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This Summer, Stay & Play at The Marcus Whitman

Walla Walla Country Club – Enjoy exclusive guest privileges at this classic course. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast and built in 1923, the course features small greens, tree-lined fairways, and wall-to-wall bluegrass. Club amenities include a 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. 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.

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. Designed by Frank James in 1948, from the first tee, the ryegrass course serves up a visual and dynamic player experience. Golfers are treated to an ever-changing landscape of 18 holes, each with its own individual character and spectacular view.

Learn more about each course and book your custom package with us. 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 and tee-time quote for your approval. It’s that easy! 

The Return of the Walla Walla Guitar Festival

The 2021 festival is the 10^th anniversary of this three-day epic music extravaganza and will feature  numerous bands, performing in multiple venues across downtown Walla Walla. Venues will include our very own Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center along with Marcy’s Bar & Lounge, the Courtyard Marriott, VFW Post 992, The WW Eagles, Henry Earl Estates, Bruno's by Va Piano, Goose Ridge, GARD Vintners, and Plumb Cellars.

All of the above venues are within walking distance of downtown, and headliner performers include Curtis Salgado, Rae Gordon, Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes, Coyote Kings, Stacy Jones Band, and many more! Rooms fill up fast for this don't miss event—so get your reservations in early. 

Fine as Wine

If you’re not familiar with these winemakers, be sure to stop by for the following activities. Hint: these events are ideal for a Valentine’s Day date!

Browne Family Vineyards

Presenting “The Sweetest Pair” on February 13, the Browne family staff invite you to join them in their tasting room for three delectable cupcakes−each paired with three of their wonderful wines.

Baron's Winery

From February 14-16, Baron’s will offer tastings of chocolate from Brazil, Venezuela, and Vietnam, perfectly paired with a selection from their cellars.

Maison Bleue Winery

On February 14, Maison Bleue will host “Love on the Rocks.” They’ll be serving delicious chocolate truffles from Bright’s Candies, along with cheese from the Walla Walla Cheese Company. Both will be paired with selections of Maison Bleue’s fine wines.

Nocking Point Wines

Nocking Point Wines will host a Valentine's Day Happy Hour on February 14, featuring specials on wines by the glass and by the bottle, chocolates from Bright’s Candies, and a beautiful rose to present to your beloved.

Music, Murder, and Storytelling Mayhem

James Judd: Stand-Up Storyteller

Often compared to Oscar Wilde, and more recently to David Sedaris, this headliner on NPR’s Snap Judgment will share his honest, sometimes humiliating, and often hilarious stories at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, January 25.

The Orchestra Moves:Walla Walla Symphony

On January 26, the orchestra will perform a free, family-friendly concert and fundraiser at Cordiner Hall. The concert’s theme includes musical motif, melodic direction, and dynamics. Admission is free with a non-perishable food item, and kids of all ages will get a kick out of the pre-concert Instrument Petting Zoo.

Murder on the Orient Express

The Little Theatre of Walla Walla will be the setting for the performance of this beloved Agatha Christie classic. Showing on selected dates from January 31 through February 16, Ken Ludwig’s new adaptation for the stage is directed by Brian Hatley.

Making it Merry

Macy’s Holiday Parade of Lights

Head to downtown Walla Walla on December 7 for this annual after-dark extravaganza and official herald of the beginning of the holiday shopping season. You'll find loads of lighted entries, bands, equestrian entries, and Santa himself will appear on the final float.  

Live Cinema Series: The Nutcracker

On December 18, the Gesa Power House Theatre will present an encore screening of The Royal Ballet’s 2016 production of Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet.  

Shanks Pony New Year's Eve Celebration

A New Year’s Eve tradition here at the Marcus Whitman, this epic party has become the hottest ticket in town. Featuring Shanks Pony in the Grand Ballroom and loads of extras, such as hors d’oeuvres, party favors, beer, wine, a champagne toast, and a televised ball drop, this is the ideal way to ring in the new year. Call us at The Marcus Whitman for reservations, and be sure to ask about special room rates with tickets.

The Best Christmas Pageant, the Best Shopping

First, make it a holiday to remember with tickets for the entire family to the Little Theatre of Walla Walla’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” from November 22 through December 8. This delightful and charming Christmas comedy, about the dilemmas facing a couple as they try to stage a Christmas pageant, has become a tradition for many folks. It’s also a fun and fabulous way to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays.

Next, wrap up the month and get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Enchanted Holiday Market on November 30. Head over to the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds to find unique, handmade, and vintage items, along with a variety of jewelry, clothing, food, and fun. You’ll also be purchasing for a purpose, as proceeds will benefit the Mom’s Network. See you there!

Three Favorite Fall Happenings

Fall Furr Ball

Come out to the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds Historic Pavilion on Saturday, October 19, for a party with a purpose. This annual benefit for the Blue Mountain Humane Society is the organization’s largest fundraiser, with monies going toward daily shelter operations, preventing animal cruelty and encouraging kindness to animals. It’s also one huge party, with sparkling wine, a buffet dinner, “casino gambling,” live and silent auctions, and dancing until midnight.

Symphony Series: Swan Lake

One of Tchaikovsky’s most famous and romantic ballets, Swan Lake will be performed by the Eugene Ballet Company and the Walla Walla Symphony at Cordiner Hall on October 20.

Downtown Trick-or-Treat

Calling all little monsters, spooks, and creepy creatures, Walla Walla’s annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat will take place on Halloween Day, October 31. Downtown merchants will welcome between 2,000-4,000 trick-or-treaters, along with their parents, as they prepare to hand out enormous amounts of candy. Main Street will be closed to vehicles during this event, and volunteers will be available for crossing difficult intersections.

Heads Up for Huichica

Along with all our favorites festivals, we invite you to join us for Huichica Walla Walla. Also known as the Huichica Music Festival, this inaugural event is brand new to the events calendar but may become an annual favorite.

Debuting September 13-14 at Stella’s Homestead, this two-day fest is the result of a collaboration between Sonoma’s Buncschu Company and Sleight of Hand Cellars and is intended to provide a farm-to-table approach to the Walla Walla Valley music scene. Huichica will be all about fine wine, craft beer, locally-sourced food, and amazing live music from indie and folk artists. The lineup includes such musical performers as Yo La Tengo, Allah-Las, Destroyer, Purple Mountains, Moon Duo, Robyn Hitchcock, the Fruit Bats, and many others. An assortment of wonderful wine will be available to purchase, along with farm-to-table food and craft beer.

Music and the Market Every Summer Weekend

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.

Crushin’ on Short Cinema and Sweet Onions

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!

Celebrate June with Wine and Music

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.

Spring is Just Ducky

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.

Big Productions at this Little Theatre

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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The Valley’s Spring Events: From Victorian Tea to Tacos, Appaloosas to Local Rappers

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.

Perfect Daytrips from Walla Walla: Waitsburg & Dayton

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 months, 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 mark 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.

Get Ready to Rock

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.

Shake Cabin Fever with these Walla Walla Events

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.

Best Places for your Sweet tooth or Sweetie in Walla Walla

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.

Impress Your Sweetie with a Sweetheart Package

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.

February is for Foodies Better than Ever

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.

Walla Walla's Art Scene

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 glasswork. 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 are 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.