[jinx'sboy]

.....You won't be able to run to the store for odd things. You'll be making a long list and going to Omak or Wenatchee if you need more than the basics. I think that has improved since I lived there.... Yeah...not so much in the Methow anymore...that was 30 years ago. There are: Two well stocked hardware stores, 2 lumber yards, an irrigation and pipe supply store, a feed store. Two welding/machine shops, a couple small engine repair places, and 3 or 4 competent auto repair places. Two coffee roasters. Three bakeries. Two great grocery stores in Twisp and Winthrop, a large health food store in Twisp and a decent store in Mazama. Between them they have enough yuppie cheese/sausage/truffle oil/bone broth and organic gluten free shade grown kumquats, etc. etc. items, to rival anywhere in Eastern WA outside of probably Spokane. A great movie theatre opened last year...doing very well. Four outdoor/sporting goods/bike shops. A GREAT bookstore that is better than any I have found in Wenatchee. I end up in a Walmart or Costco, when I am outside the valley for other reasons, for cheap shampoo, toothpaste, vitamins, socks and underwear. But just to save a few bucks... Dining out is a hit and miss.... I can’t think of much basics lacking in the Methow.

[pcg]

So on those days when the air is particularly bad in Winthrop and Twisp, is it any better in Mazama?

[DIYSteve]

Yup, my Methow Valley buds hit Wenatchee Costco 1X or 2X a month. I hit Costco less often since moving to Eburg. YakiVegas (Union Gap, actually) Costco is a 40 mile drive from our house. I hit it every week or two. When we lived in West Seattle, I drove within 1-2 miles of Costco store #1 most days.

[treeswarper]

Twisp used to have bad air in the winter. That was before woodstoves were made to spew less smoke. I imagine that with gentrification, fewer people are heating with woodstoves. Also, I'd not live near the river, Twisp or Methow. When I lived there part of town was evacuated when an ice jam by the bridge was backing up the Twisp River. I joined a crowd of onlookers as one of the Lloyds was on a large cat, in the river, breaking up the ice jam. He was successful and the trailer park was saved. Looked like he got a wet butt though. Okanogan now has an IGA which is located in a building that used to be a grocery store. Omak is getting a Grocery Outlet. That will make 5 grocery stores in the area. Before the recession, it was rumored that a Costco was going in here. That rumor is now dead. I imagine they were going to take advantage of all the Canadian traffic. I enjoy living here because I can ride my bike to stores or walk. My pickup sits unused quite a bit.

[Randito]

[treeswarper]

I haven't been to Hank's in like 30 years. The IGA is good for Okanogan. Okanogan had no grocery store for many years.

[Backpacker Joe]

When I left Issaquah 7 years ago I first looked in the Carlton, Twisp Winthrop area. Since I was traveling then it didnt really matter where I lived. At that time, I didnt want to go into the kind of debt I would have had to to get into a house I was willing to live in. So, I moved to Cle Elum. Im happy here, and Ive paid off my mortgage in that time. Ive thought of moving up to Twisp still, but I really like my 6.5 acres where I am. Lately Ive been looking into some lite (2-5) acres up the Twisp river road for summer/winter recreation. Maybe a place to park a travel trailer. Ultimately, one of the issues mentioned seems to ring true for me. At this point Im far enough from the west side that I dont see my family as much as Id like. Had I moved to Twisp Id have never seen them!!! One hour from King county is one thing, four hours is another.

[treeswarper]

Five hours is even better!

[DIYSteve]

[RichP]

I just bought a place in Moscow, Idaho and am planning to give it a go. You never really know a place until you live here. Actually, I did live there 25 years ago and liked it a lot.

[zephyr]

[RichP]

[AlpineRose]

RichP, we will be looking forward to Idaho trip reports.

[zephyr]

[Cyclopath]

@RichP, I hope you stay as a member on this forum, too. Idaho is part of the NW. I'd love to see some photos, I've only driven across a few times, never spent any real time there. I remember part of it being gorgeous. I also hope you have a great time exploring new territory!