Rosario Resort on Orcas Island may not be the posh retreat it was in its heyday, but the historic inn is still one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved waterfront destinations. And now a special offer that pairs stewardship with a steep discount is certain to win favor with environmentally conscious Seattleites.
The "Take a Hike, Clear a Trail, Enjoy a Vacation" package invites guests to volunteer with trail cleanup efforts in neighboring Moran State Park. In exchange, volunteers get not only the satisfaction of helping to preserve the park's natural resources, they receive a special room rate of $69 -- a 40-percent discount and a ridiculously good deal for a Saturday night -- plus 15 percent off at Rosario's spa. (The resort doles out heavy-duty hand lotion at check-in, but after a day of weed wrangling, you're going to want relief for more than just your hands.)
The program is a good fit for all athletic abilities: Some cleanup duties require hikes of three to four miles, while others are accessible by vans provided by the resort. Activities include brushing trails and removing weeds, and sessions are guided by park employees.
Sessions are available the following Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2 and March 1. For reservations, call 800-562-8820 or visit www.rosarioresort.com.
With 30 acres of waterfront, Rosario Resort -- built in 1909 as an opulent private residence by former Seattle mayor Robert Moran -- buzzes with boaters and sunbathers in summer, but don't expect much of a social scene in the next few months; come fall and winter, the resort is pretty sleepy. Then again, after a day of cutting brush and a 50-minute warm river-stone massage, you will be, too.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company





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