Washington State With a Twisp
Visit the Creative Hamlet of Twisp in the Methow Valley of Washington State
It’s home to one of the best coffee cafés in the country, and that’s just one of the many cool thing about Twisp, an under-the-radar yet thoroughly kinetic bohemian mountain hamlet hidden high in Washington State’s Methow Valley. Blue Star Coffee is the gold standard for craft beans and brewing.
The small-batch coffee purveyor—headed up by Twisp locals Dan and Meg Donohue—has earned numerous accolades, including as a top-three micro roaster in North America (Roast Magazine).
Whatever your preference, Blue Star has bean there, done that. If coffee’s not your drink, definitely indulge in one of their creamy Italian sodas (the lime flavor is heavenly). Organic milk and plant-based alternatives make a splash. Pair your coffee or soda with a gluten-free pastry.
After getting properly caffeinated, check out nearby TwispWorks, a community gathering space and creative campus with a tapestry of business from galleries to non-profits. Honor this space and land belonging to the Methow and Colville Confederated Tribes. Stroll the gardens here, including a Methow tribe encampment.
Upon entering TwispWorks you won’t miss “Entro”—a huge, welcoming steel sphere by artist Bernard Hosey. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, tour studios, and support local producers by shopping hyper-locally. Old Schoolhouse Brewery has a taproom here.
Stroll Twisp’s art-influenced Glover Street for gallery gazing, outdoor murals and sculptures. Pick up a sweet treat from the beloved Cinnamon Twisp Bakery, and check out restaurants like the saloon-style 1908 Barbecue and Bourbon.
Visit The Confluence, a gallery with a stellar collection of art and gift items handcrafted by local artists. Check their site for upcoming events. It’s a testament to why Twisp’s small creative district has such a large influence.
Note: Potential closures of SR 20—part of the famed Cascade Loop Scenic Byway—means you may need to route your road trip from Seattle by way of Stevens Pass (U.S. 2) or Snoqualmie Pass (I-5) but here’s a map link for the full loop, in case SR 20 is open.
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