Salish Lodge & Spa is Dedicating September to All Things Honey

Salish Lodge & Spa is already abuzz with energy for its annual Honey Month celebration.

Starting Sept. 1, the Snoqualmie destination is showcasing the work of its pollinators with special menu items and events throughout the resort.

The view of Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding forest aren’t just a treat for the eyes — they make an ideal pollinator path for bees. Salish Lodge has been working with Shipwreck Honey‘s Daniel Sullivan since 2011 in an effort to bolster bees’ lives, food systems, and honey production. A metropolis of hives is located near the resort, nestled in a pollinator garden surrounded by blackberry brambles. The thousands upon thousands of bees in this location are cared for by Sullivan, a multigenerational beekeeper whose honey has won awards and who maintains top-of-mind respect for the black-and-yellow creatures.

A hive’s queen can lay as many as 2,000 eggs per day, and having an apiary specialist is critical for maintaining hive health and harvesting nearly a hundred pounds of honey on regular intervals. The peak production period is summer, so it’s a perfect time for Salish to give thanks to these worker bees before they take a much-needed break for the colder months.

The harvested honey goes straight to the kitchen of Executive Chef Christopher Kolakowski, who conducts a symphony of flavors for the Honey Month menu. Honey’s complexity is an apt companion to sweet and savory dishes, like Salish’s seared salmon paired with a grape and honey agrodolce, served over a rich gouda velouté. There is also a hot honey chicken sandwich with crispy fried chicken, hot honey aioli, and cooling napa cabbage slaw. Those craving something sweet can enjoy the honey cake layered with honey pastry cream, cardamom ice cream, and a delicate tuile of honeycomb. Salish’s brunch menu has a burned honey French toast with thick slices of brioche and honey butter.

There will additionally be Honey Month cocktails: the Woodinville Whiskey-suffused Smokey Heather & Hive, a light prosecco and honey-lavender Golden Hour Spritz, or the Pollinator Press with tequila and a ginger-honey syrup.

Honey Month Specials to Know

Sept. 1 — Sweet-as-Honey Stays: Limited-time rates start at $299 for stays in September and October.

Sept. 2 — Bee Rejuvenated at The Spa: Book a treatment on this date and receive a complimentary Apiary Essence service.

Sept. 3 — Honey, It’s Date Night at The Restaurant: With any dinner reservation, guests get a complimentary Honey Month menu appetizer and rose petals on the table.

Sept. 4 — Sweet Little Things at The Shop: Any shop purchase of $30 or more receives a mini jar of honey.

Sept. 5 — Buzz & Beats at The Lounge: Live weekly musical performances are taking place from 4-7 p.m.; 50% of profits from Honey Libation sales during this event will be donated to Encompass NW.

Sept. 6-7 — Honey Drizzle Days at The Visitor Center Café: A complimentary honey drizzle can be added on any pastry, ice cream, or beverage purchase.

Read 425’s April 2024 feature on Sullivan here.