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Sunday, September 16, 2012

WAWeekend: Central Washington Agritourism

You don’t need to travel to Europe for a taste of agritourism.  If you are hankering for a stay similar to those European countryside getaways, there’s one to be had only a few hours from Seattle.

Marcia and Kyle Green and their daughters Roslyn and Abigail, all who’ve worked to make the Cashmere Cider Mill a going concern have doubled their efforts and created an agritourism destination in the heart of Washington State. 
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We first visited the Cashmere Cider Mill, tucked away in Woodring Canyon just outside the town of Cashmere, a year ago. Returning this summer as part of a hosted travel writers tour we had a real taste of how the place has expanded.
  
Accommodations:

The Cider Mill Guest Suites, of which there are two (each with en suite bathroom) occupy the second-floor of a remodeled and updated 1910 farm house. The downstairs has a full living room and kitchen.

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The expansive views from the house look out over the Mill’s picnic grounds in one direction and have a territorial view out over the orchards looking the other direction.

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What’s Cooking at the Mill?

Marcia offers culinary classes out at the Mill year-round although most of them are between May and November,when locally-grown ingredients are at their peak. 

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She cooked up a sample of the types of meals prepared in the classes for our visiting group.  Sometimes photos tell the story better than words.

CashmereVictoriaBC 015I had to show you the simple, but delightful table decorations -- empty cider bottles, fresh flowers from the garden and grape vines and leaves.







But to get back to the food. . .


CashmereVictoriaBC 021Need I tell you this tasty little fresh blueberry morsel, cooked in a cast iron frying pan, won the hearts (and stomachs) of all?








If You Go:


Map picture

Cashmere is less than 2.5 hours drive from Seattle via I-90 and Highway 97A. The nearest airport is Pangborn Field in Wenatchee.

Cider Mill Accommodations: Cider Mill Guest Suites and another property, Canyon Hideaway,are open year-round.You can arrange for a number of activities from kayaking the smooth waters of the nature preserves in the summer to snowshoeing  through the orchards in the winter.

A welcome bottle of gourmet cider is included in the rental.  (If you want more adult beverages, bring it with you. Better yet, buy some of the local wines at the tasting rooms in Mission Square in Cashmere.)

(If you want more than just an overnight stay, more comprehensive packages are available, such as providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, excursions to the fields, farms and orchards and agricultural workshops.)

Culinary Classes: You don’t need to be an overnight guest to take a culinary class.  They are offered year round.

For directions, hours of operation, to reserve a stay or schedule a class: 
Mission Creek Cider Mill and Guest Suites, 5420 Woodring Canyon Road.,  866-459-9614, www.gourmetcider.com

15 comments:

  1. This looks like a great find. I've been trying to think of where we could meet up with Seattle friends that would be interesting for both of us.

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    1. I think you'd enjoy this area. The City of Wenatchee is just down the road as is the Columbia River and all the outdoor activities it offers. Another idea for you is the Methow Valley, and the Mazama Country Inn there.

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  2. I want to appreciate agritourism first because this is the right time to bring awareness in people about alternative methods of farming like hydroponics and aquaponics. Want to know how agritourism works? - http://www.rosebudmag.com/lifestyle/adventure-travel/welcome-to-agritourism-where-getting-dirty-is-half-the-fun

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  3. Sounds very Italian for a B&B in the heart of Washington.

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    1. The owners spent time in Italy researching as part of their preparation in opening this place. From your comment, it sounds like their research paid off. Thanks for writing.

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  4. Looks like a lovely spot to spend the end of summer~

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    1. It is beautiful any time of the year in this spot in Washington, but I am like you Irene, summer and fall are my favorite times.

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  5. I have this on my list for when we head back to Seattle next summer. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Jan you won't be disappointed. Make sure you visit their Snapdragon Cafe and the tasting rooms in downtown Cashmere when you visit!

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  6. Excellent post, looks like some great country to enjoy and also eat!

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    1. It is beautiful country - not touristy as is the neighboring Leavenworth but still down-home goodness!

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  7. Jackie, that blueberry pie looks amazing! :)

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  8. Agritourism really is getting to be a big thing and I'm all for it. Would love to visit Cashmere Cider Mill. Don't know if I've ever seen anything quite like that blueberry morsel. Awesome!

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