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Relax and unwind with these 4 low-key getaways in Washington, Arizona, California

By Lori A May, Special to the Seattle P I

|Updated
Family winter vacation

Family winter vacation

Adam and Kev/Getty Images

While holiday travel is fast approaching, there’s just enough time to escape Seattle and recharge before family festivities begin.

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Relax with your own customized getaway for two and enjoy a weekend in California wine country. Or enjoy sunshine in Arizona during an Old West exploration with the kids. Prefer to cozy up by the fire with s’mores? Enjoy a beachcombing weekend along the Washington coastline. Or transition into the holidays with a seasonal chalet experience and movies under the stars.

Ready for a quick weekend getaway? Read on to discover four low-key getaways to enjoy with or without the kids this season.

Panning for gold

Panning for gold

Colin Hawkins/Getty Images

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Old West exploration in Cave Creek, Arizona

Just north of Phoenix, the town of Cave Creek is home to a new Arizona gold mining experience at The Cave Creek Museum. The outdoor experience begins with a lively retelling of Cave Creek’s mining history, followed by mining demonstrations and hands-on learning.

Families get to witness the operation of the stamp mill and tramway and peer into a mineshaft to learn about blasting techniques. Then kids will learn about tools and skills within the blacksmith shop before trying their luck at a new gold panning station.

Within the museum itself, visitors will find mineral displays along with other Arizona mining history and archaeology. The museum is open from October through May, so it’s a perfect time to visit. Children under 12 are free, while admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors.

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Additional family fun in Cave Creek includes Frontier Town, a reproduction of an old west town with costumed performers, and Desert Awareness Park, which offers two self-guided trails for discovering desert plants identified with signage. For more outdoor exploration, enjoy a rigorous hike at Black Mountain Trail or a moderate stroll along the Slate Trailhead.

When hunger strikes, make a pitstop at Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue or dine alongside a mini rodeo at Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse. Then enjoy a boutique hotel stay at Prickly Pear Inn with its distinctly Old West feel and oversized rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for family getaways.

Après Village, Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

Après Village, Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

Après Village in Palo Alto, California

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Want to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a mountainside retreat without bundling up for the cold? Head to Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto for their winter-themed pop-up Après Village.

This seasonal experience features mini chalets, a holiday sleigh and a larger-than-life snow globe, along with fireside movies. Signature s’mores and hot beverages add warmth and festivity to the chalet experience, while guests might also indulge in the après alpine-inspired menu from Chef Martin Morelli and decadent treats from Pastry Chef Guillermo Soto.

The Après Village pop-up lasts through Feb. 26, 2022 and reservations are required. Fireside movies under the stars take place on Sunday evenings and feature family holiday favorites.

Onsite amenities at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto include day-use offices for those working on the go, while the rooftop pool features lounge chairs and cabanas for relaxing under the sun. There are also trained staff to hang with the kids while adults take a little downtime in the Himalayan salt steam room or sign up for private yoga sessions.

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Additional nearby activities for the family include the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, open Friday through Sunday, and the Baylands Nature Preserve with 15 miles of trails suitable for walks, runs and cycling tours, along with birdwatching and kayaking.

Vintage style bike with a wicker basket containing white wine, flowers, bread and other goodies for a late afternoon picnic.

Vintage style bike with a wicker basket containing white wine, flowers, bread and other goodies for a late afternoon picnic.

NightAndDayImages/Getty Images

Wander wine country in Healdsburg, California

North of the Bay Area in Sonoma County, the town of Healdsburg offers a mixture of Northern California ease with European charm. The town is known for its small-town festive feel and starring role in wine country.

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Visit now through Dec. 30 to experience Holidays in Healdsburg, an annual wine country walking tour of downtown with private tastings guided by a local expert. Tour options include a 4-hour day tour or a 2-hour evening tour.

Or pop into Jordan Vineyard for a Holiday Tour & Tasting, now through Dec. 16, to savor hors d'oeuvres paired with select wines. Then enjoy a hearty stroll to Bacchus Landing, home to five open-air tasting rooms and three acres of relaxing space ideal for gathering with friends over a game of bocce ball.

Throughout town, guests will find Healdsburg decked in twinkle lights and festive decoration. On Saturdays, kids will find even more festivities with a breakfast with Santa program at Costeaux French Bakery, established in 1923. Or enjoy a holiday tea with the family at Hotel Healdsburg on Saturdays and Sundays this month. The traditional tea offering includes custom blend teas, house-made pastries, finger sandwiches and classic cocktails with live piano music.

All the while, enjoy luxury boutique accommodations at Hotel Healdsburg where a seasonal Stay More, Save More package offers incremental savings on two-, three- or four-night stays. The property boasts tranquil country gardens, a luxury spa and a 60-foot pool. Guests have complimentary use of hotel bicycles, perfect for exploring wine country.

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Enjoying the bonfire at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington

Enjoying the bonfire at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington

courtesy of Semiahmoo Resort

Winterfest at Semiahmoo in Blaine, Washington

Escape to the serene shores of Semiahmoo Bay and enjoy seasonal family fun during Winterfest at Semiahmoo Resort, on now through Jan. 15, 2022.

Seasonal activities include beach bonfires with s’mores, holiday movie nights, holiday scavenger hunts with prizes and gift bags from Santa. There’s also a seasonal selfie station for taking family portraits.

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As part of the Winterfest schedule, Semiahmoo Resort is hosting performers during their Magical New Year’s Eve celebration and also inviting guests to gather on the beach for sparklers and sky lanterns.

In between the holiday festivities, enjoy the low-key spirit at Semiahmoo Resort by tide pooling with the kids, or using resort bicycles to explore the surrounding area. Enjoy relaxation and family fun in the heated indoor pool, then cozy up in your suite with board games from the resort library.

For adult relaxation and wellness, take advantage of the hot tub and sauna, or book an indulgent treatment at The Spa. Then savor seasonal local bites paired with Washington wines during Winemakers Dinners. Plus, on Saturdays, the Semiahmoo Wine Cellar hosts wine tastings with their sommelier with rotating wine selections.

Seasonal special offers at Semiahmoo Resort include Winterfest packages with resort credit and savings on advance bookings or three-night stays.

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By Lori A May