I'm so happy you are coming to Wenatchee, WA for a long weekend of sunshine, outdoor fun, wine tasting, and time to unwind! You won't need to pack your umbrella for this trip, just a pair of shades and sunscreen to protect you from the 300 days average sunshine per year that keeps this region Washington's #1 playground. Eastern Washington's sun beckon's everyone to come explore its mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and high desert terrains so rich in beauty, natural resources and culture.Here is my suggested agenda of capturing the energy of Wenatchee, highlighted with things to do that should be of interest to you when visiting the valley.
Friday evening arrival
WINE THIRTY!Norwood Wine BarWenatchee’s newest hot spots and local favorites may impress you if you’re looking for a little sophistication with small town Wenatchee vibes. We'll first need to catch up over a glass of wine at Norwood Wine Bar, where complimentary gourmet nibbles accompany a glass of select Pacific Northwest Wines. Vintage inspired cocktails and small bites at Sidecar Lounge is another swanky option. Norwood Wine Bar, 23 S Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801
DINNER | MUSIC | McGlinns Public HouseFor dinner, Wenatchee local's longtime favorite pub, McGlinns, is a popular social spot. We can sit outdoors in the cozy parklet and enjoy a talented line-up of good music, good food, and an atmosphere that is lively, fun and uniquely Wenatchee. A full line up of NW artists are scheduled to perform every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, May through September. McGlinns Public House, 111 Orondo Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801. (509) 663-9073 (McGlinns Photo)________________________________________________________________________________
You Must See
THE MOST IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF NCW LANDSCAPE PHOTOS, EVER. If you want to really see North Central Washington region in all its glory thru every season over the last 5 years, month by month, you must check out McGlinn's facebook page for the largest collection of NCW photos ever taken. All captured by the artistic eye of McGlinn's owner, Michael Bendtsen.________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday
Pybus Public Market | Downtown WenatcheeLet's visit the newest hot spots and experience Wenatchee's burgeoning retail and restaurant community downtown. Saturday is our best day to shop over the weekend as the majority of downtown businesses are closed on Sunday to spend the time with their families. Additionally, Wenatchee Farmers Market is only available on Saturday's at Pybus, so this day is best to spend a few hours perusing the boutiques, antiques, and novelty goods at both Pybus Market and downtown Wenatchee. Pybus Public Market, 3 N Worthen St, Wenatchee, WA 98801. (509) 888-3900WHAT TO DO AT PYBUS:
- GRAB BREAKFAST at Mamma D's during market hours for fresh baked cinnamon rolls or pick up a coffee and breakfast burrito at Hot Rodzz Espresso if we want to grab and go. Or we can have a nice leisure brunch at Pybus Bistro on their outside patio.
- SHOP a unique mix of vendors offering seasonal fruits & vegetables, cut flowers, one-of-a-kind artisan goods, and tasty cuisine during the Wenatchee Farmers Market hours of 8 am - 1 pm.
- PICK UP cheese, meats, crackers, nuts, wine, fruit & veggies, kambucha, olive oil & balsamic and desert at one of the many gourmet foods shops if we decide to wine taste with a view at 1 or 2 wineries for the afternoon.
- RENT BIKES at Arlberg and ride the Apple Captial loop trail if we are feeling energetic.
See More of Pybus MarketFrom Pybus Market, walk the Apple Capital Loop Trail and connecting foot bridge into downtown Wenatchee.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON: DOWNTOWN VIA LOOP TRAIL
From Pybus Market, walk the Apple Capital Loop Trail and connecting foot bridge into downtown Wenatchee for wine tasting and shopping.With an emergence of new businesses in fashion and food opening in Wenatchee the last few years, you'll want to see the latest and greatest from the newest entrepreneur. Downtown Wenatchee is abundant in clothing, gifts, outdoor gear, home decor, antiques, upcycled boutiques, new wine bars, and finer restaurants that should fit with your discerning taste level.First stop should be Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce Tasting Room for all the information you want to know about the valley. While we are there and discovering the region, we may as well taste award-winning wine from our local wineries at their custom vintage truck bar!Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce, 137 N Wenatchee Ave Suite 101, Wenatchee, WA 98801. (509) 662-2116________________________________________________________________________________
NOTABLE SHOPS TO CHECK OUT:
- Threads, Savi, and Twill for premium denim and clothing.
- Arlberg and Performance Footwear for a huge selection of better brand outdoor clothing and gear.
- Simply Unique, Spruce & Willow and Rekindled for cool vintage finds, repurposed objects and redesigned furniture.
- Gilded Lily, Tumbleweed Shop & Studio, and Pickle Papers for unique gifts, jewelry, and home decor. All super cute stores with great products.
- Need to get your nails done? Elements Salon & Wellness and Pure Salon are nice salons with nail services.
- Need a healthy pick-me-up mid afternoon? Hunter's Wife Health Bar for acai power bowls.
See a list of Retailers&Tasting Rooms________________________________________________________________________________
A BEVERAGE W/A vIEw
(optional) If you choose to tour the area and wine taste, we have a couple options of beautiful wineries with great tasting wine and an exceptional view of the valley. Malaga Springs Winery, Martin Scott Winery, Chateau Faire Le Pont, Stemilt Creek Winery to name a few.
The best thing about Wenatchee? The views in my opinion! Highlander Golf Club has a great view of the valley from the bluffs above in East Wenatchee. They also have good burgers and a beautiful patio setting at the Highlander Grill. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, we can unwind with TOMATO CAPRESE MARTINI and SOUTHWEST PRAWN COCKTAIL as we gaze at the view, relax and enjoy a peaceful Saturday night. Everyone welcome, including kids.________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY: just get out!
If you’re leaving today, lets get outside and enjoy the great outdoors before heading home and hike one of the many trails above Wenatchee for a beautiful view of the valley. This may take a couple hours. I suggest family friendly trails such as: (You may be linked to wentacheeoutdoors.org for outdoor recreation information).
- Sage Hills Trail, the foothills of Wenatchee
- A beautiful drive thru Entiat valley to Silver Falls
- Icicle Gorge Trail off Icicle Creek road in Leavenworth. (Head back to Seattle from here.)
Pack a lunch or picnic with the cheese, crackers and other provisions we picked up at Pybus Market the day before to enjoy after hike. When finished we can top off our hike with a milkshake made from the freshest seasonal fruits at Lisa Bee’s.FOR MORE DETAILS ON ALL OUTDOOR RECREATION, REFER TO WENATCHEEOUTDOORS.ORGEnjoy your visit!