Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Alderbrook Resort & Spa stands as a premier destination, offering an unforgettable experience for every visitor. While renowned for its luxurious accommodations and stunning Hood Canal views, Alderbrook also boasts the exceptional Alderbrook Golf Course, a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. After a recent visit, it’s clear why Alderbrook is considered a top-tier retreat, blending natural beauty with sophisticated leisure. This resort truly caters to all generations, promising a memorable escape whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or quality family time.
A Festive Black Friday Weekend at Alderbrook
Traveling, especially with young children, can be an undertaking. Finding a destination that feels worlds away without requiring extensive travel time is invaluable. Our journey began with a classic Pacific Northwest experience: a scenic ferry ride to my mother’s house. From there, a comfortable hour-long drive brought us to Union, Washington, and the welcoming embrace of Alderbrook.
My mother, familiar with the area thanks to her appreciation for the Alderbrook Golf Club and local boutiques, happily took the wheel. With Grandma navigating and my three-year-old peacefully asleep, the picturesque drive through Kitsap and Mason counties was a stress-free prelude to our resort weekend.
The Pacific Northwest offers numerous holiday destinations, but Alderbrook’s accessibility is unmatched. Forget about battling traffic or navigating treacherous mountain passes. We arrived at the resort feeling refreshed and with a well-rested toddler, ready to dive into a weekend of festive cheer. This Black Friday was trading the usual shopping frenzy for the vibrant spirit of the holidays at Alderbrook.
Ahhh-lderbrook Resort & Spa: A Grand Holiday Welcome
The resort’s charming, rustic exterior opens into a grand lobby, transformed into a holiday wonderland. Magnificent Christmas trees, adorned with oversized ornaments, grace every corner. The lobby serves as Alderbrook’s heart, a central gathering space where families and couples can relax by the fireplace, engage in games, enjoy warm drinks, or simply soak in the festive ambiance.
We checked into our Creekside Room on the third floor, offering delightful views of the charming cottages and the stunning Hood Canal. The room was spacious and thoughtfully equipped for our two-night stay. After the obligatory hotel bed bouncing session from my son, he was eager to explore the resort and partake in the planned activities. Our first stop? Back to the lobby for the evening’s main event.
Fireworks, Tree Lighting, and Santa’s Arrival
The evening commenced with an energetic performance by the Roosevelt Drumline, filling Alderbrook’s elegant lobby with an exciting drum battle. The band then marched outside, leading the way to the highly anticipated tree lighting ceremony.
Attending a tree lighting ceremony the day after Thanksgiving is a cherished family tradition. Now with a toddler, considerations like traffic, crowded spaces, and safety are paramount. This year, the short, pleasant stroll from the lobby to Alderbrook’s beautiful waterfront plaza was ideal. While the crowd was larger than expected, the atmosphere was joyful and relaxed, without any pushing or shoving. All eyes were focused on the sky, awaiting the promised fireworks signaling Santa’s arrival.
The fireworks display exceeded all expectations. It was a spectacular, extended show, painting the night sky above Hood Canal with vibrant colors and pure magic, reflected in my son’s awestruck face.
As the fireworks reached their grand finale, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a grand entrance from the Lady Alderbrook, the resort’s private yacht. The talented drumline once again took formation, escorting the jolly couple through the delighted crowd. Santa led a countdown to illuminate a towering Christmas tree, followed by a flurry of artificial “snow,” adding the perfect finishing touch to a magical holiday evening.
Activities for Every Age and Interest
Saturday morning began perfectly with prompt and delicious room service. But before delving into the culinary delights, the day was packed with activities.
My mother indulged in a relaxing one-hour massage at the resort’s acclaimed, award-winning spa. Meanwhile, my son had a very special encounter: personal time with Santa!
Santa himself made an appearance in the lobby, dedicating quality time to each child waiting in line. This was the first Santa meeting that truly resonated with my son. They chatted about toys and shared laughs in a relaxed setting, a far cry from the hurried mall Santa experience.
After lunch, we returned to the lobby for gingerbread house decorating, discovering it’s more challenging than anticipated! Nevertheless, we left with a unique keepsake and a newfound appreciation for the craft. Next, it was time for a highly anticipated adventure on the water.
Hood Canal Highlight: The Delightful Cocoa Cruise
The Cocoa Cruise was undoubtedly the highlight of our weekend. Alderbrook’s Cocoa Cruise is a delightful one-hour excursion on the festive Lady Alderbrook.
We were fortunate with perfect weather as we cruised around Hood Canal, taking in breathtaking views of lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and stunning waterfront properties (a particular favorite of my mother).
As the name suggests, hot cocoa flowed freely, accompanied by marshmallows and sprinkle cookies. But the sweetest treat was unlimited time with Santa.
Alderbrook’s Santa possesses a remarkable ability to connect with children. He even sat on the floor to read a holiday story to his captivated audience. Keeping my energetic toddler engaged for that long was a Christmas miracle in itself! He presented each child with a thoughtful, age-appropriate gift and spent time on crafts, conversations, and more photo opportunities.
Beyond his patience and genuine demeanor, Santa also had impressively stylish footwear!
For anyone planning a holiday visit to Alderbrook, the Cocoa Cruise is a must-do, offering stunning panoramic views of Hood Canal and unforgettable holiday memories. And for those looking to extend their outdoor activities, remember to explore the Alderbrook Golf Course, offering scenic views and challenging play for all skill levels.
Culinary Bliss at Alderbrook
As previously mentioned, the dining experience at Alderbrook is truly exceptional.
The Restaurant, aptly named, features a new Head Chef, whom we had the pleasure of meeting during our two exquisite dinners. Chef Tim’s passion for culinary artistry is evident in every dish. His welcoming personality and extensive experience in fine dining are a perfect combination for diners and Alderbrook’s esteemed culinary reputation.
For our room service breakfast, my mother raved about the Veggie Scramble, while I savored the Alderbrook Parfait, and my son thoroughly enjoyed the Kids Canal Breakfast Sandwich. Based on my “mom tax” bite, it was indeed one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve tasted, and my picky eater devoured it.
When we dined in for breakfast on Sunday, I wisely chose the Smoked Salmon Bagel, a vibrant explosion of color and flavor. This dish is a must-try! The King salmon was flaky yet moist, the capers and pickled onions provided a delightful salty tang, and the cucumbers added a refreshing crunch. The freshly baked everything bagel was perfectly seasoned, and the schmear truly elevated the dish.
Oyster enthusiasts will adore the Hood Canal Hash, a savory house favorite, topped with two perfectly cooked eggs that added a creamy richness to the wonderfully crispy meal.
However, the culinary highlight for me was Saturday’s dinner at The Restaurant: the Grand Marnier Black Tiger Prawns. The flavor combination was simply divine. I confessed to our friendly server, Paddy, that it was fortunate I hadn’t tried them sooner, as I would have been tempted to order them at every meal. Regrettably, I was too engrossed in enjoying them to capture a photo, but you can catch a glimpse in the video recap of our trip.
Alongside the prawns, we shared a generous portion of Crispy Brussels Sprouts. Paddy’s excellent wine recommendation, the Browne Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, perfectly complemented our meal. We indulged in the S’mores Chocolate Torte to complete our dining experience, and I wished I could have given Chef Tim a hug or high-five to express my appreciation!
The impeccable service, beautiful presentation, and exquisite flavors alone make Alderbrook a must-visit destination. And after a satisfying meal, consider a leisurely stroll around the grounds or perhaps even an afternoon tee time at the Alderbrook Golf Course to fully appreciate the resort’s offerings.
A Perfect Getaway Conclusion
Content and satisfied, we spent Saturday evening relaxing in our room, watching a classic Hallmark Christmas movie, feeling as though we were living in one ourselves at Alderbrook.
Another advantage of visiting Alderbrook is its proximity to Union City Market, which also seems straight out of a movie. Here, you can find unique artisan gifts, gourmet snacks, and fantastic food and drinks at Hook & Fork. The ambiance is reminiscent of Martha’s Vineyard, yet distinctly Pacific Northwest.
Alderbrook Resort & Spa truly excels during the holidays, but it is a year-round destination, offering seasonal activities, menus, and the irresistible indoor saltwater pool with stunning views. And for those who appreciate outdoor recreation, the Alderbrook Golf Course provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region while perfecting your swing.
Since returning home, reflecting on the multitude of wonderful memories, I can’t find a single downside to our trip. Except, perhaps, my son continually asking to return to “The Hotel.” The only drawback of this exceptional weekend getaway is that it has set the bar incredibly high for future family vacations.
Until our next visit, Alderbrook!
Learn more about Alderbrook Resort & Spa and plan your visit, including information about the Alderbrook Golf Course, here.
Jennifer King is the Managing Editor for SeattleRefined.com. While the products, services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge, the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board. ***Thank You to Mark and the Alderbrook team for inviting our family to review Holidays on Hood Canal. This review is dedicated to sweet kitty, Alder.
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