Hometown: Wenatchee, WA

While I call Kirkland (a Seattle suburb located on the East side of Lake Washington) my home today, I was born and raised in a small town in central Washington. Also known as the “Apple Capital of the World” for the valley’s production of apples that are enjoyed around the world, Wenatchee is situated between the Cascade foothills to its West, and the Columbia River to its East.  Given the location and four seasons, Wenatchee is an ideal destination for outdoor recreation.  A few attractions worth calling out:

• Mission Ridge is less than 20 minutes away and offers great skiing.
• There are a handful of premier golf courses, including Bear Mountain, within a short driving distance.
• The Columbia River attracts visitors from far and wide, whether they’re looking to water-ski, camp or fish.
• The Apple Capital Recreational Loop Trail, the 10-mile loop which runs both banks of the Columbia River, is used by cyclists, walkers, joggers, and skaters, as well as cross country skiers and snowshoers in the winter.
• Last but not least, Lake Chelan is less than an hour away as well.

When I was growing up, apple, cherry and pear orchards surrounded the community. Over the last 15 years or so, a good number have been sold and converted into housing developments. Due to the rise in maintenance cost and ability to make a profit, many farmers opted to sell.

None the less, the Wenatchee Valley, which includes East Wenatchee as well, is beautiful and made for a wonderful place to grow up. Small-town feel but not too small (population for the area today hovers around 75K).  I have good memories of trick-or-treating in our neighborhood, spending summers up at Lake Chelan, and skiing at Mission Ridge. Every spring, my family would attend Apple Blossom festivities, including the food, fair and parade.

Also worth noting, Forbes.com named the Greater Wenatchee area the country’s 43rd best small place for business and careers, making it the highest-ranking small metro area in Washington.

Oh, and did I mention the world’s largest apple pie was made in my hometown? That’s right, back in the summer of 1997 and citizens of Wenatchee gathered to create the dessert that weighed in weighed in at 34,438 pounds - about two tons heavier than the previous record-holder cooked up in Chelsfield, England, in 1982.

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