Hidden Gems in the Inland Empire: The Marcus Cider Fest

 On the first Saturday in October annally the small town of Marcus hosts their own Cider Fest. Marcus is located about eight miles north of Kettle Falls on Lake Roosevelt.

 The town of Marcus is serious about apples. All the streets are even named for types of apples. I think we parked on Red Delicious or Winesap Street.

 They have an incredible press that produces fresh cider that is sold fresh all day. Orchard owners from the area donate apples to make the cider. This press is very inventive and makes lots of cider.

There is a parade, craft booths, music, food, and of course lots of apples. It was perfect weather last Saturday to drive north up the lake for a visit at Marcus. This event is not such a hidden gem now. People from all over the northwest take the trek to Marcus to enjoy the Cider Fest!

Hidden Gems in the Inland Empire: The Peterson Barn

 Recently I discovered another hidden gem in Moscow, Idaho. When I was organizing a leadership retreat last summer and it was a football week-end in the Palouse I knew there would be problems with lodging.

While searching for other options I found the Peterson Barn in Moscow Idaho. There is quite a story behind the building of this place that you can check out on the website. I have driven very close to the place while heading east on the Troy Highway, but never realized it existed. Take a tour with me of another of my newly found hidden gems.

 Here are the steps coming up the back of The Barn.

 The sunflowers were an amazing addition to the beauty of the place.

 The bench on the deck provided a nice spot for lunch in the sunshine.

 The place was surrounded by flowers, fruit trees, and fresh vegetables ready to be harvested.

 I loved the old gas stove and all the dishes and cookware to provide meals. I captured an image of the fruit on the table.

 

My sister joined me Saturday and as we were leaving Sunday we found a hidden garden room surrounded by grape vines. I thought she was perfectly color coordinated.The Peterson Barn is reasonably priced, it is a perfect location just off the beaten path in Moscow, and it is comfortable and cozy. To learn more about the Peterson Barn go here.

Hidden Gems in the Inland Empire: Train Ride at Metaline Falls

I had always heard of the train ride available between Ione to Metaline Falls along the Pend Oreille River in the fall, but it was something we had just never done. I remember my friend Tara last year posting beautiful pictures of the trip. My sister had an idea in August that we all take the train ride on Labor Day Week-End. My sister had a fantastic idea. This is my niece Kiki Aru above enjoying the ride.

 It was a scenic drive from Colville over Tiger Highway to Pend Oreille County. We stopped and took pictures of the waterfalls along the highway. Heading north along one of the few rivers in the United States that runs north, we saw spectacular mountains, the impressive Box Canyon Dam, and sites around Metaline Falls.

 On the train ride we saw majestic views of the river.

 My niece The Princess was up for some excitement

It was a ninety minute ride so toward the end my niece were ready for a nap on my sister's shoulder. Mom decided to get a view from the other direction. We were "held up" in Ione to raise money for the Cutter Theater.

 Here a view from above the Box Canyon Dam.

We ended the day enjoying a play at the Cutter Theater in Metaline Falls. The Lions Club sponsors these train rides and they continue on week-ends through October. It is for a worthy cause and well worth the trip. To learn more about the Train Rides, click here.

"It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

 NO.... I am not talking about Christmas. I would have to link this song to autumn. This has been one extraordinary autumn.

 The kale lights up the garden.The burning bushes are actually burning,the Virginia Creepers are all ablaze in red, some mums came back and the asters are in full bloom.

 The apples are about ready to harvest. Today there were grapes waiting in the fruit bowl when I returned from school. We haven't had a frost so we are still enjoying even flowers like impatients and petunias. The air is filled with the scent of asylum. 

The evening is much shorter, but the last light of the day is more glorious while shining through leaves of purple, orange, and red. Yes, autumn.... it is the most wonderful time of the year.