There are a number of reasons to visit Walla Walla. Whitman College, a small private liberal arts institution draws talented students from all over the United States, so perhaps you will find yourself there as a parent. My daughter and I traveled there when she was school shopping and we had a delightful time. We strolled amid the tree lined streets and neighborhoods to Main Street where we found warm welcoming coffee shops and delightful restaurants.
Now, several years later, I visit a new Walla Walla. Although the town has retained all of the charm of a small college town it has added grapes. Lots and lots of grapes! Walla Walla has over 75 wineries and more than 30 vineyards at it’s doorstep. Now parents come to visit their students and stay to travel through premier Washington wine country. Wine tours, wine tastings and of course, wine dinners abound.
This select wine region of Washington stretches from Walla Walla up through the tri-cities area and into Yakima. In fact, I started my last trip amidst the grape vines and apple orchards of the Yakima Valley detouring into Grandview and then wound through southern Washington to Walla Walla. The entire route was dotted with wineries and vineyards rolling over the hillsides.
Although you could choose a standard motel rooms along the way, my choice is always a bed and breakfast. The ambience, the personal service, the thoughtful amenities and of course the sumptuous breakfasts make my trip more than a simple wine tour, they make it an experience! Consider visiting The Orchard Inn in Yakima where you wake up amidst the apple orchards and the fruit at breakfast was picked that morning. Visit the Cozy Rose in Grandview a beautiful bed and breakfast located withing easy driving distance of 40+ wineries and several microbreweries. Almost to Walla Walla you will find The Cameo Heights Mansion. Here you can savor the incredible view while relaxing in the in ground pool or steamy hot tub. Finally, in Walla Walla you have two choices for the perfect getaway. The Maxwell House, a friendly and traditional bed and breakfast is located within easy walking distance of the college and local restaurants or you can visit The Inn at Blackberry Creek and relax in English country elegance close to everything that the wine country has to offer.
So why haven’t you left yet? Its time to discover Washington and the Washington wine country, one inn at a time.
