Cascade Valley Inn - The perfect home away from home
Margaret Robinson
Aug. 18, 2010
While traveling in Eastern Washington, one might be unlikely to go to Cashmere in search of a Bed and Breakfast. But it is here, nestled in the a small western corner of the city overlooking pear orchards, that owners Laurie and Rick Shorett first opened the Cascade Valley Inn in October of 2009.
“When our daughter graduated high school we just asked ourselves ‘what can we do next?’” Laurie said. “We like meeting new people and entertaining, so that lead us here.”
This conclusion launched to Shoretts into what we become a year of searching for the perfect venue. They looked as far east as Malaga and as far north as Entiat before settling on Cashmere.
“We knew we wanted something with less traffic, where it was sunny, dry, and quieter,” Laurie said.
Laurie estimates that she and her husband have stayed at about 25 Bed and Breakfast facilities before, and also went to a “B and B Boot Camp” in Colorado for three days prior to opening their own, giving them a better taste of what they were getting themselves into.
“We were looking for casual elegance,” she said, “something cozy and inviting so people are relaxed when they visit.” The four rooms at the Cascade Valley Inn all feature gas fireplaces, wireless internet, flat screen TV’s and DVD players, iPod docks, and private patios or decks.
The couple does all the cleaning themselves, and splits the cooking evenly, serving a seasonal three course breakfast every morning to their guests. “One of our big goals is to feature local produce… local fruits and local meats,” Laurie said.
The Cascade Valley Inn also holds a wine tasting for guests every Saturday evening, each time featuring a different local winery from Eastern Washington. “Its fun watching (the guests) interact, and learn what people have in common,” Rick said. “When you’re not used to it, (Cashmere) can seem very overwhelming just because it is so calming and amazing.”
The Cascade Valley Inn is located at 56 Mountainside Drive, and reservations can be made online at www.cascadevalleyinn.com or over the phone at (509)782-0240.
Great piece and excellent photos, Margaret! Laurie and Rick - good decision picking Cashmere - one of the prettiest places in the whole country!
August 19, 2010 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)