The 'Apple Capital Of The World' Is A Vibrant Washington City Laden With Orchards, Wineries, And Wildflowers

Nestled smack-dab in the middle of Washington state, where the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers meet, Wenatchee wows visitors with mountain vistas and verdant valleys so impressive that the entire area looks straight out of a postcard. Wenatchee earns praise for its treasure trove of outdoor activities, including wildflower hikes, mountain biking trails, kayaking, and golfing. Wenatchee also reigns as the "Apple Capital of the World."

Thanks to the valley's nutrient-rich volcanic soil, dry climate, and abundance of freshwater, apples have thrived in Wenatchee since the first white settlers planted orchards. However, it wasn't until the late 1890s when the Great Northern Railway connected Wenatchee to state and national markets that the city turned into an apple super-grower and eventually earned the moniker of "Apple Capital of the World." Today, visitors can explore farms, sample ciders, attend apple-themed festivals, and so much more.

The fertile soils in Wenatchee produce far more than apples. Wenatchee's wine estates are part of Cascade Valley Wine Country, which includes over 70 vineyards and tasting rooms. Overlooking the Columbia River, Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery offers a specialty tour through its beautifully renovated brick estate, complete with a wine tasting and three-course dinner for two. Alternatively, take a sommelier-led tour in a comfortable shuttle bus with NCW Wine Tour and visit multiple wineries and tasting rooms in one day.

Like this family-owned apple orchard in New York, Wenatchee's farms take apples seriously. These aren't the kind of places where you bag a couple pounds of Fujis and call it a day. Instead, choose from ruby red Cosmic Crisps, pinkish Pacific Roses, and apple varieties you've never even heard of at local farm stands and orchards. Several farms, including Stutzman Ranch, welcome visitors to pick their own apples, cherries, pears, and peaches, but you'll need to check the harvest schedules before planning your trip. Generally speaking, apple harvest season in Washington occurs between early August and the end of November.

If you're planning a visit, you can't miss the annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, usually held from the last weekend in April through the first weekend in May in Wenatchee. Each year, the festival attracts over 100,000 apple enthusiasts with apple-themed vendors, live entertainment, a grand parade with over 5,500 participants, a car show, a carnival, and so much more.  

See the apple orchards from another perspective by cycling, jogging, or walking along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. One of Wenatchee's crowning jewels, this 10-mile route follows the Columbia River, cutting through manicured riverside parks and apple orchards. Before starting a portion of the trail, stop at Pybus Public Market for snacks, farm-fresh produce, and artisanal shopping. Housed inside a renovated steel warehouse, it has a similar vibe to Pike Place Market's hundreds of unique shops in Seattle, but feels smaller and more community-driven. 

The best time to visit Wenatchee depends on what you want to do. If apples are a priority, you'll want to visit during harvest time, but the late spring months (April to May) are the best time to see wildflowers and apple blossoms. Less than 10 minutes from downtown, the 5.5-mile Sage Hills Loop reveals hills blanketed in bright yellow balsamroot and purple lupine, rivaling any of Washington's most popular spring wildflower hikes.

Depending on where you're coming from, getting to Wenatchee takes a little bit of work, but it's worth the effort. The nearest major commercial airport is over 2.5 hours away in Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or SEA); however, tiny Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) is only 10 minutes from downtown Wenatchee and works with Alaska Airlines to connect travelers directly to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

You'll want to spend at least two days in Wenatchee to make sure you also have time to visit downtown's eclectic and high-end boutiques, discover 20 taps at Union Hill Cidery, and dive into the local food scene. From the LaQuinta Inn to the Marriott, you'll encounter all the usual accommodation suspects in Wenatchee, but consider booking a unique stay. For instance, Warm Springs Inn & Winery is an ultra-romantic retreat in a historic mansion dating back to 1917 with rose-lined paths and breathtaking views of the Wenatchee River. Plus, guests can customize their trips with add-ons, such as a riverfront picnic with gourmet cheeses, fruit, and a bottle of local wine.