Photos by Patty Dirienzo

An hour from Yakima, tucked away under the trees just outside of Goldendale, is a land of milk and honey … and cinnamon and jam, and sweet Greek coffee. The St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery owns and operates this treasure, known to most as simply “the Greek Bakery.”

For the past seven years, the Greek Bakery has been a favorite stop for those who appreciate genuine Greek pastries and gyros. I’ve stopped there myself, but more out of curiosity rather than love of all things Greek and edible. However, my most recent visit — taken with the purpose of learning enough about the bakery to write a little article — has turned me into a fan of their sweet delights. I will be back.

The selection of goods available at the bakery has grown considerably over the past few years. What used to be just baklava and a few other treats has grown into a selection of gourmet candies, honeys and jams, a full menu of cookies and biscuits, and a freezer full of entrees and uncooked pastries. The store also carries natural soaps and lotions, candles, gift baskets and prayer ropes, all handmade by the nuns who live in the adjacent monastery.

I was fortunate to visit with Sister Ephraimia, a delightful young woman who has been at the monastery for 14 years. She explained that the store now sustains the monastery, which is home to 20 sisters and novices, several cats and a small herd of Nubian goats. The goats produce milk that the sisters make into fresh feta cheese.

“They’re really good producers,” Sister Ephraimia explained. “We have an abundance of milk, and are in the process of getting licensed to be able to offer that, and the feta, at the bakery too.”

I — for one — can’t wait.

When You Go

The Greek Bakery is 58 miles south of downtown Yakima on U.S. Highway 97. Hours are 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The sisters in the store are cheerful and helpful, and willing to explain what each bakery item is, because they’re labeled with the Greek names. My new favorites include Melomakarona (a dense spice cookie soaked in honey), cinnamon Koulourakia (a slightly sweet cookie, perfect with a cup of coffee) and, of course, baklava (the best I’ve ever had!).

stjohnmonastery.org

Photo courtesy Viewpoint Inn

By Christina McCarthy

Ah, spring. Trees bursting with blossoms, the hills taking on that delicious green velvety hue … no wonder love is in the air. Judging from the plethora of wedding-related advertising and events, one might surmise that spring — and the ensuing “official” wedding season — was designed specifically for those with nuptials on the mind.

But spring and summer are also ideal times for, shall we say, “more mature” lovers to celebrate. With the improved weather, one doesn’t have to feel quite so guilty about pawning off the kids or dog on grandma or family friends (after all, they can just play outside, right?). And a quick trip away can be the perfect means for rekindling that flame, and remembering why you fell in love in the first place.

A beautiful three-hour drive from Yakima can take you to one of the most romantic little hideaways imaginable. The View Point Inn, located in Corbett, Ore., invites visitors to step back in time to a place where a leisurely meal and a stroll about the garden are daily — and romantic — activities.

A Treat for the Senses[[Show as slideshow]]

Looking at photos, you may recognize The View Point Inn. In 2008, the beautiful locale was used to film the prom scene for “Twilight,” a movie based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling book of the same name. And really, it’s no wonder the scene was filmed there. The Inn is one of the most beautiful locations in the Northwest, and many brides do indeed choose it for the big event.

But in 1924, when The View Point Inn opened, it served as a teahouse and resort. Located high on a one-acre bluff, the Inn was perfect for both, offering a dramatic, panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge. Fortunately, little has changed, and on a clear day, you really can see forever.

Designed in a Tudor Arts and Craft style, the inn consists of a warm, elegant dining room on the main floor, and five sleeping rooms upstairs (though one — the Innkeepers Room — has two twin beds, which might be perfect if the kids must come along).

The dining room is centered around a massive and toasty Rumford fireplace and is lined with French doors that open to the westward-facing Sunset Veranda. Enclosed in glass during the cooler months, the veranda faces the jaw-dropping vista, allowing diners to share a sumptuous meal with a truly remarkable view. Baskets of fleecy blankets invite visitors to linger after dining and watch the sunset and the evening lights of Portland and Vancouver materialize.

The meals created by chef Steven Hazel are quite memorable, particularly his carrot ginger soup and his roasted Oregon Quail. Even the salads are works of culinary art, including creative touches such as black grapes covered in goat cheese and rolled in crushed pistachios. And no matter how full you think you are, you’ll want to share a slice of Rouge Valley Blue Cheese Cheesecake or the View Point Inn Crème Brulee.

Old Fashioned Romance

When it’s time to turn in, you’ll find that whatever room you’ve reserved is a true romantic treat. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the bedrooms are decorated in the same style as when President Franklin Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin and European royalty frequented the establishment. It isn’t difficult at all to imagine FDR playing checkers in the aptly named “Roosevelt Suite.”

A bit more eclectic and modern, but still delightfully cozy and romantic, is La Petite Alcove. A favorite of younger couples and children visiting with their parents, La Petite consists of a giant bed and about 30 pillows nestled in a beautiful garret.

Things to Do

Though the View Point Inn is a bit off the beaten path, there are still plenty of attractions and activities to see and do while staying there. The famous Crown Point Vista House is located less than a mile from the inn.

Originally called “Thor’s Heights,” the Vista House opened in 1918 as a rest stop and observatory for travelers on the old Columbia River Gorge Highway, and as a memorial to Oregon’s pioneers. Perched 733 feet above the Columbia River, Vista House offers breathtaking views, a helpful staff, a gift shop and a coffee bar.

Just down the road a bit is Multnomah Falls, the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. Standing at the base, or on the nearby historic footbridge, the spectacular 620-foot wall of rushing water is guaranteed to induce awe and make you want to join the dozens of shutter bugs trying to capture its magnificence. The Multnomah Falls Lodge includes a wonderful gift shop and restaurant and an informative visitor center with detailed hiking maps.

A little farther on is Hood River, home to some of the most spectacular wind surfing in the Northwest. Plenty of viewing areas exist next to the river where you can watch surfers fly past at frightening speeds. For those who are truly adventurous, several Hood River businesses offer equipment rental and lessons.

Whether you and that special someone are into biking, hiking or speed surfing the river; or reading, snoozing and watching the clouds roll by, the View Point Inn offers a perfect romantic respite from everyday life.

White Pass Winter Carnival's traditional ice sculpture castle and fireworks celebration.

By Christina McCarthy

Yakima County does a pretty darn good job keeping the roads clear in the winter, which means if you’re looking for a fun way to spend a day (or night), both Chinook and White Pass have plenty to offer.

Chinook Pass

In spite of the Nile Valley’s massive landslide last November, Chinook Pass still offers one of the most scenic drives around, and with the temporary road that’s been built, travelers can still see how a blanket of snow magically transforms the landscape into a Windham Hill album cover. While you can’t use the pass to get to the West side during winter months — the road is typically closed from the first big snow until mid-spring — Chinook offers its own treasures to those willing to take a little time to find them.

Whistlin’ Jack Lodge is the destination for many seeking a special dinner out, weekend breakfast or lunch, or, for the really fortunate, a quick overnight getaway. The restaurant, nestled under the trees and right on the banks of the picturesque Naches River, offers diners a delicious menu of Northwest cuisine… with a little French influence thrown in.  Chef Vern Watson has been with Whistlin’ Jack for more than 20 years and has developed many dishes that bring patrons back again and again, including signature specialties such as Edgar’s Gold Beef Medallions and Crab and Artichoke Gratin. His homemade yeast rolls alone are worth the 45 minute drive from Yakima, and they are the fluffiest, most buttery, hot morsels you’ll find anywhere.

For those seeking more than just a meal, Whistlin’ Jack also offers an entire lodge, as well as several cottages, all situated right on the river. The rooms are befitting of cabin-type lodging, with crisp, clean linens and homey furnishings. Each bungalow has its own outdoor hot tub, tucked in under the trees and stars, making it the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

If you have children in tow, Whistlin’ Jacks is a great destination as well. For most of the winter months, snow is just about guaranteed to fulfill your entertainment needs, and everyone knows those hot tubs are really just tiny swimming pools, perfect for warming you up after building the biggest snowman ever. Chef Watson has included several kid-friendly dishes on the menu, too, ensuring that even the pickiest eater will find something to go with his most delicious hot chocolate.

For activities on Chinook Pass, the great outdoors is one giant playground. Snowshoeing just a bit off the road will reveal an other-worldly sense of quiet and peacefulness, and there are plenty of places to do so.

The “end” of Chinook Pass—where road crews pull the gate across the highway the winter—offers snow fort builders, snowball fighters, sledders and kids of all ages the perfect winter wonderland with plenty of safe, off road play area. The Naches Ranger District can also provide maps to snowmobiling trails in the area. Located just 15 miles past Whistlin’ Jack, the closed road makes a drive up Chinook Pass a perfect day trip from Yakima or from Whistlin’ Jack.

White Pass

If you take a left at the Y on Highway 12 just past Naches, you’ll find yourself headed up to White Pass, which by many accounts, is the outdoor enthusiasts’ dream.

Wildlife

Be sure to make your first stop at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, often referred to as the elk feeding station. Established in 1939, the wildlife area was created to help keep elk from damaging the orchards in nearby areas. Today, the almost 95,000-acre range is recognized primarily for the heard of about 3,000 elk that spend the winter there, though it’s also home to deer, bear and numerous bird species, as well.

The thrill of the Wildlife Area is the experience of seeing—truly up close and personal—thousands of elk. They are big, and when two bulls lock their antlers, you won’t soon forget the power of these 900 pound beasts.

Daily feedings are at 1:30, and if you arrive early (or call and make a request) you may be able to go out on a feeding truck. These popular tours will drive you right among the elk (who will be more interested in the hay being pitched to them than in the visitors), giving you the best photo opportunities around!

Skiing

If skiing is your thing, continue up the highway to the White Pass Ski Resort. Just 50 miles from Yakima, White Pass offers downhill skiers and snowboarders premium runs, as well as an intricate web of groomed Nordic ski trails.

Training grounds for the Olympic medal-winning Mahre brothers (you remember them), as well as the younger, way cooler, switch skier Andy Mahre (yes, Steve’s son), White Pass offers something for skiers and riders of every level. From the “magic carpet,” hauling tiny kids up the near-level bunny slope, to the Quad chair, rising to the top of the mountain (and breathtaking views), the lifts can move 6,500 snow-sport enthusiasts every hour. Thirty-two groomed trails—as well as unlimited opportunities to carve your own through the trees—provide plenty of options for heading back down the 1,500 foot vertical drop. And right now, the resort is in the process of expanding across the back side of the mountain. By fall 2010, White Pass Resort will be significantly larger, offering two new chair lifts, 11 new major trails, a backside lodge, and expanded parking.

Just across the highway from the main White Pass Resort lodge is a yurt — and the “base camp” for the Nordic trails. Here, you can get maps, cross country skis or snowshoes, and a snack before heading off into your own Ansel Adams world. With more than 10 miles of serene trails leading to inspiring vistas and classic snowy forest scenes (and little to no cell phone reception), a day of Nordic skiing will remove you from your busy life to a place of natural peacefulness you may have forgot existed.

Don’t know how to ski or ride? Not to worry. Group and private lessons are available most days, and the expert staff will give you the tips and confidence you need to enjoy your day away from regular life.

White Pass Winter Carnival ice sculpture

Winter Carnival

The highlight of White Pass can probably be summed up in a weekend of celebration, charitable fundraising and good food and drink, called Winter Carnival. This year, the 24^th annual event will be held Feb. 27—28, providing the perfect excuse to leave town and enjoy the sights, sounds and scenery of Central Washington’s winter wonderland.

Planned and managed by White Pass Resort, area high school students and adult volunteers, Winter Carnival raises money and awareness for Yakima’s Children’s Village and the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.

If you plan to go, be sure to take time to admire and vote for your favorite snow sculpture. The Thursday before activities fire up, professional snow artists from across the U.S. and Canada will arrive to create masterpieces out of snow. Many times, they are still working on Saturday and you can watch the intricate art take shape.

With carnival games and face painting, youth skiing and boarding competitions, a torchlight parade, fireworks and a giant snow fort to play on, Winter Carnival is a great destination for a weekend with the kids. But the adult ski races, prime rib dinner, live music and hopping bar and make it the perfect quick retreat for adults, too.

For a complete schedule of Winter Carnival events, visit: http://www.skiwhitepass.com/schedule/wintercarnival.cfm

By Christina McCarthy

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Yakima Valley, you don’t have to drive far to get away.

Gorgeous king-size bed with romantic canopy at the Cozy Rose Inn. photo courtesy of Cozy Rose In

Cozy Rose Inn

Boasting “the perfect balance of pampering and privacy,” Grandview’s Cozy Rose Inn is a premiere locale for a romantic getaway. Nestled among orchards in a truly park-like setting, each of the six suites features a private entrance, king-size bed, fireplace and a deck overlooking miles of rolling hills.

With a romantic, candlelit breakfast brought to the rooms each morning, and the option of a candlelit dinner at night, it’s no wonder Cozy Rose Inn has been recommended by The Northwest’s Best Places to Kiss and Romantic America.

Miles of hiking and biking trails surround the Cozy Rose Inn, providing plenty of opportunity to meet your daily exercise quota, should you wish. Be sure to bring a camera, as the area is filled with red-tailed hawks and other birds brave enough to winter over in the Valley.

Weekend rates at the Cozy Rose range from $189 to $225.00 per night.  There is a variety of options where lower valley bed and breakfasts are concerned, including Sunnyside Inn Bed and Breakfast (www.sunnysideinn.com) and the Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast and Barn in Zillah (www.cherrywoodbbandb.com).

Wine…without the chocolate

With 40 wineries within 60 miles, the Cozy Rose Inn is literally located in the heart of wine country. A visit to www.winesnw.com/yakmap2.html can provide you with maps to wineries and tasting rooms from Sunnyside to the Tri-Cities and beyond.

If you’d like to taste and tour on foot, Prosser’s Vintner’s Village is just a short drive from Grandview.  From melodious merlots to buttery chardonnays, with 14 different wineries—all located within a few blocks of one another—you’re bound to find a few new favorites.

Dining

No Lower Valley getaway would be complete without dining at the famous Dykstra House, located in a historic 1914 building in Grandview. Serving an eclectic and ever-changing menu, Dykstra House is primarily a lunch spot, but also serves dinners on Friday and Saturday nights (reservations required).

If you don’t want to bother with driving to dine, the Cozy Rose Inn has you covered. Couples can enjoy a special dinner served by candle light in the “Tuscan Room,” which features a beautiful rock fireplace and mahogany flooring. The atmosphere and outstanding wine list will leave you planning your next getaway before the first one is over.

Whether you want to cuddle up in front of a fire and read a good book, take a long run or soak in the sights as you sip your way across the Valley, the lower valley is ready and waiting.  In less than an hour, you can be enjoying a mini vacation that feels far away, but is really right in your backyard.

The Cozy Rose Inn

www.cozyroseinn.com

509-882-4669

Dykstra House

509-882-2082

Photos by Chad Bremerman

Making bread during the holidays is a great family activity.

Close your eyes and picture the perfect holiday home. Imagine the decorations, twinkling lights or flickering candles, your favorite holiday music floating in the air, interrupted by bursts of laughter from children happy with the knowledge they have no school to attend for the next few days.

They stand in the kitchen, gathered around an island dusted with flour. The aroma of yeast is heavy in the air as little hands pull, fold, press, turn … pull, fold, press, turn. More giggles erupt as a poof of flour dusts a cheek with whiteness.

Once a necessary daily chore, the task of making bread has been almost completely replaced by trips to the grocery or bakery. But during November and December, sales of flour and yeast spike, indicating that for many, the holiday is still a time for baking bread.

And for good reason. Making bread, or any of its soft fluffy relatives-cinnamon rolls, sticky buns or bread twists, to name a few-is a great way to step back from the hustle and bustle of the season, and to connect with family and friends. Appropriate for just about any age, bread baking can become a family tradition, providing children-one’s own or the neighborhood’s-with memories that will last a lifetime.

Fortunately, making and baking bread is quite simple. Good recipes abound; just be sure to use a yeast bread recipe, as opposed to a quick bread recipe. Ingredients need to be measured carefully and the temperatures need to be minded. Yeast is actually alive, and if the liquid is too cold, the yeast won’t wake up and make the bread rise. Conversely, liquid too hot can kill it.

Next is the “bread machine versus by-hand” decision. Kneading the dough is really what making bread is all about. It’s the repetitive “pull, fold, press, turn” of kneading that becomes a relaxing, almost hypnotic, task. Standing side-by-side kneading with a tweenager-the same one who hated you that morning-is akin to shooting baskets with a sullen adolescent. Without words, a connection is created and contact is made. Almost primitive in its comfort, kneading bread is the antithesis to cell phones, iPods and Call of Duty gaming. It can make us-kids and adults-realize we’re really on the same side.

That said, when quantities of dough are needed, as would be for several kids to make take-n-bake cinnamon rolls, the bread machine can come in quite handy. Using the “dough” cycle, ingredients can be combined and kneaded a day in advance, placed in oiled, air-tight bags, and refrigerated, allowing one to amass enough dough to keep numerous hands busy. Be sure to press all the air from the bags before sealing; even in the refrigerator, the dough will start to rise and the bags can burst.

For the littlest of participants, pull-a-parts or “monkey bread” is a great project, because it really requires very little skill. Chunks of dough are simply pulled off and kneaded into balls that are then dipped and rolled in yummy ingredients (depending on your recipe) before being piled in a pan. Baked right away or refrigerated for later, kids of all ages will love the messy sweet treat, covered in sticky goodness.

Take-and-bake cinnamon rolls are great for bigger kids. Dough is rolled out, slathered in butter, then laden with cinnamon, sugar and other toppings. Kids can get creative with what goes inside (M&M’s anyone?), and every participant’s recipe can be according to taste (raisins on one half only, please). Rolled tightly and sliced-one inch wide for lots of shorter rolls, or 1 1/2 for larger but fewer – the rolls can be placed in disposable aluminum pans, covered with foil and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Homemade bread treats make wonderful gifts, allowing the youngest of children to give from the heart without breaking the bank. And who wouldn’t appreciate a pan of cinnamon rolls, just ready to pop into the oven?

As you hurry your way through this hectic time of year, consider taking a break from all the busy-ness, and discover the peace and joy that comes from making bread with family and friends. It may be just what your holiday needs!