Fall Foraging, Forest Bathing and Open-Flame Cookouts at Alderbrook Resort & Spa
Located on Washington’s Hood Canal, Alderbrook Resort & Spa offers variety of ways to embrace the season or explore the outdoors as fall arrives. Forage for fungi or raise a pint with brat and pretzel in hand. This cozy retreat has all the fixings for those looking to get away from it all. Here’s what’s happening and how to join in on the fun.
Guided fungi walks take place within the network of private hiking trails every Friday with Morgan Scherer, Alderbrook’s resident naturalist. Mushroom foraging season is near full swing, so guests can meander the trails and curate a collection from the edible landscape.
Take a self-guided Shinrin Yoku, or forest meditation, which maximizes the proven benefits of hytoncides, or essential oils and their healthful effect on our systems.
Octoberfest celebrations will take place on the resort’s patio and down at the Union City Market. Enjoy all the classic fare made special by Alderbrook’s culinary team. Think house-made pretzel with grain mustard and warm cheese sauce, Schwein Schnitzle with lemon aioli, lettuce and horse radish on a potato bun and (of course) Bratwurst on a pretzel hoagie with cream cheese, roasted red peppers and caramelized onions.
Seeking to get a small group together for the holidays? The Gathering Grove is an open-air nook in nature where groups as small as 10 guests can book this dining experience that includes a guided nature walk through the edible landscape, open-flame food preparation by Chef Sara Harvey and a multi-course meal in the open air.
Those looking for a more traditional gathering place can dine at The Restaurant with a dedicated holiday menu. Classic options for adults and kids include the classic turkey dinner, while creative dishes like a bone-in short rib with bone marrow demi-glace or a half dozen hood canal oysters make the occasion decidedly special.
Visit Union City Market the resort’s open-air dining venue adjacent to the Hood Canal Marina for brunch or happy hour every weekend. Hood canal flavors from the open flame meet the fork at this waterside spot.
Located approximately two hours west of Seattle, Alderbrook Resort & Spa is set on the serene shores of Puget Sound’s Hood Canal and framed by views of the famous Olympic National Park. What began in 1913 with a gathering of simple tents on the beach has grown into an 88-acre, year-round destination and northwest tradition for all generations. With 77 rooms and 16 cottages, all accommodations feature stunning Hood Canal area views and luxurious linens. Fit for rejuvenating retreats, stunning weddings or corporate events, experiences change with the seasons and range from hiking the resort’s five miles of private trails, paddling and boating the canal, combing a beach full of oysters and watchable wildlife, locally inspired spa experiences, a creative culinary team offering a range of adventures and more. Learn more and stay up to date on Facebook and Instagram, or learn about seasonal flora and fauna with notes from the resident trail steward at the Alderbrook blog. www.alderbrookresort.com