During quarantine, some venues began spilling secrets to give us special treats to enjoy at home. And now that things are slowly beginning to reopen, we’re starting to think about the most responsible ways to enjoy nearby adventures in the months to come.

An an example of one at-home treat, downtown Seattle’s Fairmont Olympic Hotel‘s 4th Ave Espresso Bar shared their Olympic Honey Latte recipe, inspired by the venue’s rooftop apiary.

Lavender Honey ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon dried lavender flower, 1 cup honey

Steps: Bring water to a boil, add honey and dried lavender, let steep for 20 minutes, strain.

Coffee ingredients: 1 shot espresso, 1 cup steamed milk, Honey lavender syrup to taste (about 1.5 oz), Cinnamon

Steps: Mix espresso, milk and honey lavender syrup together, top with cinnamon. Voila!

For ideas on delicious meals to prepare at home, we’re looking to Seattle-based writer Julien Perry, who shares wonderful ideas in her second PNW-inspired cookbook, Washington Wine + Food. (You can find the book on Amazon.) Here is a sneak peak of some of the delicious recipes you’ll find inside:

“Halibut – This recipe was crafted by Chef Ethan Stowell from Ethan Stowell Restaurants and is paired with the Mark Ryan Chardonnay.
A Pacific Northwest classic, this halibut dish is prepared with asparagus, Maitake mushrooms, green garlic and Porcini Brodo for a light yet favorable seafood dish.

Coffee-Braised Short Ribs – This recipe comes from Chef Matt Janke from Lecosho and is paired with the Guardian Chalk Line Red Blend.
Looking to combine new flavors in your cooking? Adding a coating of coffee and gremolata (a chopped herb condiment) to your short ribs will do just that, and the results will be sure to please.

Roasted Porcini – This recipe is a Chef Logan Cox specialty from Homer and is paired with the Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon.
For a vegetarian option or exceptional side-dish, try the porcini prepared with nettle yogurt, green garlic and fenugreek-chili oil.”

WASHINGTON GETAWAYS

Some of our favorite venues around the state are gradually reopening, and we’re reading up on all the appropriate protocol (wear your masks!) to keep this a safe option that respects all the communities we may be entering.

Consider road tripping to Alderbrook Resort & Spa, located on the tranquil waters of the Hood Canal in Union, Washington. Ideal for a one- or two-day getaway from Seattle, this dreamy waterfront property offers plenty of opportunities for being out in the fresh air—whether on nature trails or aquatic adventures.

Another favorite, Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island, is a beautiful 82-acre property that offers plenty of space between stand-alone accommodations—including luxury yurts and canvas cottages.

In Walla Walla, The FINCH, which just opened in October, invites guests to return to its modern, airy property in the heart of wine country. The location is ideal for circling between winery tasting rooms and getting out on cycling routes.

For a seaside escape, head to Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa in Blaine, a 300-acre retreat that’s less than two hours north of Seattle (and minutes from the Canadian border).

NEIGHBORING STATES

In the heart of Portland, the art-filled retreat of Hotel Lucia is set to reopen its doors on July 2. The venue’s safety enhancements include flexible cancellation policies, contactless check-in, the introduction of a virtual concierge and “Day Space” options for remote workers. Reopening rates start at $91 per night. Overnight guests wanting to check out the nearby Willamette Valley ( home to 750 vineyards and 550 wineries) can book a package appropriately called “Olive You – and Wine.”

Those wanting to venture into wine country will appreciate learning that Willamette Valley Visitor’s Association, along with regional partners and businesses, has created a “Responsible Reopening” campaign. More than 125 participating businesses have pledged to adhere to a 10-point safety checklist, designed to create a safe environment for  both workers and guests.

Plenty of safe lodging options exist around Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge—allowing guests to keep a distance from others while still enjoying the state’s majestic beauty. Don’t miss the 66-mile byway that begins in the rich farmland of the Willamette Valley, then winds along streams and through thick forest, as it climbs into the Cascades (to join the West Cascades and McKenzie Pass-Santiam Scenic Byways).

Leaping Lamb Farm & Farm Stays is offering tours as well as overnights on their beautiful Oregon farm. Hands-on opportunities here range from bottle feeding baby animals to picking berries and collecting eggs.

Jazz up your summer with a adventure at the family-friendly Vintages Trailer Resort.The property features refurbished retro trailers, each with its own propane grill and all the tableware and utensils needed for alfresco meals under the summer sky. (They offer a remote check-in process, too.)

Nestled in the Sherwood forest— within minutes of several Oregon wineries in the Tualatin Valley, visit My Tiny House Village—a unique collection of tiny homes. Situated on an old Christmas tree farm, the property allows guests to check themselves in with a keypad, and each house is now resting for at least 72 hours after check-out.

In Big Sky, Montana, a small and welcoming resort called Lone Mountain Ranch has reopened with new health and safety regulations, too. The venue also offers opportunities to non-guests; think ziplining, archery, horseback riding and fly fishing.

And in Bozeman, The LARK—a recently renovated boutique hotel—is a perfect home base for exploring nearby trails, peaks and rivers of the Gallatin Valley. The venue features an open-air design, an outdoor fire pit and wider balconies.

Sage Lodge, in Pray, Montana, is located on the banks of the Yellowstone River, just 35 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy access to more than 1,200 acres of spectacular Montana real estate – including hiking and biking trails, a casting pond and Ranch Houses that ensure privacy for guests.

In Ketchum, Idaho, Knob Hill Inn pairs European alpine charm with tempting access to outdoor recreation options for which the iconic mountain town is known (fishing, golf, hiking, biking, etc.).

MEXICO + CANADA

Following a 76-day quarantine, hotels, golf courses, beaches and other non-essential businesses in Los Cabos, Mexico, reopened on June 15. One of our sun-kissed favorites, Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resort, has resumed service at its properties, including Pacifica, Sunset Beach, Montecristo and Rose (they’re currently operating at 30% capacity).

Once British Columbia opens its border, we’ll be planning a return to Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. In the meantime we can daydream while watching this 360 video tour of Covert Farms Family Estate Winery—a must-stop on your next visit up north.

When it’s safe to do so, we’ll also look forward to supporting Indigenous Tourism BC, which has proven an incredible support to 70+ Indigenous businesses across the province with their Emergency Relief Fund. These include Iskwew Air, Canada’s first airline founded that was owned by an Indigenous woman; Kekuli Café, whose business model has shifted while continuing to serve essential workers and locals; and Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which introduced at-home Indigenous craft demonstrations.

FUTURE TRAVEL DREAMS

And when our wanderlust really kicks into high gear, we dream of escapes to far-flung spots like  Halekulani Okinawa, which is officially back in business with a brand-new cleaning and disinfection program developed in partnership with Ecolab. Just check out the photos on their website, and you’ll see why this Japanese destination is high on our list! Stay safe everyone, and we’ll see you out there in the world sometime soon.