Central & Eastern Washington - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 380

Festivals & Events
Ellensburg Rodeo RODEO
( www.ellensburgrodeo.com ) Ellensburg's ultimate festival takes place on Labor Day week-
end in tandem with the Kittitas County Fair. It's ranked among the top 10 rodeos in the
nation and is one of central Washington's biggest events. Come prepared to see some
hard riding and roping - participants take this rodeo very seriously, as there is big money
at stake.
THE GORGE AMPHITHEATER
Gorge-ous and 100% natural, 'The Gorge' is a stunning alfresco music venue
perched on the banks of the Columbia River, 40 miles east of Ellensburg. Regularly
touted as the most spectacular rock venue in North America, the steeply banked
natural amphitheater with space for 25,000 on an expansive terraced lawn leaves
most concert-goers at a loss for words. Numerous international stars have stepped
up to the microphone here, including the Who, the Police, David Bowie and Van
Morrison, and many of the sets have entered rock legend. Pearl Jam made its
2005-06 albumLive at the Gorgeinto a box set, while the Dave Matthews Band
has serenaded the impossibly crimson Columbia River sunsets more than 30
times.
For more information on summer concerts and tickets see
www.gorgeconcerts.com .
Sleeping
Like many towns in Washington, the areas near the freeways are loaded with cheap and
bland motels and chain hotels, but there are a few more interesting choices in the historic
downtown.
Guesthouse Ellensburg B&B$$$
( 509-962-3706; www.guesthouseellensburg.com ; 606 Main St; r $145) This unique guest-
house, handily located opposite the chamber of commerce on Main St, doubles as a wine
shop and tasting room, and the proprietors certainly know their enology. Two restored
Victorian rooms are furnished with English antiques, four-poster beds and flat-screen
TVs, while downstairs in the tasting room you can discuss viticulture until the grapes
ripen with free tasting sessions and generous discounts for guests.