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TriCities VCB Photo
Tri-Cities - Tapteal Greenway Water Trail
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John Clement photo
Tri-Cities - Artz Vinea
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Shane Wilder - Icicle TV
Wenatchee - Mission Ridge
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Wenatchee COC photo
Wenatchee - Pybus Public Market
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Wenatchee COC photo
Wenatchee - Pybus Public Market Sunrise
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Wenatchee COC photo
Wenatchee - Pybus Public Market Holiday Decor
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Jason Hummel photo
Yakima - Small White Pass
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Jason Hummel photo
Yakima - Small White Pass
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Jason Hummel photo
Yakima - White Pass
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Kevin McCarthy photo
Yakima Winter Carnival
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Yakima Vallet VCB photo
Yakima Winter Carnival - the Famous Castle
By Perry Mack
Journey to Central Washington this winter, a region with landscape that is beautiful as well as bountiful. The mountains and valleys of this area provide the perfect terrain for winter sports - including snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing - while the agricultural climate has resulted in myriad wineries and artisan food producers.
Located at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers and enveloped by the foothills and towering peaks of North Central Washington’s Cascade Mountains, the Wenatchee Valley provides a unique combination of world-class outdoor recreation coupled with a burgeoning food and wine community.
Bring the whole family to the new Pybus Public Market, a year-round destination for the region’s thriving artisan community. The historic steel warehouse constantly has new activities rotating through its space, including live music, cooking demonstrations and fresh produce.
Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort’s 2,000 acres of groomed powder beckon. Located on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains and 12 miles from downtown Wenatchee, Mission Ridge is one of Washington State’s sunniest skiing experiences, and boasts drier snow than its counterparts to the west. Saturdays beginning January 26, enjoy live music from 4-8 p.m. at the Mountain Music Festival, followed by night skiing.
Just a scenic two hour drive south of Wenatchee, Yakima Valley provides many opportunities for both snow-filled outdoor adventure and cozy places to unwind. The two-day White Pass Winter Carnival on March 1-2, 2014 is packed with a flurry of outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. In its 28th year, the free event features longstanding favorites such as professional snow sculptures and a giant snow castle, Torchlight Parade, Kid’s Carnival, and snow sports competitions for kids and adults; plus live music, food, and fireworks. White Pass recently doubled in size, adding 767 acres of terrain, two new quads and a mid-way Lodge.
For a grown-up getaway on a quieter scale, explore the 120 wineries that call Yakima Valley home. Vintner’s Village, located in Prosser, Washington, is a convenient hub of ten unique wineries set on a 32-acre site and connected by short trails. Also in Prosser are the Southwest-inspired Desert Wind Winery and its MOJAVE restaurant and the nearby, soon-to-open Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center, both situated on a bluff overlooking the Yakima River.
Less than one hour away in the Columbia Valley, the Tri-Cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland lies at the union of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers in southeastern Washington State.
Kayak year-round along the new Tapteal Greenway Water Trail, a the scenic water component along the Tapteal Greenway, the 35-mile corridor along the Yakima River extending from Kiona Bend at Benton City to the river at Bateman Island in Richland. Explore the diverse habitats, ranging from arid shrub steppe to lush emergent marshlands.
As you explore the Tri-Cities, be sure to enjoy one of the 160 area wineries in the Columbia Valley. Choose from a variety of beloved regional wineries like Col Solare, Hedges Family Estate or Barnard Griffin. You will often be greeted by the winemaker and invited to tour the vineyards.
If a winter visit to Central Washington is of interest, a good weekend to consider would be President’s Day weekend, February 15 to 17, when more than 52 participating wineries throughout the Yakima and Columbia Valleys pair select red wines with decadent chocolates at the annual Red Wine and Chocolate festival. Attendees will receive access to exclusive pairings, library tastings and tours not available to the public. Winter may be cold, but for many, wine warms the soul.
Central Washington provides more than a handful of great reasons not to store your RV this winter.