WASHINGTON WANDERINGSText and Photography by Sandy Katz
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Washington is the “Evergreen State” and a photographer’s dream where scenic beauty appears around every corner. The Walla Walla valley is a rainbow of vistas where golden hillsides melt into broad expanses of crimson fields and lush evergreens cast shadows over backcountry trails during the noonday sun. And the many waters that give the region its name sparkle as they flow to the mighty Snake and Columbia rivers.
From Walla Walla, the cradle of Northwest history, we discover the Washington Constitution was drafted on Main Street in historic Reynolds Day building. Vibrant downtown Walla Walla is a walker’s delight, peppered with outdoor public art, a farmer’s market, beautiful trees (don’t miss National Heritage Trees on Whitman College Campus) and is also surrounded by some of Washington’s best preserved historic |
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homes. Chosen as the 2001 winner of Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the city’s downtown was also billed “Best Main Street in the West” by Sunset Magazine.
Fort Walla Walla was one of the highlights of this city where its museum has become the living heritage of the Walla Walla Valley. Located on a 19th century military reserve, it showcases a large-as-life Lewis & Clark diorama, a pioneer settlement of 16 buildings, life-size 33-mule-team with panoramic 1920s harvest mural and five large exhibit halls displaying a wide variety of domestic, agricultural, commercial, and military items used by early residents. On Sundays, the Museum features Living History re-enactors in period costumes portraying prominent Valley residents from the 1800s. Saturday performances are included June through August. www.Fortwallawallamuseum.org Open April through October 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A visit to Walla Walla Foundry’s Sculpture Garden remains one of the city’s many treasures. This foundry attracts world-renowned artists who develop their concept for a sculpture here. For area information call 1-877-wwvisit or www.Wallawalla.org Grapevine Trails The tour began at Three Rivers, Walla Walla’s premier destination winery. The setting is breathtaking, with views of the surrounding vineyards, the Blue Mountain, Mill Creek and the Whitman Mission National Historic site. Three Rivers winery produces the exceptional ultra premium red wines the Walla Walla Valley is recognized for - Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese. The winery’s tasting room, gift shop are housed in a structure reminiscent of the classic Pacific Northwest lodges - high ceilings with open wood beams, stone and plenty of large windows to enjoy the views. www.Threeriverswinery.com Next we discovered Dayton, a wonderful, agricultural town steeped in history that features the oldest courthouse (The Columbia County Courthouse, built in 1887) and depot in the state, both fully restored. The town also showcases 83 homes on the National Historic Register and is part of the Lewis & Clark Trail. www.historicdayton.com At the Weinhard Hotel in Dayton, we found a gem of a restored Victorian establishment with a rooftop garden ideal for romantic getaways. This home has been placed on the national Register of Historic Places. www.weinhardhotel.com Next we headed for the Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick and Richland) in the heart of Washington’s Wine Country (53 wineries within a 50-mile radius.) For a free Visitor’s Guide visit www.VisitTri-Cities.com Preston Premium Wines in Pasco is Washington’s largest family-owned and operated winery, with over a decade of winemaking excellence. Landscaped grounds and gazebo offer a delightful panoramic view of the vineyards while enjoying samples. www.prestonwines.com In Richland we visited CREHST (Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science & Technology) Museum. It showcases the history of WW II’s Manhattan Project, Alphabet Homes and the Columbia River’s influence on the development of the area. C.R.E.H.S.T. is a new museum and science center created to tell the dynamic story of the Columbia basin and surrounding region. This newly developed facility features a variety of two and three-dimensional exhibits and displays. From primitive irrigation systems to the development and use of holograms and isotopes, you will enjoy a fascinating journey through the unique Columbia basin region. Visitors can explore ground-breaking technologies and scientific developments. Find out how robots work and what is a laser and how was the power of the atom harnessed and what happens to hazardous wastes and contaminated ground. Here you’ll learn about the Hanford site and examine the critical role it played in the historic Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bomb and helped win WW II. This museum creates a learning environment for families regarding the geology, culture and history of the Columbia basin. www.Crehst.org
On the way to Yakima we made a stop at Kestrel Winery. At Kestrel Vintners craft wines that may be enjoyed 10 to 15 years after the respective harvest. Given time and patience, wines that have the proper bottle aging realize their full potential, and that is why their policy on when to release their wines is lengthy and quality driven. At Kestrel Vintners, they believe it takes time to create the perfect glass of wine and creating the perfect glass of wine isn’t just their focus-“it’s an obsession!” www.Kestrelwines.com
We arrived in Toppenish “City Murals-Where the West Still Lives” The Toppenish Plaza Square gave us a glimpse of the Old West, Native American tradition, pow wows, rodeos, historical murals, museums, fresh produce, wildlife, teepee camping and more. First it was an area of Native American gatherings, then came the cattlemen, railroad, irrigation and farming that spurred the growth in the area. Toppenish has preserved its beginnings as a rugged western town through restoration and beautification. The city’s roots as a Wild West town are evident on a drive through Toppenish. There are currently 60 historically authentic murals on the sides of buildings and walls throughout the town.
The experience of visiting the Yakima Valley and tasting the variety of outstanding wines is unequalled any time of the year. www.Yakimavalleywine.com
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After all that “serious stuff” we were ready to check out the area’s boutique wineries. Badger Mountain Winery, Washington’s first organic vineyard balances the tradition and technology to enhance the flavor and character of the grapes and the wines they yield. 509-627-4986 Bookwalter Winery is located in the heart of the tri-Cities at the west end of Columbia Drive. www.Bookwalterwines.com
Barnard Griffin Winery was founded in 1983 and offers signature Fume Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot.
Despite its intrusion on grape country I must mention the Teapot Dome, a structural curiosity that was a result (I was told) of “Government scandal and creative juices” – a 15-foot handled and spouted gas station to boot! And if anyone knows all the details I’d love to hear more!
The Yakima Nation Museum Cultural Heritage Center features life-size dwellings of the Plateau People; unique dioramas and exhibits that tell the story of the Yakima People; special sound effects, narratives and music; The Yakima Nation’s unique mannequin exhibit “The Great Native American Leaders” and fried bread and Luk-a-meen (fish soup) tasting parties can be arranged. The Center has become a focal point of activity for the Yakama Tribe, and a major cultural event for thousands of visitors.