Washington State's
Lake Chelan A Vacation Insiders Guide
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This Insider Guide is brought to you by Sage Rentals, a vacation rental management company in the beautiful area of Lake Chelan, in the North West of America. Far more than a company, they are 6 individuals who pride themselves on giving guests a worry free experience!
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THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR If you're like me, a father of two, you'll spend hours planning each vacation, searching the web for a perfect mix of adult escapism and kid attention holding. Look no further than Lake Chelan. But don't think purely of families. This is one of those rare places which works for any group, any size, and any age. A relatively new wine region, having been designated an AVA in 2009, the Chelan area is producing some highly regarded wines, set against a stunning backdrop, in some quirky vineyards (see Hard Row to Hoe). And what better way to experience it than with a lakeside limo wine tour (see the 5 experiences not to miss). The entire family, and larger groups, will love the electric bike tours. And you can feel smug that you're touring the area in an eco-friendly way! Top the outdoor fun off with a meal at some mouth watering E: andy@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com
options, particularly Blueberry Hills Farm. For the more adventurous there's the prospect of jumping from a plane thousands of feet in the air. Or, how about a seaplane ride where you can take your dog?! No doubt, Lake Chelan has it all! And, most importantly, you'll attain hero status from friends and family for having booked a stay here, hopefully with the Sage team!
SAGE’S REAL LAKE CHELAN... Lake Chelan (pronounced "shuh-LAN") is situated in the northern center of Washington state, just 3 hours from Seattle or Spokane. Formed over 10,000 years ago, the lake is over 50 miles long and the third deepest lake in the US at just under 1,500 feet. The area is renowned for its 300+ days of sunshine a year which, of course, means a huge variety of outdoor activities in the Lake Chelan valley. Starting with the lake - it's a boater's paradise. Enjoy sightseeing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, para-sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, tubing, paddle boating, and cruising the 50 mile long glacier-fed lake. There are also numerous other smaller lakes and rivers nearby.
of the Lake Chelan area. The fish in Lake Chelan do not migrate as they are landlocked. For more information check the Department of Fish & Wildlife website. There are some amazing golf courses in the Lake Chelan valley. Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course is an 18-hole, incredibly beautiful, championship public play course with panoramic views of Lake Chelan, ranked as one of the top six new golf courses in the United States by PGA Professionals. Alternatives include The Lake Chelan Golf Course with stunning views, or the Desert Canyon Golf Course, ranked as the #2 public course in Washington by Golf Digest.
Public boat launches can be found along Lake Chelan's south shore at both 25-Mile Creek & Lake Chelan State Parks; along the north shore at Mill Bay Park; and
If you need a break from the Lake, there are many quaint small town shops and restaurants to explore in Chelan. And, on the first Friday of each month from April through December, downtown merchants stay open until 8pm with fun activities for people of all ages.
in Chelan at Riverwalk Park and the three marinas. Boats can also be launched on the Columbia River at Chelan Falls Park, Powerhouse Park, and Beebe Bridge Park. More information on boat and watercraft businesses can be found on the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce website.
For some history, take the Audio Walking Tour. Learn about our historic buildings such as the Ruby Theatre (oldest movie theatre in the Northwest, built in 1913) and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (log structure built in 1898) and the lives of Chelan's earliest pioneers, residents, and native people.
For the wine lovers amongst you, the area is home to 260 acres of wine grapes and more than 20 wineries it's the ultimate wine-lovers vacation destination! But more on that later in the wine enthusiast section.
For the kids (young and old!) don't miss the Slide Waters Waterpark. Or, if it's raining (very rare of course!), then the kids might enjoy some bowling at the Chelan Lanes or the Ruby Movie Theatre.
Lake Chelan is one of the top fishing locations in the northwest, with world class fishing since the late 1800's. Each year stocking programs release 100,000 Chinook Salmon, 60,000 Lake Trout, 100,000 Rainbow Trout, and 600,000 Kokanee into the cool, clear waters
We love living in the Lake Chelan Valley, which offers some of the most gorgeous scenery and a variety of activities. We are excited to share a little piece of it with you and we hope you'll be inspired to come visit us!
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1
Electric Bikes Tour...
2
Lakeside Limo Wine Tour...
3
Sky Dive...
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Seaplane Flight...
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Slide Waters (for kids young & old)...
Winner of TripAdvisor's 2013 Certificate of Excellence, Chelan Electric Bikes offer you a clean and green way to explore Lake Chelan. Whether you're with kids (there are bike trailers), a large group, singles, couples, it doesn't matter. The point is to get out and experience the stunning outdoors in a fun and unique way! They also run tours led by your own guide. Check out their photo page to see the fun others have had.
This is a great way to experience the wineries around Lake Chelan (don't miss our run down of the best wineries in the next section of this guide). You don't have to worry about organization, they take care of it all, and have special arrangements with most of the wineries so that your group has the best experience. And they pick you up and drop off right at your doorstep! Check out their website for more information.
This is an experience for the real adventurous ones amongst you... but if you're brave enough you won't regret it! The Skydive Chelan staff are friendly and welcoming, putting you at ease from the moment you meet them. Don't believe us? Then read some of the reviews on TripAdvisor. It's not just the experience of jumping, but the views from the sky are incredible. Go on, we dare you to try something exhilarating!
Imagine taking off and landing on the water! Chelan Seaplanes have a great choice of tours that take in sights like the North Cascades National Park, or a flight over the Chelan Valley. The cost is reasonable, especially if you fill the plane (6 people). They take kids, and even dogs if you wish! Lake Chelan and the surrounding area are magical from the sky so, if you can find the time, we thoroughly recommend this experience.
Slide Waters is a great water park! Best of all they pride themselves on cleanliness and safety. There is a lazy river, Thunder Rapids, the Downhill Racer for some speed, the Purple Haze (pitch black and only for the brave!), and many more. They even have some gentle slides for the young ones. No matter what your age you'll have a blast here. Just remember it's only open from the Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
FOR THE WINE ENTHUSIAST... Nefarious Cellars...
Hard Row to Hoe...
Nefarious Cellars is a wonderful, friendly vineyard, run by Dean, Heather and their small team (including Lucy the dog). They tried a test vineyard in 1998 and, in 2001, sold their house and moved here to make wine! Located on the south shore of Lake Chelan, they're usually open every day during peak summer months, but call ahead to be sure. Tel: 509-682-9505. They charge $5 for a flight of 4 wines.
The Hard Row to Hoe name is based upon a local story about a rowboat taxi service that took miners across Lake Chelan in an effort to reach a brothel on the other side - it's an entertaining story so ask them to tell you! Wonderful views, with a fun feel, and you must check out the pink & red wallpaper...! But not just fun, their wines have won a number of awards. Usually open year round, but call ahead on 509-687-3000.
The Lake Chelan Valley was designated an American Viticulture Area in 2009. This means we are a federally recognized growing region and we're proud to be home to some of the best US wine producers. With over 20 wineries, set against some stunning backdrops, you will be spoilt for choice! To help, we have listed 4 of our favorite vineyards. But, being honest, we love them all and would definitely suggest you visit as many as you can! Please refer to this map to orient yourself, or take an organized tour. Lake Chelan Winery... Lake Chelan Winery is the pioneer of the Lake Chelan wine industry - they were one of the first families to plant wine grapes. They are located in the last privately owned apple packing shed in the valley. Known also for their delicious BBQ in the Vineyard restaurant with gorgeous views - see our restaurant tips later in this guide! You can reach them at 509-687-9463.
Benson Vineyards... Benson Vineyards is family owned and operated by Paul and Kathy Benson. Following help from their 2 sons, they now own 23 acres, with a Mediterranean inspired estate overlooking Lake Chelan, boasting some of the best views of any vineyard in the area. No joke, this is arguably the best view from any vineyard. Again call ahead 509-687-0313.
LAKE CHELAN IN HD VIDEO...
#1: Good Bye Summer...
This is a beautifully shot video that gives you a real feel for what there is to see, do and experience in the Lake Chelan area. There's nothing quite like the moving image to capture the heart and soul of a place in a way that grabs your imagination and draws you in. We hope it does the same for you! Click Here to View the Good Bye Summer Video...
#2: Lake Chelan Time Lapse...
This time lapse video takes you on a breathtaking journey through the landscapes and colors of Lake Chelan. From the moon rising, to the starlit night sky, to clouds rolling over the mountains, to beautiful spring flowers. Where the above video captures people, this one captures nature at work. Click Here to View the Time Lapse Video...
#3: Lake Chelan Winter Fest...
The annual winterfest turns the town into a winter paradise. Ice sculptures, live music, a beach bonfire, fireworks, ale tasting, and more. This video was shot during 2013's winterfest and, as you can see, it's a lot of fun. A reminder that Chelan is as dramatic and exciting in winter as it is in summer! Click Here to View the Chelan Winter Fest Video...
#4: Vacation Rental HD Videos...
Chelan HD productions have shot a number of vacation rental videos for us. These videos give you extra insight to some of the places we manage - an insight you don't always get from static photos. Click on the image to the left to see our Chelan Vista Pool House video, and the link below to see more options. Click Here to View More Vacation Rental Videos...
SAGE'S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS... OUR PICK OF THE GROWN UP HANGOUTS OUR PICK OF THE FAMILY HANGOUTS Lake Chelan Winery BBQ is a great family spot and an icon of the Chelan area. Don't leave without paying them a visit! Their winery is on our list of vineyards to visit so why not combine eating with a wine tasting. Fall off the bone smoked ribs, coleslaw, beans, corn bread, this is true BBQ food, but done well! And with wines right from the vineyard it's hard to beat as an all round food and wine experience.
Blueberry Hills Farm is part of a working, 20-acre berry farm, built on the original family homestead. It has a hearty breakfast menu which everyone raves about (don't miss the blueberry juice). And why not combine the eating with some berry picking? Relaxed and informal, self described as "a down-home, folksy, like gramma's house kinda place to go". Don't miss it!
Local Myth Pizza is a great family spot for the best pizza in town! But this isn't just about pizza - they serve a great plate of antipasto, pear flatbread, a spicy shrimp slaw, and they even offer a gluten free option. And wash this all down with one of the local wines, or choose from a list of 9 draft beers which they rotate through the year. They do a takeout service as well.
Sorrentos Ristorante is Italian fine dining at its best and (this is Lake Chelan), beautiful views to boot! It's situated at the Tsillan Cellars winery which means they'll help you pair your food and wine. The owner and chef has a rich Italian restaurant history, giving old family recipes his own twists. Why not have a tasting followed by dinner in the restaurant? It's also a great Sunday brunch spot.
Andante is one of our favorites if you and your partner would like something more refined than a family restaurant. The low lighting, intimate setting creates a relaxed, but romantic feel. Add to that the reputation of providing excellent service, tasty Italian food and an extensive wine list, it's a great spot. Take note though - it's a small restaurant so we would strongly advise booking in advance.
Campbells Pub & Veranda could be termed a "gastro-pub" with it's English style pub setting with upscale food, great Pacific Northwest microbrews and, of course, an extensive list of wines from Chelan and the wider Washington area. There's music every Friday night and, to top it all off, there are great views of Lake Chelan and the historic downtown.
WHERE TO STAY ON LAKE CHELAN... The Lake Chelan area has a number of options depending on your needs. Below are some of the vacation rentals managed by Sage. From homes which offer the space and comfort for larger families, to smaller, more intimate spots for couples, to pet friendly open spaces. We hope you find the perfect place to enjoy your precious vacation time!
#1: For a Family Experience...
Wapato Point is a waterfront 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with stunning panoramic views from the kitchen and dining area. This is a perfect choice for a family with kids, or 2 families sharing, due to a very flexible sleeping configuration - 2 king bedrooms on the main floor, with 2 bedrooms on the lower level, one with bunk beds, the other with a single and queen bed. Plus plenty of resort amenities! Visit this Vacation Rental Website to Find Out More...
#2: For Something Very Special...
A newly constructed, 5 bedroom, 3 bath, spacious lake and mountain view home, with private 53 ft heated outdoor pool and 10 person hot tub. The range of features include a state of the art kitchen, lake view dining area, and a huge family room with flat screen TV/DVD/ CD, pool table and more. Outside, as well as the pool and hot tub, you have ping-pong, basketball and croquet - this place has the lot! Visit this Vacation Rental Website to Find Out More...
#3: For Those With Dogs..
A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with space for the kids and your dog! The large L-shaped dock has an easy-entry swimming area, certain to be loved by the kids. Near the bulkhead is a shallow area that is usually less than 3-4 feet deep, even in peak months. Alongside the bulkhead is a grassy space for spreading out a picnic, playing a game or just sunning away the afternoon. Visit this Vacation Rental Website to Find Out More...
Some Other Alternatives... For those who like the mountains... For those with a family reunion...
For a couple's retreat...
With stunning views of Wapato Lake and the mountains from both the upper and lower decks, this is a place where you'll have the true feeling of getting away from it all. It sits on an acre of land, with 268 ft of Wapato Lake frontage and your own waterside deck located in a peaceful park setting. With 3 bedrooms, a sleeper sofa, and 1.5 bathrooms, this will accommodate 8 people.
Wonderful 1-bed, newly renovated retreat, directly on the Lake. It is surrounded by a great yard with a big grass area; room to play and covered patio. Also features a private dock, boat buoy and jet ski launch area. It's also only 3.5 miles from downtown Chelan, and close to a number of wineries, making this a perfect spot for a couple wanting to retreat from the madness of every day life!
This 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3,600 sq ft home has everything you'll need for enjoying your family vacations or golf getaways with friends. With a large lawn area and private dock on the flat waters of Lake Entiat, this place makes a great choice for a family reunion, with others in your party being accommodated in nearby homes. It also benefits from being close to town for all your needs!
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