Simply 15 miles from Seattle, alongside the northeast shores of Lake Washington, a superbly restored landmark sits in the midst of a 316-acre state park. Amid winding trails and luxurious forest, this as soon as Catholic seminary—the primary accredited in the US—has since developed right into a Northwest-inspired lodge, which welcomed its first company in 2021.
Lodge at St. Edward Kristin Gillespie
Regardless of its proximity to the town, The Lodge at St. Edward Park actually seems like a getaway vacation spot from the second you arrive. And whereas it serves as a calming escape for adults—full with the indulgences of two bars, wonderful eating, and a spa—I used to be pleasantly shocked to find that it affords exploration and journey for pint-sized vacationers as nicely. My 5-year-old’s curiosity peaked when she heard of our plans to not solely go to a park, however to remain in a single day. One among her first discoveries upon arriving was Otto the Otter, a bronze statue who greeted us simply outdoors the entrance entrance. After recognizing Otto once more within the foyer mural and on the youngsters’ menu within the restaurant, my daughter immediately turned certainly one of The Lodge’s most trustworthy ambassadors.
Our visitor room was so snug and elegantly embellished that it was a problem to not sink into the pillows and plant ourselves there at some stage in our keep. However the lure of journey proved higher. We dropped our luggage, tucked in some stuffed animals, and set out once more.
The Lodge gives complimentary transportation to assist company discover the encircling space inside a 10-mile radius. Wine tasting in Woodinville, buying and eating in Kirkland, or a sightseeing flight with Kenmore Air are simply a few of the actions which might be available to Lodge company. That mentioned, there are such a lot of actions and facilities accessible proper on property that my household didn’t discover the necessity to go away the grounds throughout our keep. Our daughter’s favourite amenity? Fingers down, the library. It’s accessible to company 24/7 and has a prepared provide of not solely books, however video games as nicely. And snacks—granola bars, fruit snacks, pretzels, path combine, lollipops, free for the taking. After making that discovery, you possibly can wager that she requested to cease by the library to snag a lollipop every time we returned to our room.
Our first precedence was to get out on a path. After a fast cease at The Grotto, the place my daughter procured a white rose from the remnants of a current wedding ceremony, we picked up the Seminary Path and adopted it all the way down to Lake Washington. As we had been taking within the view, a bald eagle swooped all the way down to graze the water’s floor and again up once more to perch on the branches that hung above our heads.
Returning to The Lodge, our exploration of discovery continued. We had been delighted to occur upon the Chef’s Backyard and apiary, studying later that the produce, herbs, and honey harvested there are sometimes included into the menu on the signature restaurant, Cedar + Elm. We made a recreation of discovering, scanning, and sharing the trivia discovered on QR codes that make up the self-guided historic tour, scattered all through the property. And we wandered via the Gallery of Superb Arts, an on-site showcase of rotating native artwork. Did my daughter establish her favorites and pose subsequent to them, demanding images? Sure, certainly, she did.
Dinner that night was a deal with. Followers of Bravo TV’s Prime Chef could acknowledge Chef Luke Kolpin from season 19, now Govt Chef at Cedar + Elm. The menu focuses on sustainability, seasonality, and assist of native producers and purveyors. Our picks for the night: crisp, uncooked oysters with a fermented chili mignonette and black garlic braised quick ribs with a fragile mushroom taste. Artistically crafted cocktails from Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar rounded out our night—and I’ve it on good authority that they make a imply Shirley Temple as nicely.
The lure of the paths known as to us once more the subsequent morning and we determined to move out to the park as soon as extra—this time on two wheels. My husband and I had thought of borrowing a few of the mountain bikes that The Lodge retains on-hand for visitor use, however in the end determined to remain on our ft so we had been accessible to assist our daughter via a few of the harder elements of the path. Naturally, we needed to make a cease on the playground afterward. With a castle-like construction, a climbing wall, slides, swings, and loads of nooks and crannies to discover, it was well-populated—clearly a magnet for youths of all ages.
Lastly, the time got here for us to take our go away. As we circled the driveway and turned our automotive away from the gorgeous brick façade, a voice from the backseat requested if she might have fun her subsequent birthday at The Lodge at St. Edward. If that isn’t the final word endorsement from a 5-year-old, I don’t know what’s. I assure that my household and I can be again for an additional go to.
Kristin Gillespie
Concerning the Writer
Kristin Gillespie
Kristin Gillespie is Director, Advertising at Go to Seattle. An avid traveler and Seattle transplant of greater than 17 years, Kristin likes to discover the Northwest and isn’t discovered with no digicam in hand—though as of late it is sometimes pointing towards her adventurous little woman.
