As Chelan County's largest city, Wenatchee serves as the business hub and County Seat. Charming downtown streets share the shopping spotlight with a recent surge of retail outlets and expanding malls.   Revitalized districts, hi-tech industries and urban sports complement the economic deference paid to Wenatchee's agricultural heritage and community history.  Wenatchee lies nestled in an orchard-rich bowl, surrounded by the dry, rolling foothills that shield the Valley from harsh weather.  Water is the lifeblood of the region and Wenatchee hosts the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers, providing the water necessary for irrigation of crops, and in recent years, for a growing number of recreational activities.

During the past 10 years, millions of public and private dollars have been invested in Wenatchee's business districts and neighborhoods, starting with an aggressive "Main Street" program.  Over the years, the revitalization of the downtown core expanded from primary retail and office space along Wenatchee Avenue, north toward the industrial warehouses that lined the riverbank on Columbia Street.   Loft-style housing, retail, office and indoor adventure sites are included in the current and future plans for this district.  Complementing the business improvements are the aesthetic enhancements made to the Wenatchee riverfront.  The 11-mile paved Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail, intermittently adorned by parks and recreational amenities, follows the Columbia River between the communities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.  Two bridges spanning the river complete the walking and biking loop.

Concurrent with other improvements throughout the downtown area, has been the exciting development of the Art on the Avenue outdoor sculpture tour.  This walking tour encompasses approximately 10-square blocks which feature over 30 mounted sculptures by nationally recognized artists. In addition to those pieces, which are purchased for permanent display, new pieces are rotated into the art mix annually.   

The opening of the Columbia Station transit center provides a central location for Amtrak and Greyhound arrivals and departures, as well as serving as the primary transfer station for LINK, the countywide transit system.

In another dramatic example of public and private partnership, the Stanley Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Wenatchee recently completed construction.  Adjoining the newly remodeled Wenatchee Convention Center, the Stanley Center boosts the configuration of available meeting and exhibit space, allowing Wenatchee to compete for conference groups up to 2,000 as well as concurrent smaller groups.   

Spring and summer evenings again echo with the crack of the bat and cheer of spectators.  After a 35-year absence following the departure of the Wenatchee Chiefs, a new minor league baseball team, fittingly named the "Apple Sox", has been recruited to the Valley.  Softball tournaments are hosted continually throughout the summer, replaced by hockey matches and indoor tournaments as winter approaches. 

Visitors to the Wenatchee Valley can compare the old with the new between a tour of the computerized apple sorting and packing practices at modern fruit warehouses and the hands-on historical demonstration at downtown's North Central Washington Museum.  Additional interactive displays feature the natural history of local pioneers and Native Americans, the impact of the Great Northern Railway, and the tragedies and triumphs which helped to shape this region.  Those who like to mix taste with touch will want to stop by the Washington Apple Commission for a tasty sample while learning more about apples statewide.  For more taste treats, locals and visitors shop the Wenatchee Farmers Market, open twice a week from June through October and featuring fresh-from-the-farm apples, pears and cherries, homemade breads and jams, handmade crafts and more.

Wenatchee's newest tourist attractions complement long-enjoyed favorite pastimes such as the annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.  Originating in 1919 as a one-day celebration of spring, the festival has grown to an eleven-day event, scheduled while the Wenatchee Valley hillsides are covered with scented white apple blossoms.  Additional local events held throughout the year reflect the region's recreational and cultural diversity.

If you would like additional information about Wenatchee, please contact the:

Wenatchee Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau,
1-800-57-APPLE (572-7753), www.wenatcheevalley.org

Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce,
(509) 662-2116, www.wenatchee.org