Radio Maverick

Although Bob’s Big Boy made a come back in some cities like Torrance, California, they would be sold and other restaurants would take its place. In Wenatchee, the former Bob’s location is now (so many have claimed) is where Alma’s Mexican Kitchen stands today at 609 N. Wenatchee Ave.

When I started doing this series of tiny towns of Washington State with a population under 1000, I was expecting to find boring towns with nothing to do, and no real reason to visit. So far, I’ve found the opposite. And this charming village on the on the water is no exception.

Recently a bunch of us at work were reminiscing about old beloved restaurants long gone in Wenatchee, Yakima and the Tri-Cities. I brought up one of my favorites as a kid in SoCal wondering if there ever was one in Central Washington. To my surprise, many had great memories of Bob the Big Boy in Wenatchee, that was located on North Wenatchee Ave…until the late 80’s. Some even remember the jingle on TV and radio. “At Bob’s Big Boy. We love good food just like you do.”

For many of us Shedders, and Kissin’ 977 listeners, waiting for the lineup and dates for Watershed 2023 was like a kid who was counting down the days until Christmas. We all had our wish list filled out, and Thursday night before announcement day, artists and bands danced in our dreams, all in hopes that we’ll see them soon perform live at the Gorge Amphitheater, August 4th, 5th, and 6th.

And then there are the airports I don’t mind having a layover. Now, don’t get me wrong. I prefer getting to my distanation as quickly (and safely) as possible. But, I don’t need the stress of trying to get off a plane to rush to the other side of the airport to catch that flight that leaves in 15 minutes while someone is struggling with getting their many gift bags out of the overhead binds.

Spring is just around the corner, which means people are going to be out and about a little more as the weather warms up. And if you’re walking the loop near Walla Walla Park in Wenatchee, and you're gonna hear what sounds like popcorn popping. That’s the sound of the fastest growing game in America.

There are people who will simply tell you, you live here, you’re local. You vote locally. Many say, when you feel comfortable living here, like a putting on a pair of your favorite bluejeans. Some say it’s when you finally get a driver’s license or new checks with your new local address.

Roundabouts seem to be the trend in many places that have seen some growth in neighborhood four-way intersections where traffic is building up. Roundabouts are designed to make intersections safer and more efficient for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. It’s supposed help with the flow of traffic. I know what you’re thinking right now. Stop laughing.

Coupeville is the second oldest town in Washington. By the way, Steilacoom is the oldest town in Washington, with a population over 6,000. Coupeville sits on Whidbey Island, tucked away in the Penn Cove.

Really small towns fascinate me. And the people who live in these small towns likewise interest me. Especially since I’m a big city beach boy from Torrance, California (a suburb of Los Angeles), with a population of 143,000+, within a population of 3.8 million+, where it’s non-stop city for over 160 miles with 172 IN-N-OUT restaurants. So when I stumble upon a tiny town with a population of 400 like Winthrop, Washington, I need to know the history and why are people living there.