I’m a newbie to Seattle, well, to the Pacific Northwest region as a whole. I’ve only experienced winter here, and as most will admit, it’s overcast and rainy a lot of the time. It’s important to have those getaways planned to break up the, eh, how do you say, gloom. The Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth is the perfect winter wonderland break from Seattle. I recently stayed at the Sleeping Lady and found it simply delightful. The resort is nestled in the Cascade mountains, just about two hours northeast of Seattle. I loved the fact that it felt far enough from the town center to be in the wilderness and at peace, but close enough to have access to stores for last minute necessities. I loved being here in winter and can’t wait to return to check out the place in the summertime. The layout of the resort felt extensive but easy to navigate, with the help of a handy map from the office check-in. There are signs that clearly mark which way to the dining lodge, the game room, the exercise room, the guest rooms, the library, the bar and the spa. I spent the afternoon snowshoeing around a trail located within walking distance from the resort, and though I didn’t see any wildlife, I did enjoy the breathtaking views. I have to be honest though, the real reason I came to the Sleeping Lady was to relax, and it was all too easy to do that. After my strenuous (read: leisurely) snowshoe jaunt, I relaxed in the hot pools near my room. I loved the fact that the hot pool was outside, and I could be comfortable in my swimming suit in the water and watch the snow fall. There’s a swimming pool here as well that would be great to check out in the summer. The rooms were comfortable, roomy and had all the necessities. Hairdryer, coffeemaker, oversize robe, fair trade tea; everything a girl could want. My favorite feature was the heated towel rack, a completely new experience for me. I’m sold. You may notice that I didn’t mention television. That’s right, they don’t have television in the rooms. Which I love. Who goes to the mountains to watch television anyway? Dinner at the Kingfisher dining lodge far exceeded my expectations. I was impressed with the salad bar, serving such items as wild rice salad, quinoa salad, caprese salad, and a plethora of other choices. The main course featured yams, kale, trout, pork loin, and free range chicken. Not to mention fresh soup and bread. Oh and the desserts? Chocolate ganache and lemon tarts to name a few. Y-U-M. The restaurant is committed to using local, organic ingredients and often uses fruits and vegetables from their two-acre organic garden on site. One of both of these meals are included in the stay. The food is served buffet style, allowing you to sample as much or as little as you’d like. Breakfast was equally impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Sleeping Lady Resort. There’s fun for everyone, and fun during all seasons. Be sure to check out the hot pools, and promise to use the hot towel rack. You’ll thank me.
Photos courtesy of Joslin Fritz.