Well, the Simply Real Health Travel Guides, are back for another round today!
Combining the best of all things in a healthy life:
Food. Travel. Wine. Best cocktails. Restaurants. Ambiance. Sunsets. Healthy spots. Hipster Coffee Bars. Cute Shopping. Fun Workouts. GF Treats (GFT’s).
And the best areas of these fun cities to see, do and stay.
While not big in size, today’s edition is so close to my heart. For those of you that have never heard of it, Walla Walla is Washington’s sweet little wine region, with so much charm, the friendliest and most laid back people (and really, really great food and wine).
Without all the fuss, or pretention.
It was perfect. Exactly the kind of feel and vibe we were going for. But I also knew that planning an event all the way across the state would mean one thing: lots of visits.
Well, ok… fine.
Take me to wine country for the weekend. I guess.
So, by now, we’ve been in every season, and have done and tried just about every spot, poking around for our guests and to make it one magical weekend away.
It’s growing by the minute, with new little shops, restaurants, and wineries each time we go, but there are a few stops that we just never miss.
So for your next weekend getaway, friends or a girls trip, keep these little gems in mind:
Walla Walla: The Simply Real Health Travel Guide
Wineries:
Amaurice :
To us, this is the most beautiful, gorgeous vineyard in the whole town. Obviously we are totally biased, because we got married here, and it was magical.
Were we looking for?
‘BIANCE (ambiance if you’re new around here).
Rule number two was a beautiful, and naturally gorgeous spot (aka, no intense pinterest crafting/decor needed).
Rule number three was really really good wine.
Rule number four, was great people behind it.
And, bonus round. For when the 4 hour drive feels too far away, they just opened a gorgeous little tasting room in Woodinville (right next to Purple). Yesss.
This is one of the first wineries you will see as you head into town, and it is worth every minute of stopping before you officially arrive downtown. The cute schoolhouse, a gorgeous and huge back deck, but most of all, just really really good wines.
The kind of wines that you proudly bring to dinners with friends you love, or have for date night in. Also, I never seem to get hungover from these reds, so even if that’s just in my head, there you go.
Another spot so close to our hearts. We had our big wedding weekend welcome wine tasting party here. Really gorgeous spot, with modern design, but again– those wines. They’re the sister winery to the famous Corliss brand, every time we go to town, this is a spot we will never miss.
This sweet little tasting room in town (right next to Whitehouse Crawford), is one of the originals. A great spot to pop in before dinner, or as you’re walking around. Also, great wines. Weird.
A fun little adventure drive down closer to the Washington-Oregon border, this spot has a great laid back tasting room, with adorable outdoor seating areas. Great for a relaxing tasting experience, maybe with your own picnic (see Walla Walla Gourmet Grocery for supplies, below).
You’ve probably heard of Gramercy– they keep winning all kinds of awards for their wines. And for good reason. The tasting room is a bit outside of downtown, but worth a stop for a low-key tasting experience on their cozy living room style leather couches.
One of our favorite in-town tasting rooms (and there are a lot to pick from). Great pit-stop as you walk around town.
One my very favorites, this husband and wife team make amazing wine, for prices that are easy to buy a case at. No tasting room hours, you just call and see if they are around, and they take you right in to the barrel room, wearing flip flops, cracking jokes and entertaining the huge crowd of people that always gather, with ease. This is easily one of my favorite spots.
To stay:
Newly added in the last year, the beds are to die for. The perfect in-between point, between the fancy Marcus Whitman hotel down the street, and the much less fancy Best Western.
VRBO’s
If you have a choice, the VRBO’s cannot be cuter. So perfect for a weekend away, or trip with friends. This is the way to go!
To eat:
(Brunch/morning bites):
Perfect pre-tasting stop. Amazing brunch food, and also famous for their brunch cocktails.
A great coffee stop, (and if you can eat them: their in-house french croissants). Great french macarons too, in interesting flavors every time. Also, gelato for the afternoon. I’m trying to think if I’ve ever had better. Mmm. Nope.
A fun little drive out towards the airport, this cute farmhouse coffee shop is full of locals and a vacation town vibe. Cute outdoor seating to sip on your cold brew.
Newly remodeled and expanded this last year, it’s open for all meals with soups, sandwiches and salads. We had their pies at our wedding, and I think they lasted approximately 5 minutes on the dessert table.
Maple Counter Cafe Waffle Truck (gf)
Just go. Especially if your GF. But go early- they run out and close by 1pm. So many fun flavors and combos, both sweet and savory.
Right smack in downtown, this spot is open for all meals. Order at the counter, and sit outside to people watch.
(Lunch):
The best fries of my life. Also, the best salads of my life. Also, the best sparkling rose. Needless to say, we go here for lunch AND dinner most times. That good.
Ok, I know I just said best salads…. but this place kills it in the more casual salad game. The Lemongrass with Turkey is a staple, always. But order it to stay: it’s served in these huge, gorgeous wooden bowls- it’s an entirely different salad when it’s to-go.
This place is such a hidden gem. Just go, get the cheese and charcuterie board, and let them pick it for you. You will die. Great to stock up on picnic supplies for the day as well. We had Damon, the owner cater our welcome party and he just killed it.
Olive Food Truck
This food truck sits at Amavi winery, making it a perfect tasting pitstop. Everything from tacos to sandwiches.
Check their location on Twitter, but this is a great authentic taco truck. Perfect for a fuss-free but oh-so-good quick lunch between tastings. Get the caramelized walla walla sweets on top, no matter what. Also, yes that is rose in styrofoam cups.
Usually parked right outside Corliss in downtown walla walla, AK’s has some pretty inventive comfort food, depending on if you like that kind of thing. He’s an amazing chef, and the crew that works there is always the friendliest and happiest.
Yes, they have GF pizza. All you need to know.
(Dinner):
Um. See above.
Another favorite dinner spot- great local wines by the glass, amazing food and fun lively ambiance. Get the roasted potatoes with the harissa dipping sauce, whatever you do.
A newbie on the scene, on our list to try next time we’re in town. If you’ve been let me know how it was in the comments below!
(Treats):
A great assortment gf cakes, cupcakes & cookies (like these chocolate coconut macaroons).
Hi!
I like the new travel series on the blog! Im a long time reader and a couple of related posts I’d adore seeing are “the simply real health way to wine tasting” ? as well as “the simply real health guide to eating at the airport or on the plane.” ✈️ Love your perspective. ❤️️
Thanks for what you do!
Hope it is not too late to extend a huge THANK YOU for including us in your blog!
With appreciation,
Vicki and Kurt
Rulo Winery