DATE: Sun 21-May-2000 Cashmere: The town with a candy heart By Michelle Shermer, For The World CASHMERE - Although you might be tempted to drive by Cashmere, a town of 2,700 residents off Highway 2, - don't. Didn't your mother always tell you good things come in small packages? Located between two of Chelan County's premier tourist cities of Leavenworth and Wenatchee, the town of Cashmere can be an unexpected surprise. Its main attractions - a "walking arboretum" tour, a large antique mall, and countless recreational opportunities make Cashmere a good place for a breather. And you'll probably appreciate the slower pace here and family-style events after visiting the county's other destinations. Besides, have you ever seen 3,000 pingpong balls dropped on main street, USA, from a helicopter? If you're here for Founders' Days June 23-25, this is something you'll never forget - nor will the children who get to scramble after the balls which are filled with prize coupons. "It's just amazing to see this mass of little bodies chasing these pingpong balls around. They fly all over the place. It's been a tradition for a lot of years," said George Valison, executive director of the Cashmere Tourism and Development Group. "I think it's unique to Cashmere. I don't know of another place that has done it. It really is neat to see." Founders' Days commemorates the history of Cashmere with food, arts and crafts, children's activities and games in the city park, a beer garden with entertainment, three-on-three basketball tournament and a grand parade Saturday evening. The town actually was first known as Mission and the name was later changed to Cashmere in 1904 after the vale of Kashmir between Afghanistan and Tibet. Cashmere proves irresistible year-round. Three main attractions draw visitors off the highway: the Chelan County Historical Museum and Pioneer Village; Liberty Orchard's Aplets and Cotlets Kitchen and Country Store; and the Cashmere Fruit Exchange Farmer's Market. Noted as the home of one of the top five collections of Native American artifacts and pioneer relics in the nation, the Chelan County Historical Museum is a trip back in time. As you drive toward Wenatchee on Highway 2, one of the most notable things you'll see as you approach Cashmere is a giant, old-fashioned water wheel. Wait! Stop! This is one of the best museums in the area - truly a can't miss attraction. So pull over and take a peek. The impressive collection includes an archaeological history of early man in the region. In other words, really cool spear points, pottery pieces, and other artifacts that bring history alive. You'll also see displays of how the first pioneers lived here and their precious belongings of long ago. Perhaps the best part is Pioneer Village. Let the children scamper through the collection of 20 authentic pioneer buildings including the original founding mission, saloon, post office, general store, school and jailhouse. This will spark their imaginations better than any television documentary ever could. The museum celebrates Apple Days the first weekend in October every year with a Wild West shootout, period costumes and demonstrations, crafts, food, petting zoo and the Oregon Trail Travelers who recreate a pioneer camp. And, of course, lots of apple treats. Now it's time for a modern day treat. Since 1927, Liberty Orchards' Aplets and Cotlets has gripped America by its sweet tooth. The candy was invented by two Armenian friends who started an apple orchard in Cashmere in the early 1900s. Now that the confection is world famous, about 80,000 people each year tour the kitchen hoping the secret recipe will be revealed but more likely expecting a free taste of one of the world renowned fruit confections. Tours are available April through December, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. January through March, tours are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Candy production and tour hours do not always coincide, so don't be disappointed if the factory is not producing for all tours. For more information, call (509) 782-4088. Reservations are recommended for groups of 10 or more. If you don't have enough souvenirs already, or would like to pack and ship some authentic local products and others from all over Washington, head toward the Cashmere Fruit Exchange Farmer's Market at 99 Aplet Way. The rustic barn doors greet visitors to a variety of treats inside including "all the fresh fruits and vegetables you can imagine," Valison said. You'll also find antiques, country giftware, a bakery, coffee, chocolates and fruit-oriented gift items that are unique to the region. Seasonal warehouse tours are also available. Gift baskets are available or you can select items to make your own box. Washington wines and cheeses also will be featured soon at the market, Valison said. Market doors are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (509) 782-7700 or (509) 782-1318. If you're in the mood for a quiet walk through this quaint early American town, try the "Walking Arboretum" tour. One of the first things you notice driving through the town of Cashmere is the variety of well-established trees which in some places provide a shade canopy over the streets. In 1984, the National Arbor Day Association named Cashmere as "A Tree City USA," one of the first such designations in the state. Pick up a map of the 150 identified trees at City Hall at 101 Woodring St. You can design your own tour or follow a nearly two-mile route which takes you by about 60 trees. When you're ready for a well-deserved rest, head toward Cashmere's Riverside Park along the Wenatchee River. This is where river rafting tour boats call it a day and haul out of the roaring waters, and you can also find lots of open green grass, picnic areas, playground equipment and first-come, first-serve softball fields. |