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Monday, Oct 06, 2008
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| Bainbridge Island an affordable, accessible Valentine's getaway | |
| by Richard Kennedy -
SGN A&E Writer Like most folks, I'm always on the go with a laundry list of job responsibilities that most often keep me from taking extended time off. Rather than wait for that "once-a-year" vacation, I enjoy shorter weekend getaways - ones that make you feel like you're a million miles from home and the city. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, my partner and I were looking for just that type of getaway, with a romantic twist. Lots of places offer "romantic and intimate" settings, but I believe we really discovered the perfect excursion to make the most overworked and under-romanced couples rediscover just how rejuvenating an amorous furlough can be to a relationship. We made a weekend jaunt to Bainbridge Island in search of solitude and good, old-fashioned "alone" time, and guess what? We found it! And it's just a relaxing 35-minute ferry ride away. If Bainbridge Island should interest you and your sweetheart, consider these suggestions. STAY Once you drive off the boat and pass through downtown Bainbridge, you go on for about ten minutes to one of the most fantastic local secrets I've discovered as of late. Nestled under the trees near Battle Point Park is Ashton Woods Retreat. The property is Gay-owned and super pet-friendly. Your hosts, Steven Avery and Christopher Ross, have created the intimacy of a small B&B, the amenities of a great hotel, and the privacy of a secluded destination. Asian-inspired décor create a peaceful and tranquil feeling throughout the entire grounds. On the property, you will find two amazing guest options - the cottage and the loft. Both are designed exclusively for two guests featuring deluxe queen size beds and fireplaces. The loft is located on the second story of the house overlooking the Zen garden and water fountain with a casual seating area and an intimate bedroom nook. The Zen bathroom has bamboo, river rock and a rainforest shower for two. As beautiful as the loft is I have to say the cottage is an even bigger draw as it's situated away from the house and hides under the forest trees. With a covered porch right outside the front door, these trees are literally just steps away from your windows. Inside, you will find a large two-person air jetted tub, with choices of several different sea salts to enjoy. Open the bathroom shutters and watch the fireplace from your tub. Enjoy a great selection of boutique bath products exclusively from Nancy Boy of San Francisco. The attention to detail in both guest areas is perfection. Color schemes, construction and design are impeccable and you feel instantly pampered when you arrive to your room to find a bottle of wine, delicious snacks and the sound of silence completely surrounding you. A television, DVD player, stereo with CDs and wireless internet are there for your use, but I'll doubt you'll need them. Look for pictures and information at www.ashtonwoodsretreat.com. EAT One of the local restaurants that your hosts might suggest is the intimate Four Swallows, just minutes from the retreat. It's a delightful and romantic dining option with a rustic Italian menu. Look carefully when you approach because you may drive by it, since it appears to be a house at first glance. The décor is consistent with the rustic Italian style; tasteful, muted and reminiscent of Italy's lush countryside. Dim lighting and a gracious staff welcome you with an extensive wine list, both domestic and imported. Italian staples are offered for appetizers including ricotta gnocchi, mussels, and antipasto. The main courses consist of seafoods, pastas, beef and vegetarian fare. The Dungeness crab cakes rest in a meuniere sauce with fingerling potatoes and spinach. Pan-roasted beef tenderloin simmers in a red wine demi, and the gulf prawns come with spaghettini, tomatoes, brandy, garlic and crushed red pepper. If you are looking for something a little more mainstream you can try the pizza margherita or grilled eggplant pizza. The dessert menu is just as appealing as the entrees - I enjoyed the best bread pudding I've ever had. Because of its intimate size, I would recommend reservations, especially if you plan to go on Valentine's Day. See some pictures of this charming find at www.fourswallows.com. RELAX There are plenty of day activities on Bainbridge that will keep you busy without removing you from your restful state of being. My partner and I were just looking to wander around the downtown area, since this was our first visit. Charming gift shops, furniture and home décor stores caught our attention until we found Mora Iced Creamery. Gourmet, handmade ice creams in a variety of flavors made us forget that we had stopped by in the middle of winter. As an ice cream connoisseur, I must say that this place can't be missed! After window-shopping, we headed back to Ashton Woods to enjoy the peace and solitude. We enjoyed a short walk around the trails near our cottage. One can also sit and relax by the outdoor fire ring and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa. Near Ashton Woods, you will find the Grand Forest for the ultimate woodland walk amongst some of the most pristine forest on the island. Wander through glens, over streams and look for deer and birds as you journey through your romantic getaway. You may also borrow the bikes from your hosts and enjoy a ride around the quiet back roads up to Battle Point Park, where you will find a jogging trail, tennis courts, and pond in the 65-acre park. Down the road, green thumbs will find Bainbridge Gardens Nursery, the Island's premier destination for gardeners. Don't forget to stop in the New Rose café for a latte or a snack before you hit the gardens. Visit www.bainbridgeislandchamber.com for more ideas and information. |
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| photo: Ashton Woods Retreat | |
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