2011-30 Winthrop, Washington
Hello All,
Winthrop with its western flair is in the northern part of the Methow Valley in north central Washington. There is about 2,000 permanent residents in the area, most of which live outside of the town proper. The little berg has a long colorful history and holds a couple of state records. It is home to the oldest legal saloon in the state of Washington and recorded the coldest temperature at minus 48 degrees Fahrenheit on December 30, 1968.
Trappers in the 1800s ventured through the Methow Valley. However, it was the lure of gold in 1883 that brought the first permanent settlers. In 1891 Harvard educated Guy Waring and his family settled at the forks of the Chewuch and Methow Rivers. He founded the “Methow Trading Company” in 1897 and operated it for 49 years. His interests expanded over the years and included a sawmill, freight company, waterpower system, and the infamous Duck Brand Saloon.
Waring, who hated liquor, opened the Duck Brand Saloon to keep worse ones out of town. Anyone who started getting drunk was given the boot. It was considered the best run saloon in the country by numerous church publications.
Although Waring is the acclaimed founding father, the town is named after Theodore Winthrop, a Yale graduate, adventurer/traveler, and gifted 19th century author. In 1893 the town was rebuilt after it suffered a devastating fire wherein most of it was destroyed--but the Duck Brand Saloon survived!! Some would say that was a blessing; others might disagree.
In 1972, when scenic state highway 20 over the Cascades was nearing completion, several local business people began planning for travelers passing through town. This is when the western theme was conceived for the town and continues today.
Winthrop with its western flair is in the northern part of the Methow Valley in north central Washington. There is about 2,000 permanent residents in the area, most of which live outside of the town proper. The little berg has a long colorful history and holds a couple of state records. It is home to the oldest legal saloon in the state of Washington and recorded the coldest temperature at minus 48 degrees Fahrenheit on December 30, 1968.
Trappers in the 1800s ventured through the Methow Valley. However, it was the lure of gold in 1883 that brought the first permanent settlers. In 1891 Harvard educated Guy Waring and his family settled at the forks of the Chewuch and Methow Rivers. He founded the “Methow Trading Company” in 1897 and operated it for 49 years. His interests expanded over the years and included a sawmill, freight company, waterpower system, and the infamous Duck Brand Saloon.
Waring, who hated liquor, opened the Duck Brand Saloon to keep worse ones out of town. Anyone who started getting drunk was given the boot. It was considered the best run saloon in the country by numerous church publications.
Although Waring is the acclaimed founding father, the town is named after Theodore Winthrop, a Yale graduate, adventurer/traveler, and gifted 19th century author. In 1893 the town was rebuilt after it suffered a devastating fire wherein most of it was destroyed--but the Duck Brand Saloon survived!! Some would say that was a blessing; others might disagree.
In 1972, when scenic state highway 20 over the Cascades was nearing completion, several local business people began planning for travelers passing through town. This is when the western theme was conceived for the town and continues today.
We found the laid back
atmosphere to be quite refreshing and thoroughly enjoyed casually strolling
from shop to shop on the wooden sidewalks. There are the usual gift shops but
they also have businesses catering to antique shoppers along with many
businesses that specialize in the many outdoor activities the area offers--rock
climbing, hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, horseback riding, hunting and
fishing, golfing, downhill and cross-country skiing.
If you can handle only so much of the great outdoors, Winthrop also offers great alternatives such as museums, art galleries, live theater, and other popular cultural events. Two of the best known are the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival and the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival. Another little bit of interesting Winthrop trivia is that this is where author Owen Wister was inspired to write America’s first western novel, The Virginian, after honeymooning here many long years ago.
We have visited Winthrop on other road trips. But, this was the first time we stayed for a couple of days in the bustling little town. Our mornings started with a couple of cups of hot coffee at the Rocking Horse Bakery. We also indulged in one of their “calorie free” cakelettes. One of our favorites was a carrot cake featuring a cream cheese frosting--yummy.
If you can handle only so much of the great outdoors, Winthrop also offers great alternatives such as museums, art galleries, live theater, and other popular cultural events. Two of the best known are the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival and the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival. Another little bit of interesting Winthrop trivia is that this is where author Owen Wister was inspired to write America’s first western novel, The Virginian, after honeymooning here many long years ago.
We have visited Winthrop on other road trips. But, this was the first time we stayed for a couple of days in the bustling little town. Our mornings started with a couple of cups of hot coffee at the Rocking Horse Bakery. We also indulged in one of their “calorie free” cakelettes. One of our favorites was a carrot cake featuring a cream cheese frosting--yummy.
Across the street from the
bakery is the Duck Brand Hotel, with its quaint and inviting facade. It is a
popular dinner establishment where folks can enjoy an evening meal out on the
deck.
It was wonderful to be able to
leisurely walk around and go from store to store in the warm dry air--no bugs
or humidity to deal with.
Isn’t this about the tiniest
brewery you’ve ever seen? It has a large patio and deck in the rear. We were
surprised to learn that their beer has received awards on the regional,
national, and international level. We joined family members here for dinner on
the deck overlooking the Chewuch River.
This outfitter had most everything for the
outdoor enthusiast.
After crossing the Cascades
one of the first stores you come upon when arriving in town is the
Emporium--it’s the local general store. We found the map of the surrounding
area on the side of the building to be quite informative.
One day our attention was
drawn to the rumbling of a large group of motorcycles cruising into town. They
stopped for lunch and then topped off at the local gas station before
continuing their ride. Kind of reminded us of a modern day cattle drive coming
into town with their motorized horses!
Not being ones to sit around
for too long we took a ride to check out the local countryside. It is such a
scenic area of ranches and homes, many with the Cascade Mountains looming in
the background.
We snapped this photo on the
shore of Big Twin Lake on the outskirts of town. The name is kind of misleading
in that it is a small lake. But, it is the larger of the two twin lakes.
We were not the only ones
enjoying the beautiful day. Here’s a couple of Cedar Wax Wings pairing up in
anticipation of the mating season. Love was in the air and they paid little
attention to us. They were busy passing a berry back and forth between them.
Winthrop is a fun little town
and the Cascade Highway is such a scenic byway. Both are not all that well
known outside the state of Washington. If you are ever in this neck of the
woods we would highly recommend them as places to stop and enjoy.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns