Sun Mountain Lodge Review.

The drive over to Winthrop from Kingston was a beautiful drive. We decided to do the cascade loop a drive that I had yet to ever do as someone that was born and raised in Washington State. 

Being a native from Washington, I know what it's beauty has to offer. A wealth of natural beauty and generous quality vacation spots and resorts that we have to offer to the people that truly want to see something amazing. You are in luck Sun Mountain Lodge is one I had heard that I needed to try and check out. Nestled in the Methow Valley in Eastern Washington. 

When my Mom and I made the turn on the Arlington exit off of I-5  we started to drive towards Eastern Washington. We realized that it didn't take very long at all to leave the Western Washington's rainy gray skies behind us. Amazingly Winthrop Washington is located only 200 miles northeast of Seattle.The baby blue skies and warm sunshine made us feel like we had jumped on a plane to get this sunshine but we just had to drive a few hours to reach it. A great trip to our back yard is all we needed. 

Stepping back in time in the frontier town of Winthrop Washington with it's old wooden sidewalks. Winthrop is a popular destination for visitors from all around the country. The Cowboy town is fun to explore especially the downtown very quaint old out west feel and appearance. Despite it's small size, hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, make their way over the Mountains just like My mom and I did just to check it out. Walk down main street where you can get  a taste of the old West! The great shops and ice cream cones are just the tip of the iceberg for a fun vacation spot. If you don't already know, Winthrop offers a variety of outdoor activities. The area offers 150 miles of trails, busy with bikers, hikers and horse back riders during the summer months. Cross country skiers and snow shoers leave their tracks during the winter months. There are many great fishing and hunting area's within a short drive of Winthrop. 

We were able to check out some great places to shop Trails End Bookstore where we were able to get some fun books to read while staying at Sun mountain lodge. Red Hen Trading Company a great little consignment shop that mom and I were both able to find a new treasure to take home. I got a new dress for $2.50 and Mom got a beautiful scarf for $1.00. Aspen Grove Gifts was a wonderful place to check out, with such fun things it was hard to just choose one thing to buy. Mom found a pink cast iron flying pig and I found a the perfect clock to go in my Paris themed office. There were so many wonderful places to shop at but I don't want to write about them all in this review because I am very excited to go back again. 

After we were done looking around we got a bite to eat at the Duck Brand Cantina where mom and I both had a wonderful lunch. I can only hope to one day be asked to stay in the hotel that they have on the same site as the Duck Brand Cantina at this is a great place with a funky themed environment. We also tried the School House Brewery, the place where your husband will be happy to sit and relax all the while enjoying a brew and the sound of the river rolling through the outside patio. It is a perfect way to end a fun day in the wild wild west. 

On our drive up to the lodge we were amazed with the beautiful views of the sun soaked mountains glimmering in the gold tones that the rolling hills only eastern Washington has, the entire time the road followed the river. Wild life was everywhere you looked. Eagles flying over head, baby deer close to their mommy's and the Buck's leading the way. The entire time I was thinking what it must look like when its blanketed in snow. How amazing a trip up to Sun Mountain must look like in the middle of winter.  After about a half hour we made it to the lodge and the view just continued to get better.

I received a frosty greeting at the front desk, when asking for a little more detailed direction for how to get to my room. I felt that I was a bother when I asked about it after I had checked in. Being that the resort is so well known and such a destination for people to travel to I would think that their hospitality would be a little bit better. The housekeeping staff was above and beyond helpful and sweet, making me forget about the first impression of the front desk. All was forgiven right then and there. I am sure that they do a lot for making things right. The gift shop was over the top and was far above expectation with hand picked details and all the things you might have forgotten at the bottom of the mountain in town. They even had Ting's my favorite vegan chips. 


Our room was amazing and the decor didn't take away from the natural wonders of outside. The little patio with a table and two chairs were just prefect for mom and I to sit out and enjoy the sunset between the mountains and the valley. A doe and her fawn's came right to our patio and if we would have reached out our hands we would have been able to pet them. Something in my life I had never been so close to before in their own natural settings.  The bed was comfy and the linen was rich and enjoyable to sleep in. I am always so worried about the sleep I am going to get on a review. It wasn't a disappointment at all.  The I-pod dock allowed us to listen to the kind of music we like and enjoy but the room had a built in radio with stations that were pre programed for us if we didn't have an I-pod.  The bathroom was big and had a jetted tub and free standing shower. In the living area there was a coffee table, desk and couch along with a rustic feeling chase lounge. All in all the room was beautiful and comfortable.


We ordered room service and both wished that we would have just gotten out of our Pj's and gone to the 5 star restaurant to enjoy the food prepared there instead of having cold food brought to us in our rooms. For only about $15.00 more we could have really enjoyed a nice meal. The next time we go we will know now to do this.

If relaxing in a peaceful environment free of the noise and clutter of every day life and distractions is what you are looking for this is your place. If you are a TV girlie like me it was a little hard to take the no TV resort.  Although I know it was really good for me, and Mom and I were able to enjoy some great conversations and a lot of laughs. So once in a while it pays to have a no TV night. They do have WiFi allowing me to catch up on some Hulu time.

Sun Mountain Lodge is the kind of resort that when people think of Washington they think of this, a place where people can come relax & enjoy being front and center with the wilderness. For those who are looking for a true Northwest escape from your everyday life this is the place.

They say that this is a fun filled family vacation spot, although I didn't see one child at the resort during our visit. I don't know any children at a young age that would enjoy this, and I don't think the couples looking for romance would enjoy the not so peaceful moments with a little one screaming or crying about the lodge.

Guests have so many activities to choose from including fly fishing, river rafting, canoeing, tennis, and nearby golf. When winter approaches, it turns into a winter wonderland, cross-country, ice skating and sleigh rides. 

For a added relaxing touch,  one can enjoy some of the many spa services or a dip in one of the two pools on site. If you are looking to enjoy a great backyard escape, Sun Mountain Lodge is the first place you should look to plan your next getaway. I know I will go back with my girlfriends for a wonderful girls get away next Spring.  


Remember when you book your trip there tell them Kingstongirl sent you!