by Kristin Jackson Seattle Times travel reporter For a little town, Cashmere has a lot going on this fall and a lot to see. It's a down-home, simpler alternative to Leavenworth, the popular Bavarian-themed town a 15-minute drive to the west. Among Cashmere's events and sights: The Chelan County Fair will be held at a 40-acre site on the edge of town, from Sept. 10-13 this year. It has all the usual fair fun - a rodeo, live bands, carnival rides, magicians and more. (Phone 509-782-3232). Cashmere's Pioneer Village and Museum hosts Apple Days on Oct. 3-4. It's a weekend of events on the grounds of the museum's Pioneer Village, featuring a best-apple-pie contest; bake sale (yes, apples made into everything); turn-of-the-century fashion show; crafts and live entertainment, including the Oregon Trail Travelers, a band that travels around the West playing old-time music and demonstrating pioneer trades, from quilting to candle-making and woodworking. Phone the museum for information: 509-782-3230. Museum hours: The Pioneer Village and Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Oct. 31. (Winter tours for groups by appointment.) Admission is $3 for each adult, with a family rate of $5 and discounts for seniors and children: the first Saturday of every month is free. Phone 509-782-3230. The museum is at the east end of Cashmere at 600 Cotlets Ave. (The street name was changed last year from Cottage Avenue in an effort to help publicize the Aplets and Cotlets candy factory and its related orchard, one of the biggest employers in town.) Cashmere's best known attraction is the Aplets and Cotlets factory, which offers free tours daily plus free samples of the fruit candy. Phone 509-782-2191. Another food favorite is Bob's Apple Barrel, a long-time fruit stand on Highway 2 in Cashmere (509-782-3341). Where to stay: Cashmere has only a few places to stay including the Village Inn, a '50s-style motel (509-782-3522). There are many more choices in and around Leavenworth, from country inns and cabins to B&Bs and motels. |