I shared in my last hike post about Playing Hookie on Hex a few weeks ago, relishing in a little spring fever and being rewarded with a sunshiny day and solitude on the mountain.
We were on the way back, and decided to stop in Roslyn with just a little bit of time. Elle had been told of a cute little place down from The Brick that she wanted to check out and we were all game. I love to find hidden treasure!
The place is called Base Camp Books & Bites and we were expecting your run-of-the-mill coffee shop and book store.
It only took a few steps into the high ceiling, spacious eatery to know that I had set my expectations way too low.
Was this a sign??? Did they know I was coming??
Let me just say, I think if I was going to open my own business, IT WOULD BE EXACTLY LIKE THIS ONE. Bookstore? Check. Hiking resource? Check. Good food? Check.
Okay, so mine would be a little more paleo. But they come pretty close. Lots of whole food choices and brands I would eat.
In the event I has left my food stash in the car back at the park and ride, I could TOTALLY stock up here. I remember stopping at a corner store down the street last year and the only thing I found worth buying was a bottle of water. And I even felt guilty about that (plastic).
Yum, yum. Definitely enough grub here for someone hoping to eat healthier while outdoors.
They did have some kombucha and Elle tried some mighty fine ginger beer. The cold case had a few items you’d typically find on a typical antipasto plate, perfect for packing up a portable picnic for the trail.
Making my way to the back of the store, you could see that they would appeal to the hiker who may have forgotten their maps or someone vacationing in the area who wanted to head up into the hills to check things out safely.
There was also a hiking and adventure book table in case you needed some inspiration for your own outdoor tale. They also have free Wi-Fi if you want to sit a spell and enjoy the view.
It will be awhile before folks are out on the patio and courtyard outside but I was told they have started providing space for things like yoga during the summer.
Back up at the counter I found some more goodies, even if I couldn’t partake of all of them I knew some of you might appreciate this pictures.
Right, Dad?
Look at the size of those biscuits. They serve breakfast here starting at 8am everyday save Sunday. They had a lunch and dinner menu, as well.
And you can’t have a bookstore without coffee.
While we were paying for our beverages, it was pointed out that we were just in time for happy hour? WHAT?!? There’s more? We had only visited one floor, there was a bar and restaurant downstairs!
I spoke with one of the staff and found out the owners moved over from Seattle and they modeled the place after Oddfellows on Capitol Hill.
An eclectic mix of tin ceilings tiles, brick walls and salvaged wood furniture harken you back to an old saloon or hardware store.
It was really hard not to pull up a stool and stay awhile.
Both downstairs and back up on the first floor by the front window are displays of local art from school children. The café is a part of the community and offers wellness classes, too. Since my visit I have contacted Chris Martin, who owns Base Camp, and found out he moved here with his family about 7 years ago for a simpler lifestyle. They strive to offer options for health minded outdoor enthusiasts and what they sell reflects their own interests.
Who didn’t love this book as a kid? One of my favorites! The owners have set the space up to make patrons feel like they can pull up a chair and stay awhile; sip some brew or read up on local wild flowers.
Walking out, I knew I would be back to visit the next time I was up hiking in the area. In fact, I may have to purposely plan something so I can come back. So the next time you are driving through Roslyn, skip the cliché Brick and check out this cozy place. You are sure to find something you will love, too.
You can find this jewel of a place at 110 W Pennsylvania, Roslyn WA 98941. Their phone number is 509-649-3821 and you can contact them at info@basecampbooks.com.
Here are a couple other hikes I have done in the area in case you need more incentive to head over the pass to visit:
Cle Elum Ridge and Rat Pac Trail
Editor’s note: I have actually been back since my first visit, I took a friend over the pass to escape the rain on a another hike outside of Roslyn and she loved the store as much as I did. And bought 3 non-hiking related books.
Just go.
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