Art on the Avenues
Combine a nice walk around the downtown area with art appreciation by
taking the walking tour offered by Art
on the Avenues. Starting in 1995, local
volunteers gathered willing artists around
the country to loan pieces of sculpture
to the community for a year. From that
beginning the project has grown to have
about 60 sculpture locations stretching
as far as East Wenatchee and to
Pangborn Memorial Airport
. =
Within a central downtown core of a few blocks you can see (and touch)
dozens of bronze pieces that have been
placed on basalt pedestals, reflecting
the local geology. Residents, businesses
and organizations have purchased more
than 30 permanent pieces of sculpture
over the years, keeping them on display
for the community. About 20 new pieces
are moved into the revolving exhibit
each spring. Walking map brochures can
be found at many downtown locations.
For further information, call 886-2019
or visit www.artontheavenues.org
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Columbia
Cascade Winery Association
Twenty-three wineries and more than 1,000 acres
planted in wine grapes comprise what
is now known as the Columbia Cascades
viticultural region. A driving guide
leads you on a tour of vineyards and
tasting rooms along the shores of North
Central Washington's many lakes and rivers,
and on into the foothills of the majestic
Cascade Range. Stunning views accompany
you along the way, and at each stop you
are rewarded with award winning wines.
For a Driving guide or for more information
call (800) 572-7753 or visit www.columbiacascadewines.com.
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Cascade Foothills
Farmland Association
The
Wenatchee
Valley
and surrounding areas are ripe with Ag tourism opportunities. Plan
a trip and tour the many Fruit Stands, Wineries, and Farmland Activities
throughout North Central Washington.
The CFFA holds several events each year including the the
Leavenworth Wine Walk in June, the Leavenworth
Wine Tasting Festival in
August, and the Family Farm Festival
during harvest time. Learn
more about these events at www.visitwashingtonfarms.com. Request a FREE Ag-tourism/Wineries Driving
Map to find out more about the farmland
activities in
Chelan County
and beyond.
The Cascade Foothills Farmland Association (CFFA) is a non-profit
organization representing and promoting
Ag-Tourism in North Central Washington,
providing support, training, and event
coordination to tourist destinations
and individual related businesses. For
more information visit www.visitwashingtonfarms.com or
call (509) 548-6784.
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Bank
of America Performing
Arts Center
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OF WENATCHEE
A testament to the Wenatchee Valley’s commitment to the arts, the Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee is a venue you might expect to find in a much larger community. Playing host to everything from local performing arts and civic events to national and international touring artists, the PAC of Wenatchee offers something for everyone in a 500-seat, intimate setting. It’s mission is to bring together leadership and resources to: 1. Provide a performing arts center of excellence and 2. Educate, inspire, and celebrate the performing arts! Discover one of North Central Washington’s treasures, and “Live Life Live!” at the Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee! For a list of upcoming events or tickets call (509) 663-ARTS or visit www.pacwen.org
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Bridge of Friendship
At the corner of Ninth Street and Eastmont Avenue in
East Wenatchee
stands a symbol of friendship that spans the Pacific. A Japanese garden completed
here in 2003 commemorates both the historic trans-Pacific flight of Clyde
Pangorn and Hugh Herndon, and the long-standing sister-city relationship
that ultimately arose between the cities on either end of that daring journey - East
Wenatchee & Wenatchee, Washington and
Misawa
, Japan
.
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Cashmere Pioneer Village
& Museum
Step back into a time when the pioneers were just beginning to discover
the wonders of the
Wenatchee Valley
. Browse the General Store, sift through
the miner's shack or step into the
log-walled Mission Hotel. In all, 20
original pioneer buildings filled with
authentic period furniture and all
the tools of the day transport you
back to the late 1800's. The Museum
itself is a treasure trove of historic
artifacts and displays on the Native
Americans and pioneer people who first
inhabited this land. The Museum, located
at 600
Cotlets Way in
Cashmere
, is open from March through December but scheduled tours are welcome year-round.
For more information call (509) 782-3230 or visit www.visitcashmere.com.
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Columbia
Breaks Fire Interpretive Center
Amazing what a Ponderosa Pine can tell you. The Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive
Center (CBFIC) is a unique, interactive
learning and research center built around
two of North Central Washington's famous
fire lookout towers. The CBFIC is the
first such center dedicated to the research
and interpretation of wild land fire.
An outdoor amphitheatre and a full-scale
visitor center are among the future plans.
You will find the center about one mile
north of
Entiat
, WA
, on the west side of US Hwy 97. For information about the center, upcoming
lectures or demonstrations, call (509) 662-3035 or visit http://wildfirecenter.org.
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Columbia River Bridge
Built for $177,000 in 1908 to carry irrigation water to the orchards in Douglas County,
the Columbia
River Bridge was the first non-railroad bridge to span the
mighty
Columbia
. Once the only way for horse-drawn wagons to make their way across the great
river from
Wenatchee
to
East Wenatchee
, the 1,060- foot bridge still carries water, but is now reserved for pedestrians
and cyclists out for some exercise and fresh air along the Apple Capital
Loop Trail.
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Farmers Market
Fresh, wholesome food right from the farmer who grew it. The Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market fills with bounty every harvest season- fresh flowers, crafts, baked goods, pure honey, and, of course, a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables straight from the earth to your dinner table. The market bustles all across the valley in many locations. For specific locations, dates and times, visit www.wenatcheefarmersmarket.com.
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Horan Natural Area
Once a pear orchard belonging to the Horan family at the confluence of
the
Wenatchee
and
Columbia
rivers, this 100-acre parcel has been converted into a manmade wetlands preserve.
Eagles, owls, herons and kingfishers make this bird-watchers' paradise. Otters
play in the waters visible from several of the 15 viewing stations dotting
the two miles of gravel trail winding through cottonwoods and willows. For
a guide to the area call (800) 577-7753 or go to www.parks.wa.gov.
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Niles
Saunders Steam Train
Steam issues from the smokestack of this magical miniature railroad during
holidays and special events every summer.
Children and adults alike climb aboard
to enjoy a ride around the rails in
Riverfront Park
. The depot is accessible from downtown
Wenatchee
by way of a short stroll over Riverwalk Crossing located at the
Stanley Civic Center
. For more information call (800) 572-7753.
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Ohme Gardens
Nearly a mile of pathways and stairways hewn from native stone wind through
this magnificent alpine oasis perched
high on a bluff north of
Wenatchee
. Reflecting pools, waterfalls and
even a wishing well bubble through
what is recognized as one of the Northwest's
premier public gardens. A photographer's
paradise, a gardener's delight, or
simply a place to relax in lush surroundings,
Ohme Gardens is a Northwest treasure.
The gardens are open from April 15th to
October 15th. For more information
call (509) 662-5785 or visit http://www.ohmegardens.com.
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Rocky Reach Dam
Rocky Reach Dam is not only a primary source of valuable electricity for
North Central Washington-it's a great
place to visit. Watch salmon and steelhead
make their upstream migration through
the windows in the fish ladder viewing
room. Tour the museum exhibits or enjoy
a picnic on the 30 acres of carefully
manicured lawns and gardens. For more
information call (509) 663-7522 or visit http://www.chelanpud.org.
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U.S.
Forest
Service Northwest Station
Your gateway to the
Wenatchee National
Forest
, the U.S. Forest Service headquarters
offers forest passes, trail maps and
valuable information for staying safe
and getting the most out of your experience
in the woods. The headquarters is located
on Melody
Lane near
the junction of Highway 2 and Highway
97. For more information call (509)
662-4335 or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee.
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Wenatchee Valley Museum
& Cultural
Center
From the geologic beginnings of North Central Washington to its Native
American heritage to its rise as a global
power in the apple industry, it's all
on display at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and
Cultural Center
. The Museum also hosts countless special programs each year such as the
annual Apple Bin Rally or the Fiestas Mexicanas. Located at 127
South Mission Street in
Wenatchee
. For a schedule and more information call (509) 664-3340 or visit http://www.wenatcheevalleymuseum.com.
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Sports & Recreation
The
Wenatchee Valley
is one of the country's most diverse natural playgrounds - and it's open
year-round. With over 300 days of sunshine and four distinct seasons, our
sports and recreational venues are abundant. You have direct access to a
variety of sports and recreational opportunities that match virtually any
person's interest, fitness level, and flair for adventure or technical skills.
Begin the day skiing on Mission Ridge; by four o'clock you're trying to avoid sand traps at Highlander
Golf Club. Go fishing the next morning
along the mighty Columbia River, then
take your mountain bike off road in the
mountains of the
Wenatchee Valley
. This place will amaze you.
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Riverfront Park
Ice Arena
Take in a hockey tournament, or better yet, join the team; watch a figure
skating exhibition or sign up for lessons
and throw your own double axels; or just
hold hands with a loved one while going
round and round during public skating.
It all happens at the Riverfront Park
Ice Arena at the foot of Fifth Street in
Wenatchee
. The two full sheets of ice are also available for private parties and special
events. For schedules and more information call the City of Wenatchee Parks
and Recreation Department at (509) 664-3392.
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Apple Capital Loop
Trail
Walk, run, bike or rollerblade-No matter how you travel, the Apple Capital Loop Trail makes a marvelous outing. Skirting the shores of the Columbia River on both banks, the 11-mile Loop Trail leads you through parks and habitat areas, past playgrounds and swimming holes, offering respite from a hectic day or a beautiful place to follow up on that fitness program. With entry points all along the trail, a favorite is via the Riverwalk Crossing pedestrian overpass in downtown Wenatchee . On the Wenatchee side of the river, the trail lights stay on until midnight.
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City & County Parks
& Playgrounds
The cities of
Wenatchee
and
East Wenatchee
offer 115 acres of public parks, havens for family recreation and enjoyment.
Add to that more than 800 acres of parks maintained by the Chelan and Douglas
County PUD's, and you have an unending range of options for how best to spend
all those sunny afternoons. Many of the Parks offer a variety of youth and
adult sports programs. For more information about the parks and their programs,
contact the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council at (800) 572-7753 or visit www.wenatcheevalleysports.com.
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Eastmont Metropolitan
Parks District
Eastmont Metropolitan Parks consist of multiple parks with each offering
a variety of options for its guests. Eastmont Community Park comprises
26 acres, a baseball 4-plex, soccer field,
football, restrooms, kitchen shelters,
horseshoe pits, radio control car racing,
and an
Aquatic Center
operated by the YMCA. It is also the host site for the East Wenatchee
Events Board annual Classy Chassis Car Show & Parade and the Wings and
Wheels Festival.
Tedford Park
comprises 14 acres, a baseball field, soccer fields, restroom and lots of
shade trees.
Kenroy Park
'
s 5 acres includes play equipment and kitchen shelters. Pangborn / Herndon Memorial
Park is half of an acre that overlooks the
Wenatchee Valley
.
Youth activities are abundant: baseball, Babe Ruth, basketball, girl's
fast pitch, soccer, football, tennis
camps, golf camps, basketball camps and
summer day camps. Adult activities are
available: men's basketball & men's
soccer. Visit www.eastmontparks.com for
information.
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Outdoor Recreation
Camping
No need to rush home. Many of the public parks along the
Wenatchee
and
Columbia Rivers
feature campgrounds where you can stay and play. To find out more about campgrounds
in the
Wenatchee Valley
, call (800) 572-7753.
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Fishing
Cast your line into one of the hundreds of lakes, streams and babbling
brooks that make North Central Washington
a fisherman's paradise. Head for the
big rivers for salmon, quiet lakes for
bass, or hike up into the foothills were
the trout are making their way upstream.
There is something here for every angler.
For more information on fishing in the
Wenatchee Valley
call (800) 572-7753.
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Helicopter Tours
Central Washington Helicopter
PO Box 2308
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: 509.665.0257
Email: jessica-reed@ssheli.com
Jessica Mitchell
Transportation, Public/Private
Hiking & Mountain
Biking
The 2,500 miles of recreational trails in the
Wenatchee National Forest
ought to keep you busy for a while. Many of the National Forest trails allow
use by mountain bikes or horses. You'll also find miles and miles of single-track
networked through the hills around
Wenatchee
. For more information on hiking and mountain biking in the
Wenatchee Valley
call (800) 572-7753.
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Road Cycling
Members of the Apple Capital Bicycle Club will vouch for the joys of hitting
the road on two wheels around here. Annual
events such as the Sunrise Rotary Century
Ride and the Tour de Vine (a biking tour
around area vineyards) bring out the
bike enthusiasts by the hordes. LINK,
the public bus system, is also equipped
to carry cyclists to and from their starting
points. To find out more about biking
clubs and events in the area call (800)
572-7753 or visit www.wenatcheevalleysports.com.
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Rock
Climbing
There are a lot of famous faces around here - rock faces that is. Among
the best known are the sandstone slabs
of
Peshastin Pinnacles State
Park
. If clattering up walls or rappelling
down them is your idea of a good time,
then North Central Washington is a
great place to be.
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The
Columbia River
You're never far from a dock or a boat launch around here. Whether you
get up for some early morning water-skiing
while the
Columbia
is still glassy or paddle your way around
Confluence State Park
on your lunch break, the waterborne recreational opportunities are endless.
Windsurfers, sunbathers and boaters of all types make themselves at home
in these waters. For more information on water sports in the
Wenatchee Valley
call (800) 572-7753.
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Baseball
The AppleSox Baseball
Club
The Wenatchee AppleSox Baseball Club is part of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League, the premier wood-bat summer collegiate league in the country. The AppleSox provide inexpensive family entertainment for baseball fans throughout North Central Washington, and an excellent environment for college players from around the country to develop their skills. AppleSox baseball is fun! Contests for the fans, a complete selection of your favorite ballpark food and beverages, and special promotions throughout the season makes a day at the ballpark something to remember. You'll be creating new family memories when you include the AppleSox as part of your summer activities in Wenatchee. For more information visit: www.applesox.com and www.wccbl.com
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Whitewater Rafting
Thrill seekers often find their way to the Wenatchee River, Washington's
biggest Class III whitewater run. Even
more challenging is the Chelan River
Gorge. Adrenaline-pumping rapids interspersed
with lazy drifting along serene stretches
of river make for memorable, invigoration
trips. The rafting season typically runs
from late March to early August. For
more information on whitewater rafting
call (800) 572-7753.
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Swimming Pools
City and county pools combine with facilities at the high school, the
YMCA and the Wenatchee Racquet and Athletic
Club to offer a broad selection of recreational
and competition pools, as well as numerous
swimming lesson programs. For more information
contact the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council
at (800) 572-7753.
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Festivals and Events
Year round festivals and events take place in the
Wenatchee Valley
. With the oldest major festival in
the state, Apple Blossom, to one of
the nation's largest multi-sport events,
Ridge to River-boredom is never an
issue in the Valley.
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Washington State
Apple Blossom Festival
The oldest major festival in the State of
Washington
draws thousands of visitors from around the world every year during the last
weekend in April and the first week of May. This 11-day festival is built
around great food, great events and great fun! At blossom time, the food
begins with the Memorial Park Food Fair and continues through the entire
celebration. Enjoy the food while walking around the arts and crafts fair
and take in the Classy Chassis Car Show and Parade just across the river
in
East Wenatchee
. There is a Grand Parade, a youth parade the week before, a golf tournament,
children's art exhibits and much more.
The Festival represents the pride its many community volunteers take in
the
Wenatchee
area's spectacular natural beauty,
its prosperous economy and family values.
For further information call the Apple Blossom office at (509) 662-3616 or
visit www.appleblossom.org.
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Ridge to River Relay
The Ridge to River Relay is one of the nation's largest multi-sport events.
Held on the second weekend in April,
the six-leg relay race involves cross-country
skiing, downhill skiing or snowboarding,
running, biking and kayaking or canoeing.
The race starts at the top of the Mission
Ridge Ski Resort and finishes on the
waterfront of the
Columbia River
. The Wenatchee World Junior Ridge
to River Relay runs the same weekend.
For more information visit www.r2r.org.
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Wings & Wheels
Festival
Held the first weekend in October, this festival commemorates the famous
Pangborn-Herndon non-stop, Trans-Pacific
flight in October of 1931 from
Misawa
, Japan to
what is now
East Wenatchee
. The festival takes place at Eastmont Community Park and
Pangborn Memorial Airport
with free shuttle bus service between locations. Festivities include a car
show, motorcycle parade, rally and show & shine, fly-in, dance, carnival,
free entertainment, free kids' activities, food and craft fair, and much,
much more. For additional information about this fun-filled, family-oriented
festival, call the East Wenatchee Events Board at (509) 886-6108 or visit
www.east-wenatchee.com/wingsandwheels.
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Classy Chassis Parade & Car
Show
Always the first weekend in May, this event has become an Apple Blossom
Festival tradition with antiques, classics,
customs, hot rods, muscle cars, and everything
from old to new. The festivities begin
with a Friday evening parade in the heart
of East Wenatchee, followed by an all-day
car show on Saturday at
Eastmont Community Park
. Food vendors, auto-related booths
and the annual Grand Prix Pine Car
Derby for kids of all ages round out
the festivities. For more information
call the East Wenatchee Events Board
at (509) 886-6108 or visit www.east-wenatchee.com/classychassis.
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Washington
Apple Harvest Festival
Looking for some traditional family fun in the Fall? Don't miss out as we celebrate our delicious local harvest! The Festival includes an apple dessert-baking contest, live music, craft vendors, and of course, fresh apples from the Valley. Children’s activities abound with the Festival's high-demand pie-eating contest, kids' crafts, and games in Centennial Park--located in the heart of Wenatchee's Downtown--perfect for an afternoon of shopping too! Contact the Wenatchee Downtown Association for details. 509.662.0059
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Apple Country Bike
Tour
Sponsored by Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary, every year hundreds of bikers gear
up for this 100-mile ride that has become
one of the Northwest's premier cycling
events. Participants can choose between
the 100-mile course and an abbreviated
50-mile version. Each takes you down
scenic byways along the
Columbia River
. Rider's carbo-load at the Friday night pasta feed and wind down on Saturday
afternoon at the Finish Line Fest, both featuring live music and good fun.
All proceeds from the ride benefit community service projects. For more information
visit www.wenatcheesunrise.org/century.
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