This is the second entry for this kind of trip….check out my June 2010 post, you won’t want to skip it!  As there are tips for the trip!  www.winthropwashington.com/ 

Stay – Hotel Rio Vista –  accommodating staff, convenient location, outstanding housekeeping , on the river (room with a view).  The deluxe king rooms are open and relaxing.  Ladies take note…the sink and vanity are in the main room as part of the kitchenette.  http://hotelriovista.com/

Eat – Rocking Horse Bakery serves freshly baked artisan breads and bagels, pastries, scones, muffins, and specialty cakes, pies and cookies. For lunch, try a “made-from-scratch” soup, sandwich, salad or pizza.  Many are made daily and feature local ingredients. And if you are a lover of coffee, they serve 100% organic, fair trade coffee and espresso roasted locally in Winthrop by Backcountry Coffee Roasters.  Try the tasty croissant filled with asagio cheese and bacon.  http://www.rockinghorsebakery.com/

Carlos 1800 – Here’s to the Globo!  The chips (warm and salty) are a favorite and the fish and carne asada tacos won’t disappoint.  Not a big fan of the rice and beans though.  The manager is upbeat and friendly.  With all the margaritas they serve, an additional bartender may be needed on weekends.  I found that others may have had slow service.  http://carlos1800.com/

Sheri’s Sweet Shop – my annual scoop of  Moose Tracks in a cup – yum!  The raspberry truffle and homemade blackberry were good as well.

Shop –  Winthrop Mountain Sports carries a wide variety (and high quality) recreational goods and apparel.  This time, I purchased a pair of fuzzy slippers and flip-flops (the high-end kind).  I always want to try on clothes here, but normally do not have the time or am not in the mood…one of these days.  Other shops I have taken a liking to: the Winthrop information/visitor center (stop by, say Hi!, sign their guest book, and offer a donation), chat with the gentleman at Glassworks,  and stop in at Aspen Grove, Habitat, and Inside Out Home & Garden.

Attraction – Winthrop Wine Festival – a nice selection of wineries with live music in an open park setting; this makes for an enjoyable and relaxing Saturday afternoon.  Beebe Springs Natural Area – this 180-acre area just opened last month and is a planned stream restoration project for increased spawning and rearing of endangered steelhead.  I noticed the birds really enjoy it!  It includes wildlife-viewing facilities, park benches, interpretive signs, walking trails, and fabulous American Indian sculptures that welcome you.  Beebe Springs lies along Highway 97 south of Chelan on the Lake Entiat reservoir of the Columbia River, adjacent to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)’s Chelan Fish Hatchery north of Chelan.  Parts of the path and viewing area is currently covered with part of the Columbia River (see pic below)…but sure to recede soon as summer is upon us, hopefully.  A parking permit is suggested (actually required, but I must say, as this is right along the main highway, it is a nice place for travelers to visit, and it is unlikely that many of them may have this permit), as we did not.  Stop and take a walk!