With 300 days of sunshine each year, the cheery town of Cashmere is a bright spot in the center of Washington State. It truly is right in the middle of it all. Cashmere lies about 95 miles east of Seattle and 80 miles north of Yakima at the geographic center of Washington State. A trip to the small community, tucked in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, offers a charmingly sweet adventure for history buffs, sugar addicts and adventure seekers.

Step back in time with a tour of the Pioneer Village and Chelan County Historical Museum located at 600 Cotlets Way. You’ll get a glimpse of what life was like for early settlers in the Wild West. The village is home to 20 original pioneer buildings dating all the way back to the late 1800s, all furnished with authentic pieces from the time period. The museum houses a vast collection of Native American artifacts in addition to impressive exhibits on natural and pioneer history. The museum and village are open for limited hours beginning November 1. For more information, including hours of operation and admission costs, visit www.visitcashmere.com/pionvilandmu.html.

Fruit is big business in Cashmere. Growers of apples, pears, peaches, cherries and more make up the largest local industry. This town is practically bursting with fruit flavor! It is surrounded by orchards filled with beautifully fragrant fruit trees of many varieties throughout the growing season. November is a ripe time to see the last of fall’s freshest picks. 

If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to visit Liberty Orchards, the makers of the famous confection Aplets and Cotlets. Take a tour of the candy factory seven days a week to see where “America’s Favorite Fruit and Nut Candy” is made. You’ll get to see everything, from the first stop at the nut sorting room all the way to the end of the line. Get a sugar rush from free candy samples at the orchard’s Country Store after your tour. Liberty Orchards is located at 117 Mission Avenue. You can learn more at www.libertyorchards.com.

You don’t have to go far to get an adrenaline rush in Cashmere either. The surrounding mountains and hills make outdoor recreation a mainstay here. There are enough options for hunting, fishing, skiing, camping and other outdoor sports to impress any outdoorsman. 

Pehastin Pinnacles State Park is a hiker’s dream come true. You’ll see a group of sandstone slabs and spires up to 200 feet tall that you can climb! The rocks and trails provide stunning views of the area including the many orchards, the Wenatchee River Valley and the aptly named Enchantment Mountain Range. Squeeze in a late fall visit any time in October or the first few days of November. The park closes for the winter from November 4 through March 13. For maps and more information, including a photo gallery, go to www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Peshastin%20Pinnacles&subject=all.

You can check out all that Cashmere has to offer at www.visitcashmere.com/ or try www.experiencewa.com/cities/cashmere.aspx for helpful lists of local restaurants and more.