The time between November to the end of year seems to go a zillion times faster than the rest of the year (and especially January. Why is January the longest month of the year?!) and it doesn’t always feel like you can add anything more, but I think I need to remember this is why it’s even more of a great time to book a peaceful adventure away from everything. Alderbrook Resort invited me to come and check out its offerings before the holidays (we did their movie night package and they often they have cool specials and packages on their site) and I’m really thankful they let my mom tag along with me too. (And even if it’s not November, it’s probably a lovely time to visit here too. We went during the pandemic and stayed in a dog-friendly cottage and even during such a time of isolation and sadness it’s one of our happy thoughts.)
Staying in a lodge room at Alderbrook Resort
We had two nights in the lodge at the Alderbrook Resort in a really cozy room with a high ceiling and balcony and little nook where my mom liked to sit and read at night. I was thankful to find they had a bathtub and not just any bathtub but one that was deep and comfortable. (I brought a book and actually read a bit too). Alderbrook Resort is the kind of comfy luxury I seek on trips like this. I was a little disappointed at first that we weren’t in a cottage, but I ended up loving this a little more. It was nice to feel like we were part of the main lodge because it had such a beautiful lobby area. There was a place to play games, a couple nooks by the fire, lots of cushy places to sit and a lego building area that was really inviting too. A few cats even lounged in the chairs around the resort and there was a nostalgic cat’s cradle game on our pillows in our room when we arrived.
Where to eat at Alderbrook Resort
We had all of our meals at the hotel restaurant during this trip and this isn’t something I usually do, but this was a set itinerary and the meals ended up being phenomenal so this was such a dream. The first morning we ordered our breakfast to our room and I can’t imagine a more lovely way to start a morning before a hike. Something about an in-room breakfast just feels very luxurious. I had a delicious fruit parfait and my mom raved about her oatmeal (she even had it the next day in the hotel restaurant for breakfast too). The huckleberry cake at dinner our first night became a highlight as we hiked because we were delighted when we found the wild huckleberries that they used to make the cake. There are homemade breads and at breakfast if you can get a homemade English Muffin you might want to try that too. I tried the fish and chips at lunch one of the days and was very satisfied with my choice.
There are also a few places not too far away from Alderbrook resort but they weren’t open when we were there. We drove to Hook and Fork on the water and I would like to eat a meal there next time too. We heard sea lions near the dock near this restaurant and it’s always a joy to see animals like this in the wild.
Can we talk about the pool at Alderbrook Resort?
I almost want to just whisper about the pool like a secret to people I love. The pool at the Alderbook Resort is divine. And there are adult only hours in the morning and at night so you might even get it to yourself for two nights, just like I did. My mom came and watched me swim like maybe I was 6 years old again. And there is nothing like a warm pool in a beautiful setting on a stormy cold night-it was in a glass enclosure with tropical plants and it was heavenly.
We enjoyed walking the dock in front of the hotel and spotted a rainbow there the day we left. It was a bit raining one of the days too but we went for a hike and didn’t notice it much at all. We took a few of the nature trails including the Huckleberry Hillclimb and Viewpoint loop. And after we hiked, we lavished in all the rest and relaxation with our bellies full. ( I forgot there was geocaching here, I need to remember to try this next time we visit)
The only questionable thing we found during our stay was the gift shop because nothing in it had any prices and it had a large array of items from snacks to gifts and things to wear. But you literally had to ask the price for each and every thing you might want to buy at the coffee shop next door. I shop a lot but I do like to know what I’m paying for and having to ask each time isn’t fun. In the grand scheme of things this was just a little teeny observation that ultimately saved us money-we would have definitely bought something if there were prices in the store.
Other than that the stay was absolutely perfect. Pretty much flawless and the most relaxing days in November we could imagine. I would definitely go again.
Terumi Pong is a Seattle-based family travel writer and mom of twin teenage boys. She loves coffee and pastries, shopping local and looking for greener ways to live. She is also known as Scout’s mom (Scout is a 5ish pound little black yorkie-poo)