Cozy Coastline Cider & Adventures on the Olympic Peninsula

Community + Food

As the holiday season arrives, it’s time to embrace cozy evenings, hearty recipes, and bracing winter adventures along the breathtaking Pacific Coast. Whether you’re snuggled up by the fire or bundled up to explore the great outdoors, this time of year is all about celebration and connection. And what better way to kick off the season than with a delicious, homemade apple cider with a healthy twist?

This simple version uses only five ingredients—apples, citrus, cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar (plus water)—and a trusty slow cooker. Designed to focus on warming spices rather than sweetness, it’s adaptable to your taste. Sweeten it as much as you like or opt for a natural alternative, like turbinado sugar. The recipe below is perfect for pairing with holiday desserts, filling your home with its irresistible aroma, or packing up for your next winter outing!

Winter Wonders on the Olympic Peninsula

Where the towering trees meet the sea, the Olympic Peninsula comes alive with community events and seasonal magic.

Kick off your holiday spirit at Port Angeles’ outdoor covered ice-skating rink, the only one of its kind on the peninsula. Glide beneath twinkling lights and embrace the joy of winter. Nearby Sequim is buzzing with holiday cheer, from Small Business Saturday to its charming tree lighting ceremony and the whimsical lighted tractor parade. You can find more details here.

For those who thrive on adventure, the Run the Peninsula series offers a festive way to keep moving. Organized by the Port Angeles Marathon Association, it’s a fantastic way to stay active while soaking up the coastal beauty.

A Cozy Retreat: Salt & Cedar Bed and Breakfast

When you’re ready for a serene retreat, head to Salt & Cedar Bed and Breakfast, nestled between Sequim and Port Angeles. Owners Ginger and Scott offer warm hospitality, fresh coffee, and nourishing breakfasts, making you feel like an old friend returning home.

Even in the off-season, the lavender farm is a peaceful escape. By appointment, you can visit their boutique store, offering handcrafted lavender products and a tranquil experience you won’t forget.

Make the Magic at Home

Back home, bring the spirit of the season with you by recreating this comforting homemade apple cider. Its warming spices and inviting aroma will transport you back to the cozy memories made on the Olympic Peninsula.

Cheers to savoring the season, one delicious sip at a time!

Cozy Coastline Cider Recipe

Ingredients

·       1 orange

·       10 medium apples (use a variety—I use Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)

·       3 cinnamon sticks (or 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon)

·       1 teaspoon ground cloves

·       ¼ cup turbinado sugar*

* I used turbinado sugar because it is slightly more nutritious versus refined white cane sugar. Here are just a couple of the differences:

• Turbinado sugar has trace amounts of nutrients like calcium, potassium, and iron, which are removed from regular granulated sugar during refining. It also has a slight mineral content and antioxidant level from the molasses that gives it a brownish hue.

• Turbinado sugar is vegan because it's not subjected to additional processing that white cane sugar can undergo, such as treatment with bone char.

Instructions:

·       Place everything in the slow cooker.

·       Add water. Use enough to cover the fruit.

·       Cook. 6-7 hours on low heat or 3 hours on high heat.

·       Mash the fruits. Take a giant spoon and begin mashing up all those warm apples and oranges. (At this point, they’ll be super soft.)

·       Simmer. Allow this liquid mash to cook for another hour.

·       Strain. Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the cider.

·       Serve warm.