Could one of you fodorites recommend something special/unique in the Seattle area for 2-3 nights in late December? Our daughter will be home there on leave from the Navy and we'd like to treat her and our son-in-law. Perhaps something within a 2 hr. range? Thanks ahead of time for your help!

Hi,

OK, the idea that she's "on leave" in (Seattle) hints/suggests that she'll have other time before/after to actually SEE central Seattle... soooooooooooo, with that in mind, I advise you to investigate "Leavenworth, WA"

It is 118 miles by car "2 hrs. 10 minutes", BUT a main concern is that it requires travel over a mountain pass which seems to be the highest in the state of Washington.

HOWEVER, scores and scores of locals talk about going to Leavenworth in December, so it can't be uncommon.

Consider this website:

http://www.leavenworth.org/modules/pages/?pageid=266


I am NOT jumping up and down with emphasis, about this, but it does seem like something worthy of consideration. It looks like there are transportation options to having to drive the high pass (train, for example).

It is just unique, nearby, Christmas-related, and an adventure.

I can't tell if the main weekends of "Christmas Lighting Ceremonies" in Leavenworth are too early for you to make use of them. It seems that the actual lights are on nightly from early December through (the end of) January.

The uniqueness of this idea is why I suggest it.

OPthers surely know more of the details.

Victoria and/or Vancouver come to mind, but they are both a little more than two hours away.

Port Townsend is closer by, and there are several cozy B&Bs there.

HTTY

Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls is only an hour outside the city. It's very nice with fireplaces in the rooms, a spa, etc.

If you follow NWM's suggestion for Leavenworth, the Empire Builder (8) leaves the Seattle Amtrak station every day at 4:40 and arrives at the shelter/platform one mile from downtown Leavenworth at 8PM.
Lovely town even though I have not been there in December.
You would likely have to spend 2 nights there if you used the train since the westbound train goes through town between 6 and 7AM.

If you do go to Leavenworth, consider the Sleeping Lady Resort. It's amazing and the food is out of this world. You could have cabins in the same quad, but not next to each other. Privacy, but meals together. It would be lovely!