Jennifer Meisner, historic preservation officer, King County, Washington
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park, Kenmore, Washington
This monumental 1931 former seminary building is the centerpiece of Saint Edward State Park, a beautifully terraced, 326-acre designed landscape surrounded by dense forest at the northern tip of Lake Washington. Designed by notable architect John Graham Sr., the immense structure was sold to Washington State Parks in 1977 but fell into steady deterioration. It was saved and transformed into a stunning hotel, spa, and meeting venue that opened to the public in 2021 through a public-private partnership with Daniels Real Estate, whose president, Kevin Daniels, is a former trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Plan a weekend stay or stop in the gorgeous dining room for a modern take on high tea after a morning exploring the park.
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Whidbey Island, Washington
Getting to Ebey’s Landing, a 17,572-acre National Historical Reserve in the heart of Whidbey Island, is a picturesque journey—whether by a short ferry ride from the mainland to the south or a scenic drive through Deception Pass to the north. Once there, take a walk along the bluff with sweeping views of Puget Sound, enjoy a bike ride through rolling farmland dotted with majestic heritage barns, explore Fort Casey’s historic battlements, or stroll down Coupeville’s charming main street and wharf—then cap off your day with a delicious lunch of locally harvested Penn Cove mussels. Ebey’s Landing is a perfect getaway for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. It’s truly one of my favorite places.
Snoqualmie, Washington
The city of Snoqualmie is located 25 miles east of Seattle in the upper Snoqualmie Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. Named for the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, whose Lushootseed name is sdukʷalbixʷ, the area is best known for nearby Snoqualmie Falls, where water cascades 268 feet over granite cliffs. Downtown Snoqualmie boasts a charming historic commercial district near the Snoqualmie River, where a variety of community events and festivals take place throughout the year. Visitors can board the Snoqualmie Valley Train for a two-hour excursion through the scenic countryside from the historic Snoqualmie Depot, located in the heart of downtown. The Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Museum and Park, along with the Northwest Railway Museum’s History Campus, are also must-see attractions.
