What others think of our home

As we traveled around the state this summer and others asked where we were from, they would always get a look of excitement when we said Grand Coulee. Some had memories of long ago and others had fresh, exciting tales of all things Coulee. Here are the top things people mentioned when talking about Grand Coulee Dam area.

Of course, the great concrete structure was always brought up and would unanimously be the number-one thing on this list, so I am going to just skip that one and give you the top five subjects, other than the dam, that our guests mentioned.

5. The Tee Pee Drive-In. No matter the age of the visitor, they seem to always mention the little drive-in that looked like a Tee Pee. Burgers, fries, ice cream and shakes were always followed closely behind the name of the stop so iconic for many. But what they always remember, whether it was owned by Jack, Alan and Lori, or the Sullivans, was that the customer service was outstanding. It is great to have an establishment known for service above everything else.

4. Fishing. It did not matter if it was an amateur fisher person on Banks Lake or a professional on Lake Roosevelt, they said it was the best fishing spot they had ever fished. All had their favorite spots and proclaimed their fish of choice to be the best catch they had ever reeled in. Walleye, trout, bass, sturgeon, perch, and many other fish were claimed. Stories were told of the ones that got away that were drawing them back to the water.

3. The people. We must be friendly! Every person we talked to said the friendly atmosphere in town was a breath of fresh air, even when their was smoke in the air. It did not matter if it was an eating destination, a park or a gas station, they said everyone was friendly and polite. One person even stated that his wife had gotten really ill while in town, and the hospital staff was extremely accommodating and helpful during their visit to the ER and in the hospital. One also added that during their visit they had locked their keys in the car; the person recommended by local police came quickly and unlocked the car for free, then recommended an eating establishment that also served them a meal for free because of their bad luck. In turn, turning a disastrous vacation into a bearable one.

2. The Views. God’s country is what most called it. Everywhere you look is a view not seen every day by people who don’t dwell here. You also never know what you might see. Bald eagles, spotted baby deer, bears, coyotes, osprey, owls, snakes and many other creatures were seen by those looking upon the nature around us. But most expressed that the Coulee Wall, itself, is a wonder to be captured on film and in their memories. Everywhere you look is stunning and full of life and history. The drive from Coulee City to Electric City was proclaimed by most as the most beautiful drive they have ever seen.

1. Steamboat Rock and Spring Canyon. Almost every person named one of these places as one of their favorite places on earth. The beaches, the grass, the atmosphere and then add numbers 2, 3 and 4 on this list and you begin to realize why others come back again and again. Apparently, there are few places in Eastern Washington that offer what we have around us. Some come on reunions, family vacations, or road trips. And some just plain take a day trip to our little park surrounded by water. Swimming, boating fishing and sun is what they seek, and they get it here.

So good job, people of Coulee. Our visitors are talking about us out there, and they will be back.