|
||||
|
||||
|
Sunday, Sep 07, 2008
|
||||
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
 |
|
 |
|
| Alderbrook Resort & Spa | |
|
Say "I do" or just "ahh" by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A&E Writer Its just coincidence that a place named Union is where numerous couples tie the knot each year & or is it? This charming resort town, about an hour's drive and ferry trip from downtown Seattle, lures not only the power-suit and nanny-toting types but it's also become an eagerly pursued locale to say "I do," thanks to the comfy and snuggly waterside Alderbrook Resort & Spa. A next-door neighbor to Bill Gates' newly constructed estates, the lodge-like property has everything to offer the happy couple, whether it be same or opposite sex. In 2007, a Lesbian pair from Seattle rounded up their friends and family (and a DJ) to Alderbrook, resulting in one of last year's biggest weddings held on the premises. With space to entertain 165 guests (including the grandparents from the East Coast), this is a gorgeous nearby destination to slice your cake and eat it, too. If going to the altar frightens the dickens out of you, consider Alderbrook Resort & Spa simply for an overnight or weekend escape from the city bustle. It's a wonderful spot to treat yourself and others to much-needed down time. Visit www.alderbrookresort.com for more information. Here's what you need to know about Alderbrook Resort & Spa. LOCATION Alderbrook Resort & Spa is located on the Hood Canal in the town of Union. From west Seattle, take a 20-minute ferry (www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/service) to Southworth and take Highway 16 to Port Orchard, Highway 3 to Belfair, and finally Highway 106 to the resort. It seems complicated and long, but it's not. You can also board the Bremerton ferry from downtown Seattle and take Highways 3 and 106 to Alderbrook. For a very scenic trip, take I-5 South to Tacoma until you reach Highway 16 and follow the aforementioned directions. ACCOMMODATIONS Seventy-seven guest rooms and 16 cottage suites (think birthday parties or couples' weekend) comprise the sleeping areas at Alderbrook. Rooms offer a choice of three viewpoints - Olympic, Canal, or partial - and each is furnished with reasonably sized beds, down comforters, daybeds, two-person soaking tubs, fluffy robes, clothing cabinets, TVs, Molton Brown bath products and charming patios to watch the sun set on the canal. Rooms are tastefully decorated in browns and greens, representative of the Northwest's mountains and forests. French press coffee and daily newspapers complete your stay. Cottages provide fireplaces, separated room(s) and fuller patios looking out to the water, aside from the items offered in standard rooms. AMENITIES Take a morning dip in Alderbrook's heated indoor swimming pool or soak in a steaming Jacuzzi tub, all the while staring out to the snow-capped Olympics. Then, treat your sore arms and legs to a relaxing, invigorating treatment at the resort's full-service spa. From pampering facials and pedicures to deep tissue massages, you'll feel like the king, or queen, you were truly meant to be. During warm months, kayaks can be rented on the docks with or without guided tours. If none of that stimulates you, do as I did: Curl up to a good book on the daybed in your room and drink cup after cup of hot green tea - in a fluffy robe, of course. DINING The Restaurant at Alderbrook serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an ample space with amazing views of the Olympics and Hood Canal. Head chef Chris Schwarz leapt from Etta's in downtown Seattle to the resort, and his menu is abundant with local seafood such as salmon, oysters, and mussels. For non-fish eaters, pork and chicken dishes, plus beef options are also available. My favorite meal was breakfast, partly because watching the mist rise off the water complimented my read-through of the morning newspaper. But the selections were as fabulous as the views, from a lemon-honey waffle to a Spanish-chorizo and eggs combo to a Northwest-style eggs benedict. A full bar, complete with circular counter and large flat screen TV, stays open until around midnight - I suggest a mojito to commence the evening, or something from the impressive wine list. Reservations are recommended, though not necessary. For guests staying in cottage suites, groceries from Safeway can be ordered and delivered to you via the front desk. COMMITMENT CEREMONIES Most couples exchange vows on Alderbrook's manicured waterfront lawn, the premiere scenery lending itself to the memorable occasion and providing a perfect backdrop for photos. Guest and banquet rooms, plus catering service, are available for the groom-groom or bride-bride. If you want to boogie the night away, consider booking your own DJ or bringing your home audio equipment. A nearby florist can supply fresh flowers for the occasion. To begin planning your ceremony, contact Alderbrook Resort & Spa to find out what they're specifically able to assist with and what you'll personally be responsible for - and if need be, hire a local event planner to facilitate the details. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 post your own information onthe Seattle Gay Blog |
 |
copyright Seattle Gay News - DigitalTeamWorks 2007
USA Gay News American News American Gay News USA American Gay News United States American Lesbian News USA American Lesbian News United States USA News
USA Gay News American News American Gay News USA American Gay News United States American Lesbian News USA American Lesbian News United States USA News