2108, 2018

Columbia Gorge Overlook and the Wanapum Indian Tribe

Until recent times, the Wanapum Indians inhabited the banks of the Columbia River in Washington State from Beverly Gap to Pasco, about 75 miles south. The Wanapums were a very religious and peaceful people, living on venison, berries, roots, and fish…expertly caught using nets, spears and woven willow traps. Yet today, the Wanapums are virtually extinct. What happened to the tribe that once numbered in the thousands, and what’s left of their culture?

2506, 2017

Vacation destination… Moses Lake?

Washington Our Home
June 25, 2017
Central Washington, Destinations, Family, History, Recreation, Seattle Mariners
0
2398

Not only is Moses Lake a great vacation destination, but it’s loaded with history as well. Let’s begin with the most obvious question…who is Moses Lake named for? The answer is not who you might think.

1006, 2017

Ghosts of Liberty come to life

Washington Our Home
June 10, 2017
Central Washington, Ghost Towns, History
0
1397

Liberty – the tiny central Washington town that is slowly becoming one of my favorite places in our great state – has more to offer than just fascinating history and exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. In fact, “Washington’s only living ghost town” (as it’s known) is home to one of the most interesting “ghosts” I’ve ever met. This one’s name is Wes Engstrrom.

1610, 2015

Marketing in the Methow Valley

Washington Our Home
October 16, 2015
Central Washington, Destinations, Hikes, History, Recreation
0
1447

Thanks to my work with Scenic Washington, I was invited to be a presenter at their annual retreat in Winthrop. Since I haven’t been to Winthrop since I was about seven, I jumped at the chance to not only see the Methow Valley again but to help some of Washington’s tourism partners recognize the value in history, heritage and culture. The drive from Lacey to Winthrop is a long one, but

1507, 2015

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Any Washingtonian worth their basalt has – at one time or another – driven through Vantage during the long drive from Seattle to Spokane. Most of us breeze across the bridge and don’t look back as we climb the hills on the opposite side, dodging crawling semis and hoping our radiators don’t overheat. But if you’re more interested in your journey than your destination, you may have taken the time to

3006, 2015

The Columbia Gorge has a north side, too

Washington Our Home
June 30, 2015
Central Washington, History, Legislature, Restaurants, State Parks
2
2013

Believe it or not, there are actually people who don’t know the Columbia River has another side. Some of those folks have admitted as much to Earlene Sullivan, Executive Director at the Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce, who unfortunately understands the sentiment. Interstate 84, the fastest way to get inland from the sprawling, urban metropolis of Portland, zips along the northern border of Oregon…the south side of the Columbia River. Many a Pacific Northwesterner are familiar with

0306, 2015

Yesterday’s history is today’s tourist attraction

Washington Our Home
June 3, 2015
Central Washington, Eastern Washington, History, Western Washington
0
960

The ability to entice visitors to your corner of Washington may lie in your area’s unique local history. Statistics show that more and more people are citing historical—whether it be natural, cultural or heritage tourism as the reason for their travel. You need to stay on the forefront of this emerging trend…but how? What is heritage tourism? The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines heritage tourism as “traveling to experience

3004, 2015

Campbell’s Resort has something for everyone

Does the idea of sunning yourself on a white sand beach listening to gentles waves lap against the shoreline sound appealing to you? Or are you more of a traveling foodie (a trudie?) who loves discovering gourmet quizine in the most unlikely of places? Maybe you’re a history buff looking to learn more about the past while enjoying the present. Whoever you are, Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan is for

0710, 2014

Who could ask for more than zombies in the old west?

Zombies? Like. Pioneer town? Like. Put the two together? It’s a match made in only the greatest nightmares. “Haunting Ellensburg” is Ellensburg’s premier haunted house event, taking place at Frontier Village at the Kittitas Valley Event Center on Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 10 through Oct. 25. Guests will be pulled into a horrific version of the Old West as they encounter a fearful village overrun by marauding zombies and

2709, 2014

Washington’s only living ghost town

Washington Our Home
September 27, 2014
Central Washington, Ghost Towns, History, Mining
12
8001

Returning from an overnight trip to Leavenworth (always a must-see if you happen to be in the Wenatchee National Forest), I spotted a sign along US-97 pointing the way toward Liberty, Washington, which billed itself as the only living ghost town in the state. Only two miles off the main road, I decided to take the extra few minutes to check out what Liberty had to offer. What I found was