sudhisrinu

Hello, We (coming from out of town) wanted to celebrate the first marriage anniversary of my daughter as a family get together on the first week of December in & around couple of hrs drive from Seattle. Initially we were thinking of renting a place in Leavenworth, WA and celebrate there over the First weekend of December. But not sure how the weather is going to be around that time in the mountains and the road conditions. so now we were now thinking of Whidbey Island, WA. Can anyone suggest? any other get away place around Seattle area with couple of hrs drive. I am not from Seattle, but my daughter lives in Seattle with her husband. please suggest.

Gardyloo

Can we assume it's four adults and you're looking for a place for two nights? Or more people or more nights?

I would agree that mountain destinations are probably not a great idea. "Moderate to heavy" snow is forecast for mountain areas above 4000 feet for this coming weekend; that would include Stevens Pass, which you'd need to cross to get to Leavenworth. Early snow can be wet and heavy, difficult to drive in, and at this time of year the storm fronts bringing rain to the lowlands and snow to the mountains tend to stack up like a freight train - boom, boom, boom. Not to mention that if it isn't snowing it's likely raining and windy, and it gets dark early. Sound appetizing?

I think Whidbey is probably a good idea, depending on what you want to do while you're there. Of course if you just want to hang out, there are plenty of decent accommodations available to allow that. But if the weather's decent (i.e. not pouring or blowing) there are lovely walks to be had at Deception Pass, Ebey's Landing and Fort Casey (all state parks and lovely ones) and opportunities to browse galleries and poke around the lovely little towns of La Conner (on the mainland but on the way to North Whidbey) as well as Coupeville and Langley on the island itself. You might want to keep an eye out for the migratory snow geese, which inhabit the Skagit Valley floor (near La Conner) by the thousands during the winter, making (potentially) for a terrific scene. Here's a map showing these locations: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dua3HVRRSGxTpvgc9

I'd also say that keeping closer to the city might not be a bad alternative, maybe with day trips to places like Snoqualmie Falls (40 min. from downtown) which become spectacular after rainy weeks like the ones we're expecting; or to Bainbridge Island, always an enjoyable outing by ferry (also 40 min.) from downtown. (Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5N5NHVcxrgYqsA9e6 )

sudhisrinu

thank you for your inputs. It is going to be party of 14 people. for two nights. Friday-Sunday. How about Camano?

Gardyloo

Oh wow, 14? That puts a different spin on things, and would almost certainly exclude mountain areas, given the logistics of moving that many people. What kind of accommodations are you considering? Are you thinking about an Airbnb or some sort of vacation rental, or a more conventional hotel setting? Do you plan to rent multiple vehicles? (I'd assume so.) Do you need one place big enough for big meals together? What's the age spread? How about budget?

Whidbey is still a contender but getting accommodations for that many is going to be a stretch; these are small towns. I'd say no to Camano; there's next to no tourist infrastructure on the island, and very limited facilities, restaurants etc. in Stanwood on the mainland.

I'm sort of throwing darts in the dark here, but a couple of ideas come to mind. First is the Stillwater casino/resort complex located on the Kitsap Peninsula just across Agate Pass from Bainbridge Island. It's owned by the Suquamish tribe, a local Native American nation, and unlike some Native American casino complexes, this one offers superior accommodation, with many rooms offering a view of the water and the Olympic mountains in the distance. Of course, there are plenty of dining options onsite, but the location also allows easy access to Bainbridge Island and all the cafes and facilities in Winslow, as well as easy access to picturesque towns like Poulsbo and Port Gamble on the peninsula, or to historic sites like Chief Seattle's grave in the village of Suquamish. The resort is big enough that they'd probably have room. Resort - Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort

Another idea is the Anderson School in the Seattle suburb of Bothell. This is a hotel complex created by the McMenamin brothers from Portland, who specialize in converting historic properties into unique hotels and dining/pub complexes. In this case, an old school in Bothell was converted to a multi-use property featuring a hotel, numerous cafes and bars, a movie theater on site, and other amenities. As with all the McMenamin properties, there's a lot of funky art and unique spaces. Bothell isn't exactly in the country, but you could do day trips from there to places like Snoqualmie Falls, the little town of Snohomish, famous for its antique stores, etc. Anderson School Hotel - McMenamins

I'll try to think of more, but clarifying your plans a little will definitely help.

sudhisrinu

thank you, plan to rent an airbnb and just spend time with family and may be sightseeing near by places like parks lakes etc.,. no casinos and big crowds around. i don't mind if there are no restaurants around there also, as we plan to cook.

suze

Whidbey Island is great. And (most likely) would not have the snow/ice weather concerns as going out to Leavenworth. Take a look at Captain Whidbey Inn in Coupeville. They have both lodge rooms and cabins.