Around Wine Country

All through the summer, downtown Walla Walla offers ongoing events for our visitors and guests, and August is no exception. Music lovers will appreciate the talent each Friday and Saturday evening with a new edition of Summer Sounds on the Plaza, with each night showcasing a different name in musical entertainment. Join us at First and Main in the heart of downtown for such musical talent as Eddie Manzanares on August 9, Calico Bones on August 10, Melissa Cunnington and Guest on August 16, and Big Font on the 17.

The Shop Singers will perform on August 23, along with The Working Poor on August 24, The Wasteland Kings on August 30, and Chris Ward will wrap it up on August 31. Also, come out and shop for fresh cut flowers, flower baskets, and unique hand-crafted artisan items, along with the area’s freshest local produce, at the Downtown Farmers Market each Saturday in August, and every Saturday afterward through October.

Join us this month for a celebration of two Walla Walla favorite annual events. First, head over to the Gesa Power House Theatre from July 12-14 for three days of cutting-edge American short cinema during the 3rd Annual Walla Walla Movie Crush. Featuring animation, experimental films, documentaries, narratives, and more, the Walla Walla Movie Crush (WWMC) will present over 100 new shorts, ten of which were created especially for the WWMC. Award categories include Best Animated, Best Documentary, Best Narrative, Best Screenplay, Best Performance, Best Student Short, Curator’s Choice, and Audience Award.  

Next, come out to Main between 3^rd and 4^th Streets for a festival in honor of the state’s favorite and most flavorful official veggie, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival. This event kicks off on July 19 with the Funion Runion, followed by the festival on July 20. Activities and attractions include dance team demonstrations, delectable food vendors, chef demonstrations, local artisans, and face painting for the kids. It’s going to be one fabulous “funion” time!

Walla Walla is famous for its wine and related wine activities year-round, and this month is no exception. On June 13-15, Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine will kick off their annual event, featuring over 60 regional winemakers, three internationally renowned guest winemakers, and some of the most well-known experts. Attendees can sip rare vintages, and join special winemaker receptions and dinners. This festive event kicks off on June 13 with “The World of Cabernet Sauvignon” at the Gesa Power House Theater, featuring a vintage pour at Tranche.

On June 14, we at the Marcus Whitman will host a variety of wine panel presentations and tastings, followed by a Cabernet Sauvignon tasting at Waterbrook Winery. June 15 will feature a collaborative winemaker dinner series, hosted at various valley locales. Also, enhance your enjoyment of the pleasures of wine with Summer Sounds on the Plaza. Presented by the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, these free concerts at First and Main will be ongoing throughout the summer, and will feature such performers as Robin Barrett and Tiphony Dames, the Shop Singers, Calico Bones, A Fine Mess, and many more.

While there are many events that celebrate spring in Walla Walla, two of them stand out from the crowd: the Spring Fling and the annual Ducky Derby. Two of the area’s favorite events, both of these feature loads of family-friendly fun, with something for all interests and ages. First, join us at Pioneer Park on May 10-12 for the Walla Walla Spring Fling for a three-day party full of tasty tidbits and treats from local vendors, live music, and fabulous events, including a Kidz Zone, an Auto Show n’ Shine, and a tribute to veterans and active duty military.

Next, make your way over to Mill Creek on May 18 for the 22^nd Annual Ducky Derby. This quack-tacular duck race features free popcorn and soda, 25-cent hot dogs, and children’s activities, along with the chance to win one of 19 wonderful prizes, including a Toyota Corolla, vacation getaways, bicycles, and a shot at $1,000,000! Sponsored by Community Bank and the Walla Walla Exchange Club Foundation, 100 percent of the net proceeds of the Derby go towards the Exchange Club’s mission to end child abuse.

Calling all theater lovers – make your plans now to attend the performances of some of Broadway's most famous plays at the Little Theatre of Walla Walla. Since 1944, this all-volunteer community theatre group has been captivating audiences throughout the region with hundreds of professional-caliber theatrical performances. Producing four main stage shows each season, the company has dazzled with such classics as The 39 Steps, Bus Stop, Deathtrap, The Glass Menagerie, The Producers,” Spamalot, The Rainmaker, Calendar Girls, and many more.

The lineup for the spring/summer season doesn’t disappoint, beginning with the stage presentation of Harper Lee’s powerful tale To Kill a Mockingbird from April 5-14. From May 24 – June 9, the LTWW will continue the theme of tales from the Deep South with Beth Henley’s beloved story of three sisters in Crimes of the Heart. Lastly, the Missoula Children’s Theatre will bring Jack and the Beanstalk to the LTWW stage on June 29.

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Spring Release season is upon us and with it a flurry of activities in the Valley. Here are the highlights. Find more at wallawalla.org.

HISTORY

Kick off spring with a special Victorian open house on April 6 at 10 a.m., including a craft, tasty treats and tours of Frazier Farmstead in Milton-Freewater.

FOODIE

Tastiest Taco Contest – The United Way has paired with 20 restaurants and food trucks in their fundraising quest for the tastiest taco in the valley. Join them April 12 through Cinco de Mayo by purchasing a stamp book entitling you to a free taco at participating locations and a vote. Get your stamp book at unitedwayww.org.

NATURE/CULTURE

The Blue Mountain Land Trust kicks off their season of unique nature, culture and heritage events this month starting with Organic Poetry of the Blues on April 3. Enjoy a reading by our many talented regional poets with a glass of wine at Foundry Vineyards. Later in the week learn all about what makes the stunning appaloosa horses so unique at Blue Creek Appaloosas on April 6. May’s events include a ranch tour, hiking, nature journaling, mushroom hunting and more. Find a list of all Learning on the Land events at bmlt.org. 

And don't miss the land trust's Wild & Scenic Film Festival.This annual tradition happens April 12 this year at Whitman College’s Maxey Auditorium, 6:30-9:30 p.m. View this exciting collection of short films that highlight the beauty and splendor of our natural world along with the challenges it faces.

MUSIC

The new performance venue The Dacre is hopping this spring with Karma, one of the Northwest’s biggest hip hop artists stopping into town on April 13 with father-son duo Lone Wolf & Kub and Walla Walla local rapper Xavier Tre. On May 1 catch Songs & Stories: An Evening with Art Alexakis of Everclear, Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne, Max Collins of Eve 6, John Wozniak of Marcy Playground. For a full list of events visit thedacres.com.

Just a short drive away the historic towns of Waitsburg and Dayton are full of Eastern Washington history, charming shops and great food. Surrounded by the rolling hills and wheat fields, the drive there is just as much fun as the stops.

Start your day at 10 Ton Coffee in Waitsburg’s historic downtown, just a 20-minute drive from Walla Walla on Route 12. Sip locally roasted coffee, enjoy a house-made baked good and admire the art in this coffee shop/gallery. Then take a stroll through downtown among its bronze statues and peruse Nothing New Antiques.

Continue your scenic drive on your way to Dayton and stop in for a wine tasting at Dumas Station Wines, then visit Blue Mountain Station for a variety of local foods and products. Be sure to do a spirits tasting at XO Alambic and satisfy a sweet tooth at Mary’s Candies. If you loved your morning cup of java, buy a bag to take home from its maker, Rey’s Roast in the artisan market and maybe pick up some Joesph’s Grainery multi-grain pancake mix from nearby Colfax.

If you make an appointment, visit the home of Monteillet Fromagerie – goats, sheep, garden and all, where they make their highly acclaimed goat and sheep’s milk artisan cheese.

Route 12 will soon take you through downtown Dayton, where you can shop more antiques and unique shops like the historic Weinhard Hotel’s gift shop and Azure Mountain Handcrafted Artisan Soap.

History buffs will enjoy the museum at Dayton Historical Depot and the Boldman House Museum. And a trip to Wenaha Gallery will acquaint you with inspiring art from nationally recognized artists focusing on the Western experience as well as renowned local and regional artists.

Lunch is pizza and brews (try the reuben pizza) at Fire & Iron Pub, where in the summer you can sit on their back porch among hop vines. Leave room for an old fashioned milkshake at Elk Drug's soda fountain.

Head out of town for more scenic views at the Lewis & Clark at Patit Creek statues. A series of 80 steel silhouettes marks the exact people and animals present at their campsite as they passed through.

If you’re looking for a longer day, visit Ski Bluewood for winter skiing or warm-weather hiking or drive farther into the Palouse canyons to Lyons Ferry State Park at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake rivers or the magnificent 200-foot Palouse Falls, encircled by basalt cliffs.

On your way back to Walla Walla stop in for a beer at Laht Neppur Brewery.

Read about another perfect day trip here.

Hey Walla Walla, get ready to rock out March 8-10 at the 8^th Annual Walla Walla Guitar Festival. This 3-day fest will showcase 25 bands performing in 10 different venues, all within walking distance of downtown. Whether you’re a Stratocaster fan or prefer the sweet sounds of the Martin acoustic, you’ll find a whole lotta love at the WWGF Opening Concert, the multi-venue kick-off party, the Large Show, the Acoustic Showcase, Jazz at the Fest, and more.

The shows will feature such legendary hit-makers as headliner Peter Rivera of Rare Earth, the BMA-winning and Grammy-nominated Danielle Nicole Band, Randy Oxford’s All-Star Reunion, featuring Patti Allen, and the Coyote Kings with Tiphony Dames and special guest Too Slim. Tip: don’t miss their new CD “Rocket” pre-release party at the large show. Venues will include our own Marcus Whitman Ballroom, the VFW, the Eagles, and many more. After the fest, keep the party vibe going at the Gesa Power House on March 23, when the Seattle Rock Orchestra plays Led Zeppelin. The SRO will utilize strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and dynamic guest vocalists for a unique combination of Led Zep rock and a night at the Symphony.

Despite our recent bought of winter weather, spring is in the air this month. Time to shake that cabin fever and get out and enjoy these Walla Walla activities.

Get Moving:

There’s plenty of dancing opportunities this month, starting with the annual Pink Ball on March 2 – the largest fund-raising event of the year for Just Us Girls Sharing, includes dinner, signature cocktails, wine, a runway show, and dancing.

Salsa dance at CAVU Cellars, March 1 and the first Friday of every month.

Stretch out those winter blues with a yoga class at Revolver Studio, multiple classes, multiple levels throughout the week, or Foundry Vineyard’s Yoga at the Gallery.

If golf is your sport, Wine Valley Golf Club’s last Winter Series event is March 3 and the season starts March 6 at Veteran’s Memorial Course, where Ladies Club is every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., all skill levels welcome.

Get Musical:

The Walla Walla Choral Society’s March 3-4 concert focuses on the Music of New Orleans.

The eighth annual Walla Walla Guitar Festival takes over Main Street, starting in the evening March 8 and all day March 9.

Get Tropical:

Warm up with South Pacific vibes at Quirk Brewing all week (February 27 – March 3). Enjoy tropical beers and Agapa’s Mexican Cravings.

Get Brainy:

The popular Geeks Who Drink pub quiz comes to Big House Brewing March 6.

Don’t Miss:

Cuddle with the Blue Mountain Humane Society’s cutest pets or bring your own four-legged friend to Waterbrook Winery’s annual Tails and Tastings. Sample spring wine releases and enjoy light bites while supporting a great cause.

Take a day trip to Dayton for their annual Blue Mountain Brix and Brew Festival and Benefit Auction on March 15 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

To Kill a Mocking Bird plays at The Little Theatre March 29, 30, April 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m.
April 7, 14 at 2 p.m.

Many think wine and chocolate are the perfect pairing. Luckily Walla Walla is the perfect place to find both. Here are the Valley’s best places to get your Valentine a chocolate treat or indulge your own sweet tooth.

Bright’s Candies has been a confectionery staple since 1934. They continue the tradition of hand-made chocolates in their Main Street store, where you can view them making them through a window and of course sample some. They also serve up old fashioned gourmet popcorn and ice cream, where on a nice day you can eat at a table outside and watch the world go by.

Locals know Colville Street Patisserie, whose elegant cakes are pictured here, is the place to go for French pastries, and you'll see them lined up right before they open. They have a special on mini macaroons (chocolate, raspberry, vanilla and rose) for Valentine’s Day and don’t under-estimate the power of chocolate gelato.

A trip across the border to Milton-Freewater is incomplete without a visit to Petit Noirs. This boutique chocolatier turns chocolate-making into art, taking inspiration from the region’s fields and vineyards, they work to pair their flavors with our local wines. Sample their spicy sipping chocolate while you’re there.

John’s Wheatland Bakery can’t be beat if you’re looking for that old-school heart-shaped sugar cookie for your Valentine. The bakery also provides bread to many of Walla Walla’s restaurants and you’ll find a solid collection of pastries to delight your taste buds.

If cupcakes are your jam, head to Frosted. With daily rotating cupcake flavors like chocolate cherry and red velvet, they also make macaroons and other tasty treats in their downtown storefront just off Main Street.

Olive Marketplace and Café and Coffee Perk pastries are made fresh daily. And with both having such great coffee shop vibes you’ll want to linger and stay for seconds.

This month, the city of Walla Walla is offering guests a myriad of events and activities for your consideration, and a couple of our favorites are listed here. First, whisk your Valentine away for a romantic staycation at the Marcus Whitman with our Sweethearts Package. You’ll get luxury accommodations, six chocolate strawberries, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a lovely dinner for two in the Marc Restaurant. Make it a point to head over to the Gesa Power House Theatre on February 17 for their Live Cinema Series, featuring Tchaikovsky’s "The Queen of Spades" performed by the Royal Opera and filmed live.

Set in 1890, this new production comes to the Gesa after receiving five-star reviews in Amsterdam and is performed in Russian with English subtitles. Popcorn and other snacks can be purchased, along with beer and wine. Next, check out the 44^th Annual American Association of University Women (AAUW) Book Sale right here at the Marcus Whitman on February 22-24. Select from first-rate hardback and paperback books, including a rare and collectible section, along with CDs and DVDs. Proceeds go toward future educational projects and events, and scholarships for local women returning to college.

Walla Walla’s February for Foodies celebrates its seventh year. This year many restaurants throughout Walla Walla will feature special three-course prix-fixe dinner menus for $33, and offer two-course prix fixe lunch menus, Sunday through Thursday, for $22. Every Wednesday night in February will be “family night,” with custom offerings at local restaurants designed for three or more and priced per adult and per child.

The calendar will also be filled with events showcasing Walla Walla’s celebrated chefs and special food, wine and chocolate pairings. It’s a great time for locals and visitors alike to get acquainted with Walla Walla’s sensational food scene.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel will be kicking off the celebration of local bounty with an exclusive wine-paired dinner in the Grand Lobby. Executive Chef Grant Hinderliter will be showing off his culinary prowess among the storied columns and architectural grandeur of our historic lobby.

Call (509) 524 5139 to book reservations as seating is limited.

In addition, The Marc and the Vineyard Lounge will offer a three-course meal for $25 from a special menu.

There’s plenty of local restaurants that bring new dishes to the game each year to make a unique week of eating out. Why not pair it with the hotel’s Sweethearts Package, which includes luxurious accommodations for two, dinner for two in The Marc Restaurant, and other goodies for a perfect romantic getaway. Book before February 28 to save up to 20% off the regular room rate. Call direct, 866-826-9422 to book.

Find menus, participating restaurants and more at Visit Walla Walla.

If you haven’t checked out the creative side of Walla Walla you may be surprised by its quality and depth. Here’s where to start:

VISUAL ART

Winery Art Galleries: Foundry Vineyards is owned by the founder of the Walla Walla Foundry, where world-renowned artists come to create large-scale installations. You can see some of them in their tasting room’s sculpture garden along with a rotating gallery of new artists from around the world. DAMA Wines moved their tasting room last year to accommodate even more regional art in their elegant gallery space. At Studio Two Zero Two you can taste Morell Family Wines while viewing art. Visit CAVU Cellars unique gallery space in the Airport District. An appointment at Long Shadows Winery will also get you a viewing of some Dale Chihuly glass work. Several other wineries around town have artwork on display as well.

Whitman College: To view more sculptures from the Foundry and elsewhere, including Native American art, visit the college’s sculpture garden spanning much of the campus and meandering along a peaceful stream. The Sheehan Gallery is also on campus, along with two Dale Chihuly glass sculptures (one in the student union and one across the street in Cordiner Hall).

Downtown: Art abounds along the downtown streets by local artists like Squire Broel and more. Don’t miss a visit to Matilde, a beautiful bronze ox in front of the library. Make stops at Telander Gallery, Artescapes Studios and Kingfisher Gallery and Custom Frame part of your tour.

The Museum of Unnatural History: DADA art is alive and well in Walla Walla at this eclectic gallery where every Saturday morning artist and former actor (you’ll recognize his voice as Sugar Bear of the Golden Grahams cereal commercials) Gerald Matthews opens his intriguing collection for viewing.

Marcus Whitman Hotel: Visit our second floor gallery to learn the story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman depicted in a series of paintings by local artist David Manuel.

PERFORMANCE ART

The beautifully restored Gesa Powerhouse Theatre showcases a variety of performing arts through the year and The Little Theatre shows off local talent, currently performing Calendar Girls. Then there’s the performances at Whitman’s Harper Joy Theatre.

MUSIC

A new performance venue, The Dacres, brings cutting-edge musicians to town. Sinclair Estate Vineyards and Marcy’s Bar and Lounge have live music most weekend and many wineries around town host bands. Check out Olive Marketplace and Café for Tasting and Tunes every Thursday night.

The Walla Walla Symphony is the oldest running symphony West of the Mississippi and the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival brings classical music to life every January and June.

 For more information visit Art Walla.

Future brides (and grooms) who are planning a walk down the aisle with their special someone will want to join us on January 19 for the 16th Annual Marcus Whitman Hotel Wedding Expo. Marriage-minded couples and their attendants will turn out from across the Pacific Northwest to enjoy the exquisite runway fashion show, which will feature apparel for the entire wedding party. A one-stop shopping opportunity for anyone involved in planning a wedding, the Expo will feature around 50 helpful vendors.

Over 100 brides-to-be are usually in attendance; garnering loads of advice on wedding and groom’s cakes, catering, apparel, hair, makeup, photography, flowers, and much more. As a bonus, each bride receives a “passport” that is stamped by each vendor and is then entered into a drawing for a prize. Make sure your special day is all that you want it to be and register to attend the 2019 Wedding Expo. Hope to see you there!

Looking for some local cheese to pair with all this great wine? The Walla Walla Valley’s got that covered too. Learn about our local creameries and their unique dairy terroir. You can find the cheeses at local grocers like Harvest Foods, on many restaurant menus or take a field trip and visit for yourself.

Monteillet Fromagerie

Joan and Pierre-Louis Monteillet were the first to bring artisan cheese to the Valley when they opened Monteillet Fromagerie in 1997. Since then their highly regarded cheeses have been lauded by many chefs around the region. Their Alpine goats and East Friesian-Lacaune sheep produce the rich high-butter content milk for their cheeses.

Pierre-Louis, a native of France, and wife Joan, who grew up in Walla Walla, make a variety of soft-ripened, semi-hard and hard chevre, a blended goat and sheep’s milk cheese, as well as feta, mozzarella and ricotta, all made using techniques traditional to the Roquefort region of France where Pierre-Louis was born.

Visit their farm by appointment in Dayton or check out their cheese shop located in Whoopemup Hollow Café in downtown Walla Walla.

Umapine Creamery

Brent Carroll, owner of Umapine Creamery, knew he wanted to be a dairyman since he was twelve. After a school field trip to a dairy farm, he rode his bike back to the farm and asked for a job that very day. Fast forward more than fifty years later and he’s still at it.

He and his wife, Yvonne opened the creamery on their dairy farm in 2012.

Just as the region’s grapes are affected by terroir, so are its cheeses, says Brent. “I’ve found that we do have a unique flavor here because of our long hot summers and our colder winters,” he says. “The grasses grow differently, so that’s going to naturally be expressed in the milk that our cows make.”

Umapine makes four base cheeses –gouda, Havarti, a farmstead that is a cross between cheddar and gouda, and a dry jack. They then add different seasonings or smoke to make 26 different flavors.

Visit their dairy and creamery by appointment in Umapine, Oregon, just over the border.

Walla Walla Cheese Company

Jeff and Andrea Adams were also veterans of the dairy business who started making cheese for fun before turning it into a business. They opened their store a couple years ago where they age and sell their cheeses, along with offering samples and daily sandwich specials. They currently produce cheddar, Havarti, gouda, jack, halloumi, queso fresco, and many unique flavored varieties, like caraway Havarti, and Sriracha jack.

Visit them at their shop in downtown Milton-Freewater.

Just an hour north of Walla Walla at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers lies the Tri-Cities – Richland, Pasco and Kennewick to be specific. Water adventures, wine tasting and exploring the region’s science-centric history make the Tri-Cities a perfect day trip from Walla Walla.

The region is also home to Red Mountain AVA. At 4,400 acres it’s Washington’s smallest and warmest wine grape growing region. After sampling the wine, here are some other things to do:

Columbia River Activities:

The possibilities are endless on this expansive river. Take a scenic walk along the trails at Columbia Park or take in a round of golf at their riverside links. (Tri-Cities has seven other golf courses.) Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Greenies. Take a wine cruise with Water2Wine. Enjoy Sacajawea State Park’s picnic and beach area.

Science:

Visit Bechtel National Planetarium. Tour LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory), where gravitational waves were first detected in conjunction with similar sites around the country, proving Einstein’s Theory of Relativity correct. Check out events at Washington State University’s Wine Science Center.

Prehistory:

Tour the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site and find out what they’re currently digging up. Visit the Reach Museum and learn about the region’s unique geology, prehistory, Native American tribes, early settlers and hydro and nuclear power.

Manhattan Project:

Take a tour of the Manhattan Project and Hanford’s B Reactor, created as part of the top-secret nuclear project during World War II. Hanford Reach National Monument is also nearby, with abundant hiking, fishing and birding opportunities.

Break for Wine, Spirits and Beer:

For great views of and wines from Red Mountain, try Col Solare Winery or Terra Blanca Winery and Estates Vineyard, where you can walk along their scenic grounds or get lunch at their onsite restaurant. Visit out-of-the-way Anelare Winery for more views after a hike at Horse Heaven Hills Recreation Area from the trailhead just behind the winery. For literary lovers J. Bookwalters Winery is the place to be. Don’t miss their nonfiction happy hour at Fiction. Visit solar-powered Solar Spirits or Blue Heron Distillery. Beer lovers will appreciate Atomic Brewing, Ice Harbor Brewing, both their downtown Kennewick and marina side pubs, and Sage Steppe Smokehouse Brewery pairs great barbecue with its brews.

Walla Walla is full of good cheer this time of year – and things to do. Check out some of the holiday-inspired events this month:

MUSIC

NW Bach Fest at Foundry Vineyards,  December 4 – Northwest BachFest presents Winter Classics with Artistic Director and renowned cellist Zuill Bailey and his friends Ben Breen, violin; Martin Sher, viola; Awadagin Pratt, piano. A beautiful program featuring Schumann Piano Quartet and Brahms Piano Quartet in C minor.

’Tis the Season Concert, December 15 – Gary Hemenway, Mark Brown, and friends come together at Gesa Power House Theatre for a fun evening of holiday music.

SNOW GLOBES, SANTAS & THE SCENT OF LAVENDER        

Christmas Open House at Frazier Farmstead Museum, December 8 – Dayton’s historic Frazier farmstead is decorated with snow globes and Santas for this year’s open house. Enjoy the decorations with refreshments and shop the museum gift store.

Blue Mountain Lavender Farm Open House, December 9 & 16 - The Farm Boutique offers a wide selection of lavender gift items, perfect for ticking items off your Christmas shopping list. Offerings include sachets, the farm's culinary lavender line, dried bouquets and wreaths, bath and body products, and essential oil of lavender imported from France.

DANCE

The Nutcracker, December 8 – The Eugene Ballet Company performs Tchaikovsky’s beloved favorite, The Nutcracker with the Walla Walla Symphony at Cordiner Hall on Whitman College campus.

The Nutcracker, December 15 – If you missed the live performance on the 8^th catch Gesa Power House Theatre’s screening of the current Royal Ballet’s production of this holiday classic.

UGLY SWEATERS

Ugly Christmas Sweaters & Wine, December 9 – Wear your best ugly Christmas sweater to Dunham Cellars during Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend and receive a free tasting and have your picture taken in front of their giant bottle tree.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, December 15  – Truth Teller Winery hosts its first annual ugly sweater party with treats, drinks, friends and an ugly sweater competition.

NEW YEARS CELEBRATION   

Join the Marcus Whitman Hotel for our own annual Denim and Pearls New Year’s Eve Party. Enjoy dancing, live music, photo booth, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, raffle drawing and, of course, a complimentary champagne toast to ring in 2019. Western attire encouraged. Ask about our special room rate. Hope to see you there!

Don’t forget to plan your next visit to Walla Walla for February is for Foodies.

This December, the City of Walla Walla is offering up a multitude of Yuletide events and activities, and some of our favorites are listed here. First, head over to the Gesa Power House Theatre on December 13 for a live holiday concert. A Celtic Christmas with Affinití, one of Ireland’s preeminent Celtic classical trios, is returning to the Gesa and will be joined by Howard Crosby, nephew of recording and Hollywood musical legend Bing Crosby, on their annual Christmas Tour.

Also, live at the Gesa on December 15, ‘Tis the Season will be performed. A local holiday tradition will feature an assortment of musical selections by a variety of performers, including jazz vocalist Gail Pettis Jazz. Lastly, come out and kick off the New Year with us at the Marcus Whitman Hotel’s Denim & Pearls New Year’s Eve Party. Join us in the Grand Ballroom in your finest Western stylin’ for the best blowout in town. We’ll have live music by Shanks Pony, beer, wine, and champagne, three rounds of hors d’oeuvres, party favors, and a televised presentation of the ball drop. Call (509) 524-5139 for tickets, and ask about special room rates with a ticket purchase.

This month, Walla Walla offers an array of seasonal and entertaining events for our guests and residents, and some of our favorites are listed here. First, get ready to pare down that holiday shopping list at the Junque Jingle Vintage and Holiday Market on November 3. Held at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds, the Market will showcase juried vendors offering such finds as architectural and industrial salvage, antiques, vintage collectibles, and holiday-related items. Next, join us in saluting our nation’s veterans on November 11 at the annual Veterans Day Parade. Thousands will line the streets to watch a variety of floats, marching bands, and much more at this patriotic event.

Also, don’t miss the Gesa Power House Theatre’s presentation of “Live Cinema” The King and I” on November 29. This is the famous version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical was recorded live at the Palladium in London and recounts the tale of an unusual and impassioned relationship between a schoolteacher and a king. Lastly, be sure to stick around for our Annual Macy's Holiday Parade of Lights on December 1. This beloved event always kicks off the holiday season and brings thousands of delighted spectators to downtown Walla Walla.

This month, our guests and visitors have many fun and entertaining activities and events from which to choose, so we have listed a couple of suggestions here. First, two fabulous shows await you at the Gesa Power House Theatre: Pink Floyd Fans can rock out to the music of Floyd tribute band Pigs on the Wing on October 12. The band will perform two full sets of music – opening with a chronological “Floyd” retrospective, followed by a full performance of their brilliant composition, “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Next, return to the Gesa on October 14 for the family-friendly “The Zaniac Comedy Show.” The Zaniac himself, Alex Zerbe, will dance, juggle, sing, perform feats of magic, and more. The show alternates between hilarious live comedy, and breathtaking stunts. Zerbe has performed on “America’s Got Talent,” and “Last Comic Standing,” and was voted the “Pacific Northwest’s Funniest Prop Comic.” Lastly, be sure to bring the family in all their Halloween finery for Downtown Walla Walla’s Trick-or-Treat on October 31. Thousands come to this event annually for treats, socializing, and fun.

Vintage vehicles, motorcycles, and classic cars will soon be rolling into town for the annual Wheelin' Walla Walla Weekend. Always held the weekend after Labor Day, this event features such events as a Classics Cruise, a catered dinner, and the Show n’ Shine. The Friday Classics Cruise and Catered Dinner are set for September 7, while the Show n’ Shine is slated for September 8, along with an Awards Ceremony. Visitors can cruise Main Street on foot to check out over 400 cars and cycles.

Next, stop in at the Marcus Whitman Hotel on September 11 for Business after Hours to help us celebrate our 90^th birthday. Come dressed in your finest 1920s duds, or not, as you wish. The after party will feature prizes, speakeasy photo stations, table games, hors d’ouerves, a Model-A jalopy display, and a bootleg “tea” service. Lastly, leave your shoes behind and come to the Grape Stomp and Harvest Lunch at Canoe Ridge Vineyard on September 22. Guests will enjoy a rustic lunch along with the opportunity to jump in and stomp away.

Walla Walla is more than just a wine town, it’s a golfer’s paradise. With our custom Stay & Play package, you can experience all three of Walla Walla’s courses.

Walla Walla Country Club – Enjoy exclusive guest privileges at this classic "old style" course. Built in 1923 and designed by A. W. Tillinghast with small greens, tree lined fairways and lush, wall-to-wall bluegrass. The left side of the tenth hole's par five green is guarded by a lake, while a meandering creek comes into play on eight other fairways. While there are only four fairway bunkers, many golfers swear there are more than twenty-six bunkers framing the greens. Driving the ball in the fairway and keeping it underneath the hole on the greens will normally reward the golfer with a good score!

Club amenities include dining room and lounge access, with a full bar and local wine list. Or enjoy a delicious meal on the patio overlooking the green.

Wine Valley Golf Club – This stunning links-style course designed by Dan Hixson in 2009 unfolds on a grand scale, playing over rolling hills in the shadow of the Blue Mountains. Each hole affords multiple lines of approach, providing a satisfactory challenge at every skill level. The course plays fast and firm in the style of the great links courses rolling atop the rich soils deposited by the ancient Missoula Floods. Measuring up to 7,360 yards, Wine Valley is not a one-time-experience course but rather, one that should be repeatedly played until every nook and cranny has been thoroughly conquered.

With a driving range and full-service pro shop, private lessons are also available. Amenities include drink and snack service. Friday nights are Couples Nine & Wine nights and ladies clinic starts at 5:30 most Mondays. Enjoy burger & brew nights each Tuesday and Wednesday.

Veterans Memorial Golf Course – Set within the breathtaking tranquility of the wheat fields and foothills of the Blue Mountains, Veterans Memorial Golf Course captures the true essence of Southeastern Washington Golf more than any other. Designed by Frank James in 1948, from the first tee, the rye grass course serves up a visual and dynamic player experience. Golfers are treated to an ever-changing landscape of 18 different golf holes, each with its own individual character and spectacular view.

Driving range, pro shop and club rentals available at this laid-back municipal course.

You can find more information about each course and book your custom package here: marcuswhitmanhotel.com/golf-courses. Just tell our friendly golf reservation staff when you’d like to play and for how many days—and they’ll respond with a custom lodging & tee-time quote for your approval. It’s that simple.

And if three’s not enough a quick drive into Oregon brings one more. Play Milton-Freewater Golf Course and dine at Upper 9 Restaurant, then explore this charming little town, home to the Northwest’s newest AVA –the Rocks District.

Did you know that the Walla Walla Valley is home to over 120 wineries and growing! The wineries are spread out among the Walla Walla Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) over 5 distinct districts, each with their own personality and charm. Take a tour:

Downtown: Walla Walla’s historic downtown is home to over 30 tasting rooms of wineries throughout the region, including a handful located within the Marcus Whitman like Mansion Creek Cellars, Locati Cellars, TERO Estates and Lodmell Cellars. Step outside, pick a direction to cross the street and you’ll find a dozen more that wrap around Second Avenue, down Main Street and trickle into side streets.

Westside: If you arrived from the West via Highway 12 you’ve most likely passed or stopped into these wineries. Woodward Canyon, one of the Valley’s first is right beside L’Ecole No 41 in a historic school house, both great starts to a wine vacation. Just off the highway Reininger and Three Rivers have relaxing outdoor patios amongst the wheat fields and pastures.

Airport: Perhaps the most unique region is found by the airport in the historic World War II-era military buildings that have been converted into tasting rooms, production facilities, distilleries and breweries. You’d never know the elegant art gallery/tasting room at CAVU Cellars was once used as a military storage building. Dunham Cellar’s rustic tasting room feels more like an old barn, but used to be an airplane hanger. Even the tiny guard station is now home to Walla Walla Distilling Company.

Eastside: Tucked into the vineyards of the Mill Creek region, these wineries are sure to please the eyes and palate, like Walla Walla Vintners, located on Cut Bank Estate Vineyard. But before driving into the country, stop into College Cellars to see what the students of the Walla Walla Community College’s prestigious Oenology and Viticulture program are pouring. They’re eager to share their award-winning wines and show off their new winemaking knowledge.

Southside & Oregon: Home to the sexy new Rocks AVA in Oregon’s Milton-Freewater, these wines are big and bold! The Southside boasts some beautiful views of the Blue Mountains and vineyards. Get up close and personal with the grapes at tasting rooms like Basel Cellars and Northstar. Wind through wheat and wine grapes along twisting country roads to a dozen others spanning the Washington-Oregon stateline.

This month, Walla Walla is offering two wonderful and very different live performances. First, don’t miss the powerful “Living History Performance: Hop Sing from the Pendleton Underground Tour” on August 11 at Fort Walla Walla Museum. Set during the final days of work on the transcontinental railroad, thousands of Chinese workers find they are no longer needed. The result was increased hostility and persecution of the Chinese workers, who were desperate for work. Many of them came to Pendleton for manual labor, including Hop Sing, who opened his soon-to-be-famous and very successful Hop Sing Laundry.

This performance is a part of the Pendleton Underground Comes Alive Tour and for the last 13 years, Hop Sing has been portrayed by City Council member Myron Huie. Next, be sure to catch “9 to 5: The Musical” playing at the Gesa August 17-19. Directed by Walla Walla native and former NYC director Tyson Kaup, the show is based on the 1980 hit film and features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. A hilarious tale of ambition, betrayal, sexism, and revenge, this is one you won’t want to miss. For details, call (509) 876-1662.

Did you know Oregon is only a ten-minute drive from Walla Walla? The first south-of-the-border town you’ll hit is Milton-Freewater. With its own AVA, chocolate, fresh produce, rich history and scenery to boot, you can make a day out of the excursion.

Milton-Freewater is home to one of the Northwest’s newest and smallest AVAs –The Rocks District. Found within the larger Walla Walla Valley AVA, the Rocks District is characterized by its rocky soil and the only AVA in the U.S. determined solely by soil series (Freewater Soil) and land form (alluvial fan).  With Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache topping the varieties, these big bold wines, often described as funky or meaty and already highly lauded, come from just 24 growers and 338 acres.

Currently, only wines produced in Oregon can carry the AVA’s designation. To sample this unique terroir, visit Zerba Cellars, Don Carlo Vineyard and neighboring Southside wineries with Rocks-sourced grapes Tertulia Cellars, Rulo Winery, Rasa Vineyards and more.

Once you’ve had your fill of wine here are a few other ways to explore the town:

Petit Noirs Chocolate: An afternoon of wine tasting is perfectly topped with a visit to this elegant chocolate shop for a sample of their hand-crafted confections with flavors inspired by the complex notes of wines produced nearby and fresh produce.

Walla Walla Cheese Company: With a variety of styles and flavors, visit this fun shop downtown for samples or lunch, with a limited light menu that of course includes a grilled cheese. The cheese is made on-site from local dairies.

Blue Mountain Cider Company: Shake up your wine tasting with a cider tasting. These ciders, produced farm-to-bottle by third generation apple growers are sure to please the palate. Their tasting room is shared with sister company Watermill Winery.

Picnic at Yantis Park: Take your tasty treats to-go for a picnic in this relaxing tree-shaded park. Do climb the paved path behind the park - although quite steep, there are benches along the way and the view of the surrounding town and valley at the top (with a covered picnic table) is worth it.

Frazier Farmstead Museum: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this charming homestead was settled in 1868 by community founder W. S. Frazier and is now run as a museum by the Milton-Freewater Area Historical Society.

Harris Park: A scenic drive out of town takes you to this park and hiking trail, unpaved but flat for several miles through canyons along the South Fork of the Walla Walla River with side trails climbing up the foothills and eventually leading into the Blue Mountains.

Planning to drive to Walla Walla from Portland? Don’t wait till you arrive to start your vacation. Begin enjoying the journey as soon as you leave home with these fun stops along the way. The drive from West to East will take you along the famed scenic Columbia River Gorge. Watch the dramatic shift in landscape from the Cascadian forest to the Eastside’s arid rolling hills and canyons, with a few surprises along the way.

Multnomah Falls & Historic Columbia Gorge Highway – Most Portlanders have seen these epic 611-foot falls, but if you haven’t now’s your chance, just 30 minutes outside of the city on I-84. Then consider meandering off 84 for a spell and take the old Historic Columbia Gorge Highway (check current conditions, as some of it remains closed for recovery work after 2017’s Eagle Creek Fire), offering gorgeous views of the Columbia River from above. Don’t miss a stop at Vista House on Crown Point for an espresso, built in 1918, it’s easily the most beautiful rest stop you’ll ever visit.

Cascade Locks Beer or Ice Cream – Your call. Cascade Locks’ downtown is a charming little strip just off the highway where you can stock up on smoked salmon and berries at a roadside stand. Enjoy a riverside brew and soak in the relaxed vibes at Thunder Island Brewing Company or drive a bit further and get a giant ice cream cone at the retro Eastwind Drive-In before getting back on the highway.

Pizza and a Brew in Hood River – The outdoors-loving town of Hood River is worth a leisurely stroll for some shopping and good eats or visit the waterfront for a tasting and gourmet bites at pfriems Family Brewers or a pie at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza next door.

Maryhill Winery & Museum – Cross the river to Washington for a tasting at the stunning Maryhill Winery. Sipping over scenic riverview vineyards is a perfect rest stop, topped off with a tour of the eclectic Maryhill Museum of Art. Be sure not to miss the Stonehenge Memorial. Just down the road from the museum, a full-scale replica of the original poised against the gorge, it is the country’s first World War I memorial, built by the museum’s founder Sam Hill in 1918.

C&D Drive-In, Boardman – If you’ve got a hankering for a good burger, this classic diner is the place for a quick burger, fries and, of course, milk shake. An hour and a half from Walla Walla, it’s just off the highway.

Wallula Gap – Before I-84 turns into Route 12, the gorge opens up at Wallula Gap. Picture the Ice Age Missoula Floods carving this channel into the basalt as you view this fascinating landscape. Pull off the road at the historic landmark sign for a quick hike up a small canyon for great views of the Twin Sisters, twin basalt towers Native Americans believed to be the petrified wives of the trickster god Coyote.

Almost There – While admiring the rolling hills, wheat and sweet onion fields of Walla Wallan “suburbs” Touchet and Lowden, you might want to stop into a few Westside Wineries, including Woodward Canyon, one of the Valley’s first and L’Ecole No. 41, housed in the historic Lowden schoolhouse. Visits to Whitman Mission National Historic Site and Frenchtown Monument, also along the way will acquaint you with the area’s rich heritage and history. Then you’re just a ten-minute’s drive from checking in at the Marcus Whitman, the first downtown building that comes into view.

Downtown shopping, wine tasting, our own onion festival, and performances of “Annie: The Musical” are only a few of the events on the calendar this month. First, join us on Thursday, July 12 in downtown Walla Walla for the “Downtown Sip & Stroll.” Local merchants will offer special sales and giveaways, and complimentary snacks will provide the ideal accompaniment for local wine sipping. Be sure to watch for the balloons of participating merchants. Next, don’t miss the annual Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival on Saturday, July 21, where there will be family-friendly “funion” for all!

Finally, catch a performance of “Annie: The Musical” from July 27-August 5 at the Gesa Power House Theatre. Part of the Walla Walla Summer Stage Series, the musical is based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray and has been adapted into two movies in addition to the Broadway play, where it won seven Tony Awards. Directed by former New York director and Walla Walla native Tyson Kaup, Annie’s story is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. For times and tickets, click here.

Our Walla Walla Valley is blessed with some of the world’s most fertile soils that grow the best local produce and livestock. In addition to the vegetables grown on our rooftop garden, our chefs work with a variety of local farmers. Meet some of them here:

Upper Dry Creek Ranch provides grass-fed and forage-finished straightbred Coopworth lamb and Angus beef and boiler chickens to our kitchen. The animals graze on their 2,200 acre farm in Weston, Oregon and the sheep also spend time cleaning up local alfalfa fields in the winter. Owners Cheryl and Robert Cosner believe letting their animals roam and forage for food not only produces healthier animals and more nutritious (and delicious) meat, but with properly timed grazing techniques it also benefits the land.

Locati Farms has been growing the famous Walla Walla sweet onion since 1905. This heirloom variety seed mixed with the Valley’s terroir produces a sweeter onion that can only be found in the Walla Walla Valley. They also provide us with fresh asparagus.

Klickers strawberries, begun in 1918, have become somewhat of a local legend for their flavor. The farm has also provided countless local youth their first summer jobs as “Klickers pickers,” a Walla Walla Valley tradition. Locals know their farmstand is the place to go for fresh seasonal produce, pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees in the winter. Visit Klickers Berries and Antiques at 3300 Isaacs Ave to sample local products, their cheese counter, or a scoop of ice cream.

Frog Hollow Farm, located on a 100-year-old farmstead just outside of town, started as a way for Amy and Jeff Dietrich to teach their young children the value of hard work through gardening a little patch in their yard. Since then, it’s grown into a 20-acre organic farm, specializing in heirloom variety vegetables, including around 100 varieties of tomatoes alone. Visit their farmstand at 174 Frog Hollow Road, Walla Walla to see the farm in action and visit with the goats.

The Marc also sources from Lena Jeffrey, Chairman Reserve Cattle, Rea Farm, and Snake River Farms. 

This summer is so full of unique events, you may find it hard to leave our delightfully little Valley. For those looking to get outdoors, there’s U-pick lavender, yoga in the park, many fascinating Learning on the Land events, and couples golf nights. Culture-lovers will enjoy music, comedy, and film festivals. There’s even a festival for Scottish heritage and one for our beloved Wall Walla sweet onion. Click on the event's heading for more info and check and visit wallawalla.org for more events.

JUNE

Open Barn at Old Homestead Alpacas, June 16: Meet the herd, explore the fiber dyeing studio, learn the homestead's rich history and shop the farm store. The herd will be freshly shorn, sporting that hilariously adorable "bobblehead" look for summer. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Burwood Brewing Birthday Bash, June 23: Come help Burwood Brewing Company celebrate its 4^th birthday with food, music, and, of course, great beer – you’ll find a mix of traditional German and American style ales and lagers. Located at the Walla Walla’s funky and scenic Airport District, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. 

Roller Derby, June 23: The Walla Walla Sweets Rollergirls take on the Aftershocks Roller Rebels of Marysville, WA in their second home bout of 2018. Fancy footwork and hard-hitting action on wheels is part of the lively entertainment. A drag variety show hosted by Walla Walla's own "Chardonnay" will entertain at half-time. Doors open at 5:30 at the YMCA. 

Outloud Pride Dance Party, June 30: Join in on LGBTQ Pride Month’s finale celebration – an evening of the hottest dance music from DJ LOTEK, ice cold beverages from the Soi 71 lounge and make some new friends on the dance floor! 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

JULY

Walla Walla Movie Crush, July 6-8: The 2nd Annual Walla Walla Movie Crush celebrates the most intoxicating blend of American short cinema. The festival showcases narratives, documentaries, animation, music videos and experimental films grouped in themed packages, with nearly 100 new shorts from Oscar®-winners, household names, rising stars and wunderkinds. 

The Winery Comedy Tour, July 7: Stand-up comic Brett Druck visits DAMA Wines as part of Herron Entertainment’s Winery Comedy Tour. A cast member on Laughs TV Show seasons 2 & 3, you may have seen him on America's Got Talent or HULU, mentioned in Rolling Stone, or heard him on Pandora Comedy Radio. 7:30 –9:30 p.m. 

Athena Caledonian Games, July 13-15: Celebrate Scottish heritage and tradition with a unique line-up of events, including a parade, Scottish Highland dancing, bagpipes, sheepdog trials, traditional Scottish athletic events, story-telling and more. This little farming community in Oregon, just 30 minutes from the hotel, knows how to throw a party! 

Sweet Onion Festival, July 21: This fun-filled festival celebrates Washington’s official state vegetable and Walla Walla’s other prized harvest – the Walla Walla Sweet Onion. Enjoy the sweet onion prepared many ways (sweet onion ice cream anyone?) along with more food, chef demos, arts and craft vendors, dance and music at this charming downtown festival, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

ONGOING

Lavender Days, June 1 – July 15: Enjoy a heavenly scented picnic or stroll through Blue Mountain Lavender Farm’s purple fields. Pick a bouquet of lavender accented with blazing orange poppies, browse the boutique, learn how to make lavender wreaths or take a yoga class (check the schedule). Or just enjoy the pastoral view of flowers and surrounding rolling green hills with lavender lemonade in hand. Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday – Friday.

Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival. Throughout the month of June, enjoy concerts, intimate meet-the-artist events and more.

Downtown Farmers Market, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Walla Walla Sweets Baseball. Games throughout the summer.

Yoga at Pioneer Park. Unwind with yoga classes in beautiful Pioneer Park throughout the summer on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, 8:30 a.m.

Friday Night Couples 9 at Wine Valley Golf Course. Every Friday evening through August with a 5:30 shotgun start. Entry fee includes a wine tasting afterwards. 

Learning on the Land. The Blue Mountain Land Trust has put together a rich line-up of events where participants can learn about everything from our flora and fauna, night photography, agriculture and bees on various dates throughout the summer.

Come and join the party at FEAST: The Festival at Walla Walla on June 23. Presented by the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, this year’s event will be held at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds, and representatives of the region’s best food trucks, restaurants, distilleries, wineries, and breweries will all be on hand for our usual “Sips & Bites.” This year’s event will also feature live music, both on the outdoor stage and the lawn near the fair Pavilion. Billboard’s 2017 emerging artists The Empty Pockets will headline, along with opening bands The Shop Singers, Brady Goss, the Dakota Brown Duo, and The Big Bad, featuring Campbell Davis.

This new and improved version of Feast Walla Walla will offer beverages from the 2^nd Street Distilling Company, the Armstrong Family Winery, Barons Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, College Cellars of Walla Walla, Dunham Cellars, Foundry Vineyards, and Elephant Seven, along with many others. D’s Wicked Cider will serve up Green Apple Cider, and Swede Hill Distilling will pour Apple Pie Moonshine and Single Barrel American Whiskey. For tickets and more information, click here.

Planning to drive to Walla Walla from Seattle? Don’t wait till you arrive to start your vacation. Begin enjoying the journey as soon as you leave home with these fun stops along the way. The drive from West to East will take you from the coast, through the Cascade Mountains and forests into the Eastside’s arid climate with dramatic shifts in landscape.

Snoqualmie Falls

Just 30 minutes outside of Seattle and a short drive off I-90 (take Exit 25), if you haven’t seen it yet, this famous 270-foot waterfall is worth the stop. With an observation deck, restrooms and gift shop.

Snoqualmie Pass

About an hour into your drive is its highest point, the Cascade Mountain's Snoqualmie Pass, with impressive views of the Enchantments. If you need a break, get off at Exit 52 and grab a craft beer and quick bite at Dru Bru’s slope-side taproom.

Yakima AVA and beer country

Get off the main highway to visit some of the charming little towns of Central Washington. Leave I-90 for I-82 at Ellensburg and travel through the Yakima Valley, home to the Yakima Valley AVA and 75 percent of the country’s hops, which you'll see growing along the highway on their 20-foot poles. If you visit Yakima, stop into Bale Breaker Brewing, in the middle of their family’s fourth-generation hop farm. If you’re hungry, grab a tamales in Union Gap’s James Beard award-winning Los Hernandes Tamales.

Take the road less traveled, and meander through the farming communities on Wine Country Road, which parallels I-82. This way you won’t miss wine tasting rooms tucked into vineyards, the Chucker Cherries factory and gift shop, and great little surprise finds like Prosser’s Davy’s Burger Ranch, with local fried asparagus and pumpkin milk shakes.

Hanford Reach & the Columbia River

Or stay on I-90 as it winds along the canyons of the Pacific Northwest’s largest river, the Columbia. Several rest and picnic areas afford magnificent vistas along the way, include the first, Wild Horses Monument. Getting closer to Tri-Cities, you’ll drive alongside the Hanford Reach National Monument, then stop in at the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center in Richland, where you'll not only learn about the history of the Manhattan project, but the unique geologic history of the landscape and the Ice Age floods that created it.

Red Mountain AVA

Before you reach Walla Walla AVA, you’ll travel near Red Mountain AVA in Benton City and Richland, part of Yakima Valley AVA and one of Washington’s smallest AVAs. Sample its bold reds and take in the unique vista at Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard.

Almost There

While admiring the rolling hills, wheat and sweet onion fields of Touchet and Lowden, you might want to stop into a few of Walla Walla Valley's Westside Wineries, include Woodward Canyon, one of the Valley’s first and L’Ecole No. 41, housed in the historic Lowden schoolhouse. Visits to Whitman Mission National Historic Site and Frenchtown Historical Site will acquaint you with the area’s rich heritage and history.

Then you’re just a ten-minute’s drive from check in at the Marcus Whitman, the first downtown building to come into view.

As the Valley warms, it’s full of great events celebrating history and heritage, great music and more activities to get you outside and enjoying the season!

MAY

Waitsburg “One of a Kind” Brewfest, May 19. Featuring brewers, distillers and live music, this event is part of charming Waitsburg's Celebration Days, which also includes Burgers, Brews and Band that evening, an old-fashioned parade in the morning, and an antique car show all day. 

Dayton Days, May 26. This Memorial Weekend event celebrates Dayton’s Wild West and pioneering spirit. Events include a parade, merchant vendors, hands-on activities that give you a taste of pioneer life at the Boldman House Museum and the Historical Depot Museum, and local rodeo courts dressed in full regalia. 

Mule Mania, May 26 & 27. Two days of thrilling mule competition along with a celebration of the frontier lifestyle, including an authentic Chuck Wagon dinner Saturday night. 

JUNE

Dog Show at Balboa Winery, June 2. The 5th annual ‘Best in Show’ dog show features an afternoon of four-legged revelry with classes for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and pedigree. Celebrity judges will evaluate dogs by category, while spectators are welcome. All profits benefit the Blue Mountain Humane Society and admission includes first glass of wine. 

Walla Walla Sweets Baseball Opening Day, June 8. Nothing says summer like kicking back with a local brew (or wine or spirit) and rooting for the hometown team. 

Pacific Northwest Fest, June 9. A festival of gourmet food, live music and dancing at Three Rivers Winery. Master Sommelier, Robert Smith, will lead educational tasting seminars, and the Foley Food & Wine Society's culinary team, led by the 'Godfather of American Cuisine,' Chef Larry Forgione, will be in town to treat guests to gourmet bites paired perfectly with Three Rivers wines. 

Hike in the Blues, June 10. One of the numerous unique Learning on the Land events put on by the Blue Mountain Land Trust, this hike takes place in the Umatilla National Forest on the Ridge Rim Trail deep in the Blue Mountains, with spectacular views of the forested canyons of the Umatilla River. Other Learning on the Land events this month include nature journaling, botanical painting, agriculture day and a field trip all about bees. 

Chamber Music Festival, June 12. The month-long events kick off with a World Premiere of a duo for violin and cello by composer Texu Kim, the Volta Piano Trio performing a masterpiece by composer and performer Clara Schumann (oft left in the shadows by husband Robert), and music of Beethoven at GESA Power House Theatre. Don’t miss more concerts and series events throughout the month. 

All Wheels Weekend, June 15, 16, 17. Take Dad out this Father’s Day Weekend to Dayton’s vintage car show, including their Show and Shine, drag races and demolition derby. 

Love of Junk, June 15 & 16. Enjoy perusing this vintage market on the Swenson Farm. Named among the top 10 flea markets in Washington, the indoor/outdoor show includes live music and food trucks on the expansive farm set against the Blue Mountains as backdrop. 

ONGOING:

Downtown Walla Walla Farmers Markets held each Saturday from 9 am -1 pm, showcasing the Valley’s local produce, artisan goods, musicians and food trucks. In season now: local asparagus, and starting mid-June, Walla Walla sweet onions.

Living History performances at Fort Walla Walla Museum. The Living History Company at Fort Walla Walla Museum is in its 20th year and has another great season of authentic characters from Walla Walla’s past brought to life. Visit Fort Walla Walla Museum for dates.

Food Truck Night, first Monday of the month. Dozens of food trucks and hundreds of locals and visitors alike meet at Burwood Brewing Company for this smorgasbord of unique local eats and live music.

First Friday Art Tour showcases our many talented local artists in galleries and restaurants throughout the walkable downtown or a quick drive to nearby wineries.

Salsa Dancing, first Fridays. Get your groove on at CAVU Cellars.

Downtown Sip & Stroll, Second Thursday of the month. Spend your evening enjoying local wines, complimentary snacks, and access to special sales and giveaways.    

This month, the Gesa Power House Theatre is hosting two terrific shows. First, the Walla Walla Choral Society Concert will be performing “Light, Life, and Home" on May 14. This is the Choral Society’s final concert for the season and includes a sampling of musical numbers reminiscent of the most emotional and basic parts of our lives. The concert will also show works by local photographer Mark Van Donge as an accompaniment to the music, and the Crimson and Black Choir from McLaughlin High School will join the Choral Society for the performance. For tickets and details, call (509) 529-6500, or click here.

And, Beatle fans of all ages will be happy to hear that the Seattle Rock Orchestra returns to the Gesa on May 19 with a rocking Beatles extravaganza. “Beatles: Number Ones” was inspired by the Fab Four’s many #1 hits, as well as B-side recordings which also became chart-toppers of the times. Concert-goers can go back in time with such unforgettable tunes as “Eight Days a Week,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Penny Lane,” “Hey, Jude,” and many other Beatles tunes. For tickets and more information, call (509) 529-6500, or click here.

Spring is one of the most vibrant times of year to visit Walla Walla. With the winter wheat blanketing the Valley in lush green, it’s time to take a drive out of town to view our famed rolling hills. Here’s some viewpoints that show it off best:

Scenic Loop Road – About 20 minutes east of town, this loop is true to its name. Climb to the heights of the Valley’s foothills for stunning views of surrounding farmlands. You’ll want to stop frequently on this little traveled but well-maintained gravel road for photo ops.

Pikes Peak Road – Heading in the same direction, a little farther from town, another stunning climb out of the Valley. Take the road to the top and stop for a picnic, gazing out over emerald fields where the wildflowers are just starting to bloom.

Skyrocket Hills – For a roller coaster ride through the highlands, take the Lower Waitsburg Road out of town to Prescott for soaring views of the Touchet Valley. Access the hills via Donnelly Road, with many impromptu picnic spots about a mile up the well-maintained gravel road. You’ll be in the heart of wheat country, so watch for farm equipment on the road this time of year.

Northstar Winery’s patio – If heights aren’t your thing, enjoy views of green hills, budding vineyards and the Blue Mountains backdrop while sipping a glass of this Southside winery’s crisp Semillon. There’s nothing more relaxing on a sunny day.

Burwood Brewing Company’s lawn – Another great view from the Valley’s floor can be found sitting at a picnic table on Burwood’s lawn. Sample the Grapefruit IPA, the winning brew from their Battle of the Brews, or their classic pilsner while gazing out across the freshly sprouted fields.

Spring is in the air here in Walla Walla – the winter wheat is greening our hillsides, the downtown is lined with blossoms, and temperatures are perfect for strolling, cycling or just soaking up the season’s first warm rays of sun.

Events & Celebrations:

Tour of Walla Walla Cycling Weekend – April 20-22. This three-day race takes cyclists through the Valley’s budding countryside and downtown. Even if you’re not a cyclist, enjoy the excitement of the race as it passes through Main Street. Interested in taking a spin yourself? Stop into Allegro Cyclery to rent a bike and learn about our many scenic cycling routes.

Annual Renaissance Faire – April 21. Whitman College hosts this fair, now in its 49^th year, where you’ll enjoy live music and theatre performances, unicycle jousting, fencing, and many talented local merchants and performers.

Food Truck Night – May 7. Locals love when Walla Walla’s delicious food trucks head to one location the first Monday of each month, April-October. Sample them all at Burwood Brewing Company’s new location in the Airport District. Digest with a cold brew, lawn games, and picture-perfect views of the Blues and vibrant green wheat fields.

Mother’s Day – May 13. Give your mom the royal Walla Walla treatment, starting with the Marcus Whitman Hotel’s annual elegant Mother’s Day Brunch. Continue the pampering with Mom’s Mimosas & Macaroons at Browne Family Vineyards, then decorate a cupcake at Frosted – The Cupcake Shop across the street. Walk off those sweets with a stroll through Pioneer Park, or if mom’s a history buff, take her to see a living history performance at Fort Walla Walla Museum in the afternoon.

Return to the River Salmon Festival – May 19. The 10^th annual festival, presented by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, features releasing of chinook salmon, a First Foods and medicinal plants display, tribal dance performance, and more, with food provided by the Wine Country Culinary Institute’s food truck.

Memorial Day Weekend – May 26-28. Enjoy a laid-back Walla Walla weekend before the main season hits. Many wineries host live music, including Northstar Winery and Spring Valley Vineyard. Take the opportunity to explore the Valley in mild temperatures with a downtown shopping stroll, or a walk around Bennington Lake to see what’s in bloom.

Art Happenings:

Live Cinema Series at the Gesa Power House Theatre hosts a variety of live screenings, including the opera “Carmen” on April 11, and The Royal Opera’s current “Macbeth” production on April 25 and May 16. The Royal Ballet celebrates Leonard Bernstein in “Bernstein Centenary” on May 9.

The Foundry Vineyards hosts Yoga in the Gallery each Saturday morning in April. Find your inner peace among the vibrant landscape paintings of James Lavadour (current exhibit runs through April 22).

First Friday Art Tour – May 4. The kickoff of the season’s First Friday Art Tours showcases our many talented local artists in galleries and restaurants throughout the walkable downtown or a quick drive to nearby wineries.

Walla Walla Symphony Series: The Planets, A Cosmic Chorus – May 8. Catch the 2017-2018 season’s grand exit with Gustav Holst's best-known work. Don’t miss the intimate (and free) “Inside the Music” pre-concert talk. The Walla Walla Symphony is the longest continually operating symphony orchestra west of the Mississippi and has been celebrating great music for 101 years. 

Mark your calendars now for the 5^th Annual Tutus and Tapas gala evening at the Gesa Power House Theatre on April 14. You’ll sip and savor local, award-winning wine and small bites as you check out the “wine wall” and stroll around the three levels of the Power House to discover the themed silent auction baskets. Afterward, take a chance on winning gift certificates and prizes with a pick from the “Tutu Board” as you enjoy the sounds of “My Sister Linoleum,” a local musical duo.

Afterward, a dazzling display of dance will be presented as seven uniquely-choreographed dances will be performed by the youth dancers of the Danza Classica Ballet Company. The ever-popular Thomas Beebe will return to act as the Master of Ceremonies and help out with the live auction, featuring some sweet prizes! All proceeds benefit the Danza Classica Ballet Foundation whose mission is to foster and advance the art of ballet in the Walla Walla Valley. For details and tickets, email: danzaclassicaballetfoundation@gmail.com, or click here.

Prepare to party, Walla Walla! This year’s Guitar Festival will feature three days of music, along with your favorite alcoholic beverages, all within walking distance of downtown. Don’t miss Thursday’s pre-fest jam, but pace yourself for the kickoff party and opening concert, featuring Hamilton Loomis on Friday night. The remainder of the weekend will be jamming out with Curtis Saldago, the Coyote Kings with Too Slim, the Guitar Crawl, and the All-Star Jam, followed up by Sunday’s Gospel Brunch with the LaRhonda Steele Band with Peter Dammann. Also performing are: Rust on the Rails, Be Tricky, Iguana Hat, and many others. It’s all happening from March 9-11, so click here to get your tickets in advance.

And, don’t miss “The Phat Pack” – Featuring Four Broadway Stars at the Gesa Power House on March 16. This entertaining show features four Broadway greats (Randal Keith, Kevan Patriquin,  Bruce Ewing, and Philip Fortenberry) who joined forces to share their personal stories and some of the best music of Broadway. "The Phat Pack" opened in Las Vegas in 2012 to standing ovations, and they continue to receive raves and dazzle audiences across the country. For times and tickets, call (509) 529-6500 or click here.

This month, the city of Walla Walla is featuring three special events. First, join us here at the Marcus Whitman on February 10 for award-winning wine and fabulous food at the annual “Evening of Elegance Dinner and Auction.” This event benefits the Walla Walla Community Hospice, and is its biggest fundraiser. For details, click here. Next, bring the young folks along on February 11 for an “instrument petting zoo” and free family concert by the Walla Walla Symphony Orchestra as they present “The Orchestra Rocks” in conjunction with their annual “Foodraiser.” Admission is free with a donation of any non-perishable food item.

Lastly, The Walla Walla Choral Society will present “Songs of Cole Porter” on February 26. Conducted by new Artistic Director Gary Hemenway, Porter’s music has made its imprint on generations throughout the world, and he is considered one of the greatest of the great American composers. His life story has been portrayed in several films, and his songs have been a favorite of many venerable vocal artists with such hits as “You’re the Top,” “Begin the Beguine,” and “From This Moment On.” For tickets, call (509) 529-6500 or click here.

If you’re making plans to walk down the isle with your special someone, be sure to join us on Saturday, January 20^th for the 15th Annual Marcus Whitman Hotel Wedding Expo. Whether you’re looking for elegant gowns and tuxes, stunning cakes, or the perfect décor for your venue, you’ll find it here. Marriage-minded couples from across the Pacific Northwest will gather for a fabulous fashion show, advice and help in making plans for their big day. Loads of vendors will be on hand to inspire, guide, and book services to suit your needs. Registration is available now for free wedding couple admission, here.

In observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27^th, the award-winning documentary "Big Sonia" will be shown at the Gesa Power House Theatre. Sonia, an inspirational public speaker at schools and prisons, is one of the few remaining survivors willing to speak about the horrors she endured during her teenage years in the Nazi concentration camps of WWII. Her story, while poignant and often gruesome, has given fresh hope to many whose own experiences have left them devastated. For details and tickets, call (509) 529-6500 or click here.

Make reservations now to join us at the Marcus Whitman on Sunday, December 31^st from 8pm to 1am for the 2017 version of our Denim & Pearls New Year’s Eve party. It’s gonna be an exciting evening, so get ready to ring in 2018 Western style. Ticket price includes three rounds of hors d’oeuvres and select beer and wines as you dance to the tunes of Whiskey River. We’ll also have a photo booth, raffles, a televised ball drop, and a champagne toast at midnight. Western dress is encouraged, so pull on your fanciest pair of Tony Lamas. Call (509) 524-5139 for details, and ask about special room rates.

On Saturday, December 9^th, Santa Claus is coming to the Grand Lobby here at the Marcus Whitman. Children and their families are invited to get a complimentary photo taken with the jolly old elf himself from 4pm to 7pm. On Sunday, December 10^th, pets and their owners are invited to sit, stay, and pose for a photo with Santa from 7pm to 9pm. Santa will be at the Sear's wing, and the event is sponsored by the  Benton-Franklin Humane Society. For additional event details, click here.

This November, kick off the holiday season with two fabulous and family-friendly post-Thanksgiving shows at the Gesa. On November 27^th at 7:00 p.m., the "Sweet Sounds of Christmas" will be performed by the Walla Walla Choral Society. Conducted by Gary Hemenway, the Choral Society’s new Artistic Director, the concert will feature such diverse selections of holiday music as "Feliz Navidad,” "African Noel,” and "A Holiday Suite" by local composer Perry Jones. Other favorites will be performed, including, "I Wish You Christmas" by John Rutter. The Sharpstein Elementary School Choir will join the Choral Society on stage, and will be directed by Lori Parnicky.

A live cinema screening of the Royal Ballet’s "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" will be shown on November 29^th at 6:00 p.m. Filmed live and rebroadcast internationally, Christopher Wheeldon’s production seamlessly combines innovative choreography with Bob Crowley’s fanciful designs and Joby Talbot’s whimsical score as we follow Alice down the rabbit hole and back again. For tickets and more information, call the box office at Theatre box office at 509-529-6500, or click here.

If you can make these gingersnap cookies without devouring the batch, you can make a wonderful pumpkin cheesecake made with gingersnap crumbs. It's the perfect marriage between a cheesecake and pumpkin pie.

Servings: 6-8 
Cook Time: 2 hours
Pair With: A Sweet Reisling, or Ice Wine

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients For the Gingersnaps
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cups dark molasses
1/3 cups cinnamon sugar

Ingredients For the Gingersnap Crust
8 ounces of gingersnap crumbs
4 ounces of sugar
3 ounces of melted butter

Ingredients For the Pumpkin Cheesecake
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 1/2 ounces granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon     lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoon     vanilla extract
2 large eggs
7 1/2 ounces pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
pan spray

DIRECTIONS

Directions For the Gingersnaps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a mixing bowl. Stir the mixture to blend evenly, and sift a second time into another bowl. Place the butter into a mixing bowl and beat until creamy. Gradually beat in the sugar. Beat in the egg, and dark molasses. Sift 1/3 of the flour mixture into the shortening mixture; stir to thoroughly blend. Sift in the remaining flour mixture, and mix together until a soft dough forms. Pinch off small amounts of dough and roll into 1 inch diameter balls between your hands. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar, and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. To make into a crust, don't scoop, just roll out into flat disk, approximately 1/4" thick, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until crunchy. Let cool, then crush in a food processor.

**This recipe makes more than what you will need for the crust amount, but if you don't want to do anything with the extra dough the day of baking, you can wrap tightly in plastic wrap and hold in a freezer for approximately 1 month.

Directions For the Gingersnap Crust
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Combine all three ingredients together. Spray pan with vegetable spray, press crust into pan, bake at 350 for 5-8 minutes. Let cool.

Directions For the Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cream the cream cheese and sugar together with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Slowly add lemon juice, vanilla extract and eggs until well combined. Add pumpkin puree, spices and salt. Slowly add in heavy cream. Pour cheesecake batter in cooked, cooled crust and bake at 250 degrees for 40- 45 minutes until cheesecake temperature is at 150 degrees and set. Let cool thoroughly before cutting.

A sparkling wine entrance and a buffet dinner with complimentary wine from the Waterbrook Winery will set the tone for the fun to follow at the Fall Furr Ball 2017. Held at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds Pavilion on Saturday, October 21, the ball will also feature gaming and live and silent auctions with proceeds benefitting the Blue Mountain Humane Society. Of course, it wouldn’t be a ball without the dancing, so the Dancehall Days Band will keep the party going so everyone can dance until midnight. The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m., and more information and tickets are available by calling (509) 529-5188, or click here.

After the ball, head to downtown Walla Walla for the fifth annual Dia de los Muertos Festival. The festival runs from Friday, October 21 – Saturday, October 22, with an official kickoff procession on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to the procession, which will end at the Downtown Farmers Market with a free concert at 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, October 22, a “Steamroller Print Project” will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Additional activities include face painting, Mariachi music, food vendors, and more. Admission to the festival and all related activities are free!

Crunchy, healthy granola is delicious as a cereal—but can also be used to top yogurt, ice cream, and stewed fruit.

Servings: 8 cups
Cook Time: 2 1/4 hours 
Pair With: Sprinkle on yogurt and serve with a Rosé

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons maple extract
3 tablespoons coconut extract
1 cup water
7 ounces canolive oil 
7 ounces honey 
7 1/2 cups rolled oats 
12 ounces shredded coconut 
5 ounces oat bran 
1 tablespoon kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

Combine liquid ingredients. Combine dry ingredients in mixer. Pour in liquid ingredients and pulse until just combined. Spread out on sheet pans. Press granola to make it stick together. Bake at 200 degrees for 1 1/2 hours, then 250 degrees for another 30 minutes. Break apart. Store in container with tight-fitting lid.

This month, residents of Walla Walla and visitors to the city will have the opportunity to attend a once-yearly event – the Walla Walla Community Hospice Annual Pond and Garden Tour. 10 unique and creative area gardens that are not usually available to the public will open for self-guided tours on Saturday, September 9^th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Entertainment will include artists at selected gardens and live musical performances. Also, regional vendors will be selling gifts and garden-themed items, and a variety of food selections will be available throughout the tour. All proceeds from the Pond & Garden Tour will be used toward providing quality hospice care in Walla Walla, Columbia, and Northeast Umatilla Counties.

Tickets are $25 per person, which includes entrance to all 10 gardens, entertainment, and access to vendors. Tickets are available from Bright’s Candies and Gifts, the Walla Walla Community Hospice office, or by calling (509) 525-5561. If tickets are purchased by phone, there will be a charge of $2.00 per order for shipping and handling. You can also get tickets online by clicking here. More details about the Pond and Garden Tour are available on the web here or here.

Don’t miss one of the brightest meteor showers of the year – join us for Starry Night @ Braden Ranch for primo views of the Perseids. Whitman College’s astronomy department chair Dr. Andrea Dobson will be in charge of an evening of viewing this year’s remnants of the Swift-Tuttle Comet. Dr. Dobson is also director of the Clise Planetarium, and received her Ph.D in Astronomy at New Mexico State University. Meteor watchers meet up at Walla Walla Community College on Saturday, August 12, from 7:30 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.

For the best in plein air dining, indulge yourself with an elegant dinner on the Marcus Whitman Hotel’s Sunset Terrace. ‘A Taste of Spring’ is the theme of our Summer Dining Series. Sunday, August 20^th will mark the occasion of the third outdoor event in the series, with the final event scheduled for September 3^rd. The dinner will feature seasonal ingredients from local farms and ranches, and is served with or without wine. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. For reservations call (509) 524-5139.

The Tink Drink is a magical elixir of absinthe, lemon juice, and sparkling wine. Like the green-clad fairy of storybook legend, absinthe has a reputation as a mischievous green-hued enchanter. Flavored with anise (black licorice) and wormwood, and often associated with artists in pursuit of alternative realities, the legend of this drink's mind-altering power is not borne out by personal experience. Instead, it simply provides a pleasant backbone to your new favorite summertime sipper.

SERVINGS: 1
PREP TIME: 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

- 1/2 ounce Pacifique Absinthe
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Sparkling Wine to top
- Lemon twist for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Assemble ingredients in order given, in a tall glass.

This Independence Day, the air will be filled with the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers sizzling on grills, blaring horns and crashing cymbals will accompany bands marching to the sounds of Sousa, and a dazzling array of fireworks will illuminate night skies nationwide as we come together to celebrate our most American holiday. Guests of the Marcus Whitman are invited to come early and stay for the holiday for the events and activities below.

On July 1^st and 2^nd, the Gesa Powerhouse Theatre will host the first annual Walla Walla Movie Crush. This cinematic treat will feature a heady mix of short films from a variety of filmmakers. Fireworks, food, and fun will all be on hand at Walla Walla’s scenic Pioneer Park during this year’s Fourth of July in the Park on Tuesday, July 4^th. Finally, don’t leave without a visit to the Blue Mountain Lavender Farm. The farm will be open on July 4^th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Guests can delight in the fragrance of lavender in bloom, and can pick their own to take home. Visit the farm’s retail shop, or enjoy a picnic on the grounds while cooling off with complimentary lavender lemonade.

This fragrant brioche is wonderful with coffee and some whipped cream on the side—and is a natural to serve at any festive occasion.

Servings: 2 loaves
Cook Time: 5 hours, including rising time
Pair With: A fruit-forward red, like a Syrah

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients For the Biscuits:
1 cup canned pumpkin puree, in two parts
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie sauce
1 teaspoon mace
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup lukewarm milk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine 1/2 cup pumpkin purée with the butter, pumpkin pie spice, and mace. Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape off any mixture that’s clinging to the paddle into the bowl, then remove the paddle and screw on a dough hook attachment.

Add the remaining pumpkin puree, along with the flour, cranberries, milk, eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix on low speed until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 15 minutes. The dough should be stiff.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it over to coat it with oil. Cover and leave the dough in a warm area until doubled in size, about 2 1/2 hours.

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log. Place each loaf in a loaf pan. Cover with a dry cloth and let stand in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Bake the loaves until golden brown, about 45 to 50 minutes. The loaves should sound hollow when gently tapped. Let cool for 1 hour.

The appetizing aroma of caramelized onion and cheddar biscuits will draw family and guests into the kitchen. The molasses and sweet onion jam is both sweet and savory.

Servings: 3 dozen biscuits
Cook Time: 1 1/4 hours
Pair With: These warm cheddar biscuits will pair with many wines, a plummy Syrah is a good pairing.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients For the Biscuits:
1/4 cup baking powder
6.75 ounces sugar
36 ounces all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces cold, cubed butter
1 quart heavy cream
1 medium Walla Walla sweet onions, julienned and caramelized
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded + extra for topping
1 egg mixed with a little water for an egg wash

Ingredients For the Sweet Onion Molasses Jam:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium Walla Walla sweet onions, diced
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup honey
12 cup molasses pinch salt and pepper

Directions For the Biscuits: Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl with paddle attachment. Add cubed butter to dry ingredients, mixing until crumbly. Add half the amount of heavy cream to the dough initially, let mix on slow speed until just combined--over mixing will result in tough biscuits. Then add the onions and cheese and the remaining half of the heavy cream where the dry spots arise. Just mix until combined.

On a floured board, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2” thick and fold in half. Roll it back out to 1/2” thick and fold in half again. Roll out to desired thickness 1/2”-1” and cut into squares or circles. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Directions For the Jam: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onions and stir briefly to sweat. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer down until liquid is a thick syrup.

This year, forget the ties, the after-shave, and the campy boxers, and give Dad something he'll really enjoy – a beautiful Washington state getaway right in the heart of downtown Walla Walla. Book your stay for Father’s Day weekend and you’ll be just in time to honor the state’s official vegetable at the 33rd Annual Sweet Onion Festival, beginning Saturday, June 17. Challenge Dad’s competitive spirit by entering him in the 5K Funion Runion - register online at sweetonions.org.

The entire family will enjoy the Best in Show Dog Show. On June 17, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the Balboa Winery will host a dog day afternoon, with the proceeds to benefit the Blue Mountain Humane Society. Additional events include a celebration of Walla Walla Wine, with a focus on Syrah. Vintage pours, winemaker dinners, and tastings will be available throughout at various venues. We recommend making reservations soon to experience other local and regional events and attractions. For information on reservations and special getaway packages, visit us at: http://marcuswhitmanhotel.com/, or call us at (866) 826-9422.

Make this Mother’s Day an extra special one by treating Mom to a luxurious champagne brunch at The Marcus Whitman. Indulge her with a truly extraordinary buffet-style brunch that features traditional favorites and lots of extras! Start off with a mimosa or a glass of champagne. Enjoy an assortment of sweet breads and mini muffins, and breakfast favorites such as granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, vanilla cream french toast, crab oscar benedict, assorted breakfast meats, cheeses, asiago and poppyseed au gratin potatoes, and other fresh veggies.

An omelet station, chilled salads, and a cold seafood display will be featured, along with a variety of hot entrees served with savory side dishes. Vegetarian and gluten-free selections will also be available. Be sure to save room for dessert – we’ll be serving up crème brulee, salted caramel truffles, almond & strawberry cake, lemon meringue tartlets, and chocolate covered strawberries. 

The Marcus Whitman Hotel’s Mother’s Day Brunch is on Sunday, May 14, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and reservations are required. Call (509) 524-5139 to reserve your table.

Reserve your tickets today for a Roaring Twenties Soiree on May 6^th. Join Canoe Ridge Vineyards and the Browne Family Vineyards at the Marcus Whitman’s historic and elegant Renaissance room. This will be an unforgettable evening full of sights, sounds, and flavors from the jazz era, complete with live music.

Indulge your taste buds with 1920s-style appetizers, treats, and sweets, carefully paired with some of the region’s finest sparkling and still wines. Tickets are required and priced at $65 for Wine Club members and $75 for guests. RSVPs must be received no later than April 29^th. For tickets and more information, contact Lita at (509) 525-1843, or email: litah@canoeridgevineyard.com.

On Friday, April 7^th through Sunday, April 9^th, head downtown for Feast Walla Walla. From 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., you can party bigly under the tent with your favorite bites and sips from over 40 local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. Buy the wines you taste on the spot, and have them delivered directly to your door. There will also be live music and additional events, so don’t miss out on this one!

Want to yuk it up for a good cause? Don’t miss Demetri Martin’s hilarious hijinks at the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Comedy Night Fundraiser. The multi-talented Martin began his career doing stand-up in NYC. His style got him noticed by Conan O’Brien, who hired him as a staff writer. Afterward, Martin performed regularly on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” and released his own comedy albums and specials, including “Demetri Martin Live” for Netflix. He has also written two books, made appearances on TV and in feature films, and most recently wrote and directed “Dean,” his own feature film. Proceeds from the event will be split equally between the Providence St. Mary Foundation and The Mom’s Network for the ongoing benefit of mothers and babies of the Walla Walla Valley. The event will begin at Whitman College’s Cordiner Hall on Saturday, March 11 at 5:15 p.m., and Martin will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. For tickets and details, contact Lindsey Oldridge at (509) 897-2071.

Leap down the rabbit hole and enter Wonderland at the Evening of Elegance Dinner and Auction. Hosted by The Marcus Whitman Hotel on Friday, February 11, all of the proceeds from the evening will benefit the patient care programs of the Walla Walla Community Hospice.

Begin your journey at 5:30 with a wine reception and auction. Nibble on hors d'oeuvres while you sip and bid on the chance to win swell swag like limited edition wines, works of art, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, dinner parties with friends, and the famous pie.

Jay Fiske returns as the evening’s emcee and auctioneer. As the founder of Northwest Benefit Auctions in Bellevue, WA, Jay is well-known as a friend who has helped charities raise millions of dollars nationwide. The Marcus Whitman’s own Chef Grant Hinderliter is preparing a four-course dinner and pairing wines for the occasion.

Tickets are $100, which includes the wine and hors d'oeuvres reception, dinner, all the fun and games, and wine throughout the evening. For tickets and details, contact Events Coordinator Claire Evans at (509) 525-5561 or visit: http://marcuswhitmanhotel.com/.

This month, the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center is proud to host two of the city’s most popular events - the twice-annual Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival and Bridal Expo 2017.

January 12th-15th

In addition to the Marcus Whitman, these award-winning musicians will also perform at the Walla Walla public library and at The Foundry Vineyards. Along with the strings, brass will be added to the mix by The Westerlies. Artists include Timothy Christie, Viola; Andy Clausen, trombone; Zubin Hensler, trumpet; Willem de Koch, trombone; Riley Mulherkar, trumpet; Thomas Rosenkranz, piano; Maria Sampen, violin; and Sally Singer Tuttle, cello.

January 21st from 5:00-7:30 p.m.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center invites you to join us for Bridal Expo 2017. Numerous vendors will be available to help in planning, or provide ideas for your special day. Additionally, a wedding gown fashion show will begin at 7:30, with items provided by Laila Design Studio and Impress Salon. Admission is $6.00.