24 December . 2024
Have Yourself a Staycation This Holiday Season
Oh, the holidays. That magical time of year when you sprint from one shindig to the next, frantically wrapping presents, and flipping a coin to see if the weather brings snowstorms, unexpected sunshine, or endless rain. What if, instead of spending December and January stressing about finding a dog-sitter, you gave yourself the gift of a holiday getaway right here in Washington?
Here’s a roundup of some Washington State staycations and getaways, each guaranteed to bring a different flavor to your holiday season without the long-haul flights, the TSA lines, or the avalanche of holiday stress.
The "Treat-Yourself Cabin" Getaway
For those who want that cozy-cabin feeling but don’t want to DIY the whole experience, there’s nothing like booking a cabin in the mountains. Whether it's at nearby Crystal Mountain or Snoqualmie Pass, renting a cabin is your gateway to a personal holiday ski sanctuary.
Pro Tips:
- Choose Your Ambience: Have you wanted to stay in a tiny house? Too tiny for the family? How about a chalet with a ping pong table and jacuzzi? It’s amazing what kinds of experiences you can find throughout Washington on a variety of budgets.
- Activities: You’re surrounded by snow, so skiing and snowboarding are a given. But if your idea of adventure is more about mulled wine by the fireplace, go for it. Who’s judging?
The Hotel Escape
Want to throw your bag down, kick your feet up, and swiftly dodge housework on your time off? Hotel. Room service, housekeeping, and no post-holiday laundry pile? Imagine being able to close the door on clutter and magically have your sheets changed every day. Living the dream.
Pro Tips:
- Choose Your Own Adventure: There’s a world of luxury in every corner of the Upper Left. Tacoma, Seattle, Bellingham, Port Townsend, Portland, Bend, Astoria, Vancouver, Victoria. Find a unique boutique hotel or go all out with a 5-star spa experience.
The Classic "Small Town Escape"
Western Washington has its fair share of charming spots for your inner “small-town wanderer.” Pack your flannel, a bit of curiosity, and imagine strolling through streets lined with twinkling lights. Washington has all that Hallmark movie charm packed into a day trip.
Pro Tips:
- Main Events: Many small towns have tree-lighting ceremonies, winter festivals, or craft fairs that’ll make you feel like you’re a part of the town itself.
- Dining: For maximum small-town immersion, grab a meal at a local diner, pub, or hole in the wall.
- Best spots: Leavenworth, Port Townsend, Winthrop, Snohomish, Gig Harbor.
The Winter Wander Land
Maybe you’ve got family obligations that mean you can’t venture far. But even if you’re staying nearby, there’s still plenty to do. Turn Tehaleh into an adventure with your own “winter wander land.”
- See what all the fuss is about and bring your DSLR or film camera to the Post and Pour to take a photo of the road to Mt. Rainier.
- Dust off those XC skis and discover a trail to venture along.
- Go on a naturalist adventure. See how many plants, trees, and critters you can find on our 40+ miles of trails. (Pro parent tip: Tell the kids it’s like Pokémon Go.)
Pro Tips:
- Get Creative: Treat yourself to a fancy meal at a restaurant you’ve never tried. If they have holiday specials, even better.
- Make it Fun: Put all the ideas in a bowl, like charades, and have someone pick the activities for the day.
Go Coastal Camping
Camping along the Washington coast in the winter is underrated. Period. No wild summer crowds. Definitely chilly, but not Mt. Rainier cold. Close enough to get there easily. Far enough to feel like a vacation.
Pro Tips:
- Bring Layers: Heavy blankets, rain gear, tarp, an extra jacket, and all the wool socks you can find. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy that beach day you’ve been dreaming of. String lights around your camp setup and show off your holiday spirit!
- Bring activities: Board games, dry firewood, s’more supplies, kites. Bring enough fun for the daylight and plenty more for settling in at night.
The “Winter Warrior” Snow Camping Adventure
So you’re feeling extra bold and want to escape not just people, but society itself? Go snow camping. That’s right. Embrace your inner mountain explorer and head to the mountains for an epic snow-filled holiday. It’s rugged. It’s adventurous. And it’s possibly the best way to avoid holiday traffic jams and last-minute shopping mall mayhem.
Pro Tips:
- Safety First: Be prepared for the elements. Snow camping is no joke, but with the right gear, you’ll feel like a true winter warrior.
Whether you’re soaking in the small-town charm of local cafes or escaping to the mountains for a weekend of snowy adventure, it’s clear that Western Washington has a lot to offer. But if you’re looking for a place where you can have the best of all worlds—outdoor activities, community events, and a slower, more peaceful pace—Tehaleh might just be the place to call home.
Take the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest as your everyday backdrop and a close-knit community ready to welcome you. Get in touch with us and we’ll introduce you to the region’s loveliest slice of paradise.