9 minute read
Filling your days in the Methow
You won’t run out of things to do
BY ASHLEY LODATO
People who don’t know the Methow Valley often say things like “It’s beautiful. But what do you DO around here?”
And people who know the Methow Valley just smile, because although the Methow is renowned as a place of summer outdoor recreation, with numerous options for climbing, backpacking, day hiking, river rafting and tubing, paddleboarding, swimming, water skiing, mountain biking and fishing, it’s also a place where you can master a new skill, participate in the arts, compete in an athletic event, immerse yourself in the community, and learn something new. When you don’t limit your options, the options are limitless.
ARTSY STUFF
■ FEAST YOUR EYES
Find topnotch art at The Confluence: Art in Twisp, on Glover Street in Twisp, and at the Winthrop Gallery on Riverside Avenue. Both feature works by Methow Valley artists. Some artists and craftspeople also have open studio hours on the TwispWorks campus, where you can watch the artists at work. At Glassworks of Winthrop on the boardwalk, you can see a glassblower in action. Some valley shops also display local art, notably Rocking Horse Bakery in Winthrop, and Cinnamon Twisp Bakery and Methow Arts, both in Twisp. Look for unique items at other boutiques and stores throughout the valley.
■ CREATORS AND MAKERS
A one-stop destination for locally created products, Methow Valley Goods in the TwispWorks campus features the work of more than 70 Okanogan region artisans, craftspeople, creators and makers. https://twispworks.org/on-campus/ twispworks-partners/valley-goods.
■ ART WALK
The Methow Valley boasts a range of public art, stretching from the upper reaches of the valley down into the confluence with the Columbia River at Pateros. Visit www. methowarts.org/public-art-map for a map and brief description of the art and artists. See related article on page 44.
■ SUMMER READING
Browse for leisure-time reading material at Winthrop’s impressively stocked Trail’s End Bookstore on Riverside Avenue. Check out the children’s section at the back of the store, with big picture windows overlooking the river. Our two libraries, in Winthrop and Twisp, welcome visitors to browse the stacks in limited numbers, and both offer free Wi-Fi: www.ncrl.org/ locations. Free books can be found at one of the valley’s free little libraries, located in the Mazama Store courtyard and outside the Twisp Post Office. Take a book or leave a book.
■ SILVER SCREEN
The Barnyard Cinema opened in 2017 and has since become a place to experience the thrill of the silver screen and connect with other moviegoers. Through screenings of blockbusters, documentaries, animated and independent films, Barnyard Cinema offers audiences the chance to be entertained, provoked, frightened, and stirred by characters and concepts. www. thebarnyardcinema.com.
■ LIVE PERFORMANCE
Restaurants and bars in both Twisp and Winthrop are again beginning to feature evening entertainment like live music, open mic sessions, trivia nights and other activities. Plays, concerts, poetry
slams and other literary readings, and informal jam sessions have resumed post-COVID. Check for options at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop, Old Schoolhouse Brewery Taproom at TwispWorks, Twisp River Tap House, Methow Valley Ciderhouse in Winthrop, the Branding Iron in Twisp, Copper Glance in Winthrop, The Barnyard Cinema, Methow Arts, the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp, Winthrop Barn, Sun Mountain Lodge, Freestone Inn, Inn at Mazama, TwispWorks, and Trail’s End Bookstore. http://www.methowarts. org/community-calendar.
■ MARKET IT
Dedicated to connecting Methow Valley growers and producers with consumers, the Methow Valley Farmers Market runs every Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon, from mid-April through late October at the Methow Valley Community Center parking lot in Twisp. www.methowvalleyfarmersmarket.com.
A Sunday market running 10 a.m.2 p.m., from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Winthrop Market in Mack Lloyd Park also features artisan
MAZAMA RANCH HOUSE
SELF-CARE
■ TREAT YOURSELF
Get a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure or other personal pampering. Try the Nectar Skin Bar and Boutique in Winthrop, the TwiSpa in Twisp, or head up to Sun Mountain Lodge for special treament in their hilltop spa.
■ WORK OUT
Looking for indoor exercise? Get a day pass at Winthrop Physical Therapy & Fitness and take advantage of a wide range of modern workout equipment in a pleasant environment, or take one of their regular fitness classes. Most of the local yoga studios offer drop-in rates and a welcoming atmosphere.
■ GRAB A CUP
Savor locally roasted coffee at Blue Star Coffee Roasters, The Little Dipper, Rocking Horse Bakery, the Mazama Store, Oliver’s Artisan Kitchen, Cinnamon Twisp Bakery, or the deli at Hank’s Harvest Foods. You’ll be served blends from one or the other of the Methow Valley’s specialty coffee companies: Blue Star Coffee Roasters in Twisp and Lariat Coffee Roasters in Winthrop. On the move? Roll through one of our coffee kiosks: Michael’s on Highway 20 in Twisp, or Pony Espresso on Highway 20 in Winthrop.
■ FILL UP
Visit our dining guide on pages 53 for information about the valley’s eateries, offering dining from casual to fine. Most restaurants offer takeout, for those who prefer to eat in more distanced social settings.
■ GET STIMULATED
This valley is full of interesting people who love to share their knowledge, experiences, poetic talents, and images with others. Talks ranging from natural history to travel to poetry are offered in both live and virtual formats. Visit www. methowconservancy.org/events, www.methowarts.org/community calendar, www.winthroplibraryfriends.org/events, methowcommunity.org/calendar, and https:// methowathome.clubexpress.com.
■ CLASSES
You want to learn how to do something? There’s probably someone in the Methow Valley who can teach you. Think of it as summer school. Try www.methowarts.org/category/ classes, or twispworks.org/events.
EXPERIENCE MAZAMA
EXPERIENCE MAZAMA INTHE SUMMER Beautiful Mountain Setting SUMMER IN THEPeace and Quiet Biking, Hiking
and Horseback Trails
Rooms with kitchenettes Cabins with full kitchens Bright Stars at Night Beautiful Wedding Venue
Beautiful Mountain Setting Peace and Quiet Biking, Hiking and
OUTDOORSY
■ STARSTRUCK
The Methow Valley’s dark skies will show you the constellations like you’ve never seen them before. Check out Dave Ward’s article about summer stargazing on page 47, and read his monthly Naked Eye column in the Methow Valley News for current happenings in galaxies near and far, far away. The Methow Valley Dark Sky Coalition is working to create a dark sky community for the Methow Valley and surrounding areas, which means better stargazing for all. They welcome involvement from residents and visitors. Email kyrie.jardin@methowdarksky.org for more coalition information.
■ CROSS THAT BRIDGE
The Methow Valley’s three most prominent pedestrian-only bridges are gorgeous examples of cable bridge architecture and engineering. The Tawlks-Foster Suspension Bridge near Mazama is a traditional suspension bridge over the Methow River, with a nearby picnic shelter, interpretive signage, and a William Stafford poem plaque. Downvalley, the Sa Teekh Wa Bridge over the Chewuch River at the north end of downtown Winthrop and the Spring Creek Bridge over the Methow River are cable-stay bridges with easy access to the amenities of town. The Sa Teekh Wa Bridge connects to a riverside interpretive trail, while the Spring Creek Bridge delivers you to the Winthrop Rink, with roller skating and pickleball sessions.
■ GET PICKLED
A few years ago the Methow Valley went crazy for pickleball and the passion hasn’t waned. Twisp and Winthrop both offer pickleball sessions, at the Methow Valley Community Center (https://methowcommunity.org/calendar/), and at the Winthrop Rink (http://winthroprink.org/pickleball).
All things local • All things home Open year-round Tuesday – Saturday 11AM – 4PM
■ PIONEER HISTORY
The Shafer Historical Museum in Winthrop preserves and shares the history, culture and sense of place in the Methow Valley to inspire human connection and learning. With its mining and pioneer history, replicas of homesteader cabins, turn-of-the-20th-century dental office, store, school and assay office, it’s fascinating to adults and kids alike. Its location within walking distance of downtown Winthrop makes it even more appealing. www.shafermuseum.org/visit.
■ HOMESTREAM PARK
Located an easy walk from downtown Winthrop via the Spring Creek Bridge, Homestream Park is dedicated to the rivers and fish of the Methow Valley, and to the Native people, past and present, who have called this place home for thousands of years. Interpretive installations, a miniature fire lookout replica, and an astounding collection of artwork by Smoker Marchand make this tiny gem of a park a magical place to visit. www. homestreampark.com.
■ INTERPRETIVE CENTER
When you’re in the Methow Valley you’re on land traditionally occupied by the Methow People. The Methow Valley Interpretive Center in Twisp, part of the TwispWorks campus, offers exhibits, events, and classes that foster cultural awareness and understanding of Indigenous peoples and the natural history of the Methow Valley. A native plants garden, a fire lookout replica, and a traditional pit house provide delightful and educational exploration. www.methowvalleyinterpretivecenter.com.
■ INTERPRETIVE TRAILS
See related story, page 42.
■ CATCH A LIFT
Scenic chairlift rides at Loup Loup Ski Bowl will transport you to a glorious view at the top of Little Buck Mountain at 5,260 feet. Gaze out at the magnificent forest unfolding below you, and get a sneak peek at the ski trails without their snow layer. Explore the summit and then walk or ride back down. https:// skitheloup.com.
■ LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
Wheels on your heels is so retro that it’s modern. Rent the Methow Valley Community Center (https:// methowcommunity.org/gym-rental) or the Winthrop Rink (http:// winthroprink.org/rollerskating) for roller skating. Or try roller hockey — it’s a thing. http://winthroprink.org/ rollerhockey.
■ TAKE A SWING
The Methow Valley offers three mini-golf options. Ice cream and miniature golf go hand-in-hand (cone in one hand, club in the other) in downtown Winthrop at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe. www. sherissweetshoppe.com. On the eastern edge of Winthrop, the AbbyCreek Inn runs an 18-hole mini golf course. www.abbycreekinn.com. After a round or two of mini-golf at the Silverline Resort, you can take a dip in nearby Pearrygin Lake. silverlineresort.com.
Bear Creek Golf Course offers a 9-hole disc golf course, with no tee times required. www.bearcreekgolfcourse.com/-disc-golf. Loup Loup Ski Bowl will also open a disc golf course this summer. https://skitheloup.com.
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