As one of the premier hotels in Walla Walla, Washington, it is a privilege to guide you to the best dining, tasting, entertainment, shopping, and recreation options for your individual needs and tastes. This involves asking questions and getting to know you, not just pointing to a rack stuffed with brochures. And when you've got a place like Walla Walla and a playground like Washington to explore, well, let's just say it's one of the best parts of our jobs.
So read on for advice from a few of our Guides on where to grab the best bite, listen to the best tune, or snag that perfect glass of pinot. But this is just a start, you'll have to meet the whole Guide team to hear it all!
As we all know, Walla Walla Valley's wine scene has grown immensely and is, in Heather's humble opinion, offering the best of the best. With our beautiful vineyard viewed southside wineries to our eclectic airport district and everything in between, there is a winery and varietal for everyone.
No need for a bus or van tour if you want to experience some of the best Walla Walla wineries. Our downtown area boasts over 35 wineries, all within walking distance of each other and The FINCH! Even more appealing, some of our amazing southside and airport district wineries have found a second home in our downtown area for another tasting room. Rotie Cellars, K Vintners/Charles Smith, and Spring Valley Vineyards to name a few.
Keeping it close to home, the born and raised in Walla Walla Kontos brothers run Kontos Cellars and have a prime downtown location with a patio, upstairs & downstairs tasting room, and live music. Another local, Annette Bergevin runs the family owned Bergevin Lane Winery, now opening its second downtown location. If you want quirky, fun, and delicious, Time and Direction, Browne Family Vineyards, and El Corazon are stops you will always leave with a big smile and purple stained teeth. Looking for a more sophisticated swirl of the glass? Stop into Maison Bleue Winery for Rhone varietals and then go around the corner to Mansion Creek Cellars for some Spanish flare. There's a sip and swirl for everyone right in the heart of downtown Walla Walla!
There's no shortage of great places to eat and drink in Walla Walla, but perhaps you would also like a taste of arts and culture. First, you may want to check out any current student-run productions. Boasting picturesque campuses, Whitman College, Walla Walla University, and WW Community College all offer a wide variety of theatrical performances that includes dance and music recitals. These college shows are eclectic, whimsical, and refreshingly creative.
Not to be missed, the quaint Little Theatre of Walla Walla is a go-to for "good plays done well". A long-established institution, this charming theatre showcases community talent while offering something for the whole family.
Still looking for a show that fits the bill? The Powerhouse Theatre hosts a broad array of events from stand-up comedians, on-the-road bands, or children's entertainers. This historic building is sure to have a line-up that will quell your needs for a little 'razzle dazzle'. Every trip to Walla Walla is a chance to discover something wonderful and unique!
Whether I decide on a day out with a girlfriend or a one-on-one date with one of my kiddos, my favorite places to go in Walla Walla are always in the downtown heart of our city. I normally like to start out at either Sweet Basil Pizzeria to enjoy a slice of my favorite pesto pizza, or head over Stone Soup Café for a Country Club sandwich.
After our bellies are nice and full, we like to get started on a little retail therapy. There are so many unique shops that make it fun for me to pick up gifts for any special event. Some of my can't-miss favorites are 35th+Butter, Inland Octopus Toy Shop, Book & Game Co Inc, and Sweetwater Paper & Home. And that's just naming a few.
Of course, we can never end the date without a trip to Bright's Candies for a sweet treat, like their caramel corn or ice cream. Every once in a while, we get to catch a glimpse of them in the midst of making their delicious candies.
