#1 Wine Tasting Tour

Whisk your sweetheart away and tantalize your taste buds with the burgeoning wine scene in Washington’s Playground. Visionary vintners and orchardists have turned north central Washington into a wine-lover’s paradise. With a long growing season, ample amounts of sunshine, and plenty of natural water, Washington’s Playground is the perfect environment for vintners to perform their magic. With wineries in Lake Chelan, Cashmere, Dryden, and Leavenworth, vineyards dot the landscape. Contact any of several companies in the area that provide all inclusive wine tasting tours to make the travel between tastings a breeze. It’s also possible in Leavenworth to spend a whole day tasting while walking the Bavarian-themed downtown area where there are over 10 tasting rooms within easy walking distance! While in town, enjoy a glass of the day’s finest paired with a selection of gourmet cheese from the Cheesemongers Shop on Front St. If there’s one thing we know, its vino!

#2 Wilderness Hiking & Camping

For the active outdoorsy couple, how about an overnight camping adventure into the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness? The Enchantment Lakes Wilderness area just outside of Leavenworth offers some of the most breathtaking mountain-top views and rugged unspoiled wilderness found anywhere in Washington State. With snow-capped mountain peaks, wild flower-fill meadows, herds of grazing mountain goats, and crystal-clear glacial-fed alpine lakes, this is the type of place where every outdoor enthusiast dreams of spending time. Take several hours to hike the 4-5 miles up to and around the turquoise blue waters of Colchuck Lake that sits at 5500 ft. Choose a good spot to set up camp around the lake. Take a dip in the chilly glacial-fed waters to cool off after all the hard work is done. Enjoy a campfire-cooked dinner as the sun sets over the towering mountain peaks that surround the lake. Gaze at the brilliant orange Alpenglow on Dragontail Peak which rises another 2200+ ft in only ¾ of a mile on the south end of Colchuck Lake. To the right, view remnants of the Colchuck Glacier. To the right, view Aasgard Pass, the most direct way up to the rest of the Enchantment Lakes Wilderness. Roast marshmallows over your lakeside campfire and snuggle up under the stars. Warning: you may have to remind each other you’re not dreaming, yet… There are campsites all along the lakeshore, but be aware that camping here is managed under the same strict regime as the core Enchantment Zone – overnight stays are by permit only from June 15th-October 15^th.

#3 Stehekin Weekend

Ever heard of Stehekin? It’s a remote village nestled in the North Cascades that sits on the far end of Lake Chelan and is only accessible by boat, plane, or a 17 mile one way hike. Take a ride on the Lady of the Lake ferry or better yet, charter a sea plane (which is cheaper than you might expect) and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Lake Chelan as you travel towards the north end of the lake and swoop down to land on the calm blue waters. Rent bicycles or ride the shuttle for transportation. Explore the hills by horseback on half or full-day trips. Make sure to stop by the Stehekin Pastry Co. for one of their famous cinnamon rolls perfect for two. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery that make this quaint little village so popular with locals and non-locals alike. Make arrangements to stay in one of the many cabins along the lake and put your sandy feet up as you relax and marvel at the beauty of the sun setting over the mountain ridges towering above Lake Chelan.

#4 Sunset Paddleboard & Picnic

On those hot sunny summer days, beat the heat with your honey by getting out on the water. Rent paddleboards if you have experience, or join a guided trip that’s perfect for beginners. Within walking distance of downtown Leavenworth, enjoy an evening stand up paddleboard (SUP) trip around Blackbird Island on the Wenatchee River. Take a break on one of the sandy beaches and watch the wildlife from deer to beaver, to osprey and eagles in the midst of their daily routines as the sun sets over Icicle Ridge and Tumwater Mountain. Or, in Wenatchee, head over to Confluence Park on the Columbia River to participate in an evening sunset paddleboard excursion. Pack a picnic to enjoy after you get off the water. Raise your glasses to a toast in the fading day light to a fun and romantic evening spent in Washington’s Playground.

#5 5-Star Dining, Spa, & Resort

Pamper yourself and your loved one with a stay at the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort located in Leavenworth, WA. Nestled along the Icicle River in the Cascade Mountains a couple miles outside of downtown, the resort’s architecture and design reflect the wild and natural landscape that surrounds it. Easily let your worries slip away as you and your loved one enjoy a massage and spend time in the sauna. Swim in the rock-lined Woodland Rock Pools, and soak in the adjacent hot pool. Whether it’s for breakfast or dinner, walk over to the Kingfisher Restaurant to indulge in entrees such as leg of lamb or fresh-caught sockeye salmon, a salad bar mostly harvested from the on-grounds 2-acre organic garden, and desserts including mouth-watering chocolate mousse. For guests of the resort, one or two meals are included. Stay in one of their guest rooms and walk the trails to explore river views, the art walk including an original Dale Chihuly sculpture, the flower and organic gardens, and other on-site amenities and attractions. Combined with their Adventure & Activities Packages, this is one place that should keep everyone entertained!