings. Finally, we topped off this incredible meal with a decadent caramel vanilla custard for dessert!

To celebrate the countdown to 2023, we finished the night at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, just around the corner from the WAC. The Fairmont is one of the oldest hotels in the city and features a classy upscale 1920s-era aesthetic, which I loved! The bar was conveniently nestled right in the heart of the lobby and was extremely busy that evening, with everyone dressed to the nines! We shot off the confetti, rang in the New Year, and closed the night off with some snacks and relaxation back at the WAC.

Overall, our stay at The Inn at the WAC was a memorable one! You will not want to miss this opportunity, no matter which season you visit!

The post A Staycation in Downtown Seattle appeared first on Visit Seattle.

Link light rail Oran Viriyincy

Flying in to SEA airport? We’ve got great news for you. The Link light rail system connects the airport to Seattle’s downtown. Running about every 10-15 minutes most of the day, the train will connect you from the SeaTac/Airport Station on the fourth floor of the airport parking garage to Westlake Station, located in the heart of downtown at 5th & Pine. The trip is about 40 minutes and the adult fare is $3 per one-way trip.

From Westlake Station, you are within a short walk to thousands of hotel rooms in Seattle. This map will help you locate nearby lodging. The green dotted line is the underground light rail route. Draw a line up with your finger from Pike Place Market about 4 blocks to find Westlake Station.

Seattle/Bainbridge Ferry Joenevill via Flickr Creative Commons

Many Seattle attractions are within a 1-mile walking radius in downtown, including Pike Place Market, the flagship Nordstrom store, Seattle Art Museum, the Central Library and the Seattle waterfront including the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises and Washington State Ferries. From the top floor of the Westlake Center shopping center above the Westlake light rail station, a 3-minute ride on Seattle’s iconic 1962 monorail brings you to Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, Seattle Rep, Seattle Children’s Museum, Pacific Science Center and more. Starting from Westlake Center again, it’s a 1.3-mile walk or quick ride back south on the light rail to Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, Lumen Field, and T-Mobile Park.

Downtown Seattle also has numerous performing arts and music venues: ACT Theatre, Benaroya Hall, The 5^th Avenue Theatre, The Paramount Theatre, Jazz Alley, The Crocodile, The Triple Door, The Showbox, Unexpected Productions, the Can Can and The Moore Theatre are all walkable from many hotels.

A relatively flat 1.2-mile walk heading north from Westlake Center will bring you to the south shore of Lake Union where you can visit the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), The Center for Wooden Boats, and find various ways to get out on the water in kayaks, vintage vessels, sailboats, electric boats or even hot tub boats. If you’d rather ride than walk, you can add the Seattle Streetcar to the mix and take the South Lake Union line from the Westlake hub at McGraw Park to South Lake Union Park next to MOHAI.

Alki Kayak Tours

Numerous tour companies will take you out and about from downtown hotels to Seattle’s further flung destinations, from Mt. Rainier to a tour of the Boeing Factory.

But, you say, you really wanted to get out hiking on your own? Well, then perhaps the seasonally available Trailhead Direct is for you! Ride Link light rail to the Capitol Hill Station and let King County Metro take you from there to popular trailheads in the region. Make sure you’re prepared in advance with supplies and schedules.

Looking to escape to the islands for a day or two? Book tickets for a seaplane to fly to Lopez, Orcas, or San Juan Island. Or hop on the West Seattle Water Taxi from Pier 50 on the downtown waterfront to the shores of Alki Beach, where you can rent a kayak from Alki Kayak Tours to explore Elliott Bay.

And of course, Seattle has a number of rideshare and taxi services too, as well as bike and scooter share. Here’s a guide to get you started: visitseattle.org/visitor-information/getting-around.

This Lonely Planet article has great advice, too!

Still have questions? Find lots more answers here, and we’ll see you soon in Seattle!

The post Visiting Seattle: No Car? No Problem! appeared first on Visit Seattle.

Our guest room at The Sound Hotel had stunning views of the city. Carolyn Yuen Marino

Last weekend, we played tourist in our own city and had a lovely staycation downtown at The Sound Hotel, courtesy of Visit Seattle! Safety protocols in the city were top notch and everyone was masked indoors, so we felt safe while still being able to have fun. Read on for where we stayed, what to do, where to eat/drink, and more!

WHERE TO STAY

The guest rooms at The Sound Hotel showcase the modern aesthetic with unique accent pieces. Carolyn Yuen Marino

We stayed at The Sound Hotel; its name is a play on the word “sound”: it is located right by the Puget Sound, an homage to Seattle’s musical legacy seen throughout the hotel’s decor, and walking distance to concert venues like Jazz Alley and The Crocodile.

Decor and art in the hotel reference Puget Sound and Seattle’s musical history. Carolyn Yuen Marino

Enjoying the views with some local beers at the hotel. Carolyn Yuen Marino

The modern Sound Hotel in Belltown has sweeping city views and is only blocks away from Pike Place Market, downtown shopping, Amazon Spheres, Seattle Center, and more. Yet it’s removed from the hustle and bustle just enough to feel like an urban retreat, as we’d wind down nightly with some beers from Cloudburst Brewing on the terrace overlooking the Space Needle.

WHAT TO DO

Our trip up to the top of the Space Needle was complete with blue skies and views of Mt. Rainier. Carolyn Yuen Marino

The Space Needle has floor-to-ceiling glass walls and the world’s first, and only, revolving glass floor. Carolyn Yuen Marino

What better way to admire stunning views of Seattle than from the Space Needle? I brought my Dad, who is visiting from Hong Kong, and we got free photos included with our tickets, which made for a sweet keepsake. There are two levels: the upper level has floor-to-ceiling glass and the lower level has a revolving, all-glass floor. It was an epic and thrilling way to sightsee! Currently, masks are required indoors so everyone can stay safe.

Sitting beneath the Persian Ceiling in a gallery at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Photo: Carolyn Yuen Marino | Art: Dale Chihuly

Mille Fiori and the Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Photo: Carolyn Yuen Marino | Art: Dale Chihuly

Chihuly Garden and Glass is conveniently located next to the Space Needle, so we wandered over to explore the incredible glass exhibits created by Tacoma-native Dale Chihuly. We took our time appreciating the galleries, strolling through the whimsical garden, and sitting in the Glasshouse, a 40-foot tall structure that is flooded with light and features a suspended 100-foot long glass sculpture.

As for my outfit details, other than tying my hair up, I’ve been using headbands to keep hair out of my face during the hot days of summer and airy linen shorts to stay cool!

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK

Dining at Currant Bistro located within The Sound Hotel. Carolyn Yuen Marino

We popped downstairs from our hotel to Currant Bistro for a delicious dinner. All the food is regionally sourced and the drink menu is full of Seattle craft beers and Washington wines. In the morning, there’s also coffee, freshly baked goods, hot breakfast sandwiches, and more offerings.

Pence Orchard peaches salad & queso dip with chips. Carolyn Yuen Marino

Buttery scallops & prosciutto fig flatbread. Carolyn Yuen Marino

We started with a Pence Orchard peaches salad, which was perfect for summer, and also an addictively tasty queso dip. For the entrees, Husband and I shared the buttery scallops and prosciutto fig flatbread.

I changed for the evening but kept with the hair accessories, opting for a satin headband that paired with this fun polka dot blouse.

HOW TO SUPPORT SEATTLE BUSINESSES

A collection of goodies from local Seattle companies. Carolyn Yuen Marino

• Stamp Act Coffee – in THE city of coffee, this small batch roaster stands out! We’ve been enjoying coffee from their Old School Seasonal Espresso Medium Roast beans all this week.
• Lady Yum – macarons and more. My favorite flavors were Circus Animal, Toasted Coconut, and Lemon!
• Cone & Steiner General – a great neighborhood market that stocks local products like Intrigue Chocolate Co., Estrella all natural bar soap, Girl Meets Dirt rhubarb lavender preserves, and more.
• Bite Society – handmade and delicious treats like these Vanilla Polka Dot cookies.
• Chukar Cherries – the classic dark chocolate cherries were soo good! Loved them with a glass of red wine.
• Pinky Up – love their teas (Earl Grey Macaron is a fave) and accessories (like the Infuser and Travel Infuser Mug).

As we’re still in this ongoing pandemic, it’s even more important to support local businesses as much as we can in order to all get through this difficult time together. Thank you to The Sound Hotel and Visit Seattle for a wonderful time this weekend highlighting our beautiful city!

View the original post by Carolyn Yuen Marino on Hey Pretty Thing.

The post Seattle Staycation Weekend Itinerary appeared first on Visit Seattle.

Willows Lodge & Spa Emily Adams

My husband and I left our four sons back home with their grandparents and escaped to Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington for a much needed parent “timeout” and weekend to recharge going into the holiday season! We’re going to take you on a journey through Woodinville’s hot spots and best kept secrets in town. The newest places to sip, the best food around, where you can relax & unwind, play a round of golf, and the best lodging in town.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect to find:

• • Willows Lodge
  • Barking Frog
  • The Spa at Willows Lodge
  • Maryhill Tasting Room at the Hollywood Schoolhouse
  • DeLille Cellars Tasting Room at Hollywood Station
  • Woodinville Wine Country
  • Willows Run Golf Complex

The Heart of Woodinville

Willows Lodge sits on five acres bordering the Sammamish River in the heart of Woodinville wine country. Its grand two-story fireplace is always roaring and ready to welcome you to sit with a glass of wine, and kick your shoes off anytime of the day. The best part is, the Lodge is completely decorated for the holidays! The festive decorations, welcoming hospitality, and flowing wine as you check-in to your room, gets you in the holiday spirit right when you walk through the door.

Willows Lodge decorated for the Holidays Emily Adams

Willows Lodge has a long standing reputation of being an “intimate and award-winning Woodinville hotel and the Northwest’s greatest escape“. They have a handful of holiday happenings ready to share now with visitors through January of the new year. We were thrilled to experience their holiday “timeout” and resort package. This is perfect for any couple needing a night or two of R&R. When we entered our room there was a bottle of champagne being chilled and warm robes by the fire (every guest room has their own fireplace.) The chilling silence and warm hospitality of the Lodge was music to our ears, because with four kids back home- silence is hard to come by!

Main lobby, Willows Lodge Emily Adams

In 2020 Willows Lodge will be turning 20! They have some exciting events moving into the new year, and some fun programs already running with their restaurant Barking Frog and The Spa at Willows on site. Willows Lodge looks forward to welcoming new or returning visitors for weekends of luxury or an escape any day of the week.

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Woodinville’s most widely desired restaurant

Barking Frog is a widely respected and award winning restaurant that sits right across from Willows Lodge. Barking Frog is known for its innovative seasonal menus and cellar of Northwest and global wines. The restaurant holds the same standards and level as hospitality as the Lodge does, which makes it easy company and desirable to visitors staying with Willows.

Barking Frog Emily Adams

But don’t give the Lodge all the credit! Barking Frog stands on its own with insanely delicious dishes and is undeniably noticed as the best restaurant in town. The team consistently uses local ingredients native to Woodinville and Washington State. The relationships they’ve built with local farmers is inspiring. It is impressive to see their partnership create such beautiful dishes sourced right from the valley.

Baby green salad – Egg yolk ravioli & house sausage Emily Adams

We wined and dined with Barking Frog over a delicious meal during our stay. Every time a new course was brought out, we continued to be impressed by the level of quality and passion behind each dish. Meals are most enjoyed when there is an experience to be had. Let their wait staff lead the way and pair for you the perfect wines for each of your dishes.

8 oz. r.r. ranch beef tenderloin – baby carrots/veal demi-glace/bone marrow aioli 65 Emily Adams

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Relax and unwind at The Spa at Willows Lodge

December is a great time for a day trip, or overnight escape to The Spa at Willows Lodge. Only a short drive from Seattle and right on site with Willows, The Spa welcomes visitors to treat themselves to relax, refresh, and leave feeling rejuvenated. You don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the spa. Treatments are welcome to day visitors stopping through town as well.

Julie did my Hydrafacial & was wonderful! It is included in the “12 Days of Blissmas!” Emily Adams

Counting down to the 12 days to Christmas, The Spa at Willows is highlighting their “12 Days of Blissmas.” Which basically means counting down to Christmas you can get discounted treatments and complimentary gifts heading into the holiday. Each day The Spa at Willows offers a different deal, which means if your’e looking to try a new treatment, the “12 Days of Blissmas” would be the perfect time to splurge and treat yourself, or the loved ones in your life.

The Spa at Willows Lodge Emily Adams

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Woodinville is Washington’s Wine Country

Woodinville is home to over 130 wineries, wine bars & tasting rooms. Many of these are clustered in the Hollywood School District and in the Warehouse District. We had the opportunity to tour two of Woodinville’s newest tasting rooms led by Woodinville Wine Country to show us the best spots in town and fill us in on the big things coming for Woodinville Wine Country in the new year.

Maryhill Tasting Room & Bistro – Hollywood Schoolhouse Emily Adams

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Maryhill Tasting Room & the Hollywood Schoolhouse

Our first stop of the tour was the Maryhill Tasting Room & Bistro. Maryhill’s newest tasting room just recently opened at the iconic historic Hollywood Schoolhouse right down the road from Willows Lodge. The building is stunning! It has been a beloved landmark in Woodinville since 1912, and has now been newly restored as the home and tasting room for Maryhill Wines in Woodinville right in the center of town.

Downstairs Tasting Room & retail – Hollywood Schoolhouse Emily Adams

Maryhill is a family owned business and one of the largest wineries in Washington State. Their wines and family owned establishment originally came from the Columbia Valley region. Maryhill is commonly known for their “approachable lighter wines” but we were pleasantly surprised by the whole tasting fleet they had ready to share with us. My favorite was their Chardonnay that boosted with flavors like candied apple, butterscotch and toasted almond. It felt like a white wine speaking right to the holiday season!

Upstairs private tasting room available for smaller parties or groups. Emily Adams

Between Maryhill’s warm hospitality and charming newly renovated (and gorgeous- many weddings have been held here before) Hollywood Schoolhouse, the family owned business is a well loved and respected brand across Washington State.

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DeLille Cellars Tasting Room at Hollywood Station

Woodinville’s newest tasting room is the home of DeLille Cellars at Hollywood Station. Previously, the location of the newly built three-story tower at Woodinville’s Hollywood Station was home to Redhook Brewery. DeLille’s branding showcases that they are “Bordeaux Inspired, Distinctly Washington, and Uniquely DeLille,” which couldn’t be more true!

DeLille Cellars Tasting Room – Hollywood Station Emily Adams

DeLille’s attention to detail and creativity was inspiring! The style and furnishings of the new tower reflect the urban, chic, and comfortable feel that their wines also share. One of the greatest things about their event to showcase their new tasting room to the public, was that you could feel how excited their staff was about welcoming and sharing their wines with everyone. They believed in their brand and were bold about their knowledge and belief in DeLille Cellars wines! That more than anything, had us believing we were walking into luxury and dedication right when we walked through the door.

DeLille wines on display Emily Adams

If you’re looking to be inspired by Washington wine, design, or unique and welcoming hospitality add DeLille Cellars’ new tasting room at Hollywood Station to your Woodinville bucket list.

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Woodinville Wine Country has big plans for 2020

Woodinville Wine Country is already digging into big plans for the new year. With Woodinville booming and developing faster than anyone anticipated, Wine Country continues to think one step ahead and find a way to share Woodinville’s wineries and tasting rooms with folks traveling into town.

Woodinville Wine Country Emily Adams

Passport to Taste 2020

This is your annual digital ticket to enjoy 40+ wineries, breweries and distilleries in WWC’s tasting program. If you’re like us and like to explore new tasting rooms and plan for a fun day, you can enjoy a crisp glass of wine, freshly poured beer, or chilled cocktails in a single weekend, or month-after-month at participating locations throughout 2020.

I believe the best part about the Passport is that you only have to purchase once to get an entire year of tastings to enjoy and discover Woodinville’s best kept secrets. Tickets include an “After Hours Wine Walk” that includes Passport holders to further taste at wineries that may not be already participating in the annual program. You can learn more about their exciting new Passport to Taste and see a list of the participating businesses for the new year here!

Tasting flights of white wine Emily Adams

Woodinville Wine Country Digital Passes

These are different than the Passports because they are digital tickets to custom tours and discounted tastings throughout wine country. There are nine passes or “tours” featuring four different wineries each. You can choose from one of their two categories: weekday or weekend. These digital tickets are fun because each package is themed. And who doesn’t love walking into an event and having everything pre-planned for you so you can sit back and enjoy? I do.

You can learn more on their Digital Passes here. Both the Passport to Taste and Digital Passes have both been re-vamped and launch leading into the new year after the holidays! Merry (early) Christmas to you!

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Get some fresh air at Willows Run Golf Complex

One of our favorite things to do while traveling together on a date weekend or getaway is to find a new golf course and get some fresh air. He loves to hit balls, and I love to ride along and read a book, or swing away at the driving range. Everybody wins when you can find an activity worth sharing and enjoying together.

Willows Run Golf Complex Emily Adams

Willows Run Golf Complex is less then ten minutes from town and is a full service public golf facility. Willows Run has two 18-hole links-style courses, driving range, practice putting green, and bunker. They also offer a 9-hole, par 3, family friendly course and a 18-hole “themed putting course.”

Willows Run Emily Adams

If golf isn’t your forte, let the kids take a swing at it. Willows Run Golf Complex welcomes kids to golf for only $5 a round on weekdays and scheduled time on weekends. If you’re not up to enduring a full round, you can take a shot at their 9-hole course, or hit balls in the driving range. (Kids under 15 years hit balls in the range for free!)

Kick back and enjoy Woodinville

Woodinville is only 30 minutes from Seattle, but feels like a world away. Lovers of the small town boast that it is a town of “personality fused with passion.” We felt that passion and personality in every location that we visited, and were thrilled to escape together to recharge and connect in a place we can both say we will happily return. When you’re ready to book your stay or blaze into town for a fun day, Woodinville will be ready!

Willows Lodge decorated for the Holidays! Emily Adams

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