Blue Mountain Lavender Farm is located just on the outskirts of town and is a fun and interesting way to explore the agricultural fields that surround Walla Walla. Walla Walla is the city so nice they named it twice; think sun-soaked hills blanketed in vineyards, views of the Blue Mountains, and a historic downtown district with boutiques, eateries and lively patios. We enjoyed delicious food from Smokin Bandits BBQ. The iconic Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is a five day event held at historic Howard Tieten Park and is packed with entertainment that includes music and games. I could go on for days talking about what to do when visiting . From mountains and rivers to trails and viewpoints, visitors can enjoy the ideal combination of adventures. While strolling the downtown corridor, stop for a tasting at Armstrong Family Winery, first-generation winemakers. The Italianate style is relatively rare to find in Washington State, especially an example of brick Italianate. There are also a handful of luxurious hotels that offer scenic views of the countryside if you are looking for a more relaxing and high-end stay. Tastings are held in a restored 1870s farmhouse with lovely gardens and an outside picnic area. The Walla Walla Sweets amateur baseball team plays the West Coast League, and you can catch a game at Borleske Stadium with over 2,300 of your fellow baseball fans. The first time my husband and I visited Walla Walla it was a warm day in October; a welcome change from the damp chill of Puget Sound. Check this link for locations. 97. Blue Mountain Cider pride themselves on making cider from freshly-pressed produce and never from concentrate. The historic Gesa Power House Theatre features works by William Shakespeare and other classical and popular plays and musicals. These tasty iced beverages will help to cool you off on those hot summer days. Be sure to bring a blanket or outdoor chairs so you have a comfy place to sit and watch the one of a kind event. Filters. It has set the tone for high-end wines, producing quality cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Distilleries. The farm is open every year from June 1st to July 15th. The trail covers 530 miles through Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington. Open Thursday through Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The Walla Walla Farmers Market is a feast for the senses! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not . We enjoyed the 101 Tasting Flight with a mixture of whites and reds. Spend time admiring the artisan wine labels on display. Property Description: 18122 - Plaza Way Dairy Queen. This drive-in has been owned and operated by the Speiss family since 1961 and is entertaining for the whole family but it also makes a fun romantic evening out too. Grab lunch in the Plaza on 1st, an open air dining and gathering place adjacent to Walla Walla Book & Game, Coffee Perk, Yamas Greek Eatery, and Sweet Basil Pizzeria. Unfortunately, the presence of the pioneers brought a measles epidemic which decimated the Indigenous people, and in retaliation the Whitmans along with about a dozen others were killed during an attack the Cayuse hoped would eliminate the illness. Explore an entire world of culinary delights while enjoying live music and delicious beer (or root beer for the kids!). Wonderful excursion! The name Walla Walla comes from the local tribe who first inhabited the valley, known as the Walawalatama people. When she isn't working, she spends most of her time wrangling. Plan a visit soon. It has set the tone for high-end wines, producing quality cabernet sauvignon and merlot. 10. Whats more American than a home-town baseball game? Or combine your exploration of fine art with an exploration of fine wine in the Foundry Vineyards tasting room, where new installations by established artists are on display and updated quarterly. May 17, 2022. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. During the winter months, you can hit the slopes at nearby Ski Bluewood. We had the most pleasant stay! Walla Walla has a tour to fit just about any mode of transportation. Kickstand Tours offers a five-six hour tour of effortless riding on their e-bikes, provided with your ticket. Walla Walla is quickly becoming the mainstage for any kind of music lovers getaway. A fourth plate called Gigantes includes giant white beans braised in tomato and topped with feta cheese and olives. The tasting room is on the original farm and surrounded by rustic views. . It can be fun to learn the history of an area and Fort Walla Walla Museum is just the place to do it in town. Rentals 1-7 days XC skis are tuned up and ready to go. This grand residence which was built between 1879-1880 is the only local example of Victorian Italianate architecture in Walla Walla. Get an edu-cation while on vacation and visit Fort Walla Walla Museum. The family history is fascinating. Wineries & Vineyards. The city is at the heart of the Walla Walla Valley which is home to more than 100 wineries (!! Conflicts began to arise when the mission ignored the Native American customs. Stroll through Pioneer Park: In the fall, the trees will be awash in color at this downtown park in Walla Walla. Team this with great Eternal wines, and you have a fabulous evening! The summer concert series at the new Wine Country Amphitheater is bringing world-renowned acts like ZZ Top, Bonnie Rait, and Lyle Lovett to the valley in the summer of 2022, with more exciting acts on the horizon in 2023. The two partners of Foundry Vineyards have combined their passion for art with a passion for winemaking. Cycling and mountain biking are some of the best ways to enjoy all the attractions in Walla Walla. Whenever youre planning your escape to Walla Walla, theres a highlight to experience. Local parks offer safe trails for runners and walkers of all skill levels. In 2011, its Ferguson was called the best Bordeaux wine in the world in its first international competition. Hours of operation are between 9am and 1pm so you might want to consider skipping breakfast or lunch in order to enjoy some of the produce on offer while its fresh! Brand: Dairy Queen. Walla Walla has a fantastic culinary scene that is sure to impress you. The luxury rooms range have king size beds, private patios or decks overlooking the lake or Blue Mountains, spa-like bathrooms, and lounge areas with fireplaces. Long Shadows: The view of the surrounding countryside is spectacular, but the real showstopper is inside the tasting room where there are a number of massive Chihuly glass sculptures. Admission costs $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, $4 for children ages 6-12 and free for children under 6. Each Saturday morning between May and October, enjoy fresh produce, locally made cheeses, beautiful flowers, baked goods, crafts and so much more. Bennington Lake is stocked with Rainbow trout so expect to see anglers out along with a variety of birdlife. I am excited to return! Stay for a play at the Gesa Power House Theatre, where you can feel the thrill of live performances of all kinds, from magicians and comedians to one-man shows and ensemble pieces. CAVU Cellars 12 There are also picnic areas and washroom facilities, which makes this a great place to spend a summer day and go paddling on the water. The Great Launch is the most challenging act of the festival when balloonists attempt to launch and float all of the balloons at once. Enjoy some of Walla Wallas nearly 200 days of sunshine at the Tour of Walla Walla cycling event in June, Wheelin Walla Walla Weekend in September, and the Balloon Stampede in October. A visit to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site offers expansive views and a chance to learn how manifest destiny shaped the region and impacted the homeland tribes. Boasting over 2,933 acres of vineyards, Walla Walla has become one of the countrys premier wine-making regions. The tasting room for Spring Valley Vineyards is located in the downtown corridor. Below is a link to each of the three individual listings. Without further ado, here are 20 fun adventures you can only have in Walla Walla! Not only does this side of the state have a mild and dry climate perfect for year-round golfing, but is also home to the Wine Valley Golf Club. 3 public course in Washington (and No. By Getaway665804. Saturdays, you can visit the Downtown Farmers Market for local produce and unique crafts. Eternal Wines focuses on single-vineyard varietals and utilizes only grapes from premium vineyards. I heartily recommend all, but my absolute favorite was the brisket taco. Its also pet-friendly. Self-guided Tours Outdoor Activities Wineries & Vineyards Private Drivers Food, Wine & Nightlife Churches & Cathedrals Shopping Passes & Offers Ways to tour Walla Walla Book these experiences for a close-up look at Walla Walla. The Walla Walla Country Club is members only and offers more than just golf to its patrons including tennis, pickleball, a pool and a formal restaurant. Located on the grounds of a 19th-century military fort, the Fort Walla Walla Museum features a pioneer settlement, beautiful gardens, and five exhibit halls housing thousands of artifacts. Located in nearby Milton-Freewater, Oregon, at Yantis Park, the Joe Humbert Family Aquatic Center has water fun for the entire family. I absolutely love anything U-pick. Veterans Memorial Golf Course is a public course and offers special rates to veterans on Mondays. And technically it isnt wine tasting anyway. driving 5 hours. To: round-trip one-way. Youll taste several varieties before blending flavors during this hands-on class. Seatlle Ballooning offers group and private tours over the rolling hills and vineyards during harvest season, during both sunrise and sunset. Several area museums showcase the history of the native people of the Walla Walla area and the settlers who decided to make this region their home. Located four hours drive from Portland, Oregon and four and a half hours drive from Seattle, Washington, Walla Walla has become known for its award-winning wines and warm climate. The market takes place in downtown Walla Walla every Saturday from 9 am - 1 pm. Even though Walla Walla is most notable for being Washington state's wine region, there are many more things to do in Walla Walla than just wine tasting.. Walla Walla has plenty of flavor to satisfy you! For an entertaining night out catch a show at the Gesa Power House Theater! You wont leave hungry! You can either choose to stay in the downtown area of Walla Walla so that you can be within walking distance of Main street and all the wine bars and restaurants or stay at one of the several bed and breakfasts within and just outside of Walla Walla. Some of the establishments you should put on your radar are T-Macs, AKs Mercado, Walla Walla Steak Co., and Brasserie Four. Aside from the architectural award it won, Revelrys D11 Cabernet Sauvignon also took top prize in the first competition it was entered in, and someone even paid a jaw-dropping $100K for a case of it during an auction. The Walla Walla region has a long history starting with the Wanapum, Cayus and Palouse peoples who occupied these lands thousands of years ago, and some of those experiences were documented as part of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Theres also a WWII Memorial, gardens, picnic area, recreation trails and a BMX track. pixabay.com. In 2021, AKs Mercado moved to a large space in the heart of Main Street, allowing for the expansion of a market complete with a wine bar, cheese shop, plant store, bar and lounge areas. Of course you can pick your own lavender from the field too. Or come downtown on a summer evening for live music in the Plaza on 1st. Open late April to mid-July, shop their lavender-themed farm boutique, buy lavender plants or participate in the U-pick harvest from 25 varieties from the two-acre farm. The Finch also offers a large sitting area, an open-air courtyard, and outdoor fireplace so you can enjoy the warm summer evenings and cool crisp autumn nights. See room rates at Marcus Whitman Hotel here. If you are a cheese lover you will want to stop by the Walla Walla Cheese Company in Milton-Freewater. When you get hungry, a concession stand is available with snacks and beverages. A couple of places worth checking out when you visit Walla Walla are: The Whitman Mission National Historic Site details the impacts of the arrival of protestant missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, who established a mission among the Cayuse Tribe in 1836. Exhibit good manners, proper personal hygiene, and promptness. 1509 Beet Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362-7182, USA. Closer to town along the eastern edge of Walla Walla is Bennington Lake and Mill Creek with more than 20 miles of trails to explore. 23 reviews of The Kinglet Restaurant "This is a wonderful addition to our growing foodie community here in Walla Walla. The Whitmans arrived in 1836 and established a mission to spread Christianity to the Indian People. Since then, she has traveled extensively to Europe, Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, Central America, Mexico, as well as most states and provinces in the United States and Canada. The original charm still exists, like the principals office thats now a wine cellar, the gym and cafeteria thats a tasting room, and even an old bell that guests can ring when they arrive. While you're there, you can also utilize volleyball, horseshoes, and disc golf courses or ride along paved bicycle trails. Perfectly paired with the award-winning Walla Walla wineries, the foodie scene is also exceptional. Follow along with her travels at Travels With Jo-Anne. There are more than 20 miles of trails where you can choose to hike around the perimiter of the lake or choose a shorter out and back hike. With plenty of sunshine year-round, Walla Walla is perfect for outdoor recreation, hiking and cycling. Walla Wallas sunny climate makes for a long golfing season in the typically soggy Pacific Northwest. Visit one of the many wonderful art galleries or museums in Walla Walla, and immerse yourself in the art, culture, and history of this charming part of Washington. Address: 1474 Plaza Way Walla Walla, WA - 99362. LEcole has been honored 15 times by Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries and was also named Best Tasting Room by Seattle magazine. Sledding at Andie's Prairie . Try the Maple Counter Caf, known for their fabulous breakfasts including eggs benedict and an array of French Baked Omelets. The main trail starts at Wallowa Lake State Park and ends in John Day. 1. Jo-Anne Bowen 4. Trolley cars glide by, the brick buildings hold an eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, wine bars and restaurants, and outdoor patios spill out onto the streets. There are six different districts, with the Westside having some of the most established wineries while downtown has the highest concentration of Walla Walla tasting rooms (top picks include Kontos Cellars which has a beautiful patio area complete with swings and a long family history in the area, Seven Hills Winery, Elephant Seven and Mark Ryan Winery). Average summer temperatures hover in the 80s, winter temperatures average in the 40s, and rain is a rarity. By razzinaz. For a quick snack or as an appetizer before you head out to dinner, stop in at the Big House Brew Pub for the BIGGEST sweet onion rings ever! We were sponsored by Walla Walla Valley Wine, Visit Walla Walla, and local businesses on our trip. With one of the best public courses in the country surrounded by scenic rolling hills and a fabulous restaurant that you can enjoy afterwards, this is one place you wont want to miss if youre into golfing! Join 4,000 others in weekly guides to the most beautiful places and hidden gems in the USA. ), and Chamna Wildlife Refuge. Be sure to also taste the Nina Lee syrah and team it with the chocolate from Brights. One can order online and pick it up at the store. They named their new estate Journey West to honor all those who have journeyed west including themselves. The beer here is inspired by the rich brewing traditions of the the old world characterized by thoughtfully sourced quality ingredients which reflect the changing seasons and culinary heritage. Not only are they monstrous in size, but deliciously sweet and tasty too. The very best thing to do in Walla Walla is to stroll the aptly named Main Street to check out the charming boutique stores, cafes with cute outdoor patio's, and many wine bars. Eritage Resort Eritage Resort is located on a 300 acre property among rolling fields of wheat and vineyards. Start planning Enjoy the beautiful downtown Walla Walla area. Now in a new premise, his loyal fans have followed him to downtown Walla Walla. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the valley and mountains, and wander through the fields which are best seen from early June to mid-July. From self-guided tours of Fort Walla Walla Museum and Whitman Mission, picnics in our charming well-kept parks, farmers markets to farm tours, vacationers of all ages will find something delightful to do in Walla Walla. Mill Creek: The Mill Creek trail also starts at the rose garden and lasts a little over 16 miles. Sports fans have some great opportunities for fun in Walla Walla. If you love cheese that is but who doesnt?! Smoky Rose sources all grapes from the Walla Walla AVA. Northstar Winery offers the Northstar Blending Experience, where guests get to try some of their limited release wines, then craft their own red wine and leave with the bottle. For events focused on food and wine, visit in February for Walla Walla Restaurant Month, or in May and November for Spring and Fall Release wine weekends. With a guide or without, there are so many fantastic ways to tour Walla Walla. Yum! You can FEEL the energy and ear protection is suggested for little ones and those with sensitive hearing. It offsets it's rugged geography with the sophistication of wine tastings, fine dining, shopping, museums and culture. Enjoy a walk along a mountain stream or a run through vineyard roads. Jo-Anne Bowen is a freelance writer currently residing in the Pacific Northwest. Play a game of volleyball in one of several volleyball courts or give the kids time to play in the play area. The name Walla Walla comes from the local tribe who first inhabited the valley, known as the Walawalatama people. The professionalism of staff in all functions and the infectious joy they all displayed for their craft was very welcoming. For casual fare, head to the Burwood Brewing Company up by the airport. St. Patrick Church 19 Churches & Cathedrals 12. The variety of adventures awaiting is matched only by the variety available in your lodging options, from luxury accommodations with lakeside bungalows to eclectic B&Bs, historic properties to modern basecamps. The Fort Walla Walla Museum is on the grounds of a 19th century military fort, and houses a number of exhibits detailing pioneer settlement, the military, Indigenous culture and agriculture throughout the region. Get itinerary inspiration & special offers from lodging and other local partners, right to your inbox! Property Number: 18122. Work off your indulgences with a hike around Bennington Lake, or rent a paddleboard and get out on the water. Between the award winning restaurants and world class wineries youll find an eclectic mix of boutique stores, book shops, art galleries and cafes with cute outdoor patios that spill out onto the sidewalk. Who doesnt? in 2011, its Ferguson was called the best Bordeaux wine in the world in first. 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