There are a number of reasons to visit Walla Walla.  Whitman College,  a small private liberal arts institution draws talented students from all over the United States, so perhaps you will find yourself there as a parent.  My daughter and I traveled there when she was school shopping and we had a delightful time.  We strolled amid the tree lined streets and neighborhoods to Main Street where we found warm welcoming coffee shops and delightful restaurants.

Now, several years later, I visit a new Walla Walla.  Although the town has retained all of the charm of a small college town it has added grapes.  Lots and lots of grapes!  Walla Walla has over 75 wineries and more than 30 vineyards at it’s doorstep.  Now parents come to visit their students and stay to travel through premier Washington wine country.  Wine tours, wine tastings and of course, wine dinners abound.

This select wine region of Washington stretches from Walla Walla up through the tri-cities area and into Yakima.  In fact, I started my last trip amidst the grape vines and apple orchards of the Yakima Valley detouring into Grandview and then wound through southern Washington to Walla Walla.  The entire route was dotted with wineries and vineyards rolling over the hillsides.

Although you could choose a standard motel rooms along the way, my choice is always a bed and breakfast.  The ambience, the personal service, the thoughtful amenities and of course the sumptuous breakfasts make my trip more than a simple wine tour, they make it an experience!  Consider visiting The Orchard Inn in Yakima where you wake up amidst the apple orchards and the fruit at breakfast was picked that morning.  Visit the Cozy Rose in Grandview a beautiful bed and breakfast located withing easy driving distance of 40+ wineries and several microbreweries.  Almost to Walla Walla you will find The Cameo Heights Mansion.  Here you can savor the incredible view while relaxing in the in ground pool or steamy hot tub.  Finally, in Walla Walla you have two choices for the perfect getaway.  The Maxwell House, a friendly and traditional bed and breakfast  is located within easy walking distance of the college and local restaurants or you can visit The Inn at Blackberry Creek and relax in English country elegance close to everything that the wine country has to offer.

So why haven’t you left yet?  Its time to discover Washington and the Washington wine country, one inn at a time.

The kids are finally back in school. No more sandy sneakers, wet beach towels, sunscreen, bug repellant and campfire marshmallows stuck in your hair. It’s time for you to sit back and relax. Grab a few of your girlfriends and pick the perfect bed and breakfast to pamper you, while you catch up on sleep and girlfriend time. Head to the coast to walk on the beach or enjoy the splendor of a beautiful garden. Wine tasting in Wine Country is always a favorite. After all the running around this summer you may want to sit back and enjoy the view and maybe an old movie. Delicious food is always the highlight of any girlfriend getaway and a Washington Bed and Breakfast will always provide a high quality, multi-course breakfast–and they do the dishes! Your innkeeper will be delighted to tell you all the best restaurants in the area and of course the best places to shop. It’s time to enjoy some “me” time, so call your girlfriends and escape to a Washington Bed and Breakfast. Members of the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild are independently inspected and approved to assure each guest receives the highest standard of hospitality and cleanliness.

A romantic getaway for two on Valentines day will set any girl’s heart a flutter. All women are different, but we all like romance. The key is finding what is romantic to your sweetheart. Creating the perfect getaway is easier than you might think, with a little help from a great innkeeper you can plan the perfect day and evening for your special someone. If she likes to hike, bike and explore the outdoors you might consider heading to the North Cascades for outdoor adventure with a hearty breakfast and luxury linens for a good nights rest. If your Valentine prefers shopping in the city and eating at cool bistros make reservations at an urban inn, where your innkeeper will share with you the best local restaurants and cafe’s. Should your sweetie want to be pampered from head to toe, reserve a massage at a bed and breakfast with a spa. You can also celebrate Valentines Day quietly when you stay at a private cottage for two. Exchange chocolate kisses while enjoying the breathtaking views of Washington by choosing a bed and breakfast with water views that will take her breath away. Romantic getaways are the key to winning any girls heart. Luxury amenitities, two person tubs, champagne, flowers and chocolate are the elements of romance you will find at any of the quality bed and breakfasts through the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild. The choices for Valentines day are endless, but one thing I know for sure…all girls love flowers and chocolate. Make sure to ask your innkeeper about their romance specials and make it a weekend to remember.