COVID and the West Seattle Bridge closure definitely changed my life as I had known it. Since I started teleworking in mid-March, the year has flown by and yet the days seem so long. I rarely go north on I-5 these days and when I do, the traffic for the bridge detour is always a nightmare. As each weekday began blending into another, blog life suddenly sparked back into view. I was asked if I would be interested in going kayaking followed by some lunch at The Woodmark in Kirkland on a Wednesday. Ummm….yes please. I immediately asked my boss if I could take some leave and she said, “heck yeah, go!!” So, here I am, typing out my little mid-week adventure and recommending everyone take some time off during the week and head over to The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa for a little kayaking adventure followed by a delicious lunch at Carillon Kitchen. Sure, weekends are always fun, but why not put the laptop and work phone away for a few hours and enjoy what’s left of the Pacific Northwest summer sunshine?
While I have lived in Washington since 2012, I have only visited Kirkland on a few occasions, so I was stoked to get up there on a weekday and meet up with my friend Tiffany. Downtown Kirkland and the Kirkland waterfront are some of the cutest areas I have ever been to – so I honestly have to ask myself, why don’t I visit more often? Guess I’ll have to change that!!
Tiffany and I met up at Waterfront Adventures, which sits on the Lake Washington waterfront at The Woodmark Hotel. The staff were all incredibly friendly as we filled out our waivers, put on our life jackets and then walked down the dock to our kayaks. It was the PERFECT day to be on the water. The sun was shining, it wasn’t too hot, there weren’t too many boats out yet creating crazy wakes, it was perfect. Tiffany and I spent an hour catching up on life and getting a nice arm workout while soaking in all the views of the Puget Sound. I have lived on both coasts of our country and I have to say the PNW has some of the most beautiful views of any state I’ve ever been to or lived in. Waterfront Adventures also offers boat, SUP, and jet ski rentals for a socially distanced day on the lake. While they aren’t owned by the hotel, Woodmark guests enjoy FREE kayak rentals with Waterfront Adventures. Just sayin!
After we eventually found our way back to the dock (we did go the wrong way for a hot minute), we walked over to Carillon Kitchen for some lunch and met up with the manager, Arlis Cerreti. Arlis was so incredibly kind and friendly. He asked each of us about any food allergies we may have had and how the kitchen can make their menu items vegan or without certain ingredients to accommodate all individuals. He also introduced Tiffany and I to some new bottled cocktails, On the Rocks Cocktails. My favorite quickly became the Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita – if you like spicy, you will love this! I ended up buying four bottles, one of each that Arlis had on display.
Arlis asked me what types of food I liked and I think I said, “Everything?” He went down the list and when he mentioned pizza, I was sold. I said, “meaty and spicy” so he recommended the Italian Sausage pizza. The pizza is big enough for two to share and let me tell you – it’s divine. Not too spicy with a soft crust, Mama Lil’s Peppers and caramelized Walla Walla onions. If you love pizza, I highly recommend the Italian Sausage!
After our lunch, Arlis brought out two decadent desserts to try. A sweet twist on a croissant and a homemade pop tart. Both were to die for!!!
Carillon Kitchen is currently open for takeout and limited in-person indoor/outdoor dining from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. 7 days a week. CK serves fresh options with locally sourced ingredients for breakfast and lunch, and offers a robust grab-and-go section featuring wines, beers, ciders and seltzers.
Now that you have read my girl’s day out, it’s your turn to experience all that is at Carillon Point.
The Woodmark Hotel is open and welcoming guests with enhanced safety measures in place. As everywhere else, masks are required in the hotel and upon check-in. The spa has its own check-in procedure which guests receive via text once they book an appointment. Did you know the hotel was voted #1 Resort in the PNW & Alaska by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler? Its waterfront location on Carillon Point in Kirkland makes it the ideal spot for a socially distanced staycation near Seattle. Plenty of access to the outdoors both on property, via walking trails that lead into downtown Kirkland, and on the water, of course.
SPECIAL OFFER ALERT — WEEKDAYS ON THE WATER
Get away to the shores of Lake Washington with some of our best weekday “staycation” deals ever!
Soak up the sun and relax lakeside with 25% off luxury guestroom accommodations. In addition, enjoy a complimentary bottle of our Woodmark Treveri Cellars Brut Sparkling Wine on us! Bookings only available direct though our website using promo code WEEKDAY20 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.
*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. May not be combined with any other offers or promotions. Not applicable to groups. Other restrictions may apply. Package only available for weekday stays through September 30, 2020. Full info here!
Grab your masks and the family before school starts up again in a few weeks and make your way over to the Kirkland waterfront for a weekday adventure!
Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received comped kayaking, meals and beverages for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
