By Chelsea Royer
Feel like there’s nothing to do in Grays Harbor? I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve heard those words, but I would have to disagree. Not only are there things for you to do, but there are places to go that make great outings with that special someone. The next time you’re in the mood to enjoy a special day or evening, consider one of these date night ideas — you’ll be glad you did.
For the Foodies
Grays Harbor is speckled with fantastic food options. Whether you are looking to snack on something new or enjoy a romantic dinner for two, there are plenty of local options for every taste.
Dinner Date
Rediviva opens at 3:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and has one of the most uptown atmospheres around. Enjoy happy hour appetizers and drinks before settling in for one of the restaurant’s ever-changing entree offerings. Depending on the season, you can enjoy everything from duck and steak to a variety of seafood options. And don’t walk away without getting a plate of Rediviva’s signature beignets! This incredible dessert melts in your mouth and is large enough to share. Redivia is open until 11:00 p.m.
Dessert Date
Amore’s Italian Restaurant has a romantic atmosphere and a whole list of melt-in-your mouth desserts. The restaurant also serves cocktails, which is an added bonus for any thirsty couple. Dessert menu favorites include “Chocolate Lovin’ Spoon Cake,” which is chocolate cake topped with mousse and brownie pieces — a must for any chocolate lover. In the mood for some salt with your sweet? Amore’s “Salted Caramel Vanilla Crunch Cake” is just the ticket, while the restaurant’s take on Tiramisu is a fantastic classic Italian dessert.
Snack Date
CakeCakes is one of the cutest spots around and tends to sell out fast! Open Thursday through Saturday, CakeCakes’ delectable selection of fresh made donuts, cupcakes and myriad of ever-changing pastries are amazing to look at and even more amazing in your mouth. Sit and have a goodie before heading out to lunch or a movie at home on the couch.
For Those Who Love the Outdoors
Low Key
*Editor’s note: The Passport Cafe is now closed.
Stop in Hoquiam at the Passport Cafe and grab yourself a sandwich, salad or some fresh made bread to go. Just past Hoquiam High School and the airport is a boardwalk with some wonderful views. Bring binoculars to go bird watching or just sit on a bench and enjoy your lunch. There aren’t usually a lot of people at this spot, which makes for a very quiet, low-key date.
Spunky
Honey Pearl Ranch has hour-long group rides throughout the day — even through September. Located at the E.Chance A la Mer entrance to the beach, a Honey Pearl ranchhand is happy to help you find your way if you call ahead. Afterward, swing into Ocean Beach Coffee Roasters. During the day the cafe serves coffee, but in the evening the spot transforms into a wine bar, often with live music and food.
Adventurer
If you have a kayak or canoe, Preacher’s Slough trail features a boat launch into the slough and signage for kayak loops that take you up and around islands in the Chehalis River. There are many varieties of waterfowl and a great view of old railway trestles. If you don’t have a kayak, two cars will do. The 3.5 mile one-way hike is a fantastic place to bring your dogs, catch glimpses of railroad history, and walk where locomotives used to run.
For those Who Love to Garden
There are farms and nurseries from Spring to late Autumn in which to explore!
Spring
Start the day with a coffee at All Wrapped Up in Montesano. If you are feeling sunny and in the mood for something different, order up a “Vinca” with white coffee (white chocolate and blackberry). You can sit outside or inside and then head to the Satsop Bulb Farm. Explore the many different kinds of herbs and flowers in the nursery, take a walk in the bulb garden, and pick out a bouquet of fresh cut flowers.
Summer
Juel’s Unique Nursery is not just a place to find seeds and starter plants. Juel practices homesteading and raises or grows most of her own food. Her gardens are impressive to tour and she loves talking about everything she’s learned over the years. Visit the fairy garden, check out Juel’s exotic collection of plants in the big greenhouse, and enjoy exploring the nursery’s many curiosities.
Fall
What’s more romantic than getting stuck in a corn maze together? Head to Chapman or Shaffner Farms for a hayride out to the pumpkin patch. Snap some selfies with your perfect pumpkin and then head to the corn maze.
For the Wine or Beer Snob
There are plenty of classy places in Grays Harbor to visit. Park yourselves in one spot or visit them all! Just be safe and responsible as you do.
Beer
Start at the Tap Room in downtown Aberdeen and enjoy one of the many craft beers on tap as well as one of the Tap Room’s wonderful sandwiches. Watch the game or keep an eye out for when the Tap Room schedule’s its next “taproom takeover” with a local brewer.
Speaking of local brewers, Bog Water Brewery, a division of Cranberry Road Winery, is out of Westport. Snack on one of Bog Water’s woodfired pizzas while sipping on a malty Brown Beer or one of the many other craft beers on tap. Sit under the lights on the patio or check out one of Bog Water’s music events to enjoy an even richer experience.
Wine Lovers
Around the corner from the Tap Room is the GH Wine Sellar where you can snuggle up next to a fireplace or play a card game at the table while you sample delicious wines. The tasting room sometimes hosts themed nights and is a huge participant in Aberdeen’s First Friday events.
If you’re looking for dinner and good wine, look no further than The Westport Winery. Make sure to call ahead to make dinner reservations. Enjoy perusing the gift shop and sampling the locally made wine before ordering a glass. Enjoy my personal favorite, the blackberry wine, or sample the Shorebird Chardonnay, which just earned a double gold medal at the Denver International Wine Competition this year.
Whatever your preferences or hobbies, there are plenty of places to go and explore with a friend or significant other. There are many other opportunities for fun in Grays Harbor including farm stands, ceramic painting, fairs, brew fests and more. Love where you live with the one you love.
