Starting your trip at Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee means everything around the region sits within an easy drive. Wenatchee calls itself the Apple Capital of the World, and the orchards climb the hills on both sides of the Columbia River to prove it. The town sits in the dry, sunny lee of the Cascades, with a riverfront trail, a growing wine scene, and mountains in every direction.

Standout experiences around Wenatchee: - Walk or bike the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail along both banks of the Columbia - Wander the rock gardens and pools at Ohme Gardens above the river - Ski at Mission Ridge, known for dry snow and sunshine - Hike Saddle Rock for views over the valley - Browse Pybus Public Market for local cider, cheese, and produce - Visit Rocky Reach Dam and its exhibits upriver - See the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival parade in early May - Pick up Aplets and Cotlets at the candy kitchen in Cashmere

Leavenworth, the Bavarian-themed village in the mountains, is about 35 minutes from Wenatchee, and Lake Chelan is 45 minutes north for boating and wineries. The Gorge Amphitheatre near George is 45 minutes southeast, the Ancient Lakes trails near Quincy are similar, and Stevens Pass is about an hour. The valley is named for the Wenatchi people, and the Columbia still shapes everything here, from the fruit to the sunsets. Fall harvest brings cider pressing and fruit stands on every road. Wenatchee is a sunny escape on the dry side of the mountains.