"I haven't seen this much variety of fresh produce all in one spot for 18,000 miles," Tim remarked as we nudged our way into the Wenatchee Valley. Produce stands and trees abounded - cherries, apples, apricots, spearmint, peppermint...not to mention farm eggs and local honey.
We stayed at the Wenatchee River County Park, a lovely campground with a sandy beach just a minute walk from our RV. The shade of trees and the summer breeze made it a pleasant place to spend time outdoors.
One morning, we went exploring at the Ohme Gardens - a pretty haven with waterfalls, emerald waters, stony pathways, and scenic overlooks.
During our stay there, we also drove 20 minutes north to Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed village nestled in the mountains. We stepped out of our car into a German town. All of the shops & restaurants were "in character" - even national chains like Subway, McDonald's, and 76 Gas. The girls tried on hats at The Hat Shop and Tim enjoyed a porter and brat at Munchen Haus. [I had morning sickness so I think I'll refrain from talking about food for now]. ;)
Our family also had a private tour of The Nutcracker Museum, the world's largest nutcracker collection. It housed collectibles from as early as the 16th century...all the way up to modern pieces (including Disney favorites - like Snow White and Peter Pan). I hope to take the girls to see The Nutcracker Ballet soon - perhaps this Christmas?
Have you ever been to Wenatchee and/or Leavenworth? What did you like/not like about it?
* Special thanks to the Wenatchee Valley Visitors Bureau and the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce for providing a campground spot and passes to area attractions.
I've never been but Ohme Gardens sounds like a place we need to go if we ever make it up that way!
P.S. Your pictures just keep getting more beautiful!
I am sad to say that I have never been to that part of the country. We hope for a family road trip someday and are thankful that we will have some well-traveled friends:)
I too am planning a Nutcracker ballet trip for my big girl this Christmas- it was sort of a rite of passage in our family. Last year we had lots of fun checking out library DVDs and listening (and dancing) to the music in our great room.
If you are in town this year...
So glad you enjoyed it all! And once again I am so sad that we didn't connect. :( I did manage to finally meet another long time blog friend while we were in Oregon though! ;)
We are truly blessed where we live! :)
The Moscow Ballet is returning for two performances of the "Nutcracker" at the Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee. Performance dates are Friday, November 11, 2011 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, November 12 at 2 pm.
Tickets: Platinum (not current available) Row A $350 (ticket comes with Art Print & backstage tour)
VIP Rows B-C center & AA $102 (no discount) Comes with Totebag, Official Moscow Ballet Book, CD, Poster, Member Card (vouchers provided with tickets)
Rows D-F center & BB $80 (discounted to $65 until 9/30 to PAC members, Senior Citizens, Military & Students 18 & under. Discounted to $70 from 10/1 until 24 hours prior to performance to same group)
Rows G-K center, C-K sides, Wheelchair section, CC $72.50 (discounted to $62.50 until 9/30; $67.50 10/1 until 24 hours prior)
Rows L-N center, A-B Sides, DD & EE $60 (discounted to $55 until 9/30; $57.50 10/1 until 24 hours prior)
Rows FF-GG $55 (no discounts)
Or call 509-663-2787 http://www.pacwen.org
Can you hit Seattle for the Nutcracker? The Pacific Ballet does an amazing performance unlike the Ballentine version you may have seen on TV. They worked with Maurice Sendak to make the set and costume designs and reworked the story so it has more flow and is less like a series of excuses for different dances. We have had the video for years and seeing that first also helped my kids track the performance. The video adds a little more explanation and you can see the connections to the dreamier sequences where the mother turns up as the peacock in the Nutcracker's world. It's a must do. I found a review with some photos: http://www.nutcrackerballet.net/html/nutreviewpnb.html
Never heard of it but looks so beautiful!
What a beautiful place! I love the butterfly on your daughter's face! Were those glasses? How did she get it on her face?
Hope the morning sickness gets better soon!
We were there last month and did the same stuff minus the ohme garden. If you are still there I suggest the pioneer village in cashmere ( same exit as the candy factory). It was so cool and my girls loved the old buildings and the museum.
I have SUCH fond memories of going to Leavenworth as a child!
Wenatchee...actually a small town named Cashmere is our home away from home. we love that area!!
Wow! Noticed the morning sickness comment and realized I missed the news. . . CONGRATS! :)