Things to Do in Newcastle

Situated on 10 glorious acres, Gold Creek Equestrian Center's two barns house nearly 100 stalls—each comfortable quarters for private boarding and the horse haven's own 30 steeds, which are available for lessons. Outside on the 135'x240' sand arena, equestrians can conquer an Olympic PVC jump course or practice kicking up a sandstorm worthy of a John Wayne reenactment. Meanwhile, two indoor arenas host trotters as they rehearse dressage routines during the cooler months. Private and semiprivate lessons can be tailored to each student's age, skill level, and favored style of riding, including English and American Western flavors.

At its core, Adventura is a “jungle gym built for grown-ups.” But more than that, it provides visitors with an escape from the everyday—an escape from stuffy offices and an escape from the panhandling robots that plague modern city streets. For the park’s creators, the lush Pacific Northwest countryside that stretches out around the park is the office. They’re a band of adventurers themselves, and they designed Adventura as a way for others to experience the growth, laughter, and connections that seem to bloom naturally outdoors.

Of course, Adventura puts its own spin on spending time outdoors by filling Woodinville Wine Country with a series of sky-high exploits. With the park typically booked 45 days in advance, visitors can be found leaping from decks, balancing precariously on cables 45 feet off the ground, or scaling cargo nets throughout most of the year. In 2013, the park plans to expand by adding up to 40 new elements, including four new ziplines, in an effort to up the ante on adventure.