twisp, WA

[Methow]

These responses are funny - most from people who don't live there, or if they do, don't understand much about it. It is "Halterman's hole" - not Alderman's hole, for the Halterman family, who owned the Meat Butchery just uphill from the bend in the river that forms the swimming hole referred to below. At least one of the daughters still lives there - wonderful people. The valley is beautiful any time of the year, but it is isolated in the winter when the pass over the Cascades to Seattle closes due to snow. In the summer the town is inundated by tourists, especially on weekends. Winthrop is 9 miles north, has a western facade and theme, incorporated by Mrs. Wagner, who owned the lumber mill in Twisp for many years before selling out to a company that liquidated the industry and the sawmill (and whose husband was subsequently murdered by their nephew I believe). But Winthrop is as "cute" as it is swamped with tourists in the summer and many weekends in the spring and fall. Winthrop (named after Winthrop Mass by Guy Waring who wrote "The Virginian") has about 400 people, Twisp has around 800. The whole valley has changed over the last 20 years. It used to be conservative, with mostly farmers, loggers or USFS employees. Now it is liberal, teeming with "pseudo environmentalists" who wouldn't know true environmentalism if they tripped over it in the forest. But it is still a great place to raise your kids, live out your retirement, or just enjoy nature. The weather can be harsh. I would describe it as cold winters and hot summers. The people are incredibly friendly and trustworthy, especially the old timers - if you can find them. One of the largest non-government employers is the Antlers Tavern - which has one of the best menus in the valley. Enough said. There are other communities in Okanogan County that are nice but the area is generally considered "poor" economically but rich in personality. Good luck with your decision.

[gkullos]

In the Methow Valley it is naturally thriving with good qualities and rich in culture. If you like nature there is a beautiful loop-loop pass that connects to Hwy-20 to Okanagon. Twisp is about 30 minutes from a city (Okanagon), that could cater to special needs.

Twisp is in a hip and hot country nestled a valley. The river is fun and there are cool spots like Aldermans Hole and to cool off just go a little further up in elevation. In the Fall there is abundance of Organic Foods. We are starting a Whole Food Club, Very Soon, I think our community will get really healthy.

This place is still under construction though; There is like 4 hardware stores. We are in a transition phase; Jana Sue Kennedy, My mom is works in the healing also. We are looking to find and pay a well qualified Indian doctor.

So that's it EilI, Rap up your functions that are expected of you over there. This year, let your family know whats up maybe even invite them to move with you. Goodluck being naturally together and remeber the eye is on you.

[backroader]

Twisp is only one of several small towns that string out along the Methow valley from Pateros to Mazama. The whole valley is very scenic, and thus has attracted many developers who cater to rich folks from elsewhere who want a second home or plan to retire here. So the quality of the valley is changing, land is very expensive, and it is hard for people of average income to rent or buy here. The schools are the best in the Okanogan academically, and contrary to what you've read here there is lots to do, both outdoor activities (the cross-country ski trails are the best in the country) and cultural and community events. There is a community of artists and craftspeople as well and more cultural activities than most rural areas. People are more liberal than in the rest of Okanogan County, ....they also value their small town and rural lifestyle and will fight to keep it. The Methow Valley Citizens Council has managed to thwart several large developers who wanted to turn the valley into Aspen style resorts. The current battle is over a small golf course, recently bought by a large California developer who wants to develop a large upscale resort, thus changing the wild and rural nature of the area forever. The good thing about the Methow is they recognize what they have and are willing to fight to keep it that way.