Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Is Entertaining And Educational
Q: Our teenage grandchildren from South Carolina will be visiting this August. The girl loves animals and wants a career job at a zoo. The boy has taken a high school photography class and wants to be a nature photographer. We’re looking for a Northwest zoo where they both can enjoy their visit.
Is there a zoo where she can see what goes on behind the fences and one where he can get photos without the typical fences and concrete enclosures in his pictures? - K.S. and M.S., Spokane.
A: Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, Wash., would be my recommendation. It is a 635-acre park dedicated to native Northwest animals and known for its naturalistic settings. There are no bars and no cages.
A narrated tram tour runs hourly, taking visitors through the free roaming area of the park with meadows, forests and swamps where the animals run wild. There also are many wildlife exhibits in the core area, where visitors have unobstructed views of native wildlife such as bears, wolves, cougars, river otters and birds of prey.
Its most recent addition is the grizzly and black bear exhibit, which is the largest outdoor display of these bears in a North American zoological facility. There are special programs (by reservation) which allow visitors to meet and go along with staff members during feedings and other zoo routines.
The two-day Animal Care Camp is for children ages 13-18 who are looking for a professional career in animal care. One full day is spent with a core area keeper, and the second day is spent with a free-roaming area keeper. The children help with preparing the various diets for the wildlife and learn about the habits and required habitat for each species.
INFORMATION SOURCES:
For recorded information on Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, call (800) 433-TREK; for reservations and the business office, call (360) 832-6117.
Q: We are looking for a special country inn for our 10th wedding anniversary in August, preferably in central Washington. We’d like a country setting for our romantic getaway; one that not only serves a gourmet breakfast but also is known for its fine-dining atmosphere for dinners. - J. L. and J. L., Moses Lake.
A: There are a lot of bed and breakfasts that offer great romance packages with gourmet breakfasts, but few that meet your desire for evening dinners, too. I personally know of two places which should meet your romantic country inn needs. Both have extensive wine lists from which to choose an appropriate wine for your special occasion and dinner.
Mio Amore Pensione is located in the small country town of Trout Lake. It is an European B&B Inn and a restaurant offering fine Northern Italian dining. You might ask about its Venus (goddess of love and beauty) room with its brass bed, private bath, sitting room and view of Mount Adams. Dinners are by reservation. (509) 395-2264.
Birchfield Manor is located in the vineyard and orchard countryside on the outskirts of Yakima. This country inn also borders a wildlife preserve. The owner and chef (Wil Masset) is European trained and has taught classical cuisine courses at colleges. The five guest rooms in the old mansion are individually decorated and have private baths.
You might inquire about the Victoria room or you can choose a deluxe room in the new addition. It has six suites with amenities ranging from private whirlpools to fireplaces. Dinners are by reservation and are served at specific times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, in order for the chef to devote the necessary preparation and cooking times for the six entrees. Call (509) 452-1960 or (800) 375-3420.
xxxx