Methow Style, Sights, Smells, Sounds, Tastes & Touch

Where does “Style” come from?

Style enters and exits through our senses. In the sensory rich Methow Valley, I challenge myself to define the Methow Style so I can use the words of it to re-write my style and weave a new wardrobe. Here goes:

Methow Valley Sights

Courtesy of: Jennifer Cumming

The sheer natural beauty of the area makes transformation seem easy: enticing, alluring landscapes send my resolve into overdrive. The area exhales a style of splendor— and a silent summons to slow appreciation. Consider the art that exudes from folks who live here. The Valley attracts artists of all disciplines from painters to sculptures, poets to novelists: the muses live happily in these inspirational environs, or why else would there be so many fine examples of their creations? In fact, take a look at the Methow Arts website, www.methowarts.org celebrating 30 years of arts here in the valley!

Methow Valley Smells

Courtesy of: Rocking Horse Bakery

Courtesy of: Old Schoolhouse Brewery

From the aroma of freshly baked breads at the Rocking Horse Bakery the ‘Heartbeat of Winthrop’ and Mazama Country Store products with locally grown organic wheat to the smell of fresh hops at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery with an assortment of award winning brews and local wines, I can barely contain the urge to spend all my time eating and drinking. And why not? It’s the best. The warm summers’ grass and dirt bouquets imprint on my olfactory nerve as few other memories will.

Methow Valley Sounds

Courtesy of:  Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival

There is not much more to recommend the Valley than the huge, deafening sound of silence here. Broken only by the whoosh of wind, or the crack of tree limbs breaking under the weight of snow, the quiet closes in on style, helping me to define and shape the me I want to be. Turn the page, and music fills the air. The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival, attracts people from far and wide. The music muse listens and smiles.

Methow Valley Tastes

Courtesy of: Glover Street Market

Almost-all-natural ice cream awaits visitors at the Twisp Glover Street Market along with Organic Smoothies, and an honest-to-goodness Wine Cellar. Restaurants abound. Home grown veggies and fruits, spices and plants are stirred with love into the jams, jellies, mustards, and special brews, drinks, and flavors to tantalize your taste, sustain your style.

Methow Valley Touch

  Courtesy of: Central Reservations

Every day, I see prickly, cold, warm, soft, furry, rough, smooth, dry, wet and more. It’s all here. It’s the style. It’s in style. It’s all about style. I’m so glad to be discovering the Methow Style. Join me. Find and define your divine style — here in the sense-rich, stylish Methow Valley.

Methow Style

Personal style as defined by one of my dear close friends goes way beyond what we wear. They explain that style is how you respond to life’s events and how you act. It is the color of your personality -- springy pink, fire-engine red, dandelion yellow, growing green, bristled brown, impassioned purple, sunny orange -- and all of these colors are found throughout the Methow Valley.

There is more than one gem hiding in the Methow Valley. 

“This is a little gem of a place and we are not telling anyone about it, so we have a better chance of booking again, wink, wink.” says a impassioned patron after a visit to this Winthrop lodging, which is located downtown at the Purple Sage Suite along the riverfront.  If you are looking to escape the urban environment and explore a piece of the North Cascade Mountains, then look to the Methow Valley, tucked inside the rugged folds of resting volcanic mountains.  

Purple Sage Suite

I love the Methow Style, and have come again not only to define it, but more importantly to see if I can understand it well enough to absorb it — maybe by osmosis— if I’m lucky!

The sun has just come up. I open the window to inhale the mountain air. Each time I have come, it’s been in a different season, and I have a distinct experience.

I happened to be in the Methow during a fundraiser for Room One, a local health and human resource center. Teams of women were competing wearing colorful, fun costumes.

Photo courtesy of Kurt Snover.

The cute ladies in this photo from my last trip remind me that winter does not prevent the denizens of the Methow Valley from having fun outside. Timid and orange, neither red nor yellow, I look at the photo of this happy, pink-tutu troop and smile — and then I frown because I did not join in. They had an extra tutu. “Would you like to dance?” they asked. “No thanks,” I said. And now I wish I had.

Grizzly Mountain Homestead

Back home, I pull a take-life-seriously color over my head, and don worried brows, and a down turned mouth when I dress in the morning. The Methow Style invites me to change wardrobes, psychic and physical. Is that why I return again and again?

The Trails Beckon . . . .

"It is time for you to wake up and find a beautiful winter day in the Valley." 

The “Valley” is the scenic, world-renowned Methow Valley, located in Washington state’s North Cascade Mountains. The “Trail” is the Methow Valley’s claim to fame: the largest groomed Nordic ski trail system in North America with 120 miles (200km) of groomed trails surrounded by more than a million acres of wilderness and forest lands.

“They” are the ridiculously famous, delightfully wholesome Methow Valley Bjornsen kids, Sadie and Erik, and Brian Gregg, who are proud members of the 2014 U.S. Olympics Ski Team for Cross Country. Or “They” could just as easily be any of the others who train or moved here to train:  retired three-time Olympian Leslie Thompson Hall; Laura McCabe, who trained for her second Olympics, the 1998 Nagano Games; Roberto Carcelen, the first Peruvian-American cross-country ski Olympian; or veteran U.S. ski team member Torin Koos, another of this year’s Olympic Ski team.

The path to the Olympics is brutally rigorous. The athletes must have at least 100 points garnered from placing in World Cup competitions under the jurisdiction of the FIS or Federation Internationale de Ski. In fact, Sadie Bjornsen and Kikkan Randall (also on this year’s Olympic Ski Team) became the first Americans to ever win a World Cup Medal in a Sprint Relay, a Silver, at the 2011 Dusseldorf, Germany. 

So, besides lots and lots of practice, perhaps we can give a little credit to the amazing Nordic ski trail system in this part of the U.S. It used to be separate trails back in early 1970s. But thanks to a few good men (and women!) the length of the trails were slowly patched together to make one long trail, and then faithfully groomed for the most effective training and enjoyment of cross-country skiers from across the U.S. and around the globe. 

This behind-the-scenes hero is the Methow Valley Sports Trails Association or MVSTA for short. The non-profit association was founded in 1972 with the opening of the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20), and took its current name in 1995.

They are a dedicated bunch: If you would like to see the Groom Report, updated daily, it is a quick click from their website and since the MVSTA is solely supported by tickets, be sure to purchase yours at points around the Valley, and online.

By the way, these intrepid volunteers live in the area, and brave the cold to keep the trail in tip-top shape. Thank them if you run into them on or off the Trail!

So, if it’s good enough for Olympians (by supplying 3 of the 14 US Ski Team members this year, the Methow Valley contributed over 20% of the entire team!), the Methow Valley Nordic Ski trail system should be great for the beginning to intermediate skier, right? What? You’re not an Olympic skier, you say? Well guess what? The helpful MVSTA website describes which parts of the Trail are best for where you are in your skiing skills. How cool is that?

Visit soon and often — winter, summer, spring or fall. The Methow Valley cities of Carlton, Mazama, Pateros, Twisp, and Winthrop take you back to the Old West, offering funky festivals, weathered barns, great music, and superb dining. Stay in a romantic cabin, a charming cottage or an elegant resort. Get ready to enjoy sunshine, fairs, rivers, snow, trails, hiking, biking, and more! Cross-country ski the largest groomed Nordic ski trail system in North America, and breathe in the stunning beauty of the North Cascade Mountains. 

Summer - A journey to the Methow Valley, Washington.

It is always a glorious occasion when the residents of the Methow Valley learn that the North Cascades Highway (US 20) has been cleared of snow and opened for the summer. It is a definitive moment that marks the end of winter as the Methow Valley opens its back yard to naturalists, hikers, mountain bikers, sightseers, explorers, fishermen, horseback riders, music festivals, ballooners, golfers, river rafters, campers, road-trippers, theatre and dance enthusiasts.

Are you ready for a fabulous enchanted weekend that will submerge you and your companions with endless mountainous adventures? Winthrop is 189 miles from downtown Seattle and as the crow flies, only 28 miles from the Canadian border nestled in the high pocket of the North Cascades. Before you begin your journey, book your lodging through Central Reservations as lodging options are plentiful yet coveted in the Methow Valley. The Central Reservations Gang is friendly and knowledgeable, making booking your home-away-from-home getaway as nice as a summer’s breeze.

Kyrie and Kathleen Jardin of Central Reservations

Now that your lodging is booked, your summer journey begins by heading North on Interstate 5, where you arrive at two route options, either exit 208 onto State Highway 530 through Arlington or exit 230 onto State Highway 20 through Sedro-Woolley. Both routes will bring you to one of our favorite rendezvous points, the Cascadian Farms which is a treat beyond the taste buds. Enjoying the fresh-off- the-farm organic goodness of berries and homemade ice cream in the gorgeous roadside picnic setting accented by flower beds, steepling evergreens and lush meadows is an experience for all the senses.

Driving upwards in your journey, arriving at approximately 1,285 feet above sea level (milepost 123) brings you to the marvelous Gorge Bridge, one of many bridges you will drive over as you enter the North Cascades National Park. The Gorge Bridge crosses over spectacular Gorge Creek Falls measured at a toppling 242 feet. The mist is certain to kiss your cheeks with mineral filled spray as you walk on the bridge with its breathtaking pedestrian walkway design. It feels something like walking on dazzling stream air. Driving on, the sites continue with one crystal blue/green waterfall after another cascading down from the steadfastly melting ice capped mountains.

Climbing up in elevation, Diablo Lake Overlook (milepost 132) is a siteseeing must. From here the turquoise blue lake is clear to see in a backdrop of lush forest and icy-capped mountain peaks. There is plenty of parking, interpretive signage, and restrooms as well.

A view from Diablo Lake Overlook

At 5,477 feet (milepost 162) Washington Pass is another favorite get-out-and-stretch-your-legs, bring-the-camera-out and feast-your-eyes spot. It is the highest point on the highway and the last pass before descending into the Methow. There is an off-road viewpoint which overlooks the entire Methow Valley and the famous Liberty Bell mountain peak known well to climbers and photographers alike.

Plan on taking the opportunity for a short hike along your journey. There are many. We recommend Big Valley Ranch. Turn off of Highway 20 onto Dripping Springs Road to get to the parking lot to park your car at the Big Valley Ranch trailhead and go for a short hike where colorful spots of Washington native flowers dot their beauty along the BVR trail which is 4 miles of flat trails through wildlife habitat with river views just 8 miles west of Winthrop on Highway 20.

As you enter the Methow Valley, another gem along the way is the town of Mazama, a destination known for summer weddings, rock climbing and mountaineering. It is home to one of the world's longest cross-country skiing trails turned hiking and mountain biking trails during spring and summertime. These extensive far-reaching trails stretch for 120 miles and run through the town itself. Among many charming locations to visit, be sure to stop by The Mazama Store where “Home Grown” has never looked or tasted so good. Well known for their “fantabulous” lunchtime soups and sandwiches taylor made with rainbows of home grown veggies, cheeses and meats. Check the monthly homemade bread schedule and pick out and order your favorite locally crafted baguettes and breads coming straight out of the oven by 10:00 am each day.

After a relaxing day of travels and adventures, it is Winthrop, famous for its old west style storefronts and boardwalks, attracting all who appreciate an evening of locally inspired cuisine. One of our favorite dinner locations offers a robust array of local meats, grains, cheese, fruit, bread, coffee, wine and more in a warm and friendly setting, The Arrowleaf Bistro. 

Another fabulous place is the Old Schoolhouse Brewery where home crafted beer meets live music venturing out on the riverside patio. The blues, country, Americana and more performed by local and regional artists sharing their musical bliss.

Blaze Ruud, Brewer , Old School House Brewery

Speaking of bliss, the largest and longest-running blues festival in Washington happens in Winthrop and is located 1 mile West of Winthrop on Highway 20 at The Blues Ranch.  This year Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is July 19th, 20th and 21st. 2013 marks a whopping 26 years of R&B enthusiasts and nationally recognized performers all gettin’ down together on the glorious banks of the Methow River. Three days packed with live musical entertainment by musician, performer and headliner talent from our region to regions throughout the United States, all here for your enjoyment, brought to you by the Winthrop Music Association (WMA).  

Camping is located on the banks of the tumbling waters of the scenic Methow River and rustic to resort style lodging are available throughout the Valley.  Gates open at noon on Thursday, July 18th.  There are only 2,500 tickets available.  

Tickets are sold by:

Central Reservations / Tickets NW 1-800-422-3048 or www.WinthropTickets.com

A morning brew... 100% Organic Fair trade coffee, homemade fresh breads made with organic grains, soups, custom deserts and the most delectable fresh baked goods can be discovered each morning in the accompaniment of local conversation at the charming Rocking Horse Bakery. Among their daily specials are gluten-free options and de-lish-e-oh-so tasty pizza by the slice featuring a daily vegetarian and meat lovers variety.izza by the slice featuring a daily vegetarian and meat lovers.

Steve and Teresa Mitchell of Rocking Horse Bakery

Appreciation for organic, artsy and creative all wrapped up and rooted in the Earth? Twisp is calling your name. The Merc Playhouse, is a place to quench your musical and theatrical longings no matter what your age. Summer Drama Camps are offered to kids ages eight to eighteen and begin in July.

Enjoy something old and something new? The Glover Street Market, a market where drinks are served in every color of the rainbow. Smoothies for the kids, wheatgrass shots, organic juice blends and our favorite, a smoothie called The Lime & and Coconut. There is even a beautifully restored wine cellar downstairs for the wine lovers in the house or for those planning small events, head downstairs and get your ten cent tour. This market has it all from fresh and bulk foods to a wellness pharmacy stocked with vitamins, herbs, homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy essential oils and a wealth of health and beauty aids!

Jeff and Molly Patterson of Glover Street Market

Eating in or simply enjoy produce fresh off the farm? The Methow Valley Farmer’s Market is bursting with local fresh produce and artisan vendors galore you will adore, every Saturday from 9:00 am to noon. Need we say more?

Cinnamon Twisp Bakery, their specialty is in their name, the famous cinnamon twisp is served here. A healthy vegan option or two, try the vegan peanut butter granola bars and a cup of one of their Choice organic teas.

The Methow Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast offers just about everything you could ask for in homemade goodness. Wonderfully organic and local selections down to the organic apple cider made fresh from the fruits Washington is known by best, coming straight from their backyard orchards to their old fashioned kitchen. Drink some in front of their gorgeous fireplace.

Among the local events throughout the valley happening each week are movie nights in Mazama, storytime and meditation in Twisp, music you can dance to in Winthrop and Twisp, classes, lectures and meetings, outdoor events, sporting events and more. You are sure to find your zen, a nugget of wisdom or a skip in your get-along all right here in a little piece of mountain paradise called the Methow Valley.

There’s a story behind just about every establishment evoking a sense of small town nostalgia. And there’s a town heartbeat much like rhythm, known to everyone who lives, plays in or visits the Methow Valley. One pulsing through the valley similar to the many crystal blue rivers and streams flowing through the waterfall marbled hills. That of nature. The Methow Valley is truly alive.

The Methow Valley - A Norman Rockwell Community

The Methow Valley is found deep in the heart of the North Cascades Mountain range of Washington state.  Nestled within the natural cathedrals of these silent mountain peaks rests a burgeoning community reminiscent of the strength, character and vitality that the great american artist, Norman Rockwell represented throughout his portraits of the American people.

It is here in the townships of Mazama, Winthrop & Twisp that an American dream thrives and awaits you. Where dreams are forged in the hearts of small businesses, family values and outdoor recreation.  A place where fences are made of rivers or ridges and survival depends on trusting thy neighbors.

In the summer months the Methow Valley is part of the North Cascades Scenic Highway, a loop that individuals en masse drive their automobiles and motorcycles through the scenic mountains, fast enough to make one dizzy as they crane their necks for the gasping views of what becomes rugged impassable winter terrain.  This highway that completes this scenic loop is closed for four to five months out of the year and the Methow Valley becomes the end of the road, a destination and winter sanctuary.

The Methow Valley is a wildlife refuge that attracts the wisest, strongest and healthiest of all whom reside in the animal kingdom and is truly the embodiment of survival of the fittest.  Whether you are fish, fowl or mammalian the valley is a place of serenity, purity and spiritual rebirth.  Much like the salmon whom spawn there everyone you encounter has an incredible story of what brought them to the Methow Valley and to unlock these stories all one must do is ask, “What brought you here?”.   

The follow up question need not to be asked, “What keeps you here?”.  As it only takes three deep breaths of snow filtered mountain air to bring your mind and body back to a time you may have forgotten.  Whether returning from ice fishing, hockey, snowshoeing, cross country or back country skiing, stories are shared, friends are made and families grow around hot, crackling wood fires throughout the Methow Valley.

“I saw a mother moose and two offspring fjord the river this afternoon.”  . . .  “Did you see John learning how to ski for the first time? Let’s take him to see the salmon, deer and eagles tomorrow.”  . . .  “Maybe we will see black bear or cougar tracks like last year.”  . . .  “Who wants to help me make a snowman in the morning?”

The gatekeepers to this sublime experience are the Central Reservations gang providing guests with a home away from home and memories for a lifetime.  Owned and run by Kathleen and Kyrie Jardin, they were married along the river and share their intimate knowledge of the community from a publicly available hospitality office in the Purple Sage building located in downtown Winthrop (across from the gas station).

As the hub of the Methow Valley, Winthrop is preserved as an old western town equipped with wooden boardwalks that connect the local brewery, bakery, bookstore and more.  Today two contemporary pedestrian bridges on either side of town cross the Methow River providing scenic panoramas for photos throughout the seasons and KTRT the Root is the local radio station found at 97.5 fm radio and transmits the pulse and beat for local happenings up and down the Valley.

Twisp is located 9 miles south of Winthrop on highway 20 and plays host to the creative class including a gallery, theatre, health food store, community center and the stunning and hospitable Methow Valley Inn.

Mazama is located 15 miles northwest of Winthrop on highway 20 where the Mazama Country store and bakery operates as the last public outpost before individuals settle into their private cabins and homesteads.  

These three townships form the nucleus for the largest set of groomed cross country ski trails in North America, with upwards of 200 miles of trails depending on your skill level.  To learn more about the trails go to the Methow Valley Ski Trail Association at mvsta.com

The winter months are full of snow filled sunny days on the trails, gorgeous sunsets and moonrises presenting star filled nights with chance sightings of the Aurora Borealis. So, bring that unfinished book, those unwritten memoirs and immerse your spirit into the mountain murmurings, filled with the hoots and howls of owls and wolves cascading across the Methow Valley. 

Central Reservations - Your home away from home.

www.centralreservations.net