Walla Walla, Washington

Overview

With a name so nice they named it twice, Walla Walla is more than a tongue twister-it's a wine-swirling, art-hugging, oddball-loving delight. This vibrant town of about 34,000 residents lies in southeastern Washington near the Oregon border, surrounded by sun-soaked vineyards, historic streets, and a surprisingly funky energy that blends college town cool with frontier weirdness. Just when you think it's all Merlot and manicured tasting rooms, someone rolls past on a unicycle wearing a vintage top hat. Walla Walla is the best kind of unpredictable with one foot in world-class wine and the other in delightful eccentricity.

Top Attractions

Downtown Walla Walla

A charming main drag lined with tasting rooms, indie boutiques, galleries, and espresso joints that double as poetry venues.

Whitman College Campus

Home to quirky art installations (like a giant fork stuck in the ground) and lots of frisbee golf.

Pioneer Park Aviary

Birds, gardens, and Victorian serenity with a slight "is this a dream?" vibe.

Walla Walla Wine Country

Over 120 wineries in the area including powerhouse names like L'Ecole No 41 and quirky garage startups.

Kirkman House Museum

An 1800s mansion full of history and possibly ghosts who prefer pinot noir.

Hot Poop Record Store

Yes, that's the real name and yes, it's one of the oldest record stores in the Pacific Northwest.

Unique Stories & Facts

• The Onion That Made History: The Walla Walla Sweet Onion is so iconic it has its own annual festival and is legally protected from imposters.
• Name Etymology: "Walla Walla" means "many waters" in the local Sahaptin language but for tourists, it translates to "fun to say, fun to stay."
• Wine Revolution: Once wheat country, Walla Walla is now one of the top wine-producing regions in the U.S., with a cult following of syrah lovers.
• Celebrity Grapes: Some of Walla Walla's wines are so good, they've made it onto Oprah's list, and onto sommeliers' lips from NYC to Napa.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Wine Tasting: From upscale estates to garage-door wineries downtown there's a bottle for every vibe.
• Self-Guided Art Walk: Public art, murals, and interactive sculptures are scattered around town-some even move when you do.
• Foodie Foraging: Farm-to-table dining, wild mushroom hunting, and onion worship at its finest.
• Ghost Tours & Oddball Stops: Dive into the strange side with haunted historic homes and stores with... interesting mascots.
• Bike & Sip: Rent a cruiser and ride from winery to winery-helmet optional, buzz inevitable.
• Farmers Market: Every Saturday, featuring local produce, handmade goods, and impromptu accordion solos.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Smith's Family Restaurant (Walla Walla): While not a buffet in name, the portions and Sunday specials are plate-bending.
• Clarette's Restaurant: Comfort food heaven stacked breakfasts and rotating homestyle specials that mimic buffet vibes without the sneeze guards.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

• Wildhorse Resort & Casino (Pendleton, OR - 41 miles): A bit beyond the buffer, but worth the trip slots, tables, and surprisingly good steak.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Hot Poop Record Store: Wacky name, legendary vinyl.
• The Big Cheese (Statue): A smiling wedge of cheese with eyes yes, it's as unsettling as it sounds.
• Giant Fork Sculpture: Located on Whitman College campus deeply Instagrammable and mildly confusing.
• Odd Fellows Home: Formerly a home for orphans, the aged, and the indigent-now semi-haunted and fully photogenic.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Kirkman House: Victorian home with ghost stories, creaky stairs, and eerie portraits that may or may not blink.
• Liberty Theater: Ghost lights, phantom applause, and a rumored stage spirit who critiques performances.
• Marcus Whitman Hotel: Swanky, historic, and allegedly home to a spirit who prefers the presidential suite.

Local Events & Festivals

• Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival (July): Food contests, live music, and more onions than tears.
• Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend (December): Sip future vintages straight from the barrel-bring your fuzzy sweater and wine smile.
• Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days (September): Rodeo, livestock, fried everything-and an excuse to wear fringe.
• Balloons Over Walla Walla (June): Hot air balloons fill the sky at sunrise-no wine needed to feel giddy.

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: The Marcus Whitman Hotel

Historic elegance, full-service wine bar, and ghost-chic ambiance (from $250/night).

Mid-Range: Finch Hotel

Modern boutique digs with bright decor and free bikes (from $160/night).

Budget: Travelodge by Wyndham

Clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly (from $90/night).

Camping: Bluewood Ski Area (Seasonal)

Or nearby vineyards offer glamping and rustic camping with vineyard views (from $30/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen

Award-winning flavors, handmade pasta, and wines that dance with lamb.

Brasserie Four

French food with flair-steak frites and escargot meet Washington wine.

Andrae's Kitchen

Gourmet food truck turned restaurant street tacos and duck confit in perfect harmony.

TMACS

Upscale but approachable, perfect for dinner with a twist of local flair (and weird art on the walls).

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Sunhat, reusable wine tote, walking shoes, and at least one outfit that says, "I swirl with intention."
• Safety: Extremely safe-watch out for overenthusiastic sommeliers offering you "just one more sip."
• Accessibility: Downtown and major wineries are wheelchair-friendly; check in advance for vineyard tours.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• College Place (3 miles): Home to Walla Walla University and peaceful parks.
• Milton-Freewater, OR (10 miles): Quieter wine country and a town that loves its "muddy frogs" festival.
• Bennington Lake (4 miles): Perfect for a post-wine paddle, jog, or picnic.
• Whitman Mission National Historic Site (7 miles): Historic, somber, and contemplative deepens your regional appreciation.

Recommended Duration of Stay

2-4 Days: Just right for tastings, wandering, and wondering how many bottles you can legally take home.

Target Travelers

• Wine Lovers: Red, white, or rosé you're about to meet your match.
• Weirdness Seekers: From onion statues to giant utensils, Walla Walla delivers delightfully unexpected quirks.
• Couples & Friends: Romantic getaways or squad retreats cheers to both.
• Artists & Wanderers: Street art, galleries, poetry readings, and late-night philosophizing over port.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"From Grapes to Giggles: Walla Walla's Wine & Weirdness" - Explore Washington's vibrant wine country.