Walla Walla Wineries: Tour Wine Country on the Cheap
Lodging
Let’s talk about lodging. If you’re not lucky enough to know a native to stay with, then you do have a few low-cost options out there. One of the least expensive options is the Super 8 Motel, right off of Highway 12. You can reach them at 509-525-8800. The downside is that you’re not within walking distance to much of anything you’d like to see, but the upshot is that you’re close to the freeway, which makes accessing some of the more out-of-the-way wineries a little easier.
If you’re set on staying downtown, try the Travelodge on Main street (509-529-4940). These rooms are slightly less spacious, but you’re closer to local attractions, so perhaps you’ll spend less time in your room as a result.
Dining
You have several tasty, low-cost, off-the-beaten path options that will satisfy your palette and help you look like a local. We’ll go meal by meal:
Breakfast. As any local will attest, the best breakfast to be had in Walla Walla is at Clarette’s. Hands down, no contest, end of story. The restaurant is located on 15 S. Touchet, near Whitman College and the Travelodge. The portions are very generous, and the prices are reasonable. They even have vegetarian options, which gives them a gold star, in my book. The lines can be long, though, so make sure to go early.
If you’d rather skip the lines, you can put together a simple, delicious, inexpensive breakfast at Merchant’s on Main Street. They have wonderful coffee, with bottomless refills, and a vast selection of pastries to tempt any palette. If you’re in a hurry, though, make sure not to order off the menu. You may wait a long time for your food to be cooked.
Lunch. You simply must go to IceBurg on 616 W. Birch. This is an old-fashioned hamburger and hot-dog stand with the best ice cream milkshakes you’ve ever had in your life. Be sure to call in your order (509-529-1793) before mealtime; there is no seating inside the joint. It’s best to call in your order, drive through and pick it up, and proceed to a beautiful park for your lunch (see below).
El Sombrero on 4 West Oak has a wide variety of lunch options to choose from, and they make some of the best, least expensive, margaritas out there. I heartily recommend the chicken en mole.
Dinner. Here’s another plug for one of my favorite restaurants: Bangkok 103 in College Place. Here, you’ll experience authentic, hot, spicy Thai food in simple, satisfying sauces. The chef buys all of her vegetables locally, and prepares the food for you while you wait. Portions are generous, again, and the quality of the food will knock your socks off. One word of caution, however: No alcohol is served or allowed in the restaurant, and the decor is a little, shall we say, eclectic. Call ahead for reservations and directions at 509-522-3007.
If you’re in the mood to spend your evening in an alcohol-induced haze, let me suggest The Green Lantern on 1606 E. Isaacs Ave. This neighborhood bar has a wide selection of beer, pool tables, and outdoor ping-pong tables that can keep you occupied while you nosh on bar grub such as fish tacos, gardenburgers and chili fries.
Entertainment
Obviously, you’ve come for the wine, and that’s no crime. But there’s only so much wine a person can drink without the liver calling foul. Try these suggestions for inexpensive entertainment.
Pioneer Park, located at Alder and Division Streets, has plenty of picnic tables, some with grilling tables attached, so you can cook your own food. There’s also a large aviary and a giant duck pond full of ducks waiting for your table scraps. There is no entrance fee.
Mill Creek Recreation Area, located at 3211 Reservoir Road (which is on the way to wineries such as Walla Walla Vintners), has an easy, long biking/walking path that runs parallel to the river. It’s not uncommon to see herons fishing here, and the walk is a great way to clear your head. There is no entrance fee.
Whitman College offers many free attractions to the community, including screenings of old movies, art shows, concerts and speakers. Call the Harper Joy Theater (509-527-5180) or the music department (509-527-5232) for information on what’s available.
Walking tours offered by the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce are free and give you a great excuse to take a walk through town. Contact the Chamber at 509-525-0850.
Above all, enjoy your trip as you fill your cellar with the best Walla Walla has to offer.
