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Summers in the Pacific Northwest are some of the best in the world, they are warm, sunny and drier than the other 9 months of the year. Washington uses up all it’s great weather karma on the couple short months of Summer. So, Tom and I pack our Summer weekends as full of fun and date nights as we possibly can. It seems like we are always on the go, hopping from one festival to the next concert to the next outdoor activity, all Summer long. And, even then, there is still so much we miss out on because we can’t fit it all in. Last weekend was another notch in our epic Summer adventures.
We’ve been hearing about this cidery over on the peninsula for months, everyone who has been has raved about it. We finally decided one Sunday morning to hop a ferry and see for ourselves what all the fuss was about. Rumor had it, that Finnriver Cidery was a gorgeous outdoor venue, with live music, great food, lawn games and was perfect for all ages. That’s a tall order to fill, and we couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to the hype. It was a perfect, sunny day, and it might be the cider talking but let’s take a look at 4 reasons you want to add Finnriver Cidery to your Pacific Northwest adventures this summer.
The Cider
For those who know me, it’s no secret that I love cider. Since it’s so versatile, with so many flavors and profiles, it’s a perfect drink year round. For the summer, I love something light with floral notes. In the Fall, I usually go for something heavy on apples with a more robust body. Winter I love a cranberry or currant cider to put me in a festive mood. And, Spring is the perfect time of year for slightly sweet pear.
Since it was our first time at Finnriver Cidery, we decided to do a flight and try out a variety of their ciders. We sampled some of their most popular from an oaky apple to a blueberry blast of flavor! I definitely recommend if it’s your first time, trying a flight to see a variety of what’s available. On the next drink, Tom went for his favorite from the flight, a black currant. I went out on a limb and tried a cranberry rosehip that turned into my favorite of the entire day.
The Scenery
One of the things that I was most looking forward to at Finnriver Cidery was the grounds. It didn’t disappoint. The 50+ acre farm is something out of a modern day, Pinterest inspired, fairy tale. The rustic wood and galvanized steel of the covered seating, tasting room and food vendors is the perfect contrast to the farm’s lush backdrop. Quaint apple and pear orchards have geese milling about the trees and sweet sheep baaing in the far pasture. The farm runs next to a charming small creek. This would be a perfect venue for an event!
The Games
Going to a bar is great. There are fun drinks, usually good food, and sometimes live music. But, once you get there, order a drink and some food, then what? There isn’t anything else left to do. I am loving the trend of having games and things to do at venues. It will keep me there longer, and in the end spending more money. This is a win for the business, but also a win for me! I could happily spend the afternoon playing lawn games in the sun. Finnriver Cidery has a couple cornhole boards, along with space to bring your own. We noticed a couple of serious players brought in their own custom board to play on. And, there is my favorite, a bocce ball court.
The Food
On the day we were at Finnriver Cidery, there was a crepe stand, woodfired pizzas being loaded into the oven and a vendor catering seafood to the crowds. This apparently changes slightly depending on the day and time you arrive. Tom and I split a pepperoni pizza, which was one of the best pizzas I’ve had in a long time. Next time, I will definitely be trying the crepes and Tom is already excited to try the seafood or one of the brats they serve as well.
Takeaways
While we didn’t get to hear any of the live music, they do regularly have music, including a couple hours after we had to leave to catch our ferry. This venue is definitely kid friendly with a great sandbox, huge tires to climb and lots of space for kids to run around. But, as someone without kids, it didn’t feel like a place that was geared towards kids. Adults and kids could co-mingle without negatively influencing the experience of the other.
So, bottom line, would I recommend Finnriver Cidery? Outstanding yes. Would I go again? Even with it being a bit of a pain to get to, and needing to take a ferry from my location, yes, absolutely. We are already planning our next trip back.
Have you been to Finnriver Cidery? What was your experience?
Theresa says
This place looks really beautiful! The pizza must have been delicious!
La Shell says
Who knew! Checking this out for sure. Lovely terrain and that pizza looks so good!
Shannon says
That looks like like such a fun place! I love that it’s outside and fun for the whole family!
Kate says
Love Finn river cidery.Love the pear. Black current and the cranberry rosehips cider. The pizza is delicious. Had a great time playing corn hole or as we call it, “bags”.
Im from Minnesota and was introduced to the cidery by my son who manages Finn River farm.
Cassie says
This looks like a lovely place to visit! I haven’t really gotten into cider but I can’t say I’ve tried much either – a trip to finn river cidery might just convert me!
Jessica Joachim says
This looks like a wonderful place! All of the cider seems delicious and there looks like so much to do there! Now I want to look to see if we have anything similar close to me.
Jen says
What an amazing place! You had me at cider, I know this is a place that I would love.
Jeanine says
The food looks great as well as the scenery! Looks like a fun place to go to and enjoy the outdoors and some good eats!
Terri Steffes says
The cidery sounds like a fun place to go and spend some time. Nothing wrong with good food, good drinks and good company!
Rhian Westbury says
I am a huge cider fan so trying out some different varieties and flavours sounds like my idea of a good day out x
Nancy Johnson Horn says
You had me at cider. I started drinking it when I went to England when I was 21 for a semester abroad. I have to check this place out.
Courteney Noonan says
This looks like such a nice way to spend a hot day! The scenery is beautiful too 🙂
Journa Ramirez says
I want to visit this place because of the lovely scenery and great food. Looks like everybody will have so much fun!
Amber Nelson says
Wow, that looks like such a fun environment. I would love to go to some place like that. How relaxing.
Krystle Cook says
This looks like such a fun place for tasting different ciders. What a great way to spend the day!
reesa says
What an awesome place! I have always wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest, always. We love cider, so this would be right up our alley!
Heather says
This would be such a fun day date without the kiddos! We’ve never had a cider tasting experience but would definitely enjoy it!
Sara says
I wasn’t much of a cider fan until I went to a cidery, so i’m totally feeling this post.
Courtney says
Ooooo now this sounds like one fun and yummy place to visit!!! I’m all about yummy food, so I will need to check this place out!
Cecilia C. Cannon says
my husband loves a good cidery and this looks like a good one to try, definitely pinning it to the travel board.
Joey (BTaC Blog) says
That looks gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest. Hopefully I’ll make it there someday, preferably during the good weather months.
Jen says
Ooh this looks fun! Just one more reason why I want to go to Washington
Julie says
I so need to get to the PNW! Argh, I LOVE cider. So.damn.good! And that pizza… Be still my heart!!