Jill and Robin, at the Yakima airport, dream of vacation destinations. Photo by Cal Blethen

In August of 2000, I surrendered to a growing need to get out and see the world when I quit my job and spent two years bouncing back and forth between the U.S. and Europe. I taught a little and I traveled a lot. I found living out of a suitcase to be pretty liberating — no rent to pay, no dog to feed (thanks, Mom and Dad!) and certainly no routine. The traveling community is easy to find, so I made a lot of fast friends along the way. It’s a time I’ll never get to relive and I will never regret.
Of course, at that point in my life, I didn’t have a husband, a preschooler or a grown-up career, so traveling was easy.  But I know — and admire — a lot of local folks who travel no matter the challenges or baggage or number of kids in tow.
Jill’s favorite travel memory is of a family trip to Maui when she was 21. She found paradise (and romance) and tried — in vain — to convince her parents that she wasn’t flying back home. She dreams of going to Italy and has watched Under the Tuscan Sun at least 500 times.  She, too, would travel anywhere and everywhere if she could.
This edition of Yakima magazine is about travel — and travelers. In these cold early months of the year, sandy beaches and a hot sun are probably lurking in our dreams, and on the “go-to” lists of some lucky locals. On the following pages, you’ll find stories on travel of all kinds: a local hop industry executive who travels to exotic locales like Singapore and Malaysia on a regular basis; a group of local pilots who built their own airpark to indulge a shared love of flying, and a look at Oregon’s McMenamins resort that might help readers decide what destination is on their own “go-to” lists.
If you can’t satiate your travel appetite, maybe reading this magazine will help you along until spring. In addition to travel, we’re also calling it our “cozy” edition: Don’t miss our resident “Style Freak,” Pam Edwards, as she describes how she pampers her frequent guests from out-of-town. There’s a story on local alpaca farms, and we also visit local artist Nancy Gabriel, who creates gorgeous wool rugs that are amazing works of art.
As always, we have more pictures and content on our website, yakimamagazine.com, and don’t miss our blog, The Notepad — it’s full of fun Yakima tidbits to get you through the rest of winter. We love to hear from you, so keep your emails and letters coming! Just send them to jstgeorge@yakimaherald.com or rbeckett@yakimaherald.com.
So until March, bon voyage Yakima … even if you’re traveling in your armchair.

-Robin & Jill

Robin & Jill share apps at Santiago's. Photo by Cal Blethen

When our team of writers brainstorms ideas for the magazine, some editions come easily, and some — well, they’re not as simple. Creating this Entertainment edition was a breeze. (Or if you read our Drinks Through the Decades feature, you could say it was a Sea Breeze.)

This is also Yakima magazine’s second anniversary. To celebrate, we’re unveiling our brand new website at yakimamagazine.com. With a clean, modern look and the addition of a cool new blog called From The Notepad, we hope to bring a little of what makes Yakima special to readers a lot more frequently. Jill, Yakima magazine’s new coordinator, is a crazy-great blogger, and she’ll be developing most of the content. If you have ideas on what should be featured on From The Notepad, please email her at jstgeorge@yakimaherald.com. We’d love to hear from you. Readers will also be able to share stories on Facebook and Twitter, view pictures of special events in our City Scene pages and peruse archived issues. We’re really excited about it; we hope you are too.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the readers who have called, emailed or stopped me to chat in the last two years. But this magazine is a team effort: I can’t overstate the importance and the talent of the magazine’s contributors and staff. Our writers, photographers and designers each lend his or her own perspective to complex stories, whacky photo shoots and intricate layouts. Somehow they can translate, “I want urban coffee shop with a ‘70s edge, but make it modern” into something that makes my jaw drop. In fact, I think that’s what gives Yakima magazine what I like to call “texture.” No one personality is reflected in Yakima’s pages, but an amalgam of ideas and input from everyone — including readers. So keep those ideas comin’!

In the following pages, you’ll find out how to make easy centerpieces with roadside weeds — yes weeds! You’ll get a glimpse into a rustic bungalow in midtown that’s decorated for the season, a story on downtown Yakima’s First Fridays, a terrific profile on how Yakima gives back during the holidays and much more.

So until the New Year, happy holidays Yakima. We’ll see you again in print this January, but online much, much sooner.

~ Robin & Jill

P.S. This edition of Yakima magazine publishes on Veterans Day. Please take some time to thank those who have served and sacrificed.

Heather, Robin and Jill chart out the course for Yakima magazine over a cup of coffee at Essencia Artisan Bakery.

“The Best Advice,” From Heather Caro:

There are many bits of wisdom I’ve gleaned from my time working for Yakima magazine. But perhaps none made more of an impact on me than the advice I received on one of my first days on the job.

That bit of advice was – and I am paraphrasing here – “Don’t mess it up.”

In certain circles, the identity of the person who gave me this nugget of wisdom will be immediately known. Nonetheless, allow me to interpret the meaning: 1) Work hard, 2) What you do is worthwhile, and 3) Others depend on you. But most important: Don’t take success for granted.

It ranks up there with some of the best advice I’ve ever received.

I share this story with you because this is my last issue as coordinator for Yakima magazine. And though I will miss being such an active part of the magazine, it’s time to begin writing more of my own family stories. I am very happy, however, to pass the baton to the talented Jill St. George, who has collaborated with Yakima magazine in the past.

So thank you to all the locals who have shared windows into their lives and to our readers who have made the magazine successful — I am forever grateful. Keep up the good work. It really does make a difference. And to Jill, good luck. I have no doubt you will do an amazing job. I hope you are able to enjoy every moment of the sometimes hectic, often inspiring task of telling the stories of our hometown. I know I have. And, as this advice served me so well, I pass it on to you: Don’t mess it up.

Hope to see you out there, Yakima!

-Heather Caro

From Robin Beckett:

I’ve saved, I guess out of a sense of posterity, my “to-do” list from mid-summer 2009.  On it, one of the bullet points is “hire Yakima writer.”

I can’t believe I thought it was that simple.

But in some ways, it was.  Heather Caro is as much a part of Yakima magazine as those of us at the Herald-Republic who dreamed it up three years ago.   When we developed Yakima from mere thoughts/hopes/dreams into a full-fledged publication, we couldn’t have predicted the work, the stress or the satisfaction.  We didn’t know we were in for long nights, absurd photo shoots and even crazier plots for future features.

We also didn’t know what a true joy the process—and working with Heather—would become.  Heather’s passion and creativity has shown on these pages, issue after issue.  Aside from that, her humor and integrity have made her just plain fun to work with.  We’ll miss that.

But turning to the future we happily welcome new writer and coordinator Jill St. George.  Jill is probably best-known for her “Yakima Girl” blog, but now she will devote considerable talent to this magazine — and to shining a light on what makes Yakima so special.

As always, if you have story ideas, thoughts on how we can make the magazine better, or just want to drop us a line, email us at letters@yakimamagazine.com. You can also email me directly at rbeckett@yakimamagazine.com or Jill at jstgeorge@yakimamagazine.com. We want to hear from you!  After all, you’re what Yakima magazine is all about.

~Robin Beckett

Photo by Jennifer Dagdagan

Ah, the great outdoors.  There’s nothing like leaving climate-controlled comfort and sleeping out in the underbrush.  In a tent.  With a 4-year-old who even while in a sleeping bag can somehow wiggle around to put his toes in my ear.

And yet, summer would just not be the same without a camping trip.

My own childhood memories of camping — midnight Uno games under a moldy tent canvas, death-march hikes, tick searches (and unfortunate finds) and bacon and egg breakfasts mixed with the tang of mosquito repellant —  are synonymous with summer.

And family. And really all that is great about the great outdoors.

This is why, for each summer in the last nine years, my husband and I have loaded up the kids – along with an obscene amount of gear (all completely necessary to surviving the weekend) and made the four-hour journey to our favorite campsite.  And although it takes a week to get through the laundry once we return home, it’s worth it.  Someday I hope our children will be able to share their memories of camping: of roasting starburst candies or the time Mommy tried to ward off an otter with a canoe paddle.  And when they look back at our summers together in the great outdoors, I hope they smile.

We hope our outdoors edition of Yakima magazine inspires you to take an outdoor excursion of your own.   Whether going for a jog or taking a much-needed vacation, we offer ideas to fill your summer days right here in the Yakima Valley.  From gardening to barbecue, fly-fishing to salsa dancing – we’ve got an issue packed with fun activities for the season.

Whatever your adventure this summer, we hope you bring us along for the ride.  Be sure to stop by our website (yakimamagazine.com) to find recipes, photos and archive issues of the magazine.  Or continue the conversation on our Facebook site.  We love to hear from you – so keep those questions and comments coming.  Until next time, Yakima – may your tick searches always leave you empty handed!

Heather Caro

From Facebook:

Yakima magazine wants to hear your stories of outdoor woe. Any “colossal fail” camping trips or hikes gone awry you’d like to share?

Felicity P. We checked the burn regulations before we left for a trip last year only to find out that they were updated during our 45min drive. We arrived without a camp stove and were unable to make a fire. I sat at our campsite with 4 hungry kids under the age of 6 while my husband ran back to Yakima to get a stove.

Caroline F.B.

For my first (and only) camping trip since moving to Washington, I was reassured several times by my friends that they have not ever encountered a bear during their camping trips. With this reassurance we camped for three glorious days at Clear Lake when lo and behold a black bear came into our campsite on the final morning during breakfast preparations! My friends got some great pictures while I was huddled with all 7 kids in hand ready to jump into the van at any sign of danger! After it was all over, it was actually a great experience and years of stories and jokes at my expense.

Nicki Jennings My mom talked me into tent camping on the Oregon coast one time… I cancelled the reservations I’d made for the Yurts. The first day was beautiful and sunny. The next morning we woke up in 5 inches of water and it didn’t quit raining for the next four days. Never again.

Photo by Jennifer Dagdagan

Anyone lucky enough to live somewhere with four seasons must eventually come to grips with a simple fact: The weather will not dramatically change once the calendar announces the “first day of (insert longed-for season here).”

Especially spring.
I can’t count how many times I’ve been fooled by this fickle time of year.  In anticipation of warmer weather I’ve packed away heavy coats and sweaters, folded up flannel sheets and extra blankets – only to have to drag them all out again after a cold snap.  Deceptive sunny mornings have led me to plant the garden too early, send my daughter to school in flip flops or attend an outdoor wedding wearing a sundress – each leading to various degrees of guilt, regret or wardrobe change once a frigid wind whips up.
This is why I’m trying to show some level of restraint as I gaze at my favorite sign of impending warmer weather – an open window just beyond my paperwork-laden desk.
There is something deliciously indulgent about the scent of blossoms and fresh-cut grass wafting through an open window – hinting at all the produce, barbecues and camping trips that are just around the bend.   This is the weather I’ve wanted for the nearly two months since my calendar officially declared the first day of spring.  In fact, that open window is almost enough to make a girl slip into a sundress and go dig in the garden for a while.
Well, almost – but not quite.
But no matter what the weather brings this season, the Art Issue of Yakima magazine gives readers enough eye candy to warm even the chilliest spring day.  From body art to a downtown tasting room with an eye on the past – we scoured the town to find talented locals who just might surprise you. Tag along on a scrumptious Cle Elum day trip  – worth every calorie – or head to the hills with us on a camp-inspired photo shoot that could have readers breaking out their marshmallow sticks as well as much, much more.
So find a sunbeam and open your windows, Yakima.  Warm spring weather is just around the corner.  We hope you enjoy the Art Issue of Yakima magazine as much as we have bringing it to you.

Cheers,

Heather Caro

Photo by Jennifer Dagdagan

When I was 15, I fell in love for the first time.

And no, I’m not talking about the romantic variety – though the experience was nearly as swoon-worthy. Rather, it was the first time I made tamales. I was invited by a friend to help make — and more importantly to sample — the delicacies straight from the steamer.

There were six or seven of us who had gathered that weekend to begin wedding preparations for my friend’s sister. And though I don’t recall just how many dozen tamales we made — or exactly which steps I assisted with, I will never forget the first melt-in-your-mouth bite of the finished product.

It was perfection. It was love at first bite. I devoured seven in one sitting and only stopped because I had to come up for air. Also, it wasn’t humanly possible to fit another into my digestive tract.

They were that good.

Thus began a love affair that has stuck with me over the years. And though I’d like to report that I’ve become an expert at making tamales, my culinary skills are limited to meals requiring a maximum of two steps and that may also require the addition of a “seasoning packet.” So, I prefer to admire the work of more talented professionals. As often as possible.

Lucky for me, the Yakima Valley is home to some talented tamale makers who keep a steady supply of the savory treat for whenever I need a “fix.” In this “Food and Wine” edition of Yakima magazine, we invite readers to visit some of our favorite tamale hotspots — and let you in on a few of the secrets to their success. We also introduce readers to some passionate foodies joining the locavore movement, as we taste-test our way through the Valley.

And, in the spirit of Earth Day on April 22, we give readers a glimpse into a close-at-hand rainforest, some tips for “spring green” entertaining that won’t break the bank, local home construction that may inspire an eco-makeover, as well as much more.

We love to hear about your corner of the Valley, so stop by our website at yakimamagazine.com, peek in on Facebook or send us an e-mail with your comments, questions and story ideas. We hope you enjoy our Food and Wine “Green” edition as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you.

So cheers to you, Yakima — or as my late grandmother, Virginia Hanson, would have said, “Here’s looking up your kilt.”

Heather Caro

Photo by Jenny Dagdagan

Despite what they teach at my son’s preschool, I firmly believe that the Yakima Valley has five seasons. Spring, summer, winter, fall … and January.

Maybe it stems from too many holiday parties, but January can feel a little like the “hangover” month to me. And its gray skies, cold days and long nights do little to change this perspective.

I tend to take a Pollyanna outlook on life – sometimes even pushing “happy” onto unsuspecting coworkers and family members (this “aggressive optimism” is something my husband finds especially annoying in the morning). And yet, year after year I find myself pining for spring during the entire January “season.”

Thankfully, long nights also provide ample time to do things like put together useless lists. Thus, I decided to compile one to help make January a little more tolerable for those who, like myself, find the month less than ideal.

Top 10 reasons to (learn to) love January

10. It’s National Oatmeal Month.

9.  Layered clothing can camouflage post holiday “muffin tops” beautifully.

8.  No mosquitos!

7.  Dogs in sweaters and babies in fuzzy hats.

6.  Long nights = more sleep. Who doesn’t love that?

5.  Hot beverages that you can justify adding whisky to.

4.  My husband, the “snowciopath,” would list skiing and snowboarding here. I’m not that person – but it probably belongs here anyway.

3.  Teaching kids about yellow snow – and why to avoid it.

2.  No more fruitcake.

And the No. 1 reason to love January?

It’s the perfect time for a road trip!

One of the best ways to beat the winter blahs is with a change of scenery. Whether it’s a weekend getaway at a historic hotel or an afternoon spent rediscovering our hometown,  the Travel edition of Yakima magazine can motivate readers to conquer cabin fever once and for all. Readers will also discover a nearby snow oasis, tasty confections worth the calorie count and a chic local home that could inspire a midwinter home makeover as well as much, much more.

Be sure to drop by our website or catch us on Facebook for sneak peeks, recipes and tons of beautiful photography that we couldn’t squeeze into the magazine. Keep your story ideas, questions and comments coming – we love to hear from you. So snuggle up to the fire, add a little somethin’ to your coffee and enjoy the Travel edition of Yakima magazine.  We could be in for a long winter, folks, but at least we can enjoy it together.

Cheers!

Heather Caro

**Heather’s hair and makeup by Buffy Smith.  Wardrobe courtesy of Patina

Photo by Robin Beckett

It’s not that I’m a technophobe. In fact, far from it.

I’ve come to rely on a gadgety phone, complete with GPS, e-mail and a camera. A Facebook “like” makes me happier than I care to admit. And in order to meet a deadline, my laptop has made guest appearances at more than a few family camping trips.

But for every convenience technology brings, it hasn’t replaced print. And I’m not alone.

Perhaps it’s the comfort of holding something tangible — something that can’t “crash.” Or maybe it’s the way flipping through a newspaper or opening a novel involves all your senses — from the smell of the ink to the sound of rustling pages. Whatever it is, shelves filled with books, and magazines on a side table suggest a sense of connection and shared history that no Kindle could. At least for me.

On our first anniversary of Yakima magazine, this has never been more apparent. In spite of a tough economy and an audience that media tells us has no patience for unplugging, no time to slow down, we’ve managed to thrive. And it’s because of you.

The Yakima Valley is filled with extraordinary people, innovative businesses and a lively arts community. With a growing downtown, a flourishing wine industry and some of the best locally grown produce in the country – Yakima has so much to be proud of. It is your stories that have filled our pages, and together we have begun a positive conversation within our diverse community.

In our Entertainment edition of Yakima magazine we bring you ideas to jump-start the holiday season. From stunning tablescapes to chic fashion trends, our goal is to inspire readers to glam-it-up this year. Readers will find entertaining tips, an international adventure story — and in case you need a little zen between shopping sprees — relaxing yoga studios worth looking into, as well as much more.

Bookmark us on your browser at yakimamagazine.com, join in the conversation on our Facebook page, or send a letter via snail mail. But whatever your preference, drop us a line. We love to hear how we’re doing as well as stories from your corner of the Valley.

It’s been an amazing year, Yakima.  We look forward to many more to come — filled with stories of the Valley and our own unique way of life.

Happy holidays,

Heather Caro

Photo by Jennifer Dagdagan

What Not to Wear on a Ghost Hunt

There is something almost magical about meeting people who love what they do. When people believe in their pursuits, it shows. Lucky for me a big part of the job here at Yakima magazine is to search out people in our community who do just that.

From Bavarian chocolate-makers to artisan communities, organic oenophiles to master gardeners, we’ve discovered plenty of passionate people since starting the publication last year — and in some surprising places, too. Memorable among these is my interview with an ice climber, which took place on a hike now affectionately dubbed “The Death March.” In fact, a typical day at our office can often be summed up with “and hilarious antics ensue.”

This Home and Garden edition of Yakima magazine has proven to be no exception, which is how I found myself on a midnight ghost hunt (“What does that have to do with home and garden?” you might ask), 70 feet above a blackened Capitol Theatre stage, wearing heels.

Sadly, I didn’t get my all-exclusive interview with the undead. But I also didn’t end up as The Capitol Theatre’s next “Shorty,” so I’d say the night was a success. And hopefully the ghoulish write-up will inspire readers to go on a downtown Yakima ghost hunt of their own. As for what I discovered on this latest adventure? Heels are not appropriate ghost-hunt apparel.

Lesson learned.

This edition isn’t all about ghostly haunts. Because it is the home and garden issue, we invite readers to peek inside some fabulous kitchen and home remodels in tucked-away neighborhoods worth a closer look. Readers also will learn about a terrific fall day trip to the Columbia River Gorge, a local guitar maker (whose guitars are beautiful art), and sumptuous local sushi.

Be sure to check in with us on Facebook or drop us an e-mail with a story idea from your corner of the Valley, or just to tell us what you think. We love to hear from you – and you might just see your story idea or letter in print one day.  We hope you enjoy reading the Home and Garden edition of Yakima magazine as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you — inappropriate footwear and all.

Sincerely,

Heather Caro

Writer/Coordinator

Between bike rides at the greenway, barbeque with the fam, camping on the weekends, lounging in the hammock, and (finally) finishing that book that’s been gathering dust– my summer agenda is filling up pretty quickly.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the Outdoors edition of Yakima magazine we celebrate summer:  the season for warm temperatures and endless blue skies, fresh produce and lazy afternoons.  And whether you plan to have your own downtown Yakima picnic, test out a new golf course or enjoy a martini outside during happy hour – we’ve got you covered.

Between lemonade refills, be sure to stop by our website, yakimamagazine.com, to catch up on the latest from our bloggers, read web-exclusive content and find great seasonal recipes.  And as always, send your story ideas, questions and comments to hcaro@yakimamagazine.com – we love to hear from you.

So, get out there and enjoy the season Yakima – summer waits for no one.

Heather Caro