Three towering cedar totem poles greet guests as they enter the doors of the Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, Washington. Before heading into the flashing lights and cacophony of the casino floor, visitors have the opportunity to learn the story of the Tulalip people in the halls of the resort. Created by tribal artists James Madison and Joe Gobin, the carved cedar poles represent three motifs and stories: a man with upraised hands greets incoming guests, representing the tribal symbol of welcome; a story pole tells the story of the Tulalip tribes’ evolution; and lastly, a man holding sticks sitting atop a bear represents the tribal tradition of gambling.
The story poles are just a sampling of the original and striking pieces of artwork by Northwest Coast Salish artists displayed throughout the casino and 370-room resort, located 35 miles north of Seattle. Behind the check-in desk hangs stained glass panels depicting the coast, mountains and orca whales. Carpets lining the halls recreate patterns of traditional cedar baskets, and there are paintings in the guest rooms of eagle, raven, bear, frog and other creatures prominent in Northwest Coast Salish mythology.
Anyone who’s travelled to Las Vegas in the last two decades knows that all good casino resorts have a distinct story or angle they are trying to depict – this is the same for many online Slots sites where their games tend to be themed to the likes of Ancient Egypt, Atlantis, El Dorado, and medieval knights. At Tulalip, however, it feels more authentic, since it’s not trying to recreate Paris, Ancient Rome or the pyramids-it’s merely telling its own story. It’s very much like the various casino phone applications on the market. Each one is very different and has its own stories.
They are naturally competing with the quality of Las Vegas casinos and the now popular online casinos; those interested in playing online games should be aware that you can pay the casino deposit by phone bill.
“Tulalip” comes from the Lushootseed word dxwlilap (far towards the end), referring to the wide berth cut by canoes entering the bay to avoid running aground. The Tulalip Tribes are federally recognized successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish and related tribes that signed the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. At the Hibulb Cultural Center, located a few miles down the road from the resort, you can learn in-depth about the tribes’ history. A cedar longhouse was built into the museum, with an interactive media system which tells the history of the tribe. Permanent exhibits teach about the tribes’ relationship with salmon and cedar, and how weaving, fishing, and cooking helped to define their culture.
Tulalip Resort Casino has evolved from simply a casino next to an outlet mall, to a AAA, four-diamond rated resort. Spacious, well-appointed guest rooms feature spa-like bathrooms, with multi-faucet shower heads, robes and slippers. Luxury suites have amenities such as arcade games, baby grand pianos, gas fireplaces and have ceilings as high as 1,500 square feet. The hotel’s indoor “oasis” pool, fitness center and full-service spa offer a chance to refresh and re-energize. And there’s complimentary WiFi, parking and in-room coffee, which comes in handy, because let’s not forget-you’re at a casino. You can practice your technique at the online casino shown here before heading off to one of the tables.
Throughout the year, Tulalip hosts comedians, musical acts and other stage shows. (Full disclosure: I went to see Chippendales a couple years ago). Each November, they host the Taste of Tulalip, a two-day, food and wine extravaganza. This year’s event, coming up on November 14 and 15, features an impressive list: a winemaker dinner on Friday night with Sean Boyd of Woodinville Wine Cellars, wine education seminars and cooking demonstrations with Chef Ming Tsai and Sommelier Tommy Thompson on Saturday and the Grand Taste with 120 wineries from Washington, Oregon, California, Germany and New Zealand, plus craft beers, paired with the food from the resort’s own eight on-site restaurants Saturday afternoon through the evening. Tickets are on sale and available here.
With it’s mix of cultural traditions, modern amenities, food and beverage variety, and gambling opportunities, Tulalip Resort Casino offers a taste of big city fun in small town Pacific Northwest.
Tulalip Resort Casino || 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip, WA || tulalipresortcasino.com
Follow on Facebook: Tulalip Resort Casino
Track on Twitter: @TulalipResort
