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Driving Tour to Historic Fort Simcoe State Park Heritage Site

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

This driving tour takes you to the historic Fort Simcoe State Park Heritage Site on the Yakama Nation Reservation, past abundant agriculture area with  fruit and produce stands, the museum at the Yakama Cultural Center, and through the City of Toppenish, known for over 70 western themed murals. This is a good trip to take a picnic lunch, there are picnic tables and grills, as well as a covered picnic shelter, and don’t forget your camera. Fort Simcoe was built in 1856 as housing for US Army troops sent to the area to watch over the local Yakama Nation. This weekend, May 4 & 5 2013, Fort Simcoe State Park will be the site of a Civil War Reenactment. For a schedule of events click here. This drive tour takes approximately 1 hour to reach Fort Simcoe, and about 84.5 miles round trip. Enjoy hundreds of acres of orchards, vineyards, and produce farms. During the harvest season, farms and orchards feature fresh produce stands offering wide variety of fresh fruits and produce in season. Map.

Starting point is the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center, Exit 33A I-82E. Turn Left out of parking lot, proceed under the freeway bridge, take first left onto I-82 East to Exit 37  to Highway 97.  Once past Union Gap, WA, you are on the Yakama Nation Reservation.  There is a pull off to the right with a historic marker (mile 6.2) denoting the spot of a battle between Army troops and the Yakama’s during the “war” of 1855. Leaving this historical marker,  take “Lateral A” next road off to the right, towards White Swan, WA. (Alternative driving route –continue on Hwy 97 to Fort Road. This route takes you past the Yakama Cultural Heritage Center,  turn left onto Fort Road, going past the Legends Casino to Fort Simcoe, follow signs. Or turn right to enter the city of Toppenish to view the western themed murals and museums.)

The Yakima Valley is known as an abundant agricultural area, you will see this on Lateral A.  There are farm fresh fruit and produce stands and row crops of vegetables, such as asparagus   hot peppers, tomatoes, squash, corn, watermelon, and other produce. Off of Lateral A you will pass Dagdagen Farm & Produce and Imperial Garden’s. Close by on Wapato Road are Blue BerryHill Berries, and on Evans Road is Holy Cow Grass Fed Beef. Continue on Lateral A to the junction with Branch Road (mile 14.3) and turn right, past orchards, row crops, vineyards, cattle ranches, hop and mint fields. The Yakima Valley produces most of the mint, sweet cherries, concord grapes and hops sold in the USA.(Alternate route continue on Lateral A to Fort Road, turn right, follow signs at White Swan take Signal Peak Road to Fort Simcoe Road, turn right to Fort Simcoe.)

As you turn onto Branch Road, note Mt. Adams in the distance directly ahead. This mountain dominates the lower valley, “Phato” to people of the Yakama Nation, the mountain figures prominently in the history and legends of the Yakama people. Continue west on Branch Road, you will come to Harrah (mile 17.4). a reservation town established in 1913 under the name Saluskin in honor of Chief Saluskin of the Yakama Nation.  Julius T. Harrah of Philadelphia had much to do with the development of the area in the field of agriculture and business. He built a home here and platted the town and used his influence to change the name of the town to Harrah.  Staying on Branch Road, the next town you encounter is Brownstown (mile 20.3). Brownstown, a shallow lake area at one time, was originally called Bench because of the location on a two-mile wide plateau. Named for Reese Brown, who had big hopes for its future, planning to build a thriving empire around Brownstown. Traveling  west, stay to the left onto the White Swan Road. (Alternative  route at the Y stay right on Branch Road, turn left on Westley, right on Medicine Valley Road, left on Hawk road and right on Fort Road to Fort Simcoe. The advantage is smoother roads.)   White Swan was a busy place at one time, with a bank, hotel, and many other businesses. The town was named for the Native American Tribal Chief who served for over 60 years, on whose lands it stands.  The town was platted but never incorporated.   In 1922, Toppenish wooed the Native American Agency headquarters away from nearby Fort Simcoe, taking most of the attendant population and business with it. You are now about 7.5 miles from the Fort. At the stop sign (mile 27.5) in White Swan, take a right to State Highway 220 and go west.

Fort Simcoe – (mile 35.1). This site was long used as a camping area for the tribes of the Yakama Nation. The cold springs called “Mool Mool” (bubbling water) by the Indians, offered an abundance of water in the otherwise dry region. Timber was nearby, and grassland was readily available. The weather in the valley here was normally better than further north. Simcoe is derived from the Yakama, “Sim-Ku-ee”, or SimKwee, the name for a dip in the ridge about three miles northeast of the fort. Sim refers to the female wrist, Ku-ee, or Kwee, means spine or back.

Pioneers first began to settle on the east side of the mountains from 1856 to 1859. Fort Simcoe served as a base for military expeditions in the Washington Territory. A change in military command in 1858 resulted in a proposal to abandon Fort Simcoe. In 1859, the site became the  Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency Headquarters, providing services to Native Americans living on the Reservation. Reading and writing were taught at the post as well as trade skills like carpentry, blacksmithing, and farming. The school lasted until the early 1900’s.

Fort Simcoe State Park: Recognizing  the historic significance of the site, Fort Simcoe was established as a State Park in 1953 with the assistance of the Fort Simcoe and Mool Mool Restoration Society. Under a 99-year lease from the Yakama Nation, the 200-acre park is administered by the State Parks and Recreation Commission.  The park offers picnic facilities, restrooms, tables, picnic shelter, and running water in a grassy portion of the large oak grove adjoining the parking area. The Interpretative Center in the park depicts the history of the site through displays, artifacts, and photographs. Open from April 1 to September 30 daily from 6:30 a.m.to dusk and from October 1 to March 31 on weekends and holidays only.  Search for the old blockhouse, in the spring enjoy  the wildflowers and  hunt for Lewis’s woodpecker among the oaks.

Return toward White Swan via Highway 220. Once in White Swan, take a right on Curtis Street (mile 42.8) heading toward Toppenish on Fort Road. Continue on Fort Road you will pass Legends Casino, Operated by the Yakama Nation offering wonderful buffet dining daily. Nearby on Fort Road is the entrance to the Yakama Nation Cultural Center (mile 61.3).

Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center – (mile 61.7).  This fairly new facility is located on the ancestral ground of the Yakama Nation. The Yakamas have lived in harmony with these lands for thousands of years. They share their heritage with all visitors at the Cultural Center. The Center offers a gift shop featuring authentic Yakama beadwork, a restaurant with Native American atmosphere and menu; museum with great dioramas and exhibits; theatre providing first run movies for the area; Winterlodge for banquets, dances, and conventions; and library, full-service with an emphasis on Native American culture.

Return to Fort Road, turn left to downtown Toppenish.

Toppenish – (mile 63.6) – The town derives its name from the native word “gapuishlema” meaning “people from the foot of the hills”. The name has also been generally interpreted to mean “sloping downward and spreading”. In that sense, it describes the easterly slope of the lands from the mountain until spreading flatly to form the basin of the Valley. When the Northern Pacific railroad spanned the Valley, it erected a section house, telegraph office, and water tank here in 1883 to serve as a maintenance center, and they named it Toppenish.

The city’s motto is “City Where the West Still Lives”, and is known as the City of Murals. Murals are bigger than life, depicting the lives and times of Toppenish’s early days. This results from the successful efforts of the Toppenish Mural Society (TMS), a group of local citizens interested in preserving the culture and history of the town. The Society’s insistence on high standards for quality of art and historical accuracy has made the murals a must-see for Valley visitors and has garnered national publicity for the town. You’ll find a map of the city and key to mural locations at the Toppenish Mural Office along with the original artist work submitted for approval for each mural.

Northern Pacific Railway Museum: The Toppenish Railroad Depot was built by the Northern Pacific Railway in 1911.  The museum features RR artifacts.  Open May through October: Tuesday to Saturday, 10AM to 4 PM, Sunday  Noon to 4 PM, closed Monday.  Winter hours November through April by special arrangement and see schedule for special events.    All operations are now at the depot with caboose rides offered with special events.

American Hop Museum: The American Hop Museum, located in the heart of the nation’s largest hop producing area, features exhibits and artifacts depicting Hop growing, harvesting, and history.  Open: May 1st. through September 30th.Wednesday thru Saturday 10am.-4pm.Sunday 11am.-4pm. Offering pre-scheduled tours year round. American Hop Museum History of Hops video.

After viewing the Toppenish Murals and museums,  return to Highway 97 to Yakima. On your way back, you will pass the town of Wapato.  When the Northern Pacific railroad first came through here, it was called Simcoe Siding. Later, when Alex McCready became active in the community, residents decided they wanted a post office.  But, the petition was refused because there was already a post office at Fort Simcoe and the two names would be too confusing. Mrs. McCready and her friends got together and decided on the name Wapato, from a variation of the word meaning potato in the Chinook language.  The post office was granted under the new name around the year 1902 and Mrs. McCready became the postmistress.

About halfway between Wapato and Union Gap, you will pass through the town of Parker, established around 1915. Another community of the same name was built earlier across the Yakima River (reached by driving east from Parker, and over the Parker Bridge; an alternate route to the Treveri Cellars Winery and the Yakima Valley Highway). The earlier community was the first semblance of a town in the valley area outside of the Fort Simcoe development and was called Konnewock by the Indians. It is today known as Parker Bottom.

Take the I-82 exit from 97 to bring you back to Exit 33 to Yakima Avenue and Downtown Yakima.  (Alternative route, take the Union Gap exit off of Highway 97 and sample the produce stands, eateries, and shopping opportunities at the Valley Mall in Union Gap. Driving north, Union Gaps main Street changes name to South 1st Street – the main North/South Street for the area. To reach Downtown Yakima, stay on 1st Street to Yakima Avenue, running east and west.)

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michelle Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Posted in Childrens events, Farm Fresh, Museums, Nature, Outdoors, Scenic Drives, travel yakima, Uncategorized, Yakima Tourism, Yakima Valley Events | No Comments »

A Scenic Drive on the Road Less Traveled

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Travel scenic country roads on this circular route, from the beautiful manicured grounds of the Yakima Area Arboretum, through the hop fields of Moxee, over Konnowac Pass southwest through the Yakima Valley.  Scenic views of Yakima Valley fruit orchards, beautiful in the spring when the fruit trees are blossoming, the summer, when the foliage is a vibrant green and the fall, when the angle of the sun uniquely illuminates the leaves changing colors.  Discover four winery tasting rooms, two of which are in historic buildings. 

Starting at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center, turn left out of parking lot and access the I-82 East freeway. Continue to Exit 34 (Nob Hill Blvd). Turn left. (If you bicycling the Konnowac Pass, you may leave your vehicle at the Greenway parking lot at Sherman Park- this ride is about 27 miles. A moderate climb of more than two miles and a couple of short (1/4 mile) steep climbs to the top, down the other side, with the rest of the route being nearly level. Pavement quality is good and traffic generally light. Pleasant ride for Motorcyclists.) 

The Arboretum Road to the interpretive center of the Yakima Area Arboretum and Botanical Garden is on the left.  This 40-acre “tree museum” features self-guided tours, (map available), a Japanese Garden, gift shop, Jewett Pond Fountain and endless photo opportunities.
As you leave the Arboretum turn right at the light heading east on Highway 24 toward Moxee City. (Bicyclists-There is a well marked wide shoulder; traffic speed is 55mph, turn off is approximately 3.5 miles) Moxee is the Native American word for “whirlwinds”.  In the early 1880’s the Thorp Family settled in the Moxee Valley, later Alexander Graham Bell and his wife’s family invested in a large farming operation. The Moxee Land Company sold 20-acre lots in the 1890’s to recruit settlers. Hops were first grown here in 1877 and grew so well in this climate and soil that Moxee City, (1910) became the Hop Capitol of the world. Hundreds would camp and harvest the hops by hand, culminating in a “hop festival”.  Moxee still celebrates with the Moxee Hop Festival annually, 1st weekend in August. Today the hop harvest is largely mechanical. Large hop picking machines and drying kilns seen throughout the valley. Currently the Yakima Valley supplies over 75% of the Hops sold  in the United States.   At Birchfield Road to the left you will see Bale Breaker Brewing Company operated by Loftus Ranches Hop Growers. Open Wed. –Sat. (This scenic drive takes you back to this intersection with Birchfield Road)

Turn right on LaFramboise Road, left on Robillard Road and right on Konnowac Road.  Hop fields, recognizable by the tall poles used to support the vines, reach the tops of the poles in summer.  At the Konnowac Pass Y, stay right. Konnowac Pass was an old Native American trail connecting both ends of the Yakima Valley. Reaching the top of this small pass, you will see a patchwork of white and pink when the cherry and apple trees blossom in spring.
Parker Heights Road is down the pass on the right, just after a bend.  As you ride along this road surrounded by orchards, you will see Mt Adams and the distinctive old wooden Hop Kiln in the distance. Continue on Parker Heights until the bridge over the irrigation canal. For a closer look at the old hop kiln and to visit the winery with the hop kiln pictured on its label.  Turn left over the bridge to the Yakima Valley Highway, after a short ride you can turn right to visit Piety Flats Winery and Tasting Room. The tasting room, in the1911 Mercantile Building with old country store charm, offers unique gifts, gourmet food items, delectable wines, and picnicking in the shade.

Returning back to the Yakima Valley Highway, turn left, and back over the small irrigation canal bridge and continue on this road which parallels the Yakima Valley highway along the irrigation canal. Take the road up the hill to Windy Point Winery. This boutique winery’s tasting room reflects the Frank Lloyd Wright style, designed and built to showcase Windy Point’s breathtaking views of the Yakima Valley.  When leaving, turn right at the end of the driveway and continue along the road under the freeway.

You will pass a small park at the Sunnyside Diversion Dam where a roadside marker tells the history of the site in a small park with picnic tables, overlooking the site of an ancient Native American fishery called – Ahwahtun, “deep water”.
Continuing under the freeway proceed up the hill to Treveri Cellars Sparkling Tasting Room, whose focus is on producing a selection of sparkling wines and serving sparkling cocktails on Friday and Saturdays. Relax with panoramic views of the Yakima Valley and Mount Adams.
Upon leaving Treveri follow Thorp Road to Birchfield Road.

Birchfield Manor Country Inn is Yakima’s true country inn, featuring multi-course dinners Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, prepared  by the well-known local chef and owner.

Continue to intersection of Hwy 24, Bale Breaker Brewing is across Hwy 24 on the right.   To return to downtown Yakima. turn right onto Highway 24. ((Bicyclists- If you have left your car at Greenway, entrance to Greenway is on the right side of the road, at the light after the bridge over the Yakima River.) Take I-82 West to Exit 33 (Yakima Avenue). This will bring you directly to Downtown Yakima to experience wine tasting, art galleries, dining choices and entertainment.                                                                                                                         Updated 2013 

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michelle Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Bale Breaker Brewery Grand Opening

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

Bale Breaker Brewery celebrates its Tap Room Grand Opening this weekend. This is the newest  Loftus family endeavor. In 1932, the grandparents planted the first 5 acres of hops which would become B.T. Loftus Ranches, one of the longest running and largest growers in the craft beer industry. Loftus Ranches currently grow 9 different varieties such as Fuggle, Cascade, Simcoe®, Citra®, Palisade®, and Willamette hops.  Now 3rd and 4th generation hop farmers Mike and Patrick Smith are brewing their own craft beer.
They invite you to, “come hang out in The Baling Room at Bale Breaker Brewing Company for the all-day Grand Opening party April 13. BBBC is located in the heart of our nations hop country and surrounded by a field of Cascade hops.” Field 41 Pale Ale. Topcutter IPA, and Batch 001 IPA will be flowing from 12-8pm. $6 at the door, includes a Bale Breaker pint glass and your first beer, additional beers $4. There will be authentic Mexican cuisine available for purchase from a local “Taco Truck” vendor.  Future plans include tours of the brewery and hops growing in the nearby field.

 

If you can ‘t wait until Saturday, come out on Friday April 12th to these local businesses for the Yakima Launch Party as Bale Breaker beer hits the market for the first time!  The brewery crew will be hanging out and doing giveaways at the following Yakima locations:

4 PM – Silver Creek Bar & Grill, Moxee

6 PM – Jackson’s Sports Bar, 48th & Tieton

8 PM – Sports Center, Downtown Yakima

Enjoy this Video of hop harvest in the Yakima Valley, which grows over 75% of the hops in the USA.
Hop harvest starts in late August and at that time the vine at the base of each plant is cut, then the top of the vine is cut from the 18 foot high wire, falling into the truck at an approximate pace of an acre an hour. The cut vines are brought to the processing facility and lifted onto a series of conveyor belts that separate the hop cones from the leaves and vines.
The cones contain 80 percent water and would rot or mold quickly if they were not spread across a kiln, heated with natural gas burners, and allowed to dry for 10 hours in the huge drying room. After drying, the cones contain about nine percent moisture. They are dumped onto another conveyor belt sending them to a warehouse where they are poured and compressed into 200-pound burlap bags to be ground into powder. The burlap bags are shipped to a processing plant, to be made into pellets, liquid extract, or sold to a broker, who markets the hops to breweries. The process from field to truck takes 24 hours.
Hop harvest starts in late August and at that time the vine at the base of each plant is cut, then the top of the vine is cut from the 18 foot high wire, falling into the truck at an approximate pace of an acre an hour. The cut vines are brought to the processing facility and lifted onto a series of conveyor belts that separate the hop cones from the leaves and vines.
The cones contain 80 percent water and would rot or mold quickly if they were not spread across a kiln, heated with natural gas burners, and allowed to dry for 10 hours in the huge drying room. After drying, the cones contain about nine percent moisture. They are dumped onto another conveyor belt sending them to a warehouse where they are poured and compressed into 200-pound burlap bags to be ground into powder. The burlap bags are shipped to a processing plant, to be made into pellets, liquid extract, or sold to a broker, who markets the hops to breweries. The process from field to truck takes 24 hours.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michelle Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Celebrate at Sneak Peek to Spring Barrel

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

The Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center (VIC) celebrates 10 years of serving visitors to the Yakima Valley in 2013. Built in 2003, with the vision to promote the Yakima Valley’s growing wine country, the Visitor Center has become the first stop for information on lodging, restaurants, activities and events.

One of the events during this year long celebration, “Sneak Peek to Spring Barrel,” will be April 11, 2013, at Le Chateau.  Wine Diva’s will be hosting this event.  Come enjoy local wine tasting, live music, Hors D’Oeuvers, Spring fashions, shopping, raffle prizes and more. This is an all lady, 21 and over event. The Visitor Center will be offering a Gift Bag valued at $25 with every ticket. The gift bag will include 4 wine tasting coupons, to be used anytime during the evening, a glass of wine, a lite-up wine glass, Washington Wine Country Coasters; It’s All about the Pretzels, Spring Barrel Wine Tasting winery information, coupons and so much more. Tickets to the event are $30. Visit the Yakima Valley’s beautiful Tuscan style Visitor Center for your tickets.

The Yakima Valley Visitor Center provides information covering the Yakima Valley, most cities in Washington State, plus Oregon, Idaho, Montana.  In 2006 the gift shop was added featuring local Yakima Valley made products and artwork, souvenirs plus specialty gift items.  In 2011 the gift shop expanded its selection of local wines for purchase and began offering wine tasting 4 premiums Yakima Valley wines with the purchase of a $5.00 Govino wine glass.

The Yakima Valley Visitor Center is located across the street from Target Store at 101 North Fair Ave. Exit 33 off I-82. (map)

Come celebrate with us.

 

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michelle Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Discover Selah, WA ~ Yakima River Canyon Marathon, Community Days…

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Selah, WA stretches out below, with the snow covered dome of Mt. Adams rising in the distance, as you crest the South Umtanum Ridge on I-82 East.  You have just entered the Yakima Valley, Washington Wine Country, encompassing the cities of Selah, Yakima, Union Gap, Zillah, Toppenish, Grandview, Prosser, and Benton City. A rich agricultural area known for vast acres of vineyards and orchards watered by the Yakima River diverted through irrigation canals makes the Yakima Valley the 12th largest agricultural region in the country.

Enter the valley over the Fred G. Redmon Bridge, also known as the Selah Creek Bridge. The rest stop located south of the bridge offers a view of the imposing twin arches, once the longest concrete arch bridge in the United States.

Selah, with its friendly small town ambiance, can also be entered from the north, by the Yakima River Canyon, Washington State’s First Scenic Byway, State Route 821. The Yakima River Canyon is popular for its blue ribbon fly fishing, long lazy summer days floating down the river, wildlife viewing, camping and hiking in the Umtanum Recreation Area.

On April 6, 2013, runners will converge on Selah for the 12th Annual Yakima River Canyon Marathon, a standard 26.2 mile scenic point-to-point course, offering spectacular views of the Yakima River Canyon. The course follows the Yakima River downstream and finishes in rural Selah, attracting runners from all over the country to this scenic area. Special Speaker Friday April 5th Bart Yasso, chief running officer of Runner’s World magazine is the author of the book My Life on the Run….the wit, wisdom and insights of a road racing icon. He’ll be the guest speaker at the pasta feed on Friday. Included in his presentation is an interesting and humorous slide show, “Never Limit Where Running Can Take You”

Runner Testimonial…

“A marathon that you really should consider for the whole weekend’s experience is the Yakima River Canyon. It simply beats any other marathon experience PERIOD…not ready for a marathon, who cares? There are many, many slow runners and walkers and they are as well embraced, perhaps more so, than the front runners. You’ll rub elbows with many wide-eyed first timers and many knurly veterans that will astound middle of the packers, back of the packers, all equals at the end of the day.”

Your Canyon For A Day Bike Tour!  Enjoy the canyon without worrying about traffic. They are closing down the Yakima River Canyon for you and your family to take a ride on your bikes and enjoy the scenery! May 19, 2013 9:00am to 3:00pm
A perfect ride for the whole family! This 35-mile round trip ride is a great family event, riding through the scenic Yakima River Canyon. The road follows the Yakima River up a gentle grade with few hills. The highway will be closed to thru- traffic.
Begin the ride from either the south end of the canyon from Selah or on from the north, Ellensburg end of the canyon. The staging area is at the Roza Recreation Site at milepost 7 on SR 821 for those coming from Selah at the south end. This is the  perfect weekend to plan your trip to Selah.  Enjoy the beauty of the canyon with your family and celebrate the small town community days with the local residents.
Officially incorporated on April 3, 1919, the city of Selah will be celebrating Community Days, May 16-19, 2012.  Experience the sunshine and friendly small town atmosphere during the annual Selah Community Days Festival with live entertainment Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, a carnival, food and craft vendors and Saturday night fireworks. On Saturday park in the Selah Jr. High parking lot and take the FREE Yakima Transit bus to the Selah Wixson Park festival grounds from 11am to 11pm.

Selah is known as the Apple Juice Capitol of the World and is home to Tree Top Natural Fruit Products made from farm fresh apples, grapes and pears grown in this abundant agricultural region. In response to the growing ag-tourism requests, on October 31, 2011, Tree Top opened its new Tree Top Store & Visitor Center. Here you can learn about farm-to-table production of apple juice and the history of  Tree Top. The store is stocked with Tree Top products and gifts, and features a Café to enjoy sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, smoothies and juice. Tree Top hosts the Skewered Apple BBQ Championship sanctioned by the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association.  This year,  the event will be held near the Tree Top Corporation campus in Selah.  On September 7th and 8th this event will attract 50 to 70 barbeque teams vying for $35,000 in prize money.   This national BBQ championship includes cooking demos, BBQ samples to taste,  activities, live entertainment  and much more.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Posted in Biking, Childrens events, Culinary, Cultural Celebrations, Farm Fresh, Hiking, Marathon, Nature, Outdoors, Recreation, Scenic Drives, Selah, travel yakima, Uncategorized, Washington Wine Country, Yakima Tourism, Yakima Valley Events | No Comments »

La Maison ~ Exceptional Cooking Experiences

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Enhance your visit to the Yakima Valley, Washington State’s premier wine grape growing region. Make plans around one of La Maison’ Exceptional Cooking Experiences.  Located on a hill overlooking the Naches Valley, you will be welcomed into this beautiful French inspired home by the owner, with a glass of wine and introductions to the other guests.  The evening I attended was themed around chocolate, starting with the appetizer preparations: Chef Magana prepared and served Cocoa Dusted Scallops with Cabernet Mole,  Portabella Mushroom and Chocolate Soup, Cocoa Coffee rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Romesco Sauce, and the main course, Salmon with White Chocolate Sauce (Amazing!).  All paired with Alexandria Nicole Wines.  He also made a wonderful Dungeness Crab, Cougar Gold Mac & Cheese, and ended the meal with Death by Chocolate dessert made with Davenlore Winery, Port Style Wine.  A delicious and decadent meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  Meet new friends or bring your own group for an evening of fine wine, fine food and a cooking experience you will not forget, and printed recipes to recreate at home.

The menus are varied and always include wine and food pairings, as well as extra cooking tips. Chef Magana classes are extremely popular, and limited to 14 guests, so sign up early. He offers extra tips, such how to make balsamic reduction sauce, easily slice onions, deveining portabella mushrooms, multiple uses for Grenache and many more variations on his theme menus. These classes are relaxed; one can participate in the preparations or just sit back and enjoy the wine and ambiance.

The video below is a previous class featuring Chef Magana Cooking Class at La Maison, Gilbert Cellars Wines and La Buona Tavola.

 

In 2013, La Maison features Chef Magana’s culinary world tour kickoff ~ Moroccan menu on March 9, an elaborate and unique Japanese menu on April 12 where you will learn  learn how to wrap a sushi roll, use a sushi knife, cook Japanese rice, Miso Soup, Sesame Seared Tuna, California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Seattle Roll, and of course, his yummy Green Tea Cupcakes.  Each course will be paired with wines from the huge selection at wines at ANC. Mexican Cinco de Mayo menu on May 10, includes Ceviche, Fish Tacos, Guacamole, Mango Salsa, Carne Asada, and Mexican Wedding Cookies.  Paired with wines from Alexandria Nicole Cellars.        July 12th will be Chef Magana’s 3rd annual, and very popular Paella Party on the Patio. Chef Magana will be creating Tapas, Tapas and more Tapas, along with his signature Paella paired with wines from Alelxandria Nicole Cellars.  Class starts at 6:00 pm.  This class will be open to 25 and spill out onto the patio for a fabulous view for this summer event.

For the adventurous, enjoy a Titanic evening. Chef Brad Smith will recreate a portion of the elaborate menu dined on by the first class passengers on April 14th, 1912.  Chef Brad will portray the infamous Chef Charles Joughin, Titanic Chef and survivor of the disaster. Expect stories from the Titanic, music, and you are encouraged to wear period dress to join in the fun.

EXTRA: Save the date: June 22, 2013. Just announced Robin Leventhal from Top Chef, Season 6 will be in the La Maison kitchen!  Robin formerly owned and operated Crave, a popular Seattle bistro serving up comfort food on Capitol Hill.  Limited to 14, so sign up soon.  For a complete listing of the menus and to register for these exclusive classes, click here.

After wine tasting in the valley, this is a truly exceptional dining experience to end your day.

 

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michelle Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Posted in Culinary, Farm Fresh, Restaurants, travel yakima, Uncategorized, Washington Wine Country, wines, Yakima Valley Events | No Comments »

Unique Gifts of Health & Wellness

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Thanksgiving is next week and traditionally, Black Friday is the beginning of the Christmas gift shopping season. Time to start thinking about gifts for your friends and loved ones. What could be better than to give the gift of health and wellness? There are many ways to show you care, from physical trainer gift certificates and gym memberships at Yakima Athletic Club to beauty services such as massages, haircuts and manicures. Listed below are unique gift ideas that are sure to please on Christmas. These are seven gift ideas to give for relaxation, life direction,  personal care products and service.

Why not give the gift of a wellness retreat in the beautiful Yakima Valley?  A relaxing weekend getaway in Washington Wine Country at Aramistique, (pictured), surrounded by the peaceful vineyards and orchards of the Yakima Valley.  Leaving the world behind your family member will rediscover their inner self with a weekend tailored to his/her needs. Enjoying healthy meals and snacks, enlightening relaxing music, with the expertise of a health and wellness consultant, will leave them refreshed, centered and grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Do you have a friend or family member seeking guidance, direction in the New Year?  Jeanette, owner of Divine Guidance and Therapeutic Touch,  holds a degree in psychology, masters in social work, is a Reiki Master in Usui Reiki, and a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner with over 19 years experience.  She can help unlock those doors to a brighter future with a warm compassionate down to earth approach.  Experience Angel Intuitive Readings for answers about many of life’s questions.  With a Reike/energy healing session, you may receive physical, emotional, and /or spiritual healing through the use of methods which may include: Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Sound and Vibration Healing and/or Crystal Healing.  Feel you are repeating the same patterns in your life? A past life regression may help explore those patterns. This is a gift encouraging the journey to inner peace and enlightenment.

Do you have a tennis player in the family? Then a membership to the Yakima Tennis Club is the perfect gift. This is Central Washington’s premier tennis facility featuring 8 indoor climate controlled courts, 13 newly resurfaced outdoor courts, 2 in-ground heated pools, from 2ft. – 6ft. deep, fenced children’s playground  and the Court Café with a health conscious menu.

Winter is here and everybody needs a refreshing spa treatment. Ummelinas Spa Retreat (photo provided by Ummelinas  Spa) in downtown Yakima is an experience that is not easily forgotten.  Delighting in the rituals for makeup, facials, aromatherapy, nails, and massages expect profuse, “thankyou’s” for this gift.  Purchase a gift for yourself too and relax with your friends or colleagues while partaking in the Tea Spa Ritual in the gallery. The gallery is furnished with salvaged teak from Indonesia and artifacts from around the world. The downtown location is close to restaurants convenient for enjoying a leisurely lunch or dinner afterward. This gift is a great addition to a wine country weekend in the Yakima Valley.

Ala’ Mode Spa and Salon will create a new hairstyle to lift the spirits, add a facial and they will feel like a new person.  Have a friend or family member spending the day on the ski slopes?  A massage can ease and relax those sore muscles.

Sole Therapy Medical Day Spa, a spa that offers tranquility and provides a medical touch to each of the treatments. Mineral makeup, facials, mineral body wraps, foot treatments and more.  Protect and nourish your skin for a youthful vibrancy with this holistic approach to well being.

Annue’ Sensation (pictured) on Track 29 in downtown Yakima. A gift basket filled with natural, Paraben-Free Lotions & Healing Creams. Goats milk lotions, salves, sore muscle and arthritis creams makes a thoughtful gift.  Handcrafted by Annette.

The gift of heath always involves good food. Learning cooking techniques, and fine menu from accomplished chefs is a gift that lasts a lifetime. La Maison offers exceptional cooking experiences. Ring in the New Year  in an intimate setting with friends creating an amazing dinner paired with sparkling wines from Treveri Cellars.

Your family members or friends will appreciate your thoughtfulness and  care in choosing to give the gift of health and wellness this Christmas.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, pleasecontact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010

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Posted in Christmas events, Culinary, Farm Fresh, Guesthouses, Nature, Recreation, Shopping, Uncategorized, Washington Wine Country, Yakima valley spas | No Comments »

“Made in the Yakima Valley” Products for Holiday Gift Baskets

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

The Yakima Valley is known for the abundance of farm fresh fruit and produce, acres of vineyards and numerous wineries offering vintages ranging from Riesling, Chardonnay to Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Port and more.  The Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center,  (map) in the city of  Yakima features a gift shop which includes valley wines, specialty gift items and travel information for the Yakima Valley and Pacific Northwest.  Yakima Valley wines can be tasted from the state of the art wine dispenser for $5.00, and you keep the govino polymer stemless glass. In the gift shop you will find unique gift items, including jewelry, purses, bling aprons, and made in the Yakima Valley products.   These are a few of the products which are currently in the Yakima Valley Visitor Center Gift Shop.  Bring family and friends a gift from the Yakima Valley during the holidays. The visitor center staff will assist you in filling a gift basket with products from the valley.

Chukar Cherries: The visitor center carries the largest selection in Yakima of Naturally Dried and Chocolate-Covered Cherries, Berries and Nuts, from 2oz, 8oz to large boxed chocolate assortments.  Chukar Cherries was founded in 1988 on the family cherry orchard in the Yakima Valley. Products showcase the natural bounty and flavors of the Pacific Northwest using local fruits in a classic drying process, transforming them into energy snacks, chocolate-covered confections, and pure fruit preserves, toppings and condiments-100% natural and certified kosher by KOF-K.  The Corporate, Retail, and Manufacturing Headquarters is located in Prosser, WA,

Johnson’s Orchards Copper Pot Caramels: Johnson Orchards creamy homemade caramels and sauce. Enjoy a selection of fresh pies at their family farm in Yakima,  baked in the farm Bake Shop available on Friday and Saturday.

Mick’s  Peppourri: Mick’s  Peppourri in the Yakima Valley, producing of the finest pepper jellies in the world since 1982. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, place winners in the Texas National Fiery Food Challenge 1997 and 2005. Flavored pepper jellies with fresh, natural ingredients, expect a true garlic, ginger, horseradish, lime and cranberry to gourmet up any meal, without adding any fat, salt, or cholesterol. From totally mild to extremely hot, you won’t find a better pepper jelly.

It’s All About the Pretzels: An original Pacific Northwest treat, made in the Yakima Valley of Washington State.  It’s All About the Pretzels, created with a secret recipe of seasonings and served as a bar snack or winery snack, It’s All About the Pretzels are simply the most delicious pretzels you’ve ever eaten… and that’s not an exaggeration!

Tillen Farms Pickled Vegetables: Healthy pickled vegetables, fresh picked and packed at their peak of perfection. Naturally fat free, low in carbs and calories, containing no preservatives or additives. The gift shop carries Dilly Beans, Crunchy Carrots, Hot Pickled Asparagus, Hot & Spicy Beans, Sweet Bells, Crispy Snappers, and Crispy White Asparagus. Great for antipasto platters, Asparagus wrapped with prosciutto or ham, or garnish for your favorite cocktail.

Rills Specialty Soups: Selection of easy to prepare soups  that appeal to the busy life styles of today, such as Wapato Stuffed Pepper, Thorpellini Tortellini, Columbia River Chowder, Steptoe Butte Barley & Mushroom Soup, Tekoa Split Pea Soup, Omak Kick’n Chicken Soup. Ellensburg Enchilada Soup, Buena Mexi Chicken Chowder and more. All Soups have a rich broth and wholesome flavor with a minimum amount of preparation time. All spices and broth are included in a decorative package excellent for gift giving. Washington history, high-lighting the area for which the product was named is inserted in each package. Soups are a Washington made product, based in Kittitas County and packaged in the community of Thorp. Rills Soups take pride in their products and to ensure top quality, each mix is packaged by hand.

Northwood’s Preserves: Northwood’s preserves from Mary’s Place Gift Shop and Tea House in Naches, WA are Mary’s original homemade recipes, made from the fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the Yakima Valley. Delicious jams and jellies perfect for hors d’oeurves, sandwiches, marinades, salsas…the ideas are endless. Each one has its own unique, decadent flavor – try them all! Huckleberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Jalapeno, Apple butter, Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette and more.

Mt.  Adams Honey Company: Mt Adams Apiary is a family company, located  in Zillah, WA an area known for vast acres of vineyards and orchards, perfect for bees. The visitor center gift shop carries Snowberry, Wildflower and Clover Honey.

Tieton Cider Works Cider:  Locally crafted cider from a blend of organically grown dessert apples and full-bodied traditional cider apples.  The fruit that is used in Tieton Cider Works Cider comes from Craig and Sharon Campbell’s Harmony Orchards whose grandfather homestead in Tieton, WA in the 1920’s, a blend of their organically grown dessert apples and full-bodied traditional cider apples.

Listed below are many other fine “Made in the Yakima Valley” products available locally. 

Blue Barn Goat Farm Cheese:  A small grade A dairy and cheese factory on a family farm located in Zillah, Washington, in the middle of central Washington’s wine country.

Silbury Hills Alpacas:  Alpaca yarn and fiber arts store is full of beautiful yarn, fiber, and finished goods, with many items being from the family alpaca farm. Farm is located in Sunnyside, WA.

Tieton Farm and Creamery: Artisan Goats milk cheese, produced using sustainable and chemical-free farming practices to create small batches using handmade techniques.

Patricia’s Chocolate Emporium: Artisan chocolate specialties including fudge, candy bars,sugarfree items, lollipops, chocolate covered gummy bears & the famous “Patty K Truffles.” Located in Zillah, WA, treats designed by chocolatier Patty Russel.

Barretts Orchards: Farm fresh fruit, boxes of apples shipped direct to you, specialty apple  and peach butters, cherry salsa’s, preserves and spreads, Grapple gift boxes.

Ann’ue Sensation:  Natural paraben free lotions and healing creams, created from scratch to give you the best natural care for your skin.

Ummelina Spa products: New and ancient healing rituals are blended with state of the art spa technologies. UMMELINA”S SPA FORMULA – Natural Skin Care Collection, Global remedy line of products, mineral makeup , shea butter products, hair care, organic herbal teas.

Tree Top, Inc. Products:  Tree Top brings you purity and healthfulness in everything they make. Apple juice and cider are the backbone of  product offerings, but also they make a variety of blended fruit juices. In addition, offering a wide range of apple sauce available in organic and flavored sauces, as well as an entire line of juice-sweetened apple sauce. Fruit juices made in the Yakima Valley, since 1960.  Real juice from real people.  Visit the Tree Top Visitor Center in Selah, WA to sample their products and learn about their half century history in the Yakima Valley.

Liberty Bottle Works: Water Bottles - The only American made 100% aluminum, BPA free metal water bottle. Made of recycled materials with Simple 1/4 turn on/off design (patent pending). No more turning and turning.  Unique artist designed graphics. Production facility located in Union Gap, WA.

Snipes Mountain Brewery & Restaurant: Made in the Yakima Valley where 75% of the hops in the USA are grown. “Snipes Mountain ales are handcrafted in small batches using a blend of traditional and modern brewing methods.”  Located in Sunnyside, WA.

Bale Breaker Brewery: Taproom opening soon in Yakima, WA. Craft beer, IPA’s and Pale Ales. Focus on handcrafted ales that showcase the world-class hops grown in the Yakima Valley, celebrating our status as one of the leading hop growing regions in the world.  They are optimistic that they will be pouring pints at on-site tasting room and distributing kegs and cans to bars, restaurants, and grocery stores this winter, 2012.  Visit their blog or “like” on Facebook to follow progress.

La Kat Gallery: LaKat is a photo and crafts gallery featuring the skills of talented local craftsmen. Magnets and note cards featuring fabulous photography, handmade scarves, wine racks, horseshoe items, crocheted blankets, cuddly toys, place mats, log furniture, wood furniture and jewelry are just some of the treasures you will find when you visit this one-of-a-kind gallery. Located in Naches, WA.

Senaca Apple Chips: Seneca Apple Chips, America’s original apple chip snack, are made from fresh Washington apples grown near our plant in Yakima, the heart of apple country.

Lincoln Avenue Coffee Company: The best local roasted coffee in Yakima. Drive through or come in and sit down to enjoy the brew. Take home a pound or give as a gift with a Yakima coffee mug from the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center.

Yakima Bait Company: Home of the Worden Rooster Tail Lures. A great gift for the fisherman in the family.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michelle Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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“Water of Life”, Millennium Plaza In Downtown Yakima

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

In 1999, the city of Yakima was the only community in Washington State chosen as the recipient of Arts and Communities: America Creates for the Millennium, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation.  The artwork was completed in 2003 in Downtown Yakima and dedication ceremony took place in October.  The installation was the inspiration of internationally renowned artist, Wen-ti Tsen.

 

 

 

Wen-ti Tsen is known for his public art works which make connections among people and communities. Born in China, he grew up in France and England  and studied painting at the Boston Museum School. Wen -ti Tsen states that “Water of Life” is, “ a 90’ by 90’ sculptural plaza, created from a parking lot, designed as a gathering place of the area’s people of European,
Hispanic and Yakama Native American descent.  The artist lived and worked, for a total of nine months in the area, with a wide variety of people. The plaza is configured of water, rock, direction of the sun, bronze sculpture, and fiber-optic light.
 Local artists and residents contributed 39 “totem” objects displayed in window-cases, housed in two embracing concrete walls….now serves as central spot for diverse events and a destination for visitors.”

 

A few of the local events that take place at Millennium Plaza are the Cinco De Mayo Celebration, the Sunday morning Yakima Farmers Market throughout the summer from  Mothers Day to the end of October.  the Annual Fresh Hop Ale Festival,  and the Annual City Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.

 

 

 
 

 

Excerpt:

Wen Ti Sen Website Resume’ http://home.earthlink.net/~wentitsen/

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive additional information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Jackson’s “Stanley adventure” with Heather in the Yakima Valley

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

Jackson’s Stanley from King Williams, Virginia, came to the Yakima Valley to visit his cousin, Heather.  His first stop was the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center & Gift Shop, Exit 33A off I-82 East. The visitor center staff helped him with a Yakima Valley Official Visitor Guide, map and information on the attractions and activities in the Yakima Valley. He learned that the Yakima Valley in Central Washington State is one of the world’s top agricultural growing regions. Abundant farm fresh fruit such as cherries, many kinds of apples, peaches, pears, grapes which are made into wine and a variety of fresh produce can be found in the Yakima Valley.  He chose some fun places to visit and exciting activities in Yakima. Their first stop was  the new Tree Top Visitor Center in Selah, WA, where they learned about the history of  Tree Top apple juice and how it is made. They even sampled some.

Jackson’s Stanley wanted to go to a Yakima Bears Game but baseball season hadn’t started yet. He did go to see the Yakima County Stadium, and would like to come back and watch a ball game there, when they start in June.

The Yakima Valley SunDome and Central Washington State Fair Park are next to the Yakima County Stadium.   Jackson is looking forward to going to the Central Washington State Fair in late September.

Stanley learned to roller skate with Heather at Skateland Fun Center Roller/Inline Skating Rink in Union Gap.This is a large indoor rink, open year round. After roller skating he ate a famously huge Miner burger at Miner’s Drive In.  Miner’s  has been in the Valley since 1948. He finished with Yo-Yakima frozen yogurt for dessert, combining his favorite flavor chocolate, with huckleberry.

He learned at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center that Toppenish is known for over 70 large Western-themed murals on the sides of the buildings. A new mural is painted every year – all in one day!  June 2, is the date for this year’s Mural-in-a-Day, creating Toppenish’s 74th mural. Friday June 1 will include the preparation of the wall, mixing paint and cartooning. The artist, whose mural design is chosen, will have the help of other artists to paint the mural on Saturday. A dozen professional artists will begin painting at 9 am and finish the entire mural by nightfall. During these two days there will be a pancake breakfast, horse drawn mural tours, crafts vendors and other special events. This is Stanley’s favorite mural!

Stanley likes trains! In Toppenish at the Northern Pacific Rail & Steam Museum, he saw the 1902 steam engine that is being restored as well as the Train Depot built in 1930 and train related artifacts.

Stanley and Heather took time to play miniature golf  at Meadowbrook Fun Center.  They also splashed each other on the bumper boats, raced the go-karts around a track and ate pizza.  Stanley liked racing the go-karts around a track so much, he went to Project R Race Center, a professional racing simulation center with the same technology used by professional race teams.. The high definition resolution cockpit view, shaking and rattling of the wheel and seat and headphones surrounded Stanley with high quality sounds, including the squeal of the tires and roar of the engine. This made Stanley feel that he was in a real race. He told everyone about his ride an wants to do this again!

Jackson’s (Flat) Stanley had fun in the Yakima Valley visiting with Heather! He hopes to come back again soon to visit the Yakima Valley Museum Children Underground and 1930′s style Soda Fountain for an ice cream soda and the McAllisters Museum of Aviation flight simulator.  Heather says it is just like flying a real airplane!

(For Jackson and Heather!)

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Posted in Childrens events, Farm Fresh, Museums, Outdoors, Recreation, Selah, Uncategorized, Union Gap | No Comments »

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