When I received my Yakima Valley itinerary of course I looked up each item right away beginning with my accommodations. Where you rest your weary head is so important on these busy media tours, I really needed to know where I was staying. Day 2 showed me staying at Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast, and Barn. Well, okay that sounds amazing and then I looked it up and saw that I was going to sleep in a teepee! At first I was a bit nervous, my husband was in the room and I told him, “honey, I”m going to sleep in a teepee in Washington, in October.” “Cool it’ll be just like camping back in the day!” he said and frowned a little because he wasn’t joining me! I read a little more about it and I found it was more like glamping and I’ve done that before, so now I was just plain excited!
We arrived at the property in Zillah, Washington and immediately I fell in love with the views. Evening sunset was stunning with Mt. Adams in the background. We met Terry Fewel, husband to Innkeeper, Pepper who was away at the moment and he showed me around my home for the night.
The private 20-foot teepee exuded romance with cloud-like beds with fluffy down comforters, luxurious amenities, and it was too bad my husband was two states south!
Just outside my tent flap I had an amazing swing that looked out as far as I could see, I imagined my love sitting next to me sipping wine, or possibly taking an afternoon nap, what a gorgeous spot!
On the other side of the walking path a full campfire ring, bbq grill, chairs, firewood, and even more views awaited me.
The location is indeed a working ranch and the decor reflects it so wonderfully, including Pepper’s artistic touches on the floor of the teepee. 
Inside you’ll also find many comforts for your stay, a chair, mirror, mini-fridge, fans for warmer weather, hair dryer, cooking tools for the bbq and campfire, a S’mores kit in the fridge, towels and flipflops for the shower…did I mention the shower yet? Well, it’s outdoors, open air, take a look:
I wanted to use it so badly in the morning but the crisp 39 degree air sent me only to the kitchen for coffee and right back to my bed! But, how can you not fall in love with all the added special and unique touches?
I originally worried about the cool evenings and staying warm. The blessing in the teepee was indeed electricity to run the electric blanket! Dually regulated for both sides of the bed, I may have laid diagonally at night just to absorb as much warmth as possible. With all the heavy blankets, the Ralph Lauren robe, and the electric blanket I was so, so toasty even on that October evening! Restrooms are scattered around the property and are the most immaculate and fresh smelling outhouses on the planet, scented soaps and potpourri to top it off.
Breakfast is included with your teepee stay on the ranch and boy was it amazing. First a hot orange glazed roll came out with juice, water, and hot coffee for me as I took in the morning views!
That would have been plenty, but then a delicious fruit and cheese platter was next! If I was a morning wine-o, I would have indulged with that beautiful spread. 
But, alas another course of an herbed egg quiche, 3 types of potatoes, and bacon rounded out my meal. Pepper joined me in conversation and I wish she’d sat down with me to enjoy her meal. Her warmth and hospitality and knack in the kitchen just had me falling in love with Cherry Wood. I don’t know if I would want to stay anywhere else when I return to the area! With a full belly, I walked around to grab one last glance before my 3rd day in Yakima Valley began.
For a nominal fee, you can take advantage of the site’s Twilight Tubs in the open air with Cherry Wood’s own scented bath salts. How romantic is this to share with your loved one and perhaps some local wine!
You can also book reservations to take a guided ride through wine country on one of the ranch horses with a gourmet lunch along the way (they are independent of the stay). Pepper’s beautiful daughter Tiffany is the Trail Boss in this family establishment. What was also really touching is how most of the horses on the ranch are rescued by Pepper, pulled from abusive, desperate, and unhealthy situations, saved from slaughter and restored back to health, happiness, and used on the wine trail rides if possible! What a wonderful place in every aspect!
Wine rides are year-round weather permitting, lodging in the teepees is April-October, so make your Spring reservations now! To read more, visit http://www.cherrywoodbbandb.com/ and plan your next visit in Washington’s wine country!
