A Weekend of Old West Charm and Mountain Adventures

Hidden in the scenic Methow Valley, Winthrop, Washington, offers visitors a unique blend of Old West charm and natural beauty. Known for its iconic wooden boardwalks, historic storefronts, and vintage saloons, this small town feels like a step back in time. Yet, it’s surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking a quiet weekend escape, a chance to explore nearby trails, or a place to reconnect with nature, Winthrop has something for everyone.

Winthrop, Washington

My husband and I have been here multiple times. It’s now a yearly tradition, a weekend getaway that we always look forward to. My husband is an avid hiker, driven by his love for the breathtaking views . I, too, love the views, but I’d much rather hike a somewhat reasonable grade trail than climb the side of a mountain. Fortunately, there are plenty of trails to meet both our desires.

Hiking Trails and Outdoor Adventure

On our last visit, we headed out to Rainy Pass and walked a bit around the picnic area, which offers some stunning views on its own.

If you’re an avid hiker like my husband, this area is the entrance to one of the most beautiful hikes – if you’re up to the challenge: Cutthroat Pass. This 10-mile round-trip hike on the Pacific Crest Trail takes you through lush, beautiful forests and up to breathtaking views. My husband did a trail run race here a few years back and has been wanting to return ever since. The spectacular views are enticing to me, and although I’m not a strong hiker, I have promised him I’d train for it and give it a try.

Cutthroat Pass Trail Run

Here are three more hikes worth checking out – listed from easiest to the most challenging:

  • Blue Lake Trail – This one is right up my alley! A relatively short 4.4-mile round-trip hike with only 1,000 feet of elevation gain, this trail is much easier and rewards hikers with turquoise-blue lake views, jagged peaks, and beautiful alpine scenery. It’s especially popular in summer and early fall.
  • Maple Pass Loop – This popular 7.2-mile loop trail near Rainy Pass offers panoramic mountain views, alpine lakes, and vibrant wildflower displays in summer. The trail is moderately challenging – you will gain a little over 2,000 feet in elevation, but it offers stunning views, especially in fall.
  • Goat Peak Lookout – For panoramic views over the Methow Valley, the 3.5-mile round-trip hike to Goat Peak Lookout is fantastic. This is a challenging hike with a steep climb, but reaching the historic fire lookout at the top makes it worthwhile, especially on clear days when you can see for miles.

Beyond hiking, this area is a gateway to endless outdoor adventures. In the warmer months, you can enjoy biking, or one of our favorite activities there – horseback riding. And the Methow River offers opportunities for fly fishing and rafting. I have been told that winter transforms the area into a paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, so I am determined to return in wintertime and confirm!

Old Town

This historic old town is designed to reflect its 1890s roots, from the wooden boardwalks to the rustic storefronts. It underwent a western-themed transformation in the 1970s to boost tourism, and the result is a picturesque, storybook setting that feels like stepping back in time.

We always leave a full day to stroll through downtown, enjoy the atmosphere, and browse the shops. You’ll find everything from handcrafted goods and local art to outdoor gear and souvenirs. And then there is my favorite shop – Aspen Grove Home & Kitchen store. Here’s a secret about me… when I travel, I ALWAYS find some little item to take home and use in my kitchen, whether it’s measuring spoons, spices, or new potholders. I love to cook, and I love to be surrounded by memories of travel – so I search out keepsakes from my travels to keep in my kitchen.

While we’re on the topic of kitchens, let’s talk about food! The old town has several spots offering a variety of food choices, but here are three of our favorites:

  1. Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe – Famous for its homemade fudge, ice cream, and old-fashioned candy.
  2. The Old Schoolhouse Brewery – Located along the river, this spot offers craft beer and live music.
  3. Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon – The oldest legal saloon in Washington.

Whether you’re in town for a day or a weekend, Winthrop’s old-town charm, friendly atmosphere, and vibrant local businesses make it a destination worth savoring.

When to Visit

There are a variety of festivals and events that draw visitors throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival, which takes place each July. This is the longest-running blues festival in the state and attracts top-tier musicians and blues enthusiasts from all over. With a picturesque setting along the Methow River, it’s a weekend full of great music, camping, and the friendly community spirit that Winthrop is known for.

Another must-visit event is the Winthrop Balloon Roundup in early March. The sight of colorful hot air balloons lifting into the crisp winter sky over the snow-covered Methow Valley is truly magical. Visitors can enjoy balloon rides, take stunning photographs, or simply relax and watch the spectacle unfold. This event offers a unique perspective on Winthrop’s winter beauty and is a great way to kick off a spring getaway.

This past year we went in August and made a detour through Okanogan to attend the Omak Stampede.

This multi-day rodeo includes an event called the “Suicide Race”, a Native American tradition since 1935 that sparks plenty of passionate responses. It is celebrated by many for its cultural significance, and criticized by others who raise concerns about safety and animal welfare. I will say one thing, it was quite impressive to watch!

Where to Stay

There are plenty of great options for overnight accommodations. Here are three places that we have personally experienced and recommend:

  • River’s Edge Resort – These are not fancy, but they are cozy and perfect if you’re looking for something in town. We love getting the cabins by the small creek with a hot tub!
  • River Pines Inn (Airbnb) – Located right on the river and large enough for a family or group of friends. We take full advantage of our private balcony for morning coffee and the fire pits in the evening for wine by the river.
  • Sun Mountain Lodge – If you’re looking for the full lodging experience complete with a pool, spa, restaurant, and guided tours, check out Sun Mountain Lodge!

With its charming small-town feel, diverse recreational activities, and vibrant local festivals, Winthrop is a destination that promises both relaxation and adventure for travelers year-round.

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Live your best three Days in Athens, Greece

What if you had three days to tour a top destination that has been continually inhabited for 5,000 years?  A city filled with ancient ruins, modern shops, an endless selection of amazing food, with an equally impressive nightlife culture. Where do you start?

Well, I can help!  When I was planning my trip to Athens, Greece I asked myself that same question. Then I got to work researching the area and the history, and put together a three day itinerary for myself. I’m here to share that itinerary with you as well as a few tidbits I learned along the way during my visit to Athens.

First, let’s cover a couple basic housekeeping items for your trip.

Walk or Drive?

Athens is an impressively large city with a population of over 3 million people, 178 museums, 20 Michelin Guide restaurants, and 31 miles of coastline.  You may be tempted to get a car and set yourself free to see it all.  Should you do it?  Well maybe…but hear me out first. 

Through time there have always been those brave warriors that would fearlessly adorn their armor and join their comrades to embark on the campaign of a worthy cause.  I admire this passion, and in fact, have from time to time been of the same cloth.  I spent years navigating traffic in Seattle, Washington, USA. During rush hour, and holidays, and *gasp* a few snowflakes.  I’m not afraid of the traffic jams, the horns, or even missing an exit and the subsequent re-route through google maps.  But Athens traffic made even me raise an eyebrow. 

Downtown Athens City Traffic

Besides, when I’m on vacation, the last thing I want to do is spend time driving and stressing.  I want to be out exploring and relaxing – and eating!  Everything on this three-day itinerary is within walking distance from Syntagma Square so do yourself a solid – get a hotel near the Square, catch a taxi from the airport, and then relax and travel on foot to see all these sites on my three-day itinerary. 

There is a bit of walking on this agenda, but it’s mostly easy strolling and I have provided approximate distance to help you in planning.

Taxi Options

As you exit the Athens airport, you can find the line for taxis on your left. Athens has set a standard rate for airport to downtown so all taxis will charge about the same price. However, with just a little pre-planning you can make your arrival SO MUCH BETTER!  Pre-schedule your transportation to and from the airport with George’s Taxi.  I am so glad I did this.  My driver, Alex, was there to greet me at the airport.  He helped me with my bags, had fresh cool water ready for me, and even gave me a short history and layout of the Athens area as we drove from the airport to my hotel.  It was a fantastic way to be greeted as I arrived in Athens!

Where to Stay

There are several good hotels to choose from that are within walking distance of Syntagma Square.  I chose Arethusa Hotel for three reasons (1) great location, (2) great price, and (3) great reviews.  If you’re looking for a basic clean room with friendly staff, then this is a solid choice. There are no fancy amenities such as a roof-top bar, on-site restaurant, or pool and spa.  However, there is a good breakfast buffet included and a plethora of wonderful restaurants close by.  I spent $67.50 Euros a night and was very pleased with my accommodation.

Day One – Food, Shopping, and Little Kook

I arrived in Athens on Friday afternoon and was excited to immediately try some authentic Greek food.  Right across the street from my hotel was The Greco’s Project Restaurant and it did not disappoint!  I ordered a Mediterranean salad and a glass of white wine which I enjoyed outside while watching the evening traffic as people were heading home from their work week.

Mediterranean Salad

Friday’s agenda item was to check out Ermou Street, a pedestrian only area just a 10-minute walk from my hotel.  This street is filled with boutique shops, cafes, and street vendors. There is so much to see here that I’m glad I left my Friday evening open for investigating it. 

Just a few streets over you will find Little Kook, A fairytale themed café that is a must-see!

After a few hours of sight-seeing I headed back to my hotel to check in early for a decent night’s sleep. This helped me reset my time-zone for the 8-hour difference from home so that I could enjoy the next two full days in Athens.

Day Two – The Athens Food Scene

Mention Greece and there are two things that immediately come to mind for most people: Ancient Ruins and Greek Food.  Day two is a mix of both, with the first half focused on food. There are plenty of options for food tours here. I booked The Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens through Trip Advisor and would do this one again. It was a small group which made it easy to hear the tour guide and to get to know everyone. I met my guide, Dorela, and the rest of the group at Monastiraki Square, which was a 10 minute walk from my hotel. 

From there we set out for a four hour tour of Greek cuisine.  We started the morning with traditional breakfast pastries.  This is where I tasted, and fell in love with, spanakopita. It is a pie made by layering spinach, ricotta cheese, and feta cheese with thin sheets of phyllo dough brushed generously with olive oil. I loved this one so much that it became my staple breakfast “go to” during my entire three-week tour of Greece. However, these fresh made donuts drizzled with Greek honey were a close second!

Greek Pastries – donuts drizzled with honey

From here we made our way to a coffee shop to try Greek coffee made the traditional way of using a briki and hot sand to boil the grounds.  The coffee is unfiltered, the grounds settle to the bottom of the cup as you slowly sip.  So here’s the thing…I am NOT a coffee connoisseur.  My default morning drink is a vanilla latte, which I have been told doesn’t even count as real coffee.  Because of this, I was not expecting to like this strong unfiltered coffee of Greece, but….was I pleasantly surprised! I ordered mine with a little milk and sugar and it was AMAZING!  I LOVED IT!  If you ever have a chance to try traditional Greek coffee (sometimes called Turkish coffee) do it!   

Next stop was a tour of the Athens market.  Restaurant owners, chefs, and home cooks all shop in market where you can find everything from herbs and teas to fresh produce, nuts, fish, snails, and various meat products. And of course….olives!  I passed on the snails but did enjoy tasting the many different flavors of olives along with some dates and other fresh produce.

Near the market you will find several restaurants, one of which we settled down at to enjoy a full spread of traditional Greek foods.  Seafood, fresh cheese, pasta, and produce filled the table along with wine and ouzo. Ouzo is a Greek liquor made from the unfermented juice remnants after grapes have been pressed for wine.  It has a strong anise flavor and is meant to be poured over ice and slipped slowly with your meal.  If you like black Liquorice you will probably like ouzo!  I thought it tasted somewhat sweet and so I enjoyed it often during my visit there as an after dinner drink, sort of a simple desert.

With our bellies full, we then headed over to a wine bar where Dorela introduced us to the various types of Greek wine, olive oil, and honey. My favorite was this Petalo White from Gofas Winery – I think it would pair beautifully with seafood or grilled chicken.

After tasting our way through the wines, oils, and Greek honey we made our way to the final stop to get a gyro.  You can’t have a complete Greek food tour without a gyro! Here I learned a couple tidbits from our tour guide (1) it is pronounced “Yee-ro”, and (2) when ordered at a sandwich shop such as this one you will get a version us Americans are familiar with – all the ingredients wrapped in a pita bread and served sandwich style.  However, if you order a “yee-ro” at a sit down restaurant you are more likely to get the ingredients served on a platter with the pita bread served on the side.

Greek Gyro

So much food on this food tour….SO MUCH FOOD!! I have no idea how I ate it all – but I did – and it was AMAZING!

Our tour ended back at Monastiraki Square and with my body completely fueled I was ready for an afternoon of sightseeing. Honestly – I NEEDED to walk – I had just consumed no less than 5,000 calories of amazing Greek food! I wandered around the Square checking out the many vendors and the centuries old Byzantine church, then wandered down to the Agora.

The Agora, meaning “market”, became the public town square in the early 6th century and it sits just a few minutes’ walk to the West of Monastiraki.  It seemed appropriate after touring the modern day market to spend some time touring this ancient town square along with the Temple of Hephaestus and the Altar of Aphrodite Urania. 

Making my way back towards my hotel, I stopped at Hadrian’s Library, constructed in 132 CE by the emperor Hadrian.

These sites do require a ticket for entry.  I purchased combination tickets to the Athens attractions through TripAdvisor in advance.  You can also purchase tickets with audio tours through Viator.

Closing out this second day I put a lot of miles on my shoes so I was ready for a light dinner and some Greek wine.  I found The Drunky Goat, a wine bar close to my hotel that also had some great food options to pair with my wine flight.  If you’re in the area I recommend stopping by and checking them out!  Super friendly staff and great wine flight options.

Day Three – The Acropolis

The birthplace of democracy.  The Acropolis stands tall over the city of Athens.  Built in the 5th century BC it is one of the most complete Greek complexes still in existence today and is also one of the most visited sites in Athens.  That means, be prepared for lines and crowds!

You can bypass a majority of both by doing what I did, purchase guided tour with Athenian Tours through “Get Your Guide”

This day was the most intensive for walking. The meeting place for my tour was only about a 15-minute walk from my hotel, but getting to the top of the Acropolis will require walking up the incline (156 meters/512 feet). It’s an easy path, but it is a hill!

Acropolis – taken at night from Monastiraki Square

We started early in the morning and since the tickets were pre-purchased our group was able to bypass the line and start hiking the hill to the Acropolis.  Our group was small (12-15 people) and we were given headsets so that we could still clearly hear the tour guide even if we were standing a bit away from her.  

And Bonus – she brought us around to a spot on the side of the main temple away from most of the crowds so we could get a good photo. 

Me at the Acropolis Temple

As you exit the Acropolis, walk slowly past the columns and pay close attention – you may catch a glimpse of ancient graffiti from travelers of past!

I selected the Acropolis tour option that included a guided museum tour and it was well worth it!  Most of the statues and décor from the temples have been moved into the museum to protect them.  Our guide did a great job at walking us through the displays and referencing them back to the temples that we had just seen.

 My favorites here were the statue columns from the Temple of Athena and this frieze representing the citizens of Athens.  The detail is stunning – no two objects in the frieze are identical. Follow the path and you will find yourself before the gods. The scene is a great representation of the beliefs of the Greeks that the gods were among them, and divinity was present in all humans.

When the guided tour was finished, we were free to stay and continue exploring the museum on our own.  Hold onto your museum ticket, because it also includes entrance into the excavated neighborhood beneath the museum – the Makrygiannis plot.  This area was inhabited from the 4th millennium BC to the 12th century AD.  While there are some plaques explaining sections of the excavation it would be worthwhile to do a bit of research in advance so that you can get the most out of your time here. Start your research here: https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en/exhibit-halls/archaeological-excavation

After browsing the museum and the excavation site, I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the Plaka neighborhood which sits just below the Acropolis.

Plaka neighborhood, Athens, Greece

This is one of the oldest sections of Athens and is mostly pedestrian traffic only.  The neighborhood is absolutely beautiful with narrow cobblestone like streets filled with shops.  Outdoor restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to sit down, rest your feet, and enjoy a coffee or a glass of Greek wine.  This website has a lot of great information on the Plaka neighborhood and I recommend reading it before your trip so you know which places you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Hadrian’s Library is also close by, so if you didn’t find time to visit on day two, you get a second chance on day three! 

My three days in Athens was the start of a multi-week solo tour of Greece.  From here I traveled down to the Peloponnese and the over to the Island of Crete, which I will write about in future blog posts.

I enjoyed Athens so much that I plan to return there.  Have you traveled to Athens? What sights would you recommend I should visit on my next trip there?

Note: This post contains some affiliate links to the hotels/restaurants/tours that I went on and enjoyed, so I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through links on this site at no additional cost to you.