The wind whips through my hair as I lean over the emerald green railing, the sun warming my face, my husband’s strong arms around me. We’re watching intently for the tall black fins of a pod of orca whales to crest through the water again. “There!” We point excitedly, and he squeezes my hand.
This is so cool.
And it isn’t a whale watching tour we paid for; the orcas are following along with our ferry as we glide between the tree-covered San Juan Islands. Everyone is hushed, present, eyes opened wide, watching these majestic creatures.
Eventually, the orcas disappear into the sapphire waters, and my husband and I resume chatting. The ferry rounds a bend, and Orcas Island comes into view. It makes an endearing first impression, with tall evergreens rising up behind quaint white buildings sporting cheery red roofs. I’m charmed already.
Some women wish for diamond necklaces, a dozen long-stemmed red roses, or a heart-shaped box of chocolates. But this is romance to me: quality time with my sweetie, on a quiet island, surrounded by nature. We breathe deeply, filling our lungs with that fresh Washington air, and exhale all of our stresses. Here in my home state, we don’t need to book tickets to Paris for a romantic escape. Instead, we have these eight romantic getaways in Washington.