Seniors Discover Wenatchee

 Wenatchee is located in north-central Washington. The population runs right at 33,000; senior visitors will find Wenatchee Valley College, and apples…tons of them. Wenatchee is known as the “Apple Capital of the World”, thanks to the valley’s many orchards.

The city is also sometimes referred to as the “Buckle of the Power Belt of the Great Northwest”. The “Power Belt of the Great Northwest” is a metaphor for the series of hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River.

The city was named for the nearby Wenatchi Indian tribe. The name means “river which comes from canyons” or “robe of the rainbow”. The Wenatchee National Forest is nearby.

Seniors Find History And Culture in Wenatchee

Archeological digs in nearby East Wenatchee have uncovered Clovis stone and bone tools dating back more than 11,000 years, indicating that people migrating during the last Ice Age spent time in the Wenatchee area. As early as 1811, fur traders from the Northwest Fur Company entered the Wenatchee valley to trap and trade with the Indians.

And culture… Wenatchee is home to many performing arts groups including the Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee, the Wenatchee Valley Symphony, Wenatchee Big Band, Columbia Chorale, Wenatchee Valley Appleaires and The Apollo Club, to name a few.

Fine artists gather and share their work in shows and among one another. Music Theater of Wenatchee and Mission Creek Players present quality theatrical productions and musicals. Wineries, cider makers and brewers are very busy during the fall months.

Senior Visitors Find Photographer’s Paradise

Senior visitors will keep busy around Wenatchee all year long. The Ohme Gardens are a major draw for tourists.  “The grounds are quiet, restful, and not dependent on formal floral displays…. Breathtaking views of the Columbia River Valley below can be seen through cedar and fir trees, now more than 70 years old.”

It is said to be a photographer’s paradise.” Peshastin Pinnacles offer world-class rock climbing just a short trip outside of downtown Wenatchee. Lake Wenatchee State Park is one of Washington’s undiscovered beauties and Saddle Rock overlooks the beautiful city of Wenatchee.

The Christmas Lighting Festival is fun time for senior visitors.  However, the premier festival in the Pacific Northwest in Wenatchee, the Apple Blossom Festival, draws over 100,000 visitors during the 11-day event. Food fair, Arts & Crafts Fair, Carnival, Youth Parade, Youth Day, Grand Parade, Daily Music & Entertainment…it’s truly the BEST Festival in the Northwest.

Senior travelers, swing by and enjoy Wenatchee.  jeb