Winter Itinerary – Manson Day Trip
If you’re a regular vacationer to Lake Chelan, you’ve probably spent time in the charming town of Manson. Just 15 minutes away from The Lookout vacation rentals in Chelan, Manson is also located right on the lake and has a small strip of restaurants, shops, a brewery, cidery, and wineries. We have a guide to an Afternoon in Manson on our blog, with mostly warm-weather ideas. And now here are a few ways to enjoy a winter day in Manson too!
Start With Snow Sports
The popular ski areas of Echo Ridge and Echo Valley are actually located between Chelan and Manson: just east of Manson, it’s a 20 minute drive from either town. These backcountry areas are so accessible (and uncrowded, you’ll rarely find a line!), it’s easy to make a morning trip to play in the snow, and then head to Manson for the rest of your day. Echo Ridge has miles of trails to explore on snowshoes or cross-country skis, while Echo Valley Ski Area has downhill skiing and a tubing hill.
Warm Up With Wine
For après ski, drive to one of the wineries around Manson for a true taste of the Chelan Valley. Four Lakes, Tipsy Canyon and Tildio are all in beautiful settings around the small lakes inland of Manson. Succession and Cairdeas are neighbors just down the highway, both with great outdoor atmospheres and kid-friendly set-ups. Warm up by a firepit and take in the incredible mountain views across the lake. There are also tasting rooms dotted all along the main strip in Manson, including Alta, WineGirl Wines, CR Sandidge, Cheval Cellars, and more.
Stroll Down Main Street
Walk the few blocks through downtown to browse local shops and more options for food and wine. Be sure to stop in at the Waterfront Park to see the quiet winter lake and snow-capped mountains.
Takeout to the Lookout
While we’d normally recommend dining in at one of the cute Manson restaurants, like North Shore Cafe or Troy’s Pizza, right now most places are offering takeout as an easy option for filling up after your long day. (Or if you’re still up for being outside, Winemakers Grill at Wapato Point, Blueberry Hill, and Lake Chelan Winery are all great spots for outdoor dining.) Grab your food to go back to The Lookout and relax at your vacation rental house!
