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

• Weekends: 5:00 PM

• Weekdays: 7:00 PM

This route is all about timing. Leave too early and you'll spend your evening staring at brake lights instead of enjoying the drive.

Car Checklist

Before you head out:

• Full tank of fuel

• A warm jacket if you want to walk down to Snoqualmie Falls after dark

Dan's Notes

If you're doing this drive, send a message to the Salish Lodge valet team on Instagram ahead of time and let them know you're coming. Bring a $20 bill for the valet. Trust me on this one. Tell them Dan's Drives sent you.

Now let's talk about something most people forget:

This isn't just a drive. It's date night.

Don't be lazy.

Wash the car. Get flowers. Bring cash for the valet. Put on something nicer than the shirt you've been wearing all weekend. Iron the thing if necessary. If you're ordering champagne, order it ahead of time. Put in a little effort for once.

The entire point is making the night feel special.

That said, don't make Salish Lodge your regular Friday-night dinner spot. There's something to be said for keeping special places special. If you decide to make reservations, let them know you’re with Avants and let them know it’s a special night. The service here is second to none and they always treat you right.

Looking for something a little more casual? Head over to the bar instead. No reservation required.

The Drive

This isn't one of those drives where you spend six hours in the car and call it romance.

I've got separate routes for that.

This one is designed to be a fun evening drive that adds a little excitement before dinner.

Most people leave Redmond and take Highway 202 straight to Snoqualmie. That's also what everyone else does. It's full of traffic lights, commuters, and every inconvenience a fun drive doesn't need.

Instead, head east on Novelty Hill Road toward Snoqualmie Valley Road. Turn right onto Ames Lake Road and that's where the fun begins.

The road immediately starts throwing elevation changes, tight corners, and enough rhythm to remind you why you bought a fun car in the first place.

After a short stretch on 202, make the sharp left onto Tolt Hill Road.

Pay attention here.

Tolt Hill has a little bit of the same personality as High Bridge Road. It rewards smooth driving and punishes overconfidence. Stay alert and don't drive beyond what you can see.

Follow Tolt Hill east until it reconnects with Highway 203. From there, head north and eventually merge back onto 202, where the road begins to flow along the river with a series of enjoyable sweepers that carry you all the way into Snoqualmie.

Salish Lodge will be on your right.

Hand the valet your keys, enjoy the evening, and try not to let your date notice how sweaty your palms got during the drive.

Why This Route Works

There are faster roads.

There are more technical roads.

There are certainly longer roads.

But few drives around the Eastside combine good scenery, fun corners, and a genuinely memorable destination as well as this one. It's just enough driving to build anticipation without becoming the entire event.

And if everything goes according to plan, your date will remember the night.

You'll remember the road.

Route Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZAL19jeexsRdzb6RA