A Driver's Date Day

THE DATE DAY - HIGHWAY 2 E TO 97 S TO 90 W

Departure Time: 07:00-08:00 

Car Prep:

• A full tank of gas

• Tires suitable for the season

• Good brakes

• $20 in cash in small bills (valet) 

• (Optional) A nice change of clothes for dinner

Dan's Notes:

This is one of my favorite drives to just drive straight through, but instead of making this into a "pass blast", you can turn this into a great little day trip date adventure by hitting the right stops and taking in the sights. In fact, this drive is often best during heavy snow as long as your vehicle is prepared for the conditions. Do yourself a favor and fill up before you go so you can spend as much time focusing on your time together and stick to the plan. 

I'm just going to be blunt here - don't half ass this if you're making this into a really romantic day trip. On the flip side, don't overdue it if you're in a new relationship. This trip can get really expensive. Reservations are really important for dinner at Hoist House and Salish. You can book on Open Table, but make sure you call and ask for a window seat at both locations. See my notes below about making reservations at Salish. And do your date a favor - tell her or him to bring a nice but simple change of clothes for dinner and dessert. While this date is best kept as a surprise, they'll be more comfortable in something casual for the start of the day and dressier for the evening. 

The Drive:

Start the day and leave no later than 08:00 so you can get a good breakfast. If you've lived here a while you probably already know about The Sultan Bakery. It’s a good little stop with cinnamon rolls the size of your head. Keep in mind this is also close to your last chance for gas at a semi-decent price, so fill up here if you haven't already for some reason. 

If you want you can stop at Stevens Pass at the top, but I usually just continue on to Leavenworth. Take your time and don't get too annoyed by the tourists who go 25 under the limit on the way into town. They're always there, they're always annoying, but don't let it get to you. Enjoy the view as you drive along the river. 

If you planned it right, you'll be getting into Leavenworth between 11-12, a perfect time for lunch. I always recommend Munchen Haus for a casual meal, then continue on to Hard Row To Hoe tasting room for some good wine, Cheesemongers for the some cheese tasting, or whatever else floats your boat. The big meal comes later, so I wouldn't over do it here. 

After you've had your fill of Leavenworth, continue east on 2 until you hit 97 south. During the winter Blewett Pass (this section of 97 south) can close often so check the weather before you go. This pass is a riot in the summer and slow and pretty in the winter, but watch for wildlife! While there aren't many good stops on this pass in my opinion, I always enjoy driving it just to enjoy the road. 

Next you'll get back on I-90 west briefly. The road to Suncadia / Swiftwater Cellars / Hoist House is a short but fun drive. If you made your reservations right you'll have a nice view of the snowy hills from the window and some great food and wine. Remember, don't over do it as you'll have a great opportunity to for dessert and drinks at the next stop. 

After having your fill at Suncadia, continue on I-90 West until you reach Snoqualmie. Remember to take it easy through town as there always seems to be a nice officer waiting for you in one of the cities speed zones, after crossing the railroad track and going through the roundabout that no one seems to be able to figure out, you’ll arrive at Salish Lodge and Spa. You have two options here depending on the type of date you're having; if you've kept the date casual then head upstairs to the no-reservations restaurant, The Attic. Ask the hostess if the adjoining conference room is free for you to look out on the balcony as the falls are lit up in the evening. If you are REALLY good at timing and planning you can get here at sunset. If you've turned this into a special day then of course you want the main restaurant and Salish, but you'll need reservations. When you make them, be sure to ask for the small private booth. It's by request only and isn't exposed to the normal restaurant. This is also a good time to have champagne waiting. If you're proposing ask for flowers too and have your room booked; don’t be afraid to make special, reasonable requests. Salish has always gone above and beyond for Avants members.  

The best part about this drive is you can make it whatever you want - fast, casual, or you can make it a scenic, romantic day trip. Just be sure to plan ahead and don't let the constantly variable traffic get to you. It's Washington after all and these are roads, not a racetrack.  

A Driver's Date Night

THE DRIVER'S DATE NIGHT

Departure Time: 17:00 - Sat-Sun, 19:00 - Mon-Fri

Car Checklist:

• Full tank of fuel

• A warm jacket (in case you want to look at the falls after dark)

Dan's Notes:

UPDATE FOR 2019! Follow The Salish Lodge Valet on IG and send them a message to let them know you’re coming. Bring $20 cash for their tip, yes, it will be worth it. Tell them I sent you!

Make sure you're ready for this drive - It's date night, so don't be lazy! Get flowers. Get cash for the valet. Make sure the car is clean. Make sure you have a full tank. Dress up a little. Iron your damn shirt. Pre-order champagne. Treat him/her right and actually put a little effort in for once. Make this fun! 

While I feel like this goes without saying, don't make reservations at Salish a normal date night. You don't want special to become normal. If you do want to make it a special night and make reservations, ask for the private booth in the dining room and make sure you plan at least 2 weeks out. If you want to just make this a fun drive and date night, take your date to The Attic, located above the normal restaurant where you don't need reservations. Once there, ask the host if you can go to the balcony in the conference room for a few minutes. You're welcome. 

The Drive: 

You don't really want a date night to be a several hour drive. Don't worry, I have a date day drive too! This drive is best suited for a Sunday evening due to traffic, so keep that in mind. If you're going on a weekday, leave the Eastside around 7 to avoid most of the traffic, but check it ahead of time on Google Maps or Waze. 

Most people take 202 out of Redmond, but it's full of stop lights and traffic. Head farther east down Novelty Hill to Snoqualmie Valley Road, and then take the right onto Ames Lake Road - this is where the fun starts. You'll get some good twists and elevation changes in and some great adrenaline. Merge onto 202, but only for a few miles before taking the sharp left onto Tolt Hill road. Be careful here as this road can bite you like Highbridge if you're not prepared. Head east to 203 and follow it up back to 202 where you'll fall in line with the curves right up to Salish Lodge on the right. 

Make sure you tip the Valet ahead of time to get better parking and you're all set. Enjoy your date night. Make sure to wash your hands from the sweat on your palms you built up on the drive.