Where can you go in Washington when you’re in need of sunshine? My hubby and I head to Yakima, also known as the Palm Springs of Washington, as it is said to see sun 350 days of the year. Plus, with more than 90 wineries spanning 70 miles, Yakima Valley makes a fantastic destination for…
Visiting Ellensburg for Wine and Art Ellensburg, Washington may be best known for its annual rodeo. Yet, the city recently celebrated twenty-five years of monthly art walks. It also has a burgeoning wine scene! In fact, wine and art come together at the Fortuity Cellars and Nuwave shared space that is a distinctive tasting room…
In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, Scott Cowan welcomes Kendall Jones, founder of the Washington Beer Blog, to discuss the history and future of craft beer in Washington State. Kendall shares his journey from an aspiring rock star to a renowned voice in the beer community, weaving together stories of personal discovery, local…
Welcome back to another inspiring episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! This time, Scott Cowan sits down with Meghanne Storey, a talented musician with an extraordinary story of resilience, creativity, and passion. From her challenging beginnings on the streets of Seattle to becoming a celebrated artist, Meghan shares her incredible journey of triumph over…
Today’s guest is Tim Nyhus, a passionate explorer uncovering the hidden treasures of ghost towns and abandoned mines across the state. Episode Highlights A Journey into Washington’s Forgotten Past Tim shares how his love for history and family road trips inspired him to explore ghost towns and mines, starting with the abandoned coal town of…
Hey there, friends! In this episode of the Exploring Washington State podcast, your host Scott Cowan dives into a fun and heartwarming conversation with Jake Eberhart, the innovative mind behind Bolder K9 Jake shares his journey of moving to Washington, adopting a rescue pup, and turning a chewed-up leash into a thriving business that gives back to…
In this episode, we explore Skagit County tourism through an in-depth conversation with Kristen Keltz, CEO of the Skagit County Tourism Bureau. Are you ready to uncover Skagit County’s hidden treasures? Join host Scott Cowan as he chats with Kristen Keltz, CEO of the Skagit Tourism Bureau, to explore everything this remarkable region has to…
Editor’s note, October 2026: Since this story ran, Pintxo by Valdemar, Ephesus Cafe & Gelato and the Walla Walla Steak Co. have all closed. Pintxo’s space is now Jackson House, a restaurant and craft cocktail bar. For what’s open around town now, see our Woodinville guide. It’s a good idea to revisit a destination from…
In this episode of the Exploring Washington State podcast, Scott Cowan sits down with Wenatchee local and music enthusiast Joel Myrene for a lively conversation packed with nostalgia, community spirit, and a love of live music. Recorded in the historic Wenatchee Prosperity Lodge 301, Joel takes us on a journey from his punk rock roots to his…
When you consider visiting the Fremont Troll, you’re stepping into a piece of Seattle‘s unique cultural tapestry. Nestled beneath the Aurora Bridge, this larger-than-life sculpture invites you to ponder its history and the community sentiment it embodies. To truly appreciate what the Troll represents, consider planning your visit at a time that allows for a…
Have you ever wanted to jump into a Christmas movie, where you settle into the simple aesthetic of a rural mountain town, flocked with snow, teeming with character as the warm glow of twinkling lights illuminate family-owned storefronts? The small town of Winthrop, Washington is just that place. A quaint, rustic community resting beside a…
Remarkable coffee is an essential part of any road trip. So, when Basalt Roasters popped up on my radar while planning a weekend getaway to Yakima Valley, a visit to the roastery landed on my itinerary. It’s located within Cot’s Peak Coffee in the town of Naches, just twenty minutes from downtown Yakima. Read on for more about our experience in the unique coffee house, and how to make the most…
