Taste Washington's Apple Country

BEGIN IN LEAVENWORTH

Transformed from hard-luck logging town to ersatz Bavarian village, Washington's favorite little vacation spot has unparalleled riverfront B&Bs and memorable eateries. Stroll through town, then hit the fruit trail; grab a free copy of the Ag Tourism Driving Map en route at the visitor center (940 U.S. 2; 509-548-5807).

GETTING THERE

Leavenworth is about 130 miles east of Seattle. Take I-90 east to exit 85, and follow signs for U.S. 97/Wenatchee 45 miles to U.S. 2, then go 4 miles west to Leavenworth. Our Leavenworth-Wenatchee-Chelan loop takes about 2½ hours. With stops, though, allow a day from Leavenworth or a leisurely weekend from Seattle.

PULL OVER FOR PEARS

Rows of pear trees flank the Wenatchee River almost as soon as you head east from Leavenworth on U.S. 2, and fruit stands follow. Pop into Prey's Fruit Barn (11007 U.S. 2, Peshastin; 509-548-5771), a classic grower-seller with top-quality produce. Soon, orchards shift to apples. In Cashmere, Armenian immigrants turned the apple and apricot harvest into chewy-sweet Aplets & Cotlets. Stop at the Liberty Orchards factory (117 Mission Ave, Cashmere; 800-888-5696) for a free tour.

POKE AROUND OR PICK

The whole Wenatchee River Valley is netted with backroads connecting farms, orchards, packinghouses, and wineries. Explore on your own or with Washington Apple Country (866-459-9614).

HEAD UP THE COLUMBIA

In 1908, Mike Horan put Wenatchee on the map by taking a railcar of rosy-red apples to the National Apple Show in Spokane. A century later, the apple market is strong and still expanding for larger growers, but smaller orchardists must depend on innovation to prosper. Some offer rare varieties or fresh ciders; others are strictly organic. Many crank up the fruit-stand fun with petting zoos and hayrides.