In September, my wife Regan and I had planned a hike in the North Cascades but a spate of wildfires made that hike impossible. When the smoke cleared two days into what was to have been a five-day trip, we decided to cross a shorter hike off our bucket list and set out for a…
When I was in high school, I had the good fortune to be an exchange student in Switzerland. On my return from this life-changing experience, one of the things I missed the most was crusty European bread. Fast forward to the present and one can find bakeries making real bread all over America, hurrah! Even…
As I write this from the north Pasco countryside, early on a Friday afternoon, I look out the window of my study toward Badger Mountain, the Horse Heaven Hills and Jumpoff Joe. Typically, I would be able to see all three (although the wild roses growing outside my window obstruct my view of Jumpoff Joe,…
As the weather begins to change and you feel more inclined to get some fresh air, there are many places to visit. From campsites, to hiking trails to local history — there is so much to explore. But, how do you decide where to go when there are so many options? Look no further because…
If you’re looking for quality fresh and smoked meats, then you have to stop at Owens Meats in Cle Elum, Washington. The meat market has been a staple in Kittitas County for over 125 years. Five generations of Owens have built the business into what it is today by expanding the Cle Elum location, adding…
Central Washington is home to a multitude of state parks, each with their own unique features and viewpoints. If you’re looking for a daylong adventure through a beautiful park with river views and hiking paths, you’re in luck because the Ginkgo Petrified Forest has been patiently waiting for your visit. Starting your journey east, coasting…
Although much of life has been changing over the past few months, one thing stays consistent — support for local restaurants. While some businesses have chosen to close during this time, Ellensburg Pasta Company (EPC), a local staple of Kittitas County, has kept their doors open with modifications to the usual dining room experience. From…
As the cool Ellensburg breeze sweeps across your face, you watch the trees sway back and forth and listen to the frenzy of birds chirping above you. Breathing in the fresh air, you exhale a large sigh and look at the beauty before your eyes — Olmstead Place Historical State Park. Although not the typical…
Are you looking for a family-friendly restaurant with a community feel? Because you’re in luck! Daily Bread and Mercantile, nestled in the heart of Central Washington, is your next lunch destination. Located in Ellensburg, this restaurant is a local secret and the perfect stopping point for your next road trip through the state. And while…
While Ellensburg is perhaps best known for the Ellensburg Rodeo (yee-haw) and for Central Washington University, this small town more to offer to visitors. Here are some place to check out next time you’re in Ellensburg. Visit the Kittitas County Historical Museum This free museum offers a hands-on learning approach to the county’s history. Walking through…
The world-famous Ellensburg Rodeo happens annually every Labor Day Weekend, and we thought it was important that visitors get a bit of background on this special event. How It Began Rodeo as a sport is relatively young. Dating back to the last quarter of the 19th century, most of the rodeos in the West were…
Did you know that Central Washington University has actually gone through four name changes? It’s only been CWU since 1977. Originally founded in 1891, its first name was “Washington State National School in Ellensburg.” How’s that for a mouthful? Now it is filled with over 11,000 students annually, and was ranked “Top-rated four-year University in…
