Sip into Spring

Spring Barrel Tasting Time

By Robin Beckett

Roll out the barrels, Yakima…it’s time for some wine-tasting fun.

Around here, we don’t often need a good excuse to taste good wine. There are plenty of those: our proximity to some of the finest wines in the region if not the nation; the friendliness of local tasting-room staffs; the fact that it’s Friday.

But if you need a better excuse, Spring Barrel Tasting is mere weeks away. Come April 23-25, Valley wineries will offer samples of their newest vintages — sometimes straight from the barrel.

According to Mike Wallace, the first Spring Barrel Tasting was held in 1977 at Hinzerling Winery. “We didn’t have any wine to sell yet,” he said. “But thought we could at least gain some interest for future sales by doing an educational event sampling unfinished wines from the barrel.”

Other wineries joined Hinzerling in the next year or two, until the event gained momentum — and the attention of tourists.

Today, tourism is an important part of Yakima County’s economy. John Cooper, CEO of Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau, said that tourists to Yakima County spent a total of $345 million in 2008.

Sometimes we locals avoid the big wine weekends, but this Spring Barrel Tasting, let’s join in on the fun, Yakima. There are too many wineries to list here, but following are a few of our favorite places to stop:

Kana Winery

No need to drive too far to get to that first sip. Stop by the Larson Building and Kana Winery in downtown Yakima, where their “Dark Star” is a local favorite. If you haven’t been inside the Larson Building in a while, peek into the lobby: it’s an art-deco gem.

Piety Flats

Like stepping back in time, Piety Flats Winery and Mercantile welcomes you to another world, right off the highway. Located in Donald, Piety Flats is not only a tasting room, but a little general store, where tasters can pick up their favorite bottle along with all sorts of specialty food items, such as soup mixes, pepper jelly and mustards. Our favorite: the honey truffle mustard. Pack a picnic to eat while wine tasting and put a little on your sandwich.

Masset

Not very far away is Wapato’s Masset Winery, housed in a gorgeous old barn and boasting one of the prettiest tasting rooms around. Check out the enormous gold-framed chalkboard for a list of vintages and taste while admiring the view … from the inside.

Tefft Cellars

Tefft Cellars in Outlook is a great place to stop for terrific wine at a great value. Try the Villa Rocca and Villa Toscana, two tasty blends that work with nearly anything you can put on the dining room table — or the picnic basket.

Portteus

Portteus Winery, in Zillah, is at the end of a circuitous road as gnarled as the beautiful vineyards it runs through. Its unassuming tasting room, however, houses some spectacular wines. Try anything — you’ll likely walk out with some to take home.

 

 

Don’t stop there … get a map from one of the Web sites below and chart your own course this spring:

 

Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail

rattlesnakehills.com

888-375-RHWT

“Pre-Barrel” Tasting: April 16-18

Spring Barrel Tasting: April 23-25

Contact Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail for information on its passport program.

 

Wine Yakima Valley

wineyakimavalley.org

509-965-5201

Spring Barrel Tasting: April 23-25

Contact Wine Yakima Valley for information on its Premiere pass.

The Eccentricity of Chocolate: Boehms

 

 

The Eccentricity of Chocolate: Boehms

By Heather Caro

Nestled near the lush green foothills of Issaquah, Boehms Candies has been creating the now world-famous chocolate treats for more than 50 years.  Though Yakima is lucky enough to have its own Boehms retail store, candy makers and history buffs alike may find a tour of the factory grounds delightful.
History:

Master chocolateer and Boehms founder Julius Boehm (1897-1981) was born to a wealthy family in Vienna, Austria.  As a young man he excelled in athletics, eventually participating in the 1924 Paris Olympics, and later honored with running the Olympic torch for Austria in 1936.  Boehm became a career cavalry officer for the Austrian army and lived a life of privilege surrounded by the arts with no intention of migrating to the U.S.

It was not until Hitler invaded Austria that Boehm chose to flee his homeland rather than join the tyrannous ranks.  At the age of 40, Boehm used his athletic expertise to ski over a glacier into Switzerland under cover of night with only the equivalent of $4 in his pocket.

Boehm eventually immigrated to the Pacific Northwest where he met and befriended his business partner, George Tedlock.  Together they opened the Candy Kitchen in the Rivena District of Seattle.  Slowly, Boehm reinvented himself in the craft he had learned from his grandfather, a candy maker in Austria.  Boehm would later move the growing business to Issaquah, where the landscape and mountains reminded him of his native Austria.

It was in Issaquah where Boehm oversaw construction of Edelweiss Chalet, the first alpine chalet in the Pacific Northwest.

 

 

Boehm devoted his life to his many passions, ranging from music to the arts, athleticism to candy making.  He was an avid mountaineer and would eventually summit Mount Rainier three times, the last at the age of 80.  When Boehm died at the age of 84, his plans to summit a fourth time on his 90^th birthday died with him.  Boehm lived a remarkable life by any standard and touched many lives through his zest for the extraordinary.

If You Go:

From the artwork on the factory walls to the vintage Scandinavian costumes worn by weekend staffers, no detail is too small to continue Julius Boehm’s old-world-inspired vision for Boehms Candies.  Today, more than 150 gourmet confections are created on site, using traditional techniques including their European cordial cherries (cherries dipped in brandy and aged two months before double dipping in milk or dark chocolate) and rocky road (marshmallows and almonds swirled in chocolate).  Boehms treats are hand dipped by master dippers who must intern for two years before receiving the esteemed title.

Visitors can wander the park-like grounds and peek into the large factory windows along the free self-guided tour.  Candy makers are in production Monday through Friday, 9am-2pm, though visitors are welcome during all operation hours.

To sweeten their experience chocolate lovers may want to schedule a guided tour.  The 45-minute guided tour allows visitors access to the Boehms factory, where you can witness first-hand the copper kettles and I-Love-Lucy-style conveyor belts still used to make confections, as well as watch expert dippers in action.

 

 

Visitors on the tour will also be welcomed into the chalet home of Julius Boehm to view personal photographs and his eclectic art collection – including a 1/3 scale statue of Michelangelo’s David, among other surprises.

Before heading back to the retail shop to stock up on goodies, visitors are invited to the High Alpine Chapel on the grounds. The picturesque edifice is a replica of a 12^th century chapel still standing today in Switzerland and was commissioned by Boehm as a tribute to fallen mountain climbers. The chapel interior features a recreation of Michelangelo’s famous “Creation of Man,” as well as a mural portraying a mountaineer rising into the heavens.

Today the little church is often the site of wedding ceremonies, where couples are invited to ring the chapel bell after taking their vows.  The authentic Swiss bell is engraved with the German phrase, “When this bell rings it greets the homeland of Switzerland, Austria and all the beautiful mountains.”

Guided tours are by reservation only and cost $3 per person.

Boehms Candies
255 NE Gilman Blvd. Issaquah, WA 98027

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm,
Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Factory Production Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00am to 2:00pm
Phone: 425-392-6652
Email: info@boehmscandies.com

Boehms Candy of Yakima

www.boehms.com

5645 Summitview

Yakima, Wa 98908

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday 10:00am-6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm

Closed Sunday

Phone: 453-1143

Email: sharon@boehms.com

Don’t Pass on the Passes

Don’t Pass on the Passes

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.

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

Cave B Inn and Estate Winery

Cave B Inn and Estate Winery

By Melissa S. Labberton

Featured in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, National Geographic Traveler and Sunset Magazine, the Cave B Inn and Cave B Estate Winery have quickly become one of Washington’s favorite great escapes.

Located only 74 miles northeast of Yakima off I-90, Cave B Inn rises out of a desert vineyard that hugs the basalt cliffs of the Columbia River 900 feet below.  With 30 guestrooms, including 15 finely appointed “cliffehouses,” the inn is the perfect place to leave those winter doldrums behind.

In 1980 the Bryan family bought a large tract of basalt and sagebrush land along the Columbia River with an eye toward the beauty of this stark Eastern Washington landscape.  They first developed the Gorge Amphitheatre—arguably one of the most beautiful amphitheatres in the United States.  Nothing beats sitting on a hillside with a dramatic river gorge view and listening to music greats from the Dave Matthews Band to Metallica.

The success of the 25,000 seat amphitheatre led the Bryans to develop an estate winery and then the Cave B Inn, both adjacent to the amphitheatre. Determined to respect the high desert environment, the Bryans designed the inn, winery and guest buildings to blend into the breathtaking landscape.

A basalt rock, “cave-like” entrance greets guests to the 12 “Cavern” rooms located a short walk through the vineyard from the main inn.  Amenities are not scarce, with each room offering a king or two queen size beds, color satellite television, a soaking tub and separate shower, sitting area and the best of all, floor to ceiling windows that catch spectacular sunsets and glorious pink sunrises reflecting off  the river gorge.

Fifteen stand-alone cliffehouses offer the height of indulgence for weekend visitors.  A two-sided gas fireplace divides the bedroom from a comfortable sitting area.  Hedonists will love the large bathroom complete with shower, granite countertops and a large soaking tub, perfect for warming up on a cold winter night. The spectacular view of the sunset is certainly an amenity too.   The Inn also offers two guestrooms with a vineyard view in the main lodge.

Cave B Inn goes on a winter schedule from November to the middle of April and closes on Tuesday and Wednesday, explained Lexi Jones, Cave B Service Manager, adding that the winery stays open every day. There are some great winter specials (Guest rooms start at just $175 per night) and all rooms include a buffet breakfast during this time.

Once guests have unpacked, they can take a stroll through the vineyard to the main lodge for breakfast, lunch, dinner or maybe just a cocktail at Tendril’s Restaurant.  The sophisticated décor and fabulous view make a perfect backdrop for Chef Joe Ritchie’s Northwest fresh cooking.  Formerly the sous-chef at The Herbfarm restaurant in Woodinville, Ritchie and winemaker Freddy Arredondo team up to create three- and five-course tasting menus, using fresh seasonal ingredients along with optional wine pairings from the Cave B vineyard.

“Chef creates a new menu each night,” Jones said.

The Cave B Estate Winery is just a short walk from the Inn’s entrance.  Noted for their Bordeaux Blend and Syrah, the winery also features a SageCliffe Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Semillon and sparkling wine.

For even more luxury and relaxation, the Spa at Sagecliffe offers a variety of facials, body treatments, massages and men’s treatments. Whether winter, spring, summer, or fall, a getaway to Cave B Inn will bring you closer to the amazing terrain along the Columbia River Gorge, while you relax in the ambiance of a world class retreat.

Winter hours: Thursday through Monday

For more information:

(888) 785-2283

www.sagecliffe.com

Lower Valley

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt! -Lucy Van Pelt/Peanuts

Red Wine & Chocolates 2010

Wineries around the Valley will celebrate Valentine’s Day in a most delicious fashion during the Red Wine and Chocolate event Feb. 13-15.  Whether your weakness is a decadent brownie, rich truffles or triple-chocolate petit fours, you’ll find chocolate samplings paired with a variety of red wines at wineries throughout the Valley.

The event requires only a wineglass in hand to participate, though most wineries charge a nominal fee for wine tastings.  Wine Yakima Valley offers a Premier Pass for $35 ($30 online in advance), which comes with a 15 oz. commemorative glass and allows the holder discounts, special treatment and waived tasting fees at many wineries.   The antioxidant-friendly festival is a popular event for chocolate connoisseurs and wine lovers alike.

To find out more information contact:

Wine Yakima Valley

509-965-5201

www.wineyakimavalley.org

Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail

1-888-375-7498

www.rattlesnakehills.com

…But if you can’t make it to Red Wine and Chocolate, the lower valley still has much to offer during the sometimes gloom of winter.  The end of winter offers the perfect opportunity to plan an indulgent weekend. And if you’re lucky enough to live in the Yakima Valley, you don’t have to drive far to get away.

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

Getting into an Ellensburg State of Mind

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.

Be a Tourist in your Own Town: Yakima Daytrip

Be a Tourist in your own Town

By Heather Caro

A Yakima Magazine reader recently told us that she and her husband try to act like tourists in their own town.  We thought that idea sounded intriguing.  So if you don’t want to leave the area to take a trip, take a day trip — or even a “date” trip — right here in Yakima.  Retail therapy, terrific food and an evening of culture can all be found within a few city blocks.  Although there are many more options to choose from, following are a few suggestions.

If we pay attention to stereotypes, clothes shopping may not sound like the perfect way to start out any “date” trip.  We’ve got a solution to the “woman shops, man holds bags” routine: Gretchen and The Haberdasher.  Both shops, located at 811 W. Yakima Ave., cater to the stylish and dapper; in fact, the shops themselves are beautiful inside.  Gretchen features boutique women’s wear, from designers such as Nic & Zoe, Three Dots, and Joe’s Jeans, as well as adorable accessories. The Haberdasher carries men’s clothing, featuring designer labels such as Cutter & Buck, Haupt and Skip Gambert & Associates, plus high-quality shoes and belts. Both Gretchen and The Haberdasher are known for their attention to detail and customer service, making shoppers feel pampered.

Next stop: the heart of Yakima.  Wine aficionados will enjoy a visit to Stems, located at 411 E. Yakima Ave., next to the Hilton Garden Inn. (Hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.)  This specialty shop features Northwest wines, Riedel glassware and a surprising variety of accessories. Wineglass charms, creative corks and gourmet treats round out the mix of vino necessities you’ll find here. This is a good place to grab a bottle of your favorite vintage — or ask proprietor Brad Baldwin for his pick — to take with you to dinner, now that many restaurants downtown are “corkage free” and won’t charge you to open your own bottle.

We know it’s cold outside, but you can make believe it’s spring at Garden Girl, located in the historic Opera House building at 25 N. Front St. Suite 2.  It’s a little like walking into a storybook walled garden, with a touch of whimsy throughout the shop.  Garden Girl is known for its signature paper whites and also features French toiletries and interesting gift items.  The shop is not large, but it’s amazing how much time you spend there.

Dinner is not far away. Just around the corner, in Suite 6, is Carousel Restaurant and Bistro — a restaurant with a European flair.  Open Tuesday through Saturday, the cozy French restaurant fits the “date night” criteria: romantic and tasty. Try its medallions of veal with shitake mushrooms, or the spiced duck with pear.  The Carousel has a full menu of both French and local wines, but you can also bring in your own, since Carousel is now “corkage free.”

If you eat a little earlier in the evening, you can round out your day by catching the family favorite “Annie,” one of the musicals in The Capitol Theatre’s perennial “Best of Broadway” series.  If you’re up for something a little more risque, try “Avenue Q,” a part of the Capitol’s new “Broadway on the Edge” series. Both have February show dates, and both promise to be highly entertaining.

If the classics are more your style, don’t miss the Yakima Symphony Orchestra’s new season.  January through April, one of the four finalists in the symphony’s search for a new music director will conduct a YSO concert at The Capitol Theatre.  Audience members will be polled after each performance.  The first concert, Lawrence Golan conducting Brahms, takes place Jan. 30, followed by Viswa Subbaraman conducting Beethoven on Feb. 27.

If you’re in the mood for a more “authentic” vacation experience, stay overnight.  Try a relaxing weekend for two at Birchfield Manor Country Inn.  The 1910 Victorian manor is known for award-winning breakfasts, delicious multi-course dinners, and a terrific wine selection as well as its antique-laden guest rooms. Located two miles from Yakima at 2018 Birchfield Road, the B&B is receiving a January facelift and will introduce a brand new dinner menu in addition to updated accommodations.  Many rooms feature a double Jacuzzi tub and fireplace – a great way to end your own date trip, right here at home.

For more information:

The Capitol Theatre’s Broadway and Broadway on the Edge series tickets

509-853-ARTS

www.capitoltheatre.org.

Yakima Symphony Orchestra tickets

509-853-ARTS

www.yakimasymphony.org

Birchfield Manor

Off-season specials and packages are available.

www.birchfieldmanor.com

Coeur d’ Alene Resort

According to Coeur d’Alene lore, the city in northern Idaho got its name from French Canadian traders and their description of indigenous Native Americans’ keen trade practices with European settlers.  Translated literally “Heart of the Awl” or “sharp hearted,” Coeur d’Alene has a rich history filled with tales of a pioneering spirit.

Today the thriving resort community bears little resemblance to its name’s historical roots.  In fact, the town of 41,000 christened “The Playground of the Northwest” has become synonymous with the idea of luxury and year-round outdoor recreation.  That reputation is due in large part to The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Towering above the marina on the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, flanked by the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains with the city’s downtown sprawled neatly at its feet, the resort has drawn tourists from around the world.  Renowned for its summer water recreation, fine dining and world-class golf course, the resort has become a favorite winter destination as well, and boasts one of the largest holiday light shows in the country.

The light show, which begins Nov. 27, kicks off with sleigh rides through downtown, Christmas caroling and a lighted parade before a fireworks display over the lake.

“It is a fantastic evening,” says Gay Glasson, the event coordinator for the Downtown Association of Coeur d’Alene.  “There is nothing more marvelous than watching fireworks in the snow.”

This year, more than 1.5 million glittering lights will transform the picturesque bay into a holiday wonderland, which will remain lit nightly through Dec. 31.

Visitors to the city can enjoy the scenery along the lakeside boardwalk or wander down to the marina and climb aboard a “Journey to the North Pole” cruise to see the floating light displays up close.  Frosty the Snowman, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and several other live characters make appearances on the 40-minute, family-friendly cruises, which tour across the lake to the “North Pole” and the world’s tallest living animated Christmas tree.

The Coeur d’Alene grand fir, which rises 162 feet above the city, is more than twice as tall as the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza and is illuminated by more than 40,000 LED lights. Glasson says the resort’s holiday celebrations are family-based and have a community feel – perfect for visitors and locals alike.

“The greatest part is that we have families that have been doing this for 20 years,” she said.  “And we now have kids coming home from college because they wouldn’t miss this weekend.”

Holiday visitors to the area can also enjoy some stellar cuisine at the resort, with restaurants ranging from the family-friendly to the extravagant.

Perched on the 7th floor of the Lake Tower, Beverly’s serves gourmet food against the panoramic backdrop of the 25-mile-long lake and surrounding wilderness.

“No matter where you are seated, every table in our restaurant enjoys views of the lake and the trees,” says Vera Saint, an assistant manager of Beverly’s.  Consistently listed as one of the top restaurants in the country by Distinguished Restaurants of North America-an organization that recognizes fine dining establishments-Beverly’s is known for its lavish presentations and an astounding $2 million dollar wine inventory.

Another local favorite that’s a little easier on the pocketbook is Dockside, located on the Lake Tower’s lobby level.  Dockside offers casual dining with views of the marina and the Boardwalk.  The Sunday brunch has become a Northwest favorite (think apple cinnamon sausage and brown sugar bacon), and Dockside’s signature dessert bar, Gooey’s, offers elaborate confections.

The Cedars – a restaurant that actually floats – is located on Lake Coeur d’Alene at Blackwell Island.  The Cedars specializes in Northwest cuisine, serving up dishes that sound both exotic and delicious, like Sashimi Yellow Fin Tuna or Prosciutto Chicken finished with a pancetta béchamel sauce.  Service is also first-rate: Cedars offers dockside parking for its boating patrons.

The resort is located within walking distance of downtown shopping, or visitors can take the sky-walk to the Coeur d’Alene Shopping Plaza and find specialty stores, antiques and an art gallery.

To round out a fun-filled – and holiday-light-filled – weekend, the resort boasts its Spa Coeur d’Alene, offering massage, hydrotherapy, and signature Oh! (only here) treatments in addition to a full salon menu.  The 15,000 square-foot spa was recently renovated and includes its own version of an upscale man cave – a men’s-only barber area with a Ferrari-red Italian leather barber chair and a conservatory-style quiet room overlooking the lake.

Coeur d’Alene is a mere 3 1/2 hours from Yakima, making a trip to the resort over a long weekend quite possible – not to mention enjoyable.

If You Go:

The Coeur d’Alene Resort

115 S. Second Street, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Directions from Yakima:  Take I-82 toward Ellensburg merging onto I-90 E toward Vantage/Spokane.  Take the Exit 11/Northwest Blvd., toward city center.  From there, follow the directions to downtown and watch for the resort on your right.

Reservations: 800-688-5253

Hotel Information: 208-765-4000

www.cdaresort.com

• “Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole” Holiday Light Show Cruises

Holiday light show displays nightly, Nov. 28-Dec.31

Cruises depart at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.  Prepaid reservation required.

Ticket prices:  Adults $15.75   Seniors (55+) $14.75

Children 12 and under complimentary

• Lighting Ceremony/Fireworks Cruise

Watch the lighting ceremony and fireworks show from one of the Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise boats, Friday Nov. 27

2 hour cruise departs at 5:30 p.m.  Prepaid reservation required

Adults $27.75  Children (6-12 years) $16.75

Children (5 years and younger) complimentary

Additional 40-minute holiday light cruises are available this evening at 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 pm

For cruise ticket information contact:

800-688-5253

208-765-2300 ext. 21