Explore Washington State
If you are a Washington resident, or even a newcomer to the state, you know that driving over the Snoqualmie Pass can be treacherous at times. Even during sunny seasons, driving from one side of the state to the other can be exhausting. You need somewhere to stop where you don’t have to drive fully...
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...
Editor’s note (April 2026): This article was originally published in June 2020. The Point Ruston location referenced below opened but has since closed and been sold. Owens Meats today operates from its single flagship location in Cle Elum, along with its meat machines around Washington. The history, products, and Cle Elum details below remain accurate....
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. Planning a trip to Ginkgo...
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. Planning a trip to...
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...
