The ultimate Pacific Northwest date day does exist!

In one of my favorite stories, I share about starting the day on a gondola in Gig Harbor, Washington and finishing the day with a gondola ride on Mt. Rainier to the highest-altitude restaurant in the state of Washington.

Honestly, I don’t think a date in the PNW gets much better than this!

Kick it off the night before at McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma with the McMenamins Passport scavenger hunt and a good night’s sleep. Have breakfast at Net Shed 9 in Gig Harbor, then hop on the Venetian gondola operated by Gig Harbor Gondola and enjoy the breaking day on almost-silent water.

Enjoy a two-hour scenic drive to Crystal Mountain Resort, stopping halfway at The Scoop on Main in Buckley, Washington for ice cream.

Toss on a light jacket and hop on the Mt. Rainier Gondola for a ride to Summit House restaurant for a romantic meal.

Hold hands, overlook the breathtaking views; and kiss at sunset.

Northwest Travel & Life Magazine features this story in its Weekend Getaway section. The story appears in the July/August 2025 edition.