Getting into an Ellensburg State of Mind

 

 

 

By Robin Salts Beckett

Whether you’re a Central Washington University alum or not, a good way to kick off a day trip to Ellensburg is with a stroll through the campus of the town’s picturesque university.  With its eclectic mix of modern and late 19^th century architecture, the campus provides a gorgeous backdrop for a leisurely walk — even in winter.  Two things not to miss: the Donald L. Garrity Japanese Garden and the new Student Union and Recreation (SURC) building, which is truly a marvel.

Ellensburg’s town center is a short drive from CWU and seems to have a cute shop or restaurant to pop into on each block.  Here’s a small sample of what we found within a few city blocks.

First, anybody on a walking tour of Ellensburg should stop by D&M’s downtown location on Pine Street and grab a latte.  Their specialty is a caramel latte—with homemade caramel.  Sounds like the perfect companion for shopping, especially when it’s a little chilly out there.

Wine lovers should visit Gifts of the Vine on Pearl Street, or more specifically, its two walls of wine.  The compact store offers tastings for just $1 (free with purchase of a bottle) and some packaged food items, too (think drinkable chocolate).

Right next door is Pearl Street Books and Gifts, where book lovers can walk off the wine tasting and get lost in the shelves picking out bestsellers, cookbooks and some interesting gift items, too.

Lunch is a tough choice, only because there are so many good restaurants in Ellensburg — a nice problem to have.  For those in a time crunch, or for those who just love really good fast food, check out Ellensburg’s favorite burger shack, the Campus U-Tote-Em.  Established in 1947, the U-Tote-Em has a devoted following.  After you taste their burgers, you won’t wonder why. Yakima Magazine insiders recommend the Buffalo Campus Burger (buffalo can be used on any burger), but they are all delicious.

If you want to savor your meal, head over to the Valley Café on West Third, a restaurant with an art-deco flair — and original furnishings from the ‘30s — that features a delightful menu, complete with tasty vegetarian options.  Our favorite is the Café Plate, a broiled, open face sandwich that’s deceptively simple: just ham or turkey on French bread with mayo and mustard and swiss cheese.  The combination is much more than the sum of its parts.  Pair the café plate with salad and soup.  The salads’ pumpkin seeds add a nice, salty crunch, and the homemade soup of the day is warm and comforting.  After that meal, you’ll be ready for another couple hours of daytrippin’.  (cq)

After lunch, head over to Gallery One, back on Pearl, which is a good place to get lost in your thoughts.  The gallery is expansive, featuring handmade gifts on its main floor and various art installations in its mezzanine.  The gallery reopens after a short holiday closure on Mon., Jan. 18.

Fitterer’s is a great stop back on Main Street.  With its three floors of furniture to poke through and seemingly endless showroom displays, it will also offer a place to rest on a cushy couch.  Or two.

Before dinner, don’t miss the Purple Pelican, just down from Fitterer’s on Main.  It’s a remarkable toy and gift shop that houses nook after nook of unusual items, from vintage-looking tablecloths to wooden puzzles for kids.  Toys are displayed in, on and around the shop’s old diner counter and stools, which gives the place a Willy Wonka-type feel.

Dinner. Finally. You’ll have a conundrum similar to lunch, but we suggest the year-old Sazon on Main Street.  Try the pear salad to start: local pears, blue cheese, mixed greens, walnuts, grapes, dressed with pear vinaigrette.  For an entrée we suggest the Sumac Spiced Breast of Duck with parsnip purée, wilted swiss chard and roasted pear, or the Anderson Valley Rack of Lamb, seared with a mix of spices and also served with parsnip purée and a fig jam. Both are worth lingering over; just make sure you drink a couple of cups of coffee before you load your car and begin the short drive back to Yakima.