Sometimes it calls me.
This never does.Since the hard and unrelenting reality that the summer is over is now fully upon me as I listen to the pounding rain and stare into the gray skies of the Pacific Northwest, I long to escape. Gone are my days of freedom....wasting away in Margaritaville, or even on my own front porch. Leisure time, lack of a firm schedule, and not being driven by ringing bells signaling that the next 30 students not particularly interested in history are heading in the door, all confirm this reality. So, accept I must. Or escape; now that's a real possibility.
I love the noise of these little entertainment devices...It's these long winter days that, no matter how wonderful my winter break was here at home, leave me smiling at the memory of the warm and leisure days of summer. It is during this time that I fulfill my hobby of virtual vacationing. I just always hope for the real thing as well. Since my last "real" vacation to Key West, I've discovered more of the joys of staying at home. High thread count sheets, cleanliness, an uncluttered environment, good wine, and a kick-ass entertainment system make one's own home not such a bad place. In fact, it can be quite relaxing. But for that urge to go somewhere - anywhere - and "escape" for a time, I choose Tulalip Casino. Considering it's only about 10 miles from my home, I've been there more times than I care to admit. I've not only gambled there for an afternoon or evening, but have had several parties there and stayed overnight. I love the place.
When I have that need to be somewhere other than my own reality, Tulalip Resort is a great option. The T-Spa is first rate. I've spent a day there lounging in the steam room, sauna, sipping tea and consuming large quantities of cucumber-lemon water (which I now serve myself at home for a "taste" of the spa). I figure the $250 I drop there for a day is nothing compared to what a real vacation would cost me. The service and opulence of the T-Spa should not be underestimated. Don't let the fact that it's a casino in Marysville fool you. While it's not on a level with Canyon Ranch Spa (what else is?) it is attainable, local, and amazing.
Vegas? Nope. But the M-Pulse Lounge will do.
As I admitted, I have stayed overnight. Several times. If you've read my previous blog, I've admitted to being fairly persnickety about the amenities. The Tulalip Resort earns a solid 4 stars in my book. My recommendation for a true escape is a night in the Orca Suite. With its comfortable seating, two TVs, bar, and spacious floor plan, you can relax and enjoy. Even better yet, book the room just for the bathroom. Its huge, marble-encased jetted tub, amazing walk-in shower with dual shower heads, double sinks, enormous vanity, and separate toilet will not disappoint. It is the bathroom of my dreams and lets me escape into a night of opulence, indulgence, and sheer enjoyment.
Of course there's more to the Tulalip Resort as well. The sounds and lights of the casino floor always do their duty and draw me in for a spell. I am a sucker for the latest machine, the one that just looks lucky, and the tried-and-true. A couple of cocktails from the friendly bartenders, a machine, and I can really escape time and place if only for a few hours on that thing called the clock.
Sometimes I'm feeling a need for a Vegas fix (why lie? I feel this quite often). A warm afternoon evening on the patio of the M-Pulse Lounge or an evening in the comfy chairs and areas designed for talking in a fashionable Vegas-style lounge can do the trick. And do try their signature cocktails!
And a morning, afternoon, or evening of imbibing can be nicely paired with some great foods. While the resort offers several options, I've eaten at the Cedars Cafe and the Blackfish Grill, both offering very good food at reasonable prices. One day I might try Tulalip Bay, their fine dining option. But that one would have to stand up to Canlis, and that's a tall order!
Overall, Tulalip Resort is a place that I can go to escape the doldrums of life. When that need to waste away overtakes me, I can simply head north. To Vegas...well, not exactly. But Tulalip will do the trick in a pinch.
The hotel end of the resort. It beckons from its view high above I-5.
