The Unofficial Local's Guide to the Yakima Valley

Wine Yakima Valley offers an insider's perspective of Yakima Valley

To attendees of the 2010 Wine Bloggers Conference

Wine Bloggers Conference attendees, take heart. If you're driving to Walla Walla from Seattle, you'll spend a lot of time rolling through the Yakima Valley, Washington state's oldest AVA. Those of us at Wine Yakima Valley know as well as anyone that this drive can some long and ... okay, we'll say it ... boring. But there's lots more than meets the eye once you enter the Yakima Valley near Selah and exit it two hours later when you cross the Snake River outside of Pasco.

As a travel aid, we've put together your very own Unofficial Local's Guide to the Yakima Valley.  Feeling hungry and want a great burger or burrito? We've got it. How about a souvenir photo at the famous Teapot Gas Station? You're covered. Or need free Wi-Fi for a quick blog post? We've got a rest stop for that. In fact, we have dozens of suggestions of things to do and see as you head to the Wine Bloggers Conference. (If you're flying over to Walla Walla from Seattle, keep in mind that your Horizon flight follows I-82 for most of the flight. Just look down from 15,000 feet and think about all the fun you're missing.)

Wait a minute! Did someone say wine? Don't forget that many of our world-class wineries of Yakima Valley are located just off I-82. You'll find information and directions for them elsewhere on the Wine Yakima Valley web site. Please make sure you have a designated driver if you decide to taste along the way. The WSP doesn't take kindly to wine-stained drivers, even if your name is Steve Heimoff or Hardy Wallace.

Have a great time in Walla Walla and in Washington State, and we look forward to showing you around the Yakima Valley the next time you're in the neighborhood.

Cheers!

The vintners, growers and hundreds of industry associates who make up Wine Yakima Valley

1) Tea time anyone? Make sure to take a look at the historical Teapot gas station in Zillah off the Yakima Valley Highway. http://tiny.cc/rekkz 

2) Take a prehistoric pit stop in Granger off I-82 to check out the city's cement dinosaurs and volcano restrooms!  http://tiny.cc/8g69r

3) Take a photo at the corner of Chardonnay and Merlot on your way to Milbrandt Vineyards and Thurston Wolfe Winery. http://useamap.com/13 

4) Want some cheese with your wine? Take exit 67 off I-82 and go on a tour of the Darigold cheese factory. http://tiny.cc/bgggw   

5) Got a craving for some Mexican food? Head south after taking exit 73 on I-82 and stop in at Garcia's Drive Thru. The fajitas are muy bueno!

6) As you see all the hops farms along I-82 make sure to take a hop stop in Toppenish to check out the American Hop Museum. http://tiny.cc/qfb5y  

7) What the Red Mountain appellation lacks in size, its 14 top notch wineries make up for with their big taste. http://tiny.cc/uen9s

8) Harrison Hill, the second oldest vineyard in Washington, grows along I-82 near exit 63. Don't forget to take a look as you drive by!

9) Need a sugar boost? Drop in at Chukar Cherries near exit 80 on I-82 to grab a handful of chocolate-covered sweets. www.chukar.com/stores  

10) 32 acres, 12 wineries, and countless tastings. Don't miss this wine taster's paradise at Prosser's Vintner's Village. http://tiny.cc/6pv5y 

11) Heading down the hill from Ellensburg and needing to make an emergency blog post? The rest stop at mile marker 22 has free Wi-Fi.

12) Tired of the highway? Take exit 109 off I-90 and head south on Canyon Road to enjoy the scenic route that winds alongside the Yakima River.

13) Looking for a smoothie with some class? Try the Wine Blend Smoothie at Johnny's Pizza Stone & Pub in Prosser. http://tiny.cc/5l7qa 

14) A juicy burger, fried asparagus, and a delicious pumpkin shake. Sounds like the usual at Burger Ranch in Sunnyside. http://tiny.cc/h4ua7  

15) Big appetite? Stop at the legendary Miner's Drive-In for a gigantic burger and tasty shake, just off I-82 in Yakima. http://useamap.com/109 

16) Toss on your blue suede shoes and enjoy a treat right out of the 50's at the authentic Yakima Museum Soda Fountain. http://tiny.cc/kyvb9 

17) Late night? Maybe an early morning? Either way, Mel's Diner in Yakima off I-82 is open 24 hours. http://tiny.cc/nzlb4  http://useamap.com/6

18) Don't forget to take a photo next to the famous "Yakima- The Palm Springs of Washington" sign off I-82. http://tinyurl.com/2fz7bvg

19) Gilbert Cellars, Kana Winery and Upland Estates Winery off Yakima Ave are all within walking distance of each other and open for tastings!

20) Looking for some fresh fruit and veggies? Make sure to check out the Yakima Farmers Market on Sunday. http://tiny.cc/y2qkn

21) Passing through Union Gap outside of Yakima? Pay tribute to iconic 60s rock group, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, by turning up "Young Girl"

22) You'll find maple bars and doughnut holes galore at Richland's Spudnut Shop. Open since 1948 and still delicious. http://tiny.cc/wdtvc

23) Need a little adrenaline kick? Rent a jet ski in Richland and let loose on the Columbia River! http://tiny.cc/elpso http://useamap.com/34

24) Atomic Amber and Plutonium Porter are two of the unique house brews found at Richland's Atomic Ale Brewpub and Eatery. http://tiny.cc/1suv8

25) Need to get in a quick round of golf for a great price? Play nine holes for $10 at Cherry Hill Golf Course in Granger. http://tiny.cc/98j96