Cheers to the Season: Shoppings, Dining, Wineries, and Breweries in Central Washington
There’s more to a Central Washington getaway than mountain views and outdoor adventures. Beyond the scenic highways and charming small towns, you’ll find locally owned boutiques, welcoming restaurants, handcrafted wines, and breweries worth making a special trip for.
From the historic streets of Ellensburg and Roslyn to the mountain communities of Cle Elum, Ronald, Easton, and Snoqualmie Pass, every stop offers something different. Spend the morning hunting for unique gifts, discover a new favorite restaurant in the afternoon, and finish your day with a glass of Washington wine or a locally brewed beer.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or exploring a little closer to home, here’s your guide to shopping, sipping, and savoring your way through Kittitas County.
Discover Unique Finds in Central Washington's Local Shops
Skip the big-box stores and discover something with a little more personality. Central Washington’s historic downtowns are full of independently owned shops where browsing is half the fun.
In Ellensburg, stroll along Pearl Street and Main Street to discover everything from stylish clothing and home décor to books, gifts, and locally made treasures. Stop into Jerrol’s for books, games, art supplies, and gifts, or explore Mountain High Sports for outdoor apparel and gear.
Head west to Cle Elum, where locally owned businesses offer a taste of the area’s mountain-town character. At Forage Home, discover a thoughtfully curated selection of home décor, kitchen essentials, artisan goods, and unique gifts inspired by life in the Pacific Northwest. For even more shopping, explore downtown Cle Elum’s boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores along First Street.
In Roslyn, shopping comes with a side of small-town charm. Browse the historic storefronts along Pennsylvania Avenue, where you’ll find locally inspired gifts, specialty goods, and unexpected treasures. With its preserved architecture and mountain-town atmosphere, Roslyn is a destination worth exploring at a leisurely pace.
Even the smaller communities have their own discoveries. A stop in Ronald offers a glimpse of everyday life in Upper Kittitas County, while local businesses throughout Kittitas provide more opportunities to explore beyond the region’s larger downtowns.
The best souvenirs aren’t always the ones you planned to buy. Sometimes they’re the unexpected finds that remind you of a great day spent exploring.
Come Hungry: Local Dining Worth the Drive
One of the best ways to experience Central Washington is through its food. From generations-old bakeries to creative restaurants and cozy mountain cafés, there’s no shortage of memorable places to grab a bite.
Start your day in Cle Elum with a visit to the beloved Cle Elum Bakery, where fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats have made it a longtime local favorite. For a sit-down meal, Cottage Cafe serves classic American comfort food, while Orchard Restaurant offers a more refined dining experience featuring seasonal, scratch-made dishes.
In Ellensburg, the local dining scene offers plenty of variety. The Red Pickle serves creative comfort food and cocktails in a converted filling station, while The Huntsman Tavern & Restaurant offers another inviting downtown dining experience.
Traveling through Roslyn? Step into Roslyn Mexican Grill for flavorful Mexican cuisine, or experience a piece of local history at The Brick Saloon, a longstanding gathering place with food, drinks, and plenty of character.
And don’t overlook the smaller communities along the way. In Kittitas, local eateries offer casual stops for travelers exploring the valley, while The Old #3 in Ronald provides a classic mountain-town tavern experience. Around Easton and Snoqualmie Pass, a meal or warm drink can be the perfect break during a day exploring the Cascades.
Whether you’re after a quick breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a memorable dinner, there’s always something delicious waiting around the next corner.
Sip Your Way Through Central Washington Wine Country
You don’t have to travel far to discover great Washington wine. Throughout Kittitas County, welcoming tasting rooms and local wineries offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, try something new, and enjoy an afternoon with friends.
In downtown Cle Elum, Upsidedown Wine welcomes visitors into a beautifully restored historic building. Enjoy a tasting flight of thoughtfully crafted Washington wines in a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the Cascades.
In Ellensburg, Gard Vintners brings Washington-grown wines to the heart of downtown. With a welcoming tasting room, wine flights, and occasional live music, it’s an inviting place to gather with friends. Another great stop is Ellensburg Pasta Company, where wine and delicious food come together in a cozy setting.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply enjoy a good glass with great company, Central Washington offers plenty of reasons to raise a glass.
Discover Craft Breweries with Local Character
Great beer and Central Washington go hand in hand. From small-batch breweries to historic neighborhood gathering spots, Kittitas County’s craft beer scene is full of character.
In Ellensburg, Whipsaw Brewing offers locally crafted beers in a welcoming taproom near the rodeo grounds. Pull up a seat, explore the rotating beer selection, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind after exploring downtown or spending the day outdoors.
Over in Cle Elum, Mule & Elk Brewing Co. is a natural stop after a mountain adventure. Known as Cle Elum’s first nano-brewery, this family-friendly, dog-friendly taproom serves flavorful craft beers and hosts community events in a relaxed setting.
In historic Roslyn, Roslyn Brewing Company carries on a brewing tradition inspired by the town’s coal-mining heritage. Known for its full-bodied German-style lagers, the brewery offers a taste of local history alongside its handcrafted beer.
For travelers heading toward Snoqualmie Pass, the surrounding mountain communities offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy a locally brewed pint before or after a day of exploring. Whether you’re celebrating a successful hike, meeting up with friends, or simply taking in the mountain atmosphere, there’s no better way to end an adventure.
Make It a Central Washington Getaway
The best part about exploring Central Washington’s shops, restaurants, wineries, and breweries? You don’t have to squeeze it all into one day.
Start your morning browsing the historic storefronts of Ellensburg, then head toward Cle Elum for lunch and a little local shopping. Spend the afternoon discovering Roslyn’s mountain-town charm, or venture north toward Ronald for a quieter glimpse of Upper Kittitas County.
Traveling through Easton or Snoqualmie Pass? Take time to enjoy the scenery and discover the small-town stops that make a journey through the Cascades so memorable.
With so many communities to explore, every visit offers a chance to find a new favorite restaurant, discover a unique local shop, or enjoy a memorable tasting experience.
Gather Local in Central Washington, where memorable meals, unique finds, great drinks, and welcoming communities make every stop worth the trip.
Gather Local
