Remember Northern Exposure? I’m anxiously awaiting the day that old episodes surface on Fancast so I can catch up with Joel, Maggie and the Cicely gang with brews at the Brick and coffee at Roslyn’s cafe.
Or, I can just make a trip to Roslyn, WA for a little of my own “northern exposure.”
Roslyn is a true pearl among a string of old mining towns that are tucked into the foothills of the North Cascades in Washington state. I’ve gotten to know Roslyn a bit over the years in its “Gateway to the Teanaway” status; the Salmon La Sac Road just beyond Roslyn takes you north to Cle Elum Lake and some of the finest Ponderosa Pine meadows, campgrounds and hiking trails around. But while the Brick Tavern and Village Pizza are great standbys for after-hike grub and good company, Roslyn makes a fun and out of the ordinary overnight destination in itself, even in the wintertime.
Pack your snowshoes or cross-country skis (there are ample options to use them nearby) and head to Roslyn for a weekend trip this winter. The first thing you’ll want to do is book a room, and you have at least three good options that I know of.
The nicest cheap sleep in Roslyn is the Huckleberry House Bed and Breakfast, located right downtown Roslyn on Pennsylvania Avenue. The inn has its own rich history you will enjoy learning about, including a stint in a 1970s movie filmed here called “The Runner Stumbles.” The nicely-furnished four rooms in this restored turn-of-the-century inn are decked out with antiques, organic sheets and fluffy down comforters, and each has a clawfoot tub in a private bathroom. Breakfasts are sensational and trend towards wholesome and organic. Finish chilly days with romantic warmth in the inn’s secluded hot tub. Rooms are $95 – $115 double occupancy (including that fabulous breakfast and afternoon chocolate chip cookies). Be sure and take advantage of the “Economy Blues Buster Special” – 10% any one night stay any day of the week! Children are welcome, but pets are not. (509) 649-2900.
A cheaper option downtown Roslyn is Harry’s Inn, comprising four nice, uniquely-themed rooms with full kitchens and private baths above Village Pizza. I’ve not stayed there myself but have heard only postive reviews from those who have. Rooms are $70 – $85 a night. Mention the ad on Craigslist and receive a 10% discount! Dogs welcome. Visit www.roslynrooms.com or call 1-866-4-ROSLYN.
The third option is not in Roslyn but in nearby South Cle Elum. The Iron Horse Inn is a unique railroad-themed B&B where you can spend the night in a real caboose! Originally constructed in 1909 by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, it served for the next 70 years as temporary housing for men whose job was to get trains over some of the most hazardous tracks in the country. The place is loaded with historic photos from the area’s past, artifacts, and railroad memorabilia. The caboose cars are $145, but two inside rooms are $95, and all include a full breakfast. Call (509) 674-5939.
See you in Roslyn!
2 Responses
The comments regarding the Huckleberry House B&B is quite inviting, but I think the photo that was used could use a little more mood of inviting me in. I’m very impressed with a lot of different B&B that I’ve been able to photograph and others that I and my wife had stayed at, they all have there own special uniqueness. Just a comment to encourage any one that is thinking about staying at a Bed & Breakfast. Good luck with everything.
Hi Marcus,
Thanks for your comment and good point. The photo of Huckleberry House B&B isn’t the greatest, though it was the best I found on their website. I couldn’t locate one of my own. Perhaps they could use some marketing help from a professional photographer 🙂
Also, I see you are in Oregon. If you have photographed B&Bs that you think would be good for me to feature here (a great value – under $125 a night) please drop me an email at [email protected].