/Outdoor Rec
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Walla Walla in the spring and fall for miles of cycling past vineyards and orchards or for hiking with a backdrop of wheat fields, the Blue Mountains, or pine forest. But there’s equal magic in the fourth season – winter – when you’ll find plenty of easily-accessible family-friendly activities to keep … Read More
Where the rolling hills of golden wheat fold themselves into wooded canyons and creek beds, tucked away like a secret letter into a sacred hiding spot, Stella’s Homestead is a love letter to the Walla Walla Valley’s natural and historical landscapes. The Coppei Creek runs right through the fold of Stella’s Homestead. The word coppei … Read More
Combine a scenic gravel ride with a visit to a local vineyard. Nestled in the rolling yellow hills of the Palouse and crisscrossed by a network of unpaved roads, Walla Walla, Washington is quickly becoming a gravel riding destination. A few miles north of the Oregon border, the city gives way to the endless farmland … Read More
When the summer temperatures soar, it is easy to find yourself longing for the reprieve of winter. Even though there’s no snow in sight, it still feels like Christmas in July up at the Bluewood ski area where there is a bounty of wildflowers, a lush conifer forest, miles of trails, cooler temperatures, and beautiful … Read More
By Melissa Queen Late spring around Walla Walla, the rolling hills of the Palouse are vibrant and alive. The wheat fields, still gentle and green from spring rains, glisten and gleam. And the yellow canola fields in bloom create their own golden light. From its vantage point overlooking this beautiful valley and these rolling hills … Read More
One of the best things about visiting Walla Walla, Washington, is easy access to relaxing outdoor activities. Because of the Walla Walla Valley’s location next to the Blue Mountains, visitors are free to fill their stay with scenic hikes, wine tasting with up-close views of vineyards, or something in between. In this list, we’ll explore … Read More
When the Big Gray sets in, the best way out is up. By Melissa Queen In the Pacific Northwest some might call it the Big Dark – those winter days when it feels like you live more of your day-to-day life in the dark than in the daytime. Across these parts of Eastern Washington, it … Read More
We tapped an industry professional to find out This article was originally published on Ski Magazine. When Jean-François Pellet, director of winemaking and a partner at Pepper Bridge Winery, moved to Walla Walla, Washington, he had a two-year contract and no intention of staying. Born and raised outside Geneva, Switzerland, he had been a winemaker in Spain, … Read More
By Vicki Hillhouse **Note: The Grit is taking a hiatus in 2025.** Walla Walla’s rolling rural roadways and stunning views have long made the community a bicycling haven. But have you ever dropped your wheels in 10 inches of “moon dust” or “rocky peanut butter mud?” Gravel riding thrill-seekers on two wheels can never be … Read More
By: Melissa Queen The late chef and travel enthusiast Anthony Bourdain often cautioned against taking food too seriously. “Food should be part of the bigger picture,” he advised travelers. For most travelers planning a visit to the Walla Walla Valley, the local food and wine most certainly play big parts in the big picture of … Read More
