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    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Boehm’s Candies

    August 11, 2023
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    I have had the opportunity to taste and enjoy locally made chocolate in multiple countries around the world. I’ve taken chocolate making classes, learned about cocoa and brought home chocolate as gifts. But despite all that, there is one chocolate that remains my favorite – hands down the best chocolate in the world. And it’s right here in the Pacific Northwest. Let me tell you about Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Boehm’s Candies.

    Issaquah

    Boehm’s in Issaquah

    The lovely town of Issaquah in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains was my home back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Back then Issaquah was still a tiny little town, where people knew each other and shopped at locally owned stores. Today Issaquah has grown massively, but still keeps a thriving old town area and several successful unique and historic businesses. One of those is Boehm’s Candies.

    Julius Boehm

    Chalet built in 1956

    Austrian born Julius Boehm escaped Hitler’s tyranny and fled to Switzerland in 1940 and on to the United States in 1941. In 1942 he opened his first candy kitchen in Ravenna with the help of two friends and inspiration from his pastry-making grandmother. In 1956 he moved the operation to Issaquah which reminded him of the Alps and built the authentic Swiss Chalet that still is home to Boehm’s Candies today. Julius was a generous, engaged and much loved member of the community until his death in 1981. Thankfully longtime protege Bernard Garbusjuk took over the helm of the operation. With his long family history of Austrian Chocolate making Bernard kept the traditions and Boehm’s flourished. Today Bernard’s children are continuing the quality chocolate making business.

    Hand Dipped

    Hand Dipping

    Today most candy making operations are done with machines and it is rare to find fine chocolates that are hand dipped. In Boehm’s candy kitchen you will find the last two hand dippers at Boehm’s – Judy and Amy have been hand dipping chocolates for a combined 53 years. It is one of the things that make Boehm’s so special. Most people might not recognized how unique this is when they pop a delicious Boehm’s truffle into their mouth. But it is truly a dying art…and one to be savored.

    Machines Work Too

    Nougat rolled and waiting

    Some Boehm’s candies, however, are made by small batch machines. One rolling machine is more than 100 years old and is used nearly every day to roll out the confections. I asked what happens if they need a part for this 100 year old apparatus and I was told it never breaks down. Well they don’t make ’em like they used to!

    Delicious

    Boxing up a special order

    And they really don’t make ’em like they used to when it comes to today’s mass produced chocolate. Boehm’s is not that…rather it is a hands on, high caliber, steadfast operation, that is dedicated to traditional recipes, quality ingredients, old world charm and community. Much of Boehm’s staff have been with the company for multiple decades…unheard of in this day and age.

    If you have not visited Boehm’s Chalet in Issaquah you really must check out this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Boehm’s Candies. Tours are available by reservation and the shop is open six days a week.

    The boxing room

    You can also visit the beautiful Poulsbo location for the same great product, made fresh in Issaquah and delivered to Poulsbo once a week.

    And of course you can order online…but I recommend a personal visit and tour…because you can’t get a sample, breath that delicious aroma, or stroll the beautiful grounds at the Chalet by ordering online. It’s definitely a treat to visit in person one of my all time favorite Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Boehm’s Candies.

    Hand Dipping a dying art

    Make it an outing today!

    Directions to Boehm’s Candies Chalet in Issaquah

    Directions to Boehm’s Chocolates of Poulsbo

    Thanks for reading this week’s Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Boehm’s Candies. See last week’s Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Maple Pass

    We love it when you pin, comment and share our posts. Thank you. Be sure to come back next Friday for another Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest.

    Hand Dipped Boehm’s Chocolates
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    North America Travel

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Maple Pass, North Cascades

    August 4, 2023
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    Location: North Cascades, Washington State

    There are four things we commit to doing weekly during our summers in the Pacific Northwest; family, friends, golf and hike. We structure each week with a hike on Friday – rain or shine – and visit some of our old favorites and always make time for something new. A couple of weeks ago we took the beautiful drive north and east to discover something new; Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Maple Pass, North Cascades.

    Maple Pass

    It takes about four hours to drive to the trail head from our house on the Kitsap Peninsula. But it’s much closer for people in King County and the Seattle area. We decided to make it an overnight get-away and headed up the day before. We stopped in the darling historic town of Snohomish and had a fantastic lunch at Heidi’s Sandwich Board. Then we moseyed on to Burlington where we spent the night. Bright and early the next morning we drove the additional two hours east to the Lake Ann/ Heather Pass/ Maple Pass trail head in North Cascades National Park.

    Snow Lake in the distance

    Bird Watching

    We had read about this being a good place to bird watch, and we really enjoy viewing beautiful birds of the Pacific Northwest. We did see five birds that were new to us, but it didn’t end up being about bird watching for us in the way I thought it would. Here are the birds we saw;

    All of the bird images above are from our bird identifier app called Merlin. It’s a perfect app for amateur bird watchers and I highly recommend it. And guess what? It’s free!

    The Views Heather Pass/Maple Pass

    The highlight of this hike, if you do the full loop of Heather Pass/Maple Pass, are the unforgettable 360 degree views on a clear day. The hike begins in a beautiful forested area, quickly rising up to Alpine scrub and meadows above the tree line. It’s here where you begin to appreciate the North Cascades for its remoteness and fewer visitors. Turquoise blue alpine lakes, bright mountain wildflowers, distant views of Mount Baker and the craggy rocks jutting into the sky. Our hike loop was seven miles with about 2000 foot elevation gain, with the high point near 7000 feet in elevation (the trail had just become snow-free in early July). But don’t fear! There are shorter hikes here with much less elevation gain.

    Lake Ann
    Mount Baker

    Lake Ann

    An easy and beautiful walk to Lake Ann is about 3 miles round trip with minimal elevation. Meander through the woods and end up lakeside at the glacial blue lake. Definitely doable for most people.

    We highly recommend no matter which trail, water, sunscreen, hat and BUG SPRAY.

    Lake Ann from Heather Pass

    Parking

    We arrived on a weekday at about 9:30am and the parking lot was almost full on a beautiful July day. But additional parking is available on Hwy 20 and across the street. This area is also an access point for the Pacific Crest Trail...which runs from Mexico to Canada (the movie “Wild” takes place on this trail).

    National Parks

    The Pacific Northwest is home to three of this nation’s 424 National Parks. How lucky are we to have these amazing places in our backyard. Olympic National Park is the most visited, Mount Rainier second, and North Cascades places third. I highly recommend a visit to the Maple Pass area of North Cascades National Park. It’s worth the effort.

    At the Peak Maple Pass
    We encountered only two small snow patches

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Maple Pass North Cascades

    Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Maple Pass, North Cascades. I encourage you to get out and enjoy all the gems of the Washington and the Pacific Northwest. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Point Defiance Rose Garden. And be sure to check back next week for another hidden gem.

    Made it to the top!

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    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Point Defiance Rose Garden

    July 28, 2023
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    If you are a resident of the greater Tacoma/Pierce County area, you may question Point Defiance as a “hidden gem”. But take a moment to ask your friends who live even as close as Seattle, or anywhere else and you will likely find this hidden gem is lesser known than you think. And perhaps you’d like to keep it that way…I get it. It really is a jewel for those of us who live close and frequent it’s water access, hiking trails, historic sites, zoo and aquarium. But this local Point Defiance lover would venture to say the 760 acre secret urban oasis has plenty of room for locals and visitors alike. So here is my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Point Defiance Rose Garden.

    Golden

    History

    Long before it became a park in 1888 Point Defiance was part of the homelands of the Puyallup People. Still today the local Native Americans cherish the park which was a hunting and fishing grounds. Over the decades Point Defiance has evolved and today several historic structures remain, as do new and emerging public spaces.

    My Mom enjoying the arched roseway

    The Rose Garden

    It’s difficult for me to chose a favorite spot in Point Defiance Park, and my husband and I frequent the park regularly. But recently I have re-discovered the Rose Garden and realized how easily it is to miss this hidden gem. Although located near to the entrance of the park, it’s easy to drive right by as you are looking for parking. So take time and look around, for this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Point Defiance Rose Garden.

    Unique Rose species

    The Rose Garden began in the late 1800’s and today the oldest rose is from 1895. Today’s Rose Garden is more than an acre and has a wide variety of roses including miniatures and climbers. Peak bloom time is in the summer, but the garden also includes a Dahlia Garden that is beautiful in summer and fall. In fact, the surrounding area is home to many beautiful plants and trees creating a haven all year around.

    The garden is surrounded by a high but beautifully designed fence to keep the deer away from the tasty roses. Within the protected garden is a gazebo that is frequently used for weddings. Next door to this area is the historic Point Defiance Lodge, built to house the superintendent in 1898 today it is home to staff offices.

    Check out the Antique Sandwich Company only a couple blocks away for a great lunch when you visit.

    Antique Sandwich Company

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Point Defiance Rose Garden

    I love Point Defiance Park and all it offers to the public for free. It truly is the Central Park of the South Puget Sound region, and we are so lucky to have it in our own back yard. I for one, welcome visitors from near and far to come discover the hidden gem, and take some time to stop and smell the roses.

    Me Enjoying a stroll through the garden

    Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Point Defiance Rose Garden. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Linger Boutique.

    We love it when you comment, pin and share our blog posts. Thank you so much. Come back next week for another installment of Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest.

    Get Directions to Point Defiance Rose Garden

    Point Defiance Rose Garden
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    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Linger Boutique

    July 21, 2023
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    Though this blog is primarily about tourism, travel and exploration – I have never kept it a secret my belief that women in their Fabulous Fifties and surrounding generations are still kept from living to their potential. A “double-standard” if you will has, through the generations, created an unobtainable female convention with expectations to be perfect as a mother, wife, career-women and friend.

    This conjecture is now being questioned as women look to be happier and more fulfilled in all aspects of their lives, including in their own bodies. One local hidden gem in Olympia is trying to help women understand the stages of life, explore what it means to be female and learn to enjoy pleasure without objectification. Let’s talk about it and this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Linger Boutique.

    Ideas to feel pretty

    Let’s Linger

    Shauna Stewart , founder and owner of Linger Boutique in Olympia Washington says it so eloquently on her website that I am direct quoting here. What is Linger? Why is Linger a place for women, by women? She says;

    On a Mission

    We are on a mission to slow it down. We believe in taking time for what matters most: self love, meaningful relationships, simple pleasures, and deep intimacy.

    With a Vision

    We are cultivating a more connected world by making it more comfortable to access intimacy and sexual wellness offerings. Defined by comfort and beauty, we imagine a world where more people feel free to live fuller expressions of themselves by taking time for rest, connection and pleasure.

    Ideas for self-care

    Rest

    My key take-away from my afternoon with Shauna was the emphasis on rest. Women often don’t. Not only don’t they rest, they do not put their health, desires and self-care first. No shit, Sherlock – life is complicated. Have the kids done their homework? Where is that report I need to look at for tomorrow’s meeting? Did the laundry get put in the dryer? What do you mean you’re golfing on Saturday…who’s gonna mow the lawn?

    As we manage (or not) our families and careers, personal wellness gets put on the back burner…and so does rest. We can’t be our best without rest. If we take care to understand what our bodies are saying to us we can thrive better in the chaos, be more than just “givers”, be healthier and kinder.

    Ideas for pleasure

    Destigmatize

    At Linger, Shauna wants to destigmatize the things that make us feel most alive – rest and pleasure. But without the taboo that comes with talking about sexuality. Workshops, products and styles at Linger are designed to create a holistic approach that embraces being female. This includes a safe place to learn, ask questions, prioritize and embrace the slow living movement. Let’s talk about all the stuff we never learned from our mothers, sex ed class, our doctor or our own experience. Let’s talk about our body…its the only one you got.

    With my friend Shauna at Linger Boutique

    Innovative

    Yep – it’s innovative. And essential. Linger is a unique and beautiful space for the body and soul. Let’s slow it down, and appreciate our one and only body – no matter what generation you are occupying. Simple pleasure….that’s the Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Linger Boutique.

    Need directions to Linger in Olympia?

    Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Linger Boutique. Read last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Bloedel Gardens

    Come back next Friday for another Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest

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    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Bloedel Reserve

    July 14, 2023
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    Location: Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County

    A true treasure on Bainbridge Island, the Bloedel Gardens are like the secret garden we all dreamed of when we were small. But this isn’t fiction, it is a real and flourishing place not far from Agate Pass. Here is my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Bloedel Reserve.

    History

    Long before Virginia and Prentice Bloedel purchased this property in 1951, the Suquamish people were stewards of this land for generations. The Bloedels built their home here, and surrounded themselves with gardens, adding acres through the years.

    The Pollinator Meadow
    The Japanese Garden
    The Rock Garden

    For more than thirty years the Bloedels sculpted the landscape and welcomed friends and family to the masterpiece they built. When they no longer could care for the land, they gifted it to the community.

    The reserve website says of Mr. Bloedel;

    Mr. Bloedel was deeply interested in the relationship between people and the natural world, and the power of landscape to evoke emotions — from tranquility to exhilaration. He was ahead of his time in understanding the therapeutic power of nature and funded early research into the psychological effect of time spent outdoors.

    Today

    The Reserve was opened to the public in 1988 and since then it has continued to grow and develop. The fantastic 150 acre garden includes the welcoming Arrival Garden where you enter, park and enjoy a small and lovely gift shop; the Buxton Bird Marsh and Pollinator Meadow, an open and meandering place of grass and wildlife; the zen-like Japanese Garden, Rock Garden and Guest House; the Jurassic Garden home to the massive gunnera; The Moss Garden – my personal favorite…look close you just might see fairies and elves! Next come through a tall hedge and find a surprising Reflection Pool; enjoy the beauty of the Rhododendron Glen before you visit the shady and restful Trestle Bridge.

    The Moss Garden
    The Japanese Garden
    The Swan Pond and Mansion

    Trails

    Most trails are accessible and walkable. I visited with my 83 year old mom and she walked, using her walker, without issues through most of the garden.

    Tickets

    Since Covid, the Reserve has and will continue to be, by timed ticket. Purchase your ticket online ahead of time. Adult tickets are $22 and $25 during peak summer. The Bloedel Reserve is open Tuesday – Sunday year around, but hours change seasonally so check the website. Closed on major holidays.

    The Mansion is open to the public
    My Mom loved her visit
    The mansion

    Don’t miss this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Bloedel Reserve. A treat for the senses.

    Need Directions?

    See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Olalla Bay Market. Be sure and join us again next Friday for another Hidden Gem. Thanks for your continued support. We love it when you comment, pin and share our posts.

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    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Olalla Bay Market

    July 7, 2023
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    Location: Olalla Washington, Kitsap County

    This is our third installment in our summer series Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest. Not a hidden gem for long, the new (old) Olalla Bay Market was a big hit with locals the minute it opened it’s doors this past April. Let me tell you a little bit about this Hidden Gem of the Pacific Northwest – Olalla Bay Market.

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Olalla Bay Market

    Olalla

    The Olalla Bay Market has a long history in the tiny hamlet of Olalla. The building has served as a general store over the past century, most recently as Al’s Market. Olalla itself, once a thriving agriculture area, became a sleepy hollow after the Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened, and ferry service to Olalla disappeared. For the past eighty years though the community has kept it’s identity with the “general store” and old post office playing a big role as a place to gather.

    Old is New Again

    Old is New Again

    In 2021 Al’s Market closed and a new owner came in. Olalla resident and New York Times Best Selling author Gregg Olsen (Starvation Heights) committed to bringing the space back as a community gathering spot under the new name of Olalla Bay Market.

    But only a few months into the restoration a devastating fire could have put an end to the dream. But no – the community rallied, Olsen set his intentions and work continued. The new (old) Olalla Bay Market opened three months ago.

    Olalla Bay at low tide

    Open and Thriving

    Serving a wonderful selection of locally crafted beer, cider and more on tap, as well as a small menu of breakfast and lunch items and house made pizza after 4pm, the community came out in droves to support the new business. With both indoor and outdoor seating, a small grocery store and gifts area as well as a rental space for small groups, the only thing the business might need to work on is more parking.

    Caprese Salad
    Olives
    Pizza by the slice

    It really is a gem…a hidden gem…and one you should check out in beautiful Olalla Washington.

    Outdoor deck
    Beer, wine, cider and more

    Check out the journal, history and current events on the Olalla Bay Market website. Thank you for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Olalla Bay Market and be sure to come back next Friday to learn about another hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest.

    Need Directions?

    See last week’s post Hidden Gem’s of the Pacific Northwest – Rodeo Drive-In here.

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    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Rodeo Drive-In

    Hidden Gems of the PNW Installment Two

    June 30, 2023
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    Location: Rodeo Drive-In Kitsap County

    It’s our second installment of our Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest series, where we are discovering hidden gems near to where I live in the summer. I love living in Western Washington in the summer, with beautiful weather and outdoor activities to enjoy. So when we are here, we always enjoy being tourists in our own backyard. So, this blog post series idea was born. I hope you enjoy it. Our second installment of Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest –Rodeo Drive-In in Kitsap County.

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Rodeo Drive-In

    A Walk Down Memory Lane

    When I was in high school in the 1970s, going to the drive-in on a date or with girlfriends was very common. In the county I grew up in there were three choices of drive-in theaters and we frequented them all. But mostly we went to either the Kitsap Lake Drive-In or to the Rodeo Drive-In. My future husband and I (he was 16 and I was 15) saw several movies there as young teens, including The Way We Were in 1975. I also remembering seeing The Omen with a girlfriend in 1976 and having nightmares after.

    There were many more fun times at the drive-in as a child of the 1960s and 1970s. But it had been decades since I had gone to a drive-in movie.

    Screen Two
    Me
    Concessions were delicious and inexpensive

    History of The Rodeo Drive-In

    The original Rodeo Motor Movies was opened in 1949, with the capacity of 600 cars. It was the first in the county with two others coming along shortly after, Kitsap Lake and Big Bear.

    The Rodeo was sold in 1977 and Kitsap Lake was closed. In 1978, second and third screens were added to The Rodeo as well as a new concessions building and ticket entrance. In 1986, the Rodeo Drive-In was sold to Jack and Cindy Ondracek. The Big Bear Drive-In closed in 1994, and the Rodeo became the only outdoor theater in the Kitsap County area.

    Yep that’s us in 1975
    Not The Rodeo but a look back at the olden days (Canva)

    Today’s Rodeo Drive-In

    Back in the day, the Rodeo Drive-In was way out in the boonies (as we used to say), but today with all the growth in the region, my home is only a ten minute drive away. Over the last few summers we have talked about checking it out, but it never happened until now.

    The Rodeo Drive-In is open year ’round except on July 4th. It offers first run movies at all three screens for a budget price of $12 adults, $7 for seniors (55 and older!) and kids under 12; children under 5 are free. The theater does a great job giving a nostalgic vibe and we really enjoyed seeing The Little Mermaid.

    The Rodeo Drive-In website says;

    “Today, with 3 screens and a total car capacity of about 1,000, the Rodeo is the largest outdoor theater complex north of California, and by far the largest and oldest family-owned drive-in in the Northwest.  Other drive-ins in our state include the Blue Fox Drive-In (Oak Harbor/Whidbey island), the Wheel-In Motor Movie (Port Townsend), the Skyline Drive-In (Shelton) and the Auto-Vue Drive-In (Colville)… all family-owned with unique personalities.

    Nationally, about 400 drive-ins remain in the US, accounting for about 900 outdoor screens.

    Drive-in theaters are special places, with a nostalgic atmosphere that few events offer. Every one is unique, reflecting the personalities of the owners and staffs, and the communities they serve.”

    Delicious treat
    Cozy and comfy
    The Little Mermaid

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Rodeo Drive-In

    We had a wonderful Sunday evening at the Rodeo. It was a fun way to see a current film, while reminiscing about our youth. I highly recommend Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Rodeo Drive-In. Check it out soon.

    Need Directions?

    Check out last week’s Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Rhododendron Species Garden here.

    We love it when you comment, pin and share our blog posts. Thank you. Visit us next Friday for another installment of Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest.

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