As I drove alongside the Columbia River, I caught glimpses of ferries floating by and seaside shops closing up at the sight of the sunset. Turning off the main highway, the stresses of everyday life seemed to fade away from the winding road. The sudden loss of cell service created a delightfully meditative and silent car ride up to the tucked away property where Betsy - a vintage camper caravan - sat, ready to help me escape.
I woke up in Betsy to a babbling creek and light peeking through the small windows. A small cabinet provided me with all the essential weekend getaway amenities, including a single-serve coffee maker, cream, and sugar. The picnic table outside allowed me to take a breath and enjoy the natural sounds, and the private deck behind the camper provided a peaceful view of the creek that lined the property. A note for future visitors: don't be intimidated by the Cedar Loo (invented by Betsy's ingenious owner Michele). It is surprisingly intuitive, and who doesn't love new experiences?
Coming back at the end of each day from exploring the local scene was a welcome relief, as I got to turn off my devices, pour myself a glass of wine in Michele's adorable mason jar wine glasses, and pass the time with a good book and the sounds of the woods settling in for the night.
Antidote Taphouse is a local pub in downtown Longview that provides a dynamic tap list featuring local and unique brews, classic pub fare, and a small stage for live performance!
Central Longview is home to Lake Sacajawea Park, a vibrant and expansive public park with a lake as its centrepiece. Some highlights of the park are the Japanese Gardens and Lion's Club Island. You can take a light jog, play on the play structures, or set up a chair by the water and see what hooks your line!
Across the street from a line of antique shops, Cafe Guse is a small, modern coffee shop that features classic coffee drinks, more experimental flavours for the adventurous folk, and small breakfast bites!
Washington is known for its wine scene, and Longview is home to an extraordinary family affair in the world of wine - Roland Winery. The tasting room and adjacent outdoor patio are owned and operated by the Roland family, who are all involved in creating a relaxing yet luxurious wine tasting experience. When I went, it was bottling season, so wine varietal options were limited, however, the wood-fired focaccia and a visit from the Rolands' pet corgi made my visit unforgettable.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
We've plotted our adventure on the map below. Select the map icons to discover more details.
Share The Love
Add this story to your bucket list or gift it to someone you think deserves it!
Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travelers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.
