By Fred and Mardi Nystrom

For Reporter Newspapers

A luxurious Northwest lodge, deemed among the “top 100 wilderness lodges” by Outside Magazine, Run of the River Inn & Refuge offers guests the allure of its natural alpine surroundings coupled with all the comforts guests seek today. Perched on a seasonal high-water channel of the Icicle River and surrounded on two sides by a wildlife refuge, the well-situated inn begs to be shared and appreciated.

Owners Karen and Monty are former teachers with a love of the Northwest and the Icicle Valley. They enjoy hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and an occasional round of golf, and they take particular joy in helping guests find the best places to find any activity they would like as part of their experience at the inn.

In fact, the inn’s best amenity may well be its active innkeepers, who provide accurate recreation and tourism information. They also offer outdoor equipment to help you get the most from your stay: mountain and tandem bikes, snowshoes, day packs, hiking sticks and complimentary trail passes.

Wing it in the Cascades

Run of the River’s breakfast area is an ideal spot to view wildlife from the large picture windows looking over the refuge, which is managed by the state of Washington. Though only a mile from the Bavarian-styled town of Leavenworth, guests feel far removed and wrapped in nature.

A touch of whimsy adorns the Run of the River in the collection of classic bicycles, wooden skis, snowshoes and sleds.

Six suites, beautifully decorated in classic Northwest lodge style, welcome guests in the main lodge. Each “adventure suite”, is spacious and private, with fireplaces, double whirlpool bubs surrounded in river rock and hand-hewn log beds. The private decks allow for bird-watching from the comfort of your own room and each deck features a double swing and a “Jay Tray,” on which to place the provided peanuts to attract wildlife. Conveniently, the owners also offer binoculars and birding guides in the rooms.

Separate and adjacent is the new Ravenwood Lodge, built in 1992 and completely remodeled in 2006. It is an ideal getaway nest for two with its picture-perfect views of the Enchantments, river rock fireplace, full kitchen, and an overwhelming feeling of Northwest bounty.

The views are right out to nature: squirrels, chipmunks and many different kinds of birds. The unblemished view is of the Enchantments, which beckon guests to a hike or at least a relaxing few minutes lingering on the log swing in the sunshine or the cedar hot tub on the deck at night.

From Washington’s fruit basket

Breakfast begins with freshly whipped organic yogurt, followed by platters of fresh fruit. The breakfast entrees are healthy and fresh — in fact, the cookbook is the inn’s top selling take-home piece. The menu takes advantage of seasonally available fruit.

Run of the River delivers a special combination of privacy and nature. Because it’s a smaller inn, guests quickly get on a first-name basis — and they return year after year to reconnect with the Valley, themselves and each other.

Saint Laurent, inspired by a saint

Named by Wine Press Northwest Magazine as the “2007 Winery to Watch,” and the first vineyard and winery owner to be named as “Growers of the Year” in 2007 by Good Fruit Grower Magazine, it’s ironic that this winery’s namesake is the patron saint of the poor — until you read further to see that this saint also watches over wine grape growers and vintners.

It then becomes a fitting name indeed, especially since it was the maiden name of co-owner Laura Laurent Mrachek who, along with husband Michael Mrachek, began growing cherries on four acres in the Wenatchee Valley back in 1978.

To diversify their farming, Michael and Laura planted the first Saint Laurent’s vineyards on the Wahluke Slope in 1999 in the heart of the famous Columbia Valley, well-known for its premier red wines. Today the Saint Laurent vineyards cover 260 acres of prime Columbia Valley soil.

From graduate school to winemaker

Saint Laurent winemaker Craig Mitrakul discovered the magic of winemaking while completing a Master’s research project for Cornell University at a university extension vineyard in upstate New York. His excitement about the art and science of wine production led him to several jobs across the United States and Australia until he was handpicked by top winemaker and consultant Charlie Hoppes to head up the winemaking for Saint Laurent.

Using estate grapes, Craig produces wines that consistently earn medals and solid scores, many achieving gold or even double gold medal status. Known for producing “classic, approachable wines,” the Saint Laurent 2005 syrah rosé was awarded double platinum status and chosen as the No. 2 wine in the state by Wine Press Northwest in 2007. Included in their offerings of full-bodied and fruit-filled wines are cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, reserve syrah, syrah rosé, Lucky Red (red blend), Lucky White (white blend), Riesling, Chardonnay, and La Boheme, which is their red blend produced in small quantities and carries an artist’s label.

Farming operation — from vine to fine wine

Saint Laurent has a European-themed landscape with lush gardens, ponds and fountains, vast rock walls, plus pergolas and a Gothic Gazebo (where many couples exchange wedding vows every year). A member of the Columbia River Wine Country Association, it participates in events like Red Wine and Chocolate for Valentine’s Day, Spring Barrel Tasting and Harvest Crush. The winery also hosts an outdoor concert series in August. Set against the beautiful view of the Wenatchee Valley and the Columbia River, it is a spectacular venue.

The tasting room is a turn-of-the-century farmhouse built from a Sears and Roebuck kit home. With its with many antiques from 17th and 18th century French estates and the handcrafted bar of verde papillion (green butterfly) granite, this cozy and intimate setting is ideal for unwinding with a glass of wine.

Throughout the building you’ll find prints from local artists and fine gifts. In addition to the high quality logo wear, tasty gourmet foods and a complete selection of Saint Laurent wines, their gift shop also offers educational DVDs and wine publications to build your winemaking knowledge — and to tell the story behind St. Laurent the patron saint.

Fred & Mardi Nystrom have called Issaquah home for close to 25 years. Their current travel guidebooks, “Special Places of Washington,” and “The Great Wineries of Washington” can be found in bookstores or purchased online at www.specialplaces.com.

If you go

Run of the River Inn and Refuge

Location: Leavenworth 98826

Address: 9308 E. Leavenworth Rd

Phone: 509-548-7171

Toll-free: 800-288-6491

Hosts: Monty and Karen Turner

Email: info@runoftheriver.com

Web site: www.runoftheriver.com

Rooms: Six suites, plus Ravenwood Lodge

Rates: $220-$425

Saint Laurent

Street Address: 4147 Hamlin Road, Malaga 98828

Winemaker: Craig Mitrakul

Local Telephone: 509.888.WINE

Email Address: Julie@saintlaurent.net

Web Site Address: www.saintlaurent.net

Tasting Hours: Summer: Monday-Sun 12-5pm

Winter: Th-Sat 12-5pm

Directions from Wenatchee

Travel south on S. Wenatchee Ave., which turns into Malaga Alcoa Hwy.  From the underpass go 4 miles and turn right on West Malaga Rd. – Three Lakes. Then go 1.2 miles and turn right on Hamlin Rd. and drive .7 miles until you see the sign for Saint Laurent on left. The tasting room is in the front of large brown building on left.

From East Wenatchee/Quincy

After crossing Columbia River Bridge follow signs towards Malaga (left at light, left on Marr St., right on S. Wenatchee Ave). Go 4 miles and turn right on West Malaga Rd.– Three Lakes. Then go 1.2 miles and turn right on Hamlin Rd. at .7 miles. Then go 1.2 miles and turn right on Hamlin Rd. and drive .7 miles until you see the sign for Saint Laurent on left. The tasting room is in the front of large brown building on left.