Uncovering the Best Things to do in Walla Walla, Washington

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Our very own Kathryn Bogley is sharing the best things to do in Walla Walla, Washington to celebrate the launch of our Walla Walla Wine Weekend Event. Kathryn grew up in Washington wine country and she loves sharing about her home and how to make the most of your trip.

The Walla Walla Wine Weekend Event came into existence because we want to give our travelers the opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime TTLT experience closer to home while still maintaining our integral purpose at The Table Less Traveled: connections with locals and meaningful cultural exchange.

In the meantime, here are five things to do in Walla Walla, Washington to make the most of your time there. And if you’re looking for exclusive experiences meeting local winemakers and want to foster a deeper appreciation for the wine and cuisine of this destination, then check out our Walla Walla Event before it sells out!

 

Explore Walla Walla’s Award-Winning Main Street

Sunset Magazine named Walla Walla the “Best Main Street in the West” and it’s easy to see why. The charming and colorful storefronts and friendly people are straight out of an episode of Gilmore Girls. If you enjoy shopping, wine tasting, and eating (we’ll get to this in a minute) you’re in for a treat. 

Kathryn’s favorite shops include:

  • Studio Opal

  • Kontos - tasting room

  • Walla Walla General Store

  • 35th + Butter

  • Earthlight Books

  • Walla Walla Clothing Co. 

  • Sweet Water

  • Book & Game

  • Shift Boutique

  • Vital Wines - tasting room

 

Get off the beaten path and visit the Airport District

Less than a 10-minute drive from Main Street in downtown Walla Walla you will find an equally thriving scene, but with a quieter, road-less-traveled feel–and a great view of the nearby foothills. The airport district is a former WWII air base that has become a hub and community of some of Kathryn’s favorite “makers”. Favorites include:

  • Walla Walla Roastery - A cozy coffee shop with a view of the foothills and fire pits to keep you warm on the patio in the Fall and Winter. Also Kathryn’s favorite coffee. 

  • “The Incubators” - A project for up-and-coming winemakers to get their start in the 5 adorably multi-colored cluster of buildings

  • Agapas Mexican Cravings food truck parked outside of Quirk Brewing Co. – The combo of the two is sublime

  • DW Distillery - Visit the “brandymen” and enjoy brandy distilled from Walla Walla’s fine wines

  • Propsice Wines - a terrific artisanal wine spot owned by great people 

 

Experience the magnificent food scene

Prepare to be amazed by the culinary offerings in Walla Walla. Rather than “a few good spots” you might expect from a small town, the town flourishes with options to rival urban offerings. To name a small selection of favorites: 

  • Breakfast: Bacon & Eggs or Maple Counter

  • Coffee & Pastries: Colville St. Patisserie or Walla Walla Bread Co. 

  • Lunch: Graze (this is many people’s first stop when returning to Walla Walla)

  • Dinner: There are too many great options but a night out might include Saffron, Passatempo, TMACS, Brasserie Four, Hattaway’s, or Walla Walla Indian Cuisine

 

Outdoor Sculpture Walk at Whitman College 

Stroll around Whitman College’s picturesque, tree-lined campus on this self-guided, curated art walk. Along the way, you will find sculptures by artists including Deborah Butterfield, Jim Dine, and Squire Broel. After crossing through the glen known as “Narnia”, finish off the walk with a picnic in Whitman’s secret-garden-like outdoor amphitheater. 

Find Whitman’s self-guided sculpture walk brochure here. 

 

Wine Tasting

Walla Walla is renowned for its thriving wine country, boasting numerous more than 130 wineries and thousands of acres of vineyards. In fact, it was voted “America’s Best Wine Region” in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

While many visitors enjoy the standard wine tastings, if you’re looking for an insider experience arrange a private vineyard tour. On an exclusive tour with a local vintner, you’ll get to delve into the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. You might even get to sample unreleased wines straight from the barrel.

 

Walla Walla, Washington is a destination that rewards those who venture beyond the typical tourist path. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or a history buff, the insider and exclusive experiences awaiting you in Walla Walla will create memories that last a lifetime.

 

Written by Kathryn Bogley, Experience Advisor and Walla Walla Wine Event Host

 

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our Travel Coaching and Private Trips with booking service.  

 

No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - which offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy. 

 

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