Notes from Heather – Nov/Dec 2009

Coming home to the Yakima Valley was a decision my husband and I did not take lightly.  But two years ago, after many late night discussions around the dining room table, we eventually agreed it was time to move back to the sleepy rural town where I had been raised.

After living in Bend, OR and Coeur d’ Alene, ID for many years we had grown accustomed to the easy, outdoorsy – if slightly granola-ey – lifestyles that characterize those towns, and we were hesitant to leave.  But the lure of raising our children near family and the comfort of hometown values eventually won out.  So, with much trepidation, we packed our bags and moved our little family back to the valley.

I’m so glad we did.

Some perks to Yakima Valley living were expected, such as an affordable lifestyle in a central location, or being close enough to Seattle or Spokane to spend a weekend but not so close as to share the traffic, for instance.  But we have had some happy surprises as well.

We knew that valley living meant a seemingly endless supply of fresh foods and access to some of the finest wines in the country.  But I had forgotten just how lovely the landscape can be here. Watching the seasonal colors cycle through bright spring greens of peppermint fields, to the marbled crisp autumn leaves along the river’s edge, to frosty vineyards on a winter’s morning, I am often in awe that we are lucky enough to live among such beauty.

Like any community, Yakima has its share of challenges.  But I am continuously amazed by the hard work and dedication of so many who make the Yakima Valley a great place to live and raise a family.  There’s a lot of good happening here that needs attention.

Yakima Magazine is the first publication dedicated to Yakima Valley living.  We will bring you original stories about local homes and gardens, entertaining, day trips within the valley and regional travel for weekend getaways.  We will bring you the finest local food and wine as well as some of the area’s best-kept secrets.

Our goal is to toast the good life and the people within our own community.  With Yakima’s rich history and recent downtown renaissance, we are discovering a wealth of stories about life in the valley that we can’t wait to share with you.  Find out more about us on the web at www.yakimamagazine.com or give us feedback and share story ideas on our Facebook page.  You can even email me directly.

We hope that you enjoy our new publication and will join us in celebrating all of the wonderful things about Yakima – where we call home.

Heather Caro