Washington’s very own Old Western town
Where to go for the weekend?
“Winthrop sounds fun” …said nobody ever.
Or at least that’s what I thought.
Kaleb threw the idea out there and we ran with it. Saturday morning, we packed the car up with enough camping gear to get us through one night and headed out of town sometime around noon.
Think of the tiniest, most middle of nowhere town and then you’ll get Winthrop. Right on the other side of the North Cascades is where you’ll find it. Or should I say THE North Cascades… Because THE North Cascades are the most magical, breathtaking, & unreal mountain range to be traveled here in Washington State. Never heard of The North Cascades? I’m not surprised. They basically close
If you live in Seattle, the idea of driving an extra hour North just to go East sounds terrible. Well, I’ll tell you this: It’s not terrible.
I can’t say that I would recommend it if you’re in a hurry but if you want to take a weekend trip to Winthrop (which you’re going to after reading this) then go scoot your butt up to and through the North Cascades ASAP.
Driving, driving, driving. Not to the pretty stuff yet, but out of nowhere on the side of the road I see a farm on the side of the Road that boasts that Green sign I’d recognize anywhere, “Cascadian Farm.”
Cascadian Farm is my go-to organic brand for all things frozen. Organic frozen berries: Check! Organic frozen veggie mix for my fried rice: Check! Organic Tater tots and Hash browns for weeknight dinner and weekend brunch: Check!
I flipped the car around, probably too quickly and pulled into the parking lot because I was just that excited! I jumped out of the car and ran to the farm, with a few skips and jumps of giddiness thrown in there. This 28-acre farm screamed happiness into me as we walked around the fields, reading about the farms ecosystem and organic growing practices while we ate their homemade, organic ice cream.
Pit Stop for the biggest win! Did it take time? Yep! Did we have an amazing time stretching our legs while we ate wonderful ice cream? Yep!
This roadside stand is open May-October, so please do yourself a favor and stop on by to get some organic knowledge and snack on whatever they are growing that moment!
Back in the car! 28 miles until the next stop.
Diablo Lake
Helloooooo gorgeous.
Most of these pristine blue lakes in our state, are only accessible by a hike. Which is fine because I love hiking. But! Now you know that there is a beautiful glacier blue lake that you don’t have to hike to see.
Cool. But seriously. Check it out…Seriously.
Back in the car! 64 miles until Winthrop.
Andddddd we made it.
Driving into town is actually realllllllly cute.
Imagine an old Western town from those movies your grandpa would always watch but this time, you can actually get into it and enjoy it. THIS is Winthrop, WA. Cute, right?!
Sixknot Cider
It was about dinner time and we were starving
Sixknot is Farm to Table. Sixknot is Tree to Tap. Sixknot is Local. Sixknot is awesome.
The cider sampler is the way to go here.
To Drink
- Summer Mint: mint, yes mint. Does NOT taste like toothpaste. So refreshing. ABV: 6.5%
- High Desert Dry: dry, the driest, yummiest, not sweet, light, crisp taste. ABV: 7.5%
- Purple Sage: a mix of red wine grapes with cider apples, marketed as their most unique cider ABV: %7
- Early Winter Red: cranberry & ginger, but not too much ginger. ABV: %6.5
If there was a winner from my paddle, it would be the High Desert Dry but, I really would recommend all of these pretty gals.
Hungry? Me too. Their food is mostly organic too, so that made me happy.
To Eat
- Curry chicken salad. YES. Just perfect on the softest ciabatta that your dreams, dream of.
Sides: salad or fruit. Thank the Lord; not another place that offers French fries and upcharges me to get a healthy side. Yes yes yes. So happy with this side salad.
Please
eat here if you enjoy fresh, local, organic, delicious food and cider. You
won’t regret it.
Oh… and they have a patio in back. Cherry. On. Top.
**please do not get Sixknot Cider House confused with Methow Valley Ciderhouse. If you do, you will be very underwhelmed. We tried their cider, but I will not waste your time or mine because it was just not good. Not even a little bit. Sorry.
Old Schoolhouse Brewery.
One last stop: Old Schoolhouse Brewery, because beer is good.
Their pride? Brewing their beer using the unfiltered, North Cascades water.
Their beer? It’s good.
Their vibe? It’s good.
And again… outdoor seating in back. Cherry. On. Top.
One Last Stop
Shafer Museum
If you’re a history nerd like me then DO check out the Shafer Museum. It is everything you ever wanted to know (and more) about how the town of Winthrop came to be.
Winthrop is a perfect weekend getaway from Seattle. Do it.
