Chelan County in Bloom: The Best Family Spring Itinerary for Apple Lovers

Spring in Chelan County is like stepping into a watercolor painting—lush green hills, snow-kissed mountain peaks, and, most importantly, blooming apple orchards that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you’re an apple lover, flower chaser, or family traveler craving a mix of nature, hands-on fun, and small-town charm, this six-day itinerary will take you from blossom to bottle across Manson, Chelan, Wenatchee, and Cashmere.

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Day 1-3: Bloom & Relax at Chelan Valley Farms in Manson

Your apple-loving adventure begins in the quaint town of Manson, where time slows down and spring smells like fresh blossoms and clean mountain air.

First, you’ll arrive at the Chelan Valley Farms, a family-owned haven nestled among vineyards and apple trees. This is not just a stay—it’s a full experience. One of my favorite experiences of this trip was enjoying their charming farm cottage, which offers peaceful views, easy access to the orchards, and a front-row seat to spring in full bloom. Kids can roam freely, and adults can sip rosé while admiring the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades.

Make Your Own Cider at Manson Growers

No apple trip is complete without getting your hands sticky in the best way. Just down the road from the Chelan Valley Farms, the Manson Growers offers a Cider Press Experience. You’ll learn to press apples with this hands-on activity, which is as satisfying as it is tasty—because you’ll leave with your own homemade cider to enjoy!

Explore Downtown Chelan

Just a short drive away is Chelan, a lakeside town brimming with boutique charm. Browse the local shops, pick up spring-inspired picnic goods, and take a lakeside stroll. Grab lunch at Local Myth Pizza, where seasonal ingredients and wood-fired crusts make magic, or try Campbell’s Pub & Veranda for local flavors and lake views.

Family-Friendly Wine Tasting in Lake Chelan Wine Valley

No visit to Chelan County is complete without exploring the renowned Lake Chelan Wine Valley, a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) since 2009. This region boasts over 30 wineries, many of which are family-owned and offer welcoming experiences for visitors of all ages.

Here are some standout family-friendly wineries to include in your itinerary:

Wapato Point Cellars

Located in Manson, this winery combines fine dining with a family-friendly atmosphere. Their on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu, and the outdoor area includes a playground, ensuring children are entertained.

Tsillan Cellars

Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of Lake Chelan, Tsillan Cellars offers a Tuscan-inspired experience. The estate features koi ponds and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a serene environment for families.

Vin du Lac Winery

This charming winery near downtown Chelan offers a bistro-style setting with a menu that appeals to all ages. The relaxed atmosphere and live music events make it a hit with families.

Cairdeas Winery

Specializing in Rhône-style wines, Cairdeas Winery in Manson offers a welcoming environment with scenic views. The open spaces and friendly staff make it a comfortable stop for families.

Tips for a Family-Friendly Wine Tasting Experience:

• Plan Ahead: Many wineries offer specific family-friendly amenities; check their websites or call ahead to confirm.
• Pack Essentials: Bring along snacks, games, or activities to keep children engaged during tastings.
• Stay Hydrated: Ensure everyone stays hydrated, especially during warmer months.

Exploring the Lake Chelan Wine Valley offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, exceptional wines, and family-friendly experiences.

Day 3-6: Explore Cashmere Charm & Wenatchee Blossom

Pack up your cider (and maybe a few bottles of Chelan wine), then make your way south to Cashmere—an under-the-radar gem perfect for nature lovers and festival-goers. Your base for the next three nights is the cozy and modern Cashmere Riverwalk Apartment, located just steps from the scenic Apple Capital Loop Trail.

Attend the Apple Blossom Festival

Time your visit with the Apple Blossom Festival, a nearly 100-year tradition that spans the region, usually in late April to early May. Look for events like orchard tours, live music, craft fairs, and (of course) apple pie contests. Attending festivals like this epitomizes the sweet, small-town Americana at its best.

Tip: Check the Apple Blossom Festival website for a schedule of events before your trip. Bring a picnic blanket, and let the kids dance to the live music while you sip on local cider.

Take a Wildflower Hike on Cashmere Canyon Trail

Spring means wildflowers galore, and Cashmere Canyon Trail is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. This moderate hike offers sweeping views of the Wenatchee Valley, and in April and May, it becomes a carpet of balsamroot, lupine, and desert parsley. The trail is relatively short (2.5 miles round trip), making it ideal for families or anyone looking to mix their apple blossoms with actual blossoms.

Don’t forget your camera—between the blooms and the panoramic vistas, this one’s Instagram gold. And if you didn’t want to haul your own gear, you can rent some from a local consignment shop!

Explore the Wine, History, and Markets of Wenatchee

On one of your days in Cashmere, carve out time for a full-day trip to Wenatchee, just a 20-minute drive away. This is the heart of Chelan County’s apple heritage and a surprisingly hip little hub.

Explore Pybus Public Market

Start at the Pybus Public Market, a buzzing indoor space packed with artisanal vendors, farm-fresh produce, and local eats. Grab coffee from Cafe Columbia, sample locally made pastries, and browse handmade goods. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch live music or a pop-up food truck outside on the plaza.

This is also a great place to stock up on goodies for a riverside picnic or your drive home.

Learn & Play at Rocky Reach Discovery Center

Kids and curious adults will love the Rocky Reach Discovery Center, a science-meets-nature spot located at the Rocky Reach Dam. It’s part museum, part playground, part overlook, and it explains the region’s deep connection to rivers, energy, and agriculture. Bonus: the grounds are beautifully landscaped with—you guessed it—apple trees.

More Local Bites & Sips to Try

• Rustic Café (Cashmere): Cozy and creative brunch spot with seasonal specialties and house-made apple cider doughnuts.
• Apple Annie’s Antique Gallery (Cashmere): Burn off some cider with an indoor treasure hunt—this place is huge and quirky in the best way.
• Blue Spirits Distilling (Cashmere): Adults-only moment? Try their apple-infused cocktails on the patio.
• Lake Chelan Winery (Chelan): A winery that welcomes families with BBQ nights, yard games, and a kid-friendly vibe.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Timing is key: Apple blossoms typically peak in late April through early May, and so does the Apple Blossom Festival.
• Dress in layers: Spring in Chelan County can bring sunshine, rain, and even a light snowflake or two.
• Book ahead: Chelan Valley Farms and other accommodations fill fast during bloom season.
• Festival travel: If attending a specific event at the festival, arrive early and bring folding chairs or a blanket—seating fills up quickly!
• Cider transport: Bring a small cooler or wine bag to safely carry home your handmade cider and any wine or apple goodies you collect along the way.

Why Chelan County in Spring is a Must

There’s something magical about seeing an entire valley in bloom, especially when it comes with the scent of apple blossoms in the air and cider on your tongue. Chelan County gives you the space to slow down, the activities to keep curious minds (big and small) engaged, and the charm of small towns that feel like the setting of a storybook.

Whether you’re pressing cider under a canopy of blossoms, sipping wine with orchard views, or simply watching your kids chase butterflies through a wildflower field, this itinerary delivers sweet spring memories—one apple at a time.