Exploring Wenatchee: Finding Christmas Spirit & Hidden Gems in Washington’s Apple Capital!

Episode 122:
This holiday season, we ventured to Wenatchee, Washington, in search of the Christmas spirit—and discovered so much more! Known as the Apple Capital of the World, Wenatchee surprised us with its cozy charm, festive vibes, and incredible experiences.

What We Covered in This Episode:
Warm Springs Inn & Winery: A historic bed & breakfast with breathtaking views, delicious wine, and home-cooked meals.
Rocky Reach Dam Discovery Center: A fascinating museum exploring the history and impact of the dam on the environment and community.
Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery: Award-winning wines paired with mouthwatering food in a beautifully restored 1920s warehouse.
Union Hill Cider Co.: Tasting some of the best cider in the state with a behind-the-scenes tour of their production process.

Throughout our trip, the Christmas spirit was everywhere—from holiday decorations to warm, welcoming people. Whether you’re looking for festive fun or year-round activities, Wenatchee is a must-visit destination!

To find out more about the places we visited in this episode:

Chapters:
1:17 - About Wenatchee
2:05 - Tips for Driving through Washington Passes
2:53 - Warm Springs Inn & Winery
3:37 - Discovery Center at Rocky Reach Dam
4:28 - Chateau Faire Le Pont
5:06 - Union Hill Cider
6:43 - Comfortability for Black People

Follow us on social media:

#wenatchee #wenatcheewa #travelingwhileblack

[susanbradley]

Wenatchee in spring with the fruit trees blooming is beautiful.

[carltoncooper]

Me and my family just left Wanatchee a few days ago and we loved it. Didn't feel any racism or prejudice.... Can't wait to get back..

[DaDdyCHIEF]

Summer is coming up definitely try chelan

[SilentSong]

I live in Wenatchee born and raised I wouldn't call it christmasy.

[DeathByViny]

Next time you come this way get ahold of me and stay in Leavenworth Washington

[taijoan]

Love this channel! You guys are exploring the PNW & sharing what you are learning with the world.

[qrkiuei]

Next time you come over here, I'll take you skiing at Mission. You can make a video about skiing while black.

[mytebetme]

You definitely didn't look for black people if that's the places you visited! There are plenty of black people in Wenatchee because I see them everytime I go to town!
They're in the grocery stores, they're in the churches, they're in hospitals and clinics, they're in the banks and everywhere else Wenatchee locals live and work!
There may not be as many as in the big cities, but they are here. Just not in the wineries, spendy B&Bs, Rocky Reach dam, or cider mills!
Like many of the Wenatchee residents they to have jobs, homes and lives and don't really have the time or the finances to hang out at tourist hotspots! They are the ones as well as many other Wenatchee residents that make it so tourists could have a place to come and rate their fine city based on the tourist activity available to them and the lack or abundance of a race of people!
I'm glad you had an enjoyable time in this great city and maybe next time you can try mission ridge.

[mx]

I lived in Wen for a long time and it's gotten better. However, back in the late 80's to early 90's people prided themselves by running "Homo's", as the residents called them, out of town. But at least the younger generation from the late 80's to mid 90's was warmer to Black and Hispanic people. I remember at WHS a lot of the students would go out of their way to make the random Black kids there feel welcome.
The older Boomer Generation.... yeah, most of them were insufferable. The same with some of the dirt poor people in the south end of town or the Dale Gribble wannabes in the trailer park.

I left town just before the gentrification push and things in Wenatchee have changed somewhat. The town was on a big push to attract the Big Seattle Tech money. Since Alcoa, AST, KB Alloys, and the Mines have all closed, Wenatchee is looking to become more of a tourist town like Bend, Or.

[brodchacho]

What does being black have to do with traveling?

[arnebenne]

Try the YMCA camp of Estes Park & Trail Ridge Rd Colorado, Eceti Ranch, Cannon Beach Oregon, San Diego Bay, & Cancun Mexico!

[travismargoni]

Oh I've stayed at Warm Springs, nice spot! Appreciate your channel. Hit up Yakima sometime. I recommend fall harvest time and checking out the fresh hop beers and local wine releases.

[kevinx]

Just got back from Wenatchee and Leavenworth last night. We've been going there for at least 5 years. Multiple times some years. First off, I have never noticed a hint of sketchy behavior from any hotel, small shop, restaurant or even a real estate agent.
We see all races, but true, rarely any black people. This trip, more than any, there was a black family at the T-shirt store the same time we were there. They were more interested in shopping and never acknowledged me.
Wenatchee has a lot to offer as a tourist. For me it's hard to separate the two towns even if they are 20-30 mins apart. Downtown Wenatchee has the river and great food. Opposite ends of town offers a different experience. All good.

[cartergomez]

Hello! I just discovered you after I watched the weather and it is much warmer in Wenatchee than other parts of Washington state. I am thinking about traveling while Mexican American 😅🤣😂🙂🙃

[AC-roib]

My fiance and I were there too in mid December. We stayed in Chelan for 2 nights, which is just up the road. We had fun and didn't have any problems; we also didn't see any other Black people, which didn't bother us, because everyone we met was very nice. Also, to your point, the passes are no joke in the winter. We used I90 through Snoqualmie Pass, and it was pretty bad. So I definitely agree with checking the whether ahead, and bringing tire chains as an extra precaution.

[BlairMcHaney-zmji]

LOVE this! I have lived in Wenatchee most of my life and I have several businesses here. I am so happy you had a great experience!

[mandelincarlsen]

That sounds fun. We’ve got a family trip planned for Wenatchee after Christmas. We will definitely try the discovery center.

[maybeerainmaybeesnow]

Thank you both for this informative video!!

[BadgerRobot]

Wenatchee is a very white place, I grew up in the area, further east... Glad you guys found it comfortable though, and yes we do need more folks of color in this state! Appreciate you guys Ave the work your doing.

[taijoan]

I would go so long as I didn't have to drive. I hate driving & really hate driving in bad weather