North Central Washington
By Tamara Muldoon
Mid-way between Seattle and Spokane, on the sunnier side of the Cascade Mountains, north central Washington offers a variety of meeting venues and a robust local food and beverage scene, along with welcoming small-town vibes. In addition to Wenatchee, the region’s largest city, outstanding event facilities are found in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, scenic Lake Chelan valley and the western-themed town of Winthrop. Along this easternmost stretch of the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway, grand vistas greet you at every turn and recreation options abound in close proximity.
Chelan
Visitors come to Chelan for its scenery, recreation and wineries; qualities that also make it a delightful meeting destination.
MEET AND STAY
What began as the 16-room Chelan Hotel in 1901, has been lovingly nurtured into the 8-acre Campbell’s Resort by five generations of the Campbell family who still operate the property today. With 170 guest rooms and 14,000 square feet of meeting space, Campbell’s is the area’s premier full-service conference center.
This lakefront resort offers a private beach, swimming pools, hot tubs and day spa. Accommodations range from spacious, well-equipped hotel rooms to family suites—all with fabulous lake views. Although Chelan’s many restaurants are just blocks away, guests often venture no further than Campbell’s Pub & Veranda, open morning to night serving the best of local cuisine and beverages.
OUT AND ABOUT
One hour north of Wenatchee, Chelan resides at the foot of fjord-like, 50-mile-long Lake Chelan. Water sports such as boating, swimming, water skiing, kayaking and paddle boarding are popular pursuits. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing and golf.
Looking for a thrill? How about parasailing above Lake Chelan or soaring along one of the fastest zip line courses in North America? For a more relaxing option, take the Lady of Lake excursion for an unforgettable scenic cruise, or visit some of the nearly 30 nearby wineries.
Wenatchee
Wenatchee accommodates large and small groups with its many venues. The area’s agricultural bounty translates into great culinary and beverage offerings. Its proximity to two rivers and the Cascade Mountains guarantees plenty of nearby recreation options.
“A successful meeting starts with the right venue choice, and we are fortunate here in the Wenatchee Valley to have something special to offer. Not only can you stroll along the Columbia River within minutes of the Convention Center, you are in the middle of our historic downtown with unique and unhurried shopping and dining experiences,” states Jerri Barkley of Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce.
MEET AND STAY
Wenatchee Convention Center hosts large meetings with ease, offering 28,000 square feet comprised of two large ballrooms and 14 flexible breakout rooms. The Center is city-owned but operated by Coast Hotels Inc., which also manages the adjoining 147-room Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel.
At Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee, experience the convenience of meeting space and lodging in one well-equipped facility. This full-service property contains a ballroom of 5,734 square feet plus generously-sized breakout rooms. Guests enjoy the on-site lounge, fitness center and seasonal pool.
Each of the ten meeting rooms at the Confluence Technology Center (CTC) come with integrated audiovisual equipment controlled from “smart” podiums. Tele- and video-conferencing capabilities, on-site technicians, plus a computer lab with 25 work stations, make CTC ideal for groups with heavy technology needs.
Although the 4,200-seat Town Toyota Events Center arena was designed for sporting and entertainment events, the facility rents the arena floor to private groups for large meetings and trade shows. Three smaller spaces are perfect for corporate or social gatherings of up to 100 people. The second-floor Top Shelf Lounge, overlooking Walla Walla Park, is especially welcoming.
Smaller meetings and social groups will enjoy these less conventional venues. The Art-Deco styling of the BPOE Ballroom adds a touch of glamour to meetings or celebrations. With 6,000 square feet of pillar-free space, hardwood flooring, caterer staging area and built-in bar, this unique facility shines for social events.
At Chateau Fair le Pont winery, groups can assemble in an elegant private space with a stone fireplace located adjacent to the tasting room, or they can have an intimate gathering in the barrel room. A spacious patio, an outdoor garden with expansive views and the in- house Chateau Grill restaurant provide additional options.
The castle-like turret and Craftsman-style decor of the historic Wells House, built in 1909, lend an old-world charm to any event. Broad porches and the surrounding lawn offer inviting outdoor space as well.
One of Wenatchee’s top attractions, Pybus Public Market, has a private room seating up to 200 people, a connecting 4,200-square-foot outdoor patio overlooking the Columbia River and a fully-equipped commercial kitchen. Guests enjoy browsing the market shops that offer food products, teas, produce, flowers and gift items along with several restaurants, a winery, brewery and coffee shop.
Another “must-see” attraction, Ohme Gardens, makes the perfect venue for an outdoor event or after-hours reception. Covering a hilltop overlooking the city, Ohme Gardens is a tranquil oasis of evergreen trees, lush plantings, flowers, waterfalls and ponds amid rocky outcroppings. Columbia River and Cascade mountain views make this an unforgettable setting.
OUT AND ABOUT
The region is renowned for its fruit—apples, pears, cherries and more. Stop by local farm stands and discover fresh-picked deliciousness.
The family-owned Stemilt Growers retail store, located just north of town, stocks seasonal fruit, produce and Northwest specialty foods.
Plan a team-building outing at Escape Room Wenatchee. Participants gather in a Bavarian-themed room and work together to solve clues and gain their release before the sand in the hourglass runs out.
Experience winter sports at nearby Mission Ridge, cycle the 10-mile Apple Capitol Loop Trail, raft the Wenatchee River, go for a hike or play a round of golf. There is no shortage of fun outdoor activities here.
Located at the junction of Highways 2 and 97, Wenatchee is about a half day’s drive from many major northwest cities. Alaska Airlines’ Horizon Air serves Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee. Amtrak’s Empire Builder train provides easy access from Seattle or Spokane.
Leavenworth
The Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth offers a unique setting for meetings. Its alpine setting feels a world away, while an extravaganza of dining, shopping, recreation and entertainment options fill leisure hours.
MEET AND STAY
Sleeping Lady Resort on the edge of town makes the perfect retreat. It feels like summer camp for grown-ups. Everything you need is here meeting space for up to 190, luxurious guest cabins, recreation and a spa, all nestled in a fragrant pine forest along the Icicle River. Group packages often include meals, served in the on- site Kingfisher Restaurant & Wine Bar. The Grotto Bar provides a restful setting for after hours mingling.
It’s an easy walk to the town center from Icicle Village Resort. The resort features both hotel and condominium accommodations, all including a complimentary hot breakfast. Two large ballrooms, smaller breakout rooms and inviting outdoor event spaces provide flexible options for groups. In addition to a day spa, amenities include two swimming pools, miniature golf, a sports court and Activity Center with arcade games.
When not in use for community festivals, the city- owned 10,000-square-foot Leavenworth Festhalle is perfect for larger events. It holds 1,000 theater-style, 950 for banquets or 50 exhibit booths.
OUT AND ABOUT
Wander the charming streets of Leavenworth and browse its shops for unique treasures. Along the way, sample locally made treats including chocolates, cheeses and roasted nuts. Wash them down with a beverage from one of the many wine tasting rooms or craft breweries.
Challenge your team to fly high at Leavenworth Ziplines. Horse-drawn wagon rides, river rafting, cycling, hiking, horseback riding, golfing and snow sports are just some of the activities available in this mountain playground only 30 minutes west of Wenatchee.
Winthrop
For a town of fewer than 500 residents, Winthrop possesses a substantial reputation and name recognition. Its one main street is lined with unique shops, lodging, eateries and watering holes, all linked by old-time wooden boardwalks. Settled in the late 1800s, Winthrop retains its Old West character.
MEET AND STAY
From its mountaintop aerie, Sun Mountain Lodge commands a panoramic view of Winthrop and the Methow Valley. With 112 luxurious rustic-chic rooms and suites, more than 10,000 square-feet of indoor meeting space, plus inviting outdoor venues, Sun Mountain is perfect for smaller groups looking for a retreat-like destination. The full-service resort offers a restaurant, lounge and spa in a spectacular setting. The Activities Shop provides convenient equipment rentals, and the staff can organize group events such as a Cowboy Dinner or winter Sleigh Ride.
OUT AND ABOUT
Two hours north of Wenatchee, the Methow Valley is a popular year-round recreation area. More than 120 miles of interconnected trails serve hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers. Other activities include river rafting, horseback riding and golf. The area is a haven for artists, whose work is featured in local galleries and shops.
CONNECT:
WENATCHEE
• Wenatchee has approximately 1,400 sleeping rooms
• Pangborn Airport in East Wenatchee is 15 minutes away
Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce
Jerri Barkley, marketing/communications coordinator
509-662-2116
jerri@wenatchee.org
wenatchee.org
Wenatchee Convention Center
• More than 28,000 square feet of meeting and event
space
• 18 meeting rooms
• 1,200 seated capacity in largest room
Linda Herald, general manager
509-662-4411
linda@wenatcheecenter.com
wenatcheeconventioncenter.com
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel
• 147 guest rooms
• 2,500 square feet of meeting and event space
• 4 meeting rooms
• 70 seated capacity in largest room
Ron Warren, director of sales
509-662-1234
rwarren@wenatcheecenter.com
coasthotels.com
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee
• 149 guest rooms
• 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 7 meeting rooms
• 550 seated capacity in largest room
Marianne Rumbolz, group sales manager
509-664-4532
marianne.rumbolz@redlion.com
redlion.com/wenatchee
Confluence Technology Center
• 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 10 meeting rooms
• 180 seated capacity in largest room
Tricia Degnan, conference center coordinator
509-661-3118
tricia@ccpd.com
ncwctc.com
BPOE Ballroom
• 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 1 meeting room
• 400 seated capacity in largest room
Leanna Kurpuis
509-860-3254
bpoegrandballroom@gmail.com
bpoegrandballroom.com
Town Toyota Events Center
• 3,660 square feet of meeting space
• 4,200-seat sport and event arena
• 3 meeting rooms
• 100 seated capacity in largest meeting room
Aaron Harvey, asst. general manager, booking/box Office
509-888-7341
aharvey@towntoyotacenter.com
towntoyotacenter.com
Chateau Fair le Pont
• 2,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 2 meeting rooms
• 150 seated capacity in largest room
Debe’ Brazil
509-667-9463
debebrazil@nwi.net
fairelepont.com
Wells House
• 525 square feet of meeting and event space
• 2 meeting rooms
• 50 seated capacity in largest room
Dawn Collings, Wells House coordinator
509-888-0619
dcollings@wvmcc.org
wentacheevalleymuseum.org/wells-house
Pybus Market
• 2,750 square feet of meeting and event space
• 1 meeting room
• 200 seated capacity in largest room
Steve Robinson, executive director
509-679-7143
steve.robinson@pybusmarket.org
pybusmarket.org
Ohme Gardens
Mike Short, garden administrator
509-662-5785
info@ohmegardens.com
ohmegardens.com
LEAVENWORTH
• Leavenworth has approximately 2,700 sleeping rooms
• Pangborn Airport in East Wenatchee is 45 minutes away
Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Stoller, media director
590-548-5807
media@leavenworth.org
leavenworth.org
Sleeping Lady Resort
• 58 guest rooms
• 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• Nine meeting rooms
• 190 seated capacity in largest room
Michael Molohon, senior group sales manager
509-888-9880
mmolohon@sleepinglady.com
sleepinglady.com
Icicle Village Resort
• 112 guest rooms and 30 Condos with 1 to 3 bedrooms
• 9,200 square feet of meeting and event space
• Eight meeting rooms
• 250 seated capacity in largest room
Nick Sowle, group sales manager
855-888-2272 ext. 429
nick@iciclevillage.com
iciclevillageresort.com
Leavenworth Festhalle
• 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• One meeting room
• 1,000 seated capacity
Josh Flickner, manager
509-548-5275
festhalle@cityofleavenworth.com
leavenworthfesthalle.com
CHELAN
• Chelan has approximately 1,100 sleeping rooms
• Pangborn Airport in East Wenatchee is 60 minutes away
Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce
Olivia Plew, director of marketing
509-682-3503
olivia@lakechelan.com
lakechelan.com
Campbell’s Resort
• 170 guest rooms
• 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 12 meeting rooms
• 400 seated capacity in largest room
Mary Amsden, group sales director
509-888-7095
mary@campbellsresort.com
campbellsresort.com
WINTHROP
• Winthrop has more than 250 sleeping rooms
• Pangborn Airport in East Wenatchee is 2 hours away
Winthrop Chamber of Commerce
509-996-2125
info@winthropwashington.com
winthropwashington.com
Sun Mountain Lodge
• 112 guest rooms
• 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 7 meeting rooms
• 300 seated capacity in largest room
LenElla Tabor, director of sales & conference services
509-996-4770
ltabor@sunmountainlodge.com
sunmountainlodge.com
