Our Favorite Local Winter Getaways
The holidays are upon us, and winter vacations will soon be on everyone’s mind! If you’re not interested in taking a plane to get to where you want to go this year, we’ve got you covered! We’ve asked our expert REALTORS® to give us the inside scoop on the best winter getaways near Pierce County.
Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum (+ Roslyn, WA!)
REALTOR® Marisa Merritt highly recommends Suncadia Resort. “Just a short one and a half to two-hour drive away, the Lodge is gorgeous to stay at, or there's house rentals if you go with other friends/families.” She says. “There's sledding, skating, cross country skiing, and super fun events likes snowball bingo, gingerbread house making, Santa visits, elf tuck-ins! Seriously!” Marisa gushes. She let us know that staff at Suncadia will even come to your room and read a story to your little's and then wish them sweet dreams! To boot, there's also an indoor pool, 5-star spa and Swiftwater Cellars on site.
Nestled right next to Suncadia is Roslyn, WA. REALTOR® Michelle Cocké shares, “They have the cutest cabins. Roslyn is close to Suncadia and the town is small but has a few restaurants and bars.” The cabins come in many sizes and are surrounded by beautiful woods. If you’d like to see cabins in the Suncadia/Roslyn area, click here.
Lake Quinault Lodge in Quinault
REALTOR® Erin Goodwill suggests the Lake Quinault Lodge. “Lake Quinault is at the Olympic National rain forest. It’s a beautiful lodge that was built in the 1930’s and was visited by FDR.” She says. “The Roosevelt Dining Room has amazing food and looks out over the lake. My mouth is watering for one of their biscuits right now. This is where I go to truly unwind.” Erin also shares, “There is no television, or internet in the main lodge. People read by the huge fireplace, or play cards, or backgammon. People actually talk to one another.” She explains there are many beautiful hikes to go on near the lodge, and most are quite easy. The lodge will even pack you an ample sack lunch if you order it the night before. “I absolutely love this place, and I try to go every year.” Says Erin. “Many times, I have gone alone. I find it is a good place to checkout, and truly relax, and reflect I count my blessings every time I go and come home feeling refreshed. I might just make reservations right now!”
“Alderbrook’s lodge is close enough yet when you are there you feel lands away.” Says REALTOR® Krista Osborn. Our REALTOR® Sheryll Tan agrees that the Alderbrook Resort is great place for a quick getaway. “Winters they have their giant cozy fireplace going in the lobby, 2 fat house cats called 'Alder' and 'Brook', a glassed-in swimming pool that sits near the water’s edge.” Says Krista. Krista shares that the Alderbrook Resort also features a restaurant and bar with awesome local oysters, bloody mary's to die for made with their own mix and clam chowder that melts in your mouth! “Rooms are lovely and have a luxury lodge feel, the grounds have outdoor gas open fire pits as well as good ole' wood burning fire pits complete with s’more making kits from the lobby store.” Krista says. REALTOR® Janet Lee agrees, if you like beautiful surroundings, and want to be pampered, Alderwood Resort is perfect for you. “They also have complete cabins you can rent with full kitchens that overlook the bay, boats that can be rented for a 2-hour tour and so much more - not to mention being in the belly of the Olympics that don snow covered peaks with the first dustings.” Explains Krista. REALTOR® Elsa Borgen also agrees that Alderbrook Resort as a great getaway as well!
REALTOR® Trish Stone exclaims that Leavenworth, WA is the place to be! “In December they do weekend tree lighting ceremonies in the center of town.” REALTOR® Maggie Schauble agrees that Leavenworth, WA is a gem! Trish says, “The ENTIRE town lights up and when there is snow on the ground, you forget you're even in America! The music, the food, the smell, the whole aura feels like you're so far away and puts you in the holiday spirit! It's a slice of Bavaria three hours from home.” REALTOR® Sheryll Tan agrees that the famous Bavarian village of Leavenworth is a popular destination. “It can easily get booked out during the holidays when they display beautiful lights around the village. It is in the Cascade Mountains and is a quaint town with amazing restaurants. It is also a popular place to be in October for its Oktoberfest.” Says Sheryll.
Mission Ridge is a skiing and snowboarding area in Wenatchee, WA. It is roughly 3 hours away for anyone traveling from Pierce County. REALTOR® Maggie Schauble recommends finding lodging nearby, then going to Mission Ridge for skiing and boarding. “Love Mission Ridge!” exclaims REALTOR® Erin Goodwill. “It’s total old school! Great runs, not far from Leavenworth!”
If you are willing to travel a bit further, yet still within Washington State, Mazama, WA may be just the place for you! REALTOR® Morgan Reay says, “Mazama is a favorite of mine. They have beautiful lodges for snowy winter getaways. If you’re in the mood for a small-town escape, this is it.” She says. “Take advantage of the snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails. If you’re novice, they have lessons.” Interested in visiting Mazama? Find lodging here.
Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie
REALTOR® Janet Lee shares, “The Salish Lodge is only an hour away (without peak traffic) and is a world away from the business of life. The views of Snoqualmie Falls are beautiful, the rooms are quiet, and the spa is wonderful.” She says. If you like to hike, enjoy the outdoors, pamper yourself and be close, these are perfect.
Willows Lodge is described as being located on five landscaped acres bordering the Sammamish River in the heart of Western Washington’s wine country. REALTOR® Janet Lee says” Another quick getaway and one of our favorites is in Woodinville at the Willows Lodge.” She shares that it is only an hour away and offers, “Luxury, pampering, food, and great wine within walking distance.”
What About a Staycation in Tacoma?
REALTOR® Sharon Benson encourages you to consider staying home. “I think a ‘stay-cation’ is a good winter get away!” She says. “Book a weekend at one of our wonderful bed & breakfasts right here in Tacoma, and then take in a movie at The Grand Cinema, visit the wide variety of museums and discover what you haven't done before - even when you live & work right here!” Sharon recommends, “Take a hike at Point Defiance, find some new restaurants. No need to escape somewhere else. Tacoma has everything! Oh, and turn off your electronics!” Interested in some of Tacoma’s best bed and breakfasts? Take a look at the Geiger Victorian, Secret Garden, or the Villa.