Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

I remember the very first time I stepped foot onto Alderbrook Resort. We pulled into the quiet parking lot to a somewhat contemporary NW-looking lodge. I thought, nice...let's see what's inside. The lobby is floor-to-ceiling windows on the canal-side of the room that magnetically draws you past the stone fireplace and inviting leather furnishings back outside for more. I was hypnotized by the unbelievable view of the Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains that lay before me. It was quiet - only a handful of other visitors, the water was still except the gentle rock of the dock leading to boats and kayaks ready to be occupied. The restaurant specializes in melt-in-your-mouth fresh oysters and NW wines, the beautifully appointed Craftsman-style canal-view guestrooms are straight out of a magazine. This is my favorite place to go for quiet and it's tucked away off a small road halfway between Portland and Seattle.