Located on the far southeastern tip of Washington, Walla Walla is widely regarded as among the finest wine destinations in the United States, thanks to its abundance of excellent wineries. Trail running and other outdoor activities are mostly unrecognized in the area, despite its abundance of open space, the many running trails, and scenic hills and mountains.
Where to Have a Run
Bennington Lake, located only two miles east of Walla Walla, is a 50-acre+ reservoir surrounded by gently undulating hills and gravel roads. You can start your run at the Mill Creek Recreation Area and continue along spurs to take in the lake and the snow-capped Blue Mountains to the south of town.
If you are looking for something more secluded and do not mind driving 30–40 minutes to the Blue Mountains, you can run along the South Fork of the Walla Walla River. It winds through the trees along the sea. Starting from Harris Park, the first several miles of this hike is in a state park before entering a national forest. Walla Walla, an Indigenous word meaning “place of many waters,” describes this region well, as the creeks in this area are constantly nourished by springs and snow melt.
The Best Restaurants in Town
After jogging for that long, you will likely need to refuel with wine and food. Walla Walla’s fertile soil and moderate climate make it a perfect location for growing organic produce, which has resulted in a thriving restaurant scene in addition to the wine sector.
A trip is not complete without a full breakfast; therefore, we recommend Bacon & Eggs as the best brunch spot in the area. The Roastery in Walla Walla is the place to go for great coffee that you can have quickly. Also, if you have a sweet tooth, the Colville Street Patisserie is open every day of the week and has some of the best danishes, eclairs, and other pastries around. Graze, a popular sandwich cafe in Latoskie has delicious vegetarian alternatives and has two locations in the city to make it easy to get to from everywhere.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold at the Downtown Farmers Market every Saturday from May through October. After perusing the wares at the Farmer’s Market, guests can sample wines at any of the city’s 40+ wineries or venture farther afield to the south side of town, where many wineries provide matching menus or full food service.
Where Else to Go
Explore the town’s developing art scene. While you cannot tour the Walla Walla Foundry, one of the largest modern art fabricators in the world, established in 1980, you may see some of the work made there on a self-guided sculpture walk on the Whitman College campus.
During January and June, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival hosts classical music concerts in small, intimate locations (such as some of the numerous local wineries). The Walla Walla Symphony has been performing since 1909, making it the longest continuously functioning symphony west of the Mississippi. The Gesa Power House Theater features various performances, including plays, lectures, comedians, and more, in addition to musical acts.
Contact Us Today to assist you in finding the best activity to explore in Walla Walla.