THE WONDERS OF WENATCHEE

The Wonders of Wenatchee: A Four-Season Guide

By Elisa Murray

Editor’s note: As always in this time of COVID-19, follow the CDC guidelines for domestic travel (cdc.gov) to make the best decision for your family.

Atwo-and-a-half-hour drive can’t get you to Hawaii or California, but it can get you from Seattle to Wenatchee. And in this year of staying close to home, a nearby destination with 300 days of sun a year and attractions ranging from quiet bike trails and apple picking to familyfriendly skiing stands out.

For most of my 20 years living in Washington state, I’ve thought of the humble city of Wenatchee as a stop on the way to someplace else — Chelan, say, or Sun Lakes. But last winter, a friend of a friend recommended skiing at Mission Ridge after Christmas break. Closest lodging: Wenatchee. We were expecting good snow and few crowds. We weren’t expecting a food hall that felt like a mini Pike Place Market, lovely walking paths along the mighty Columbia River and a friendly, welcoming vibe reminiscent of the Midwest.

It turns out Wenatchee has lots to offer all year long. Here’s your seasonal family fun guide to the “Apple Capital of the World.” u