48 Hours in Walla Walla - A Long Shadows Itinerary for Wine Country

We believe Walla Walla is one of the most gorgeous and vibrant cities in the Northwest. It is extremely walkable, friendly, full of character, and home to world-class bakeries, restaurants, and wineries.

As you plan your next adventure to visit, we offer you some of our favorite spots to explore for a quick 48 hours in Walla Walla.

FRIDAY - ARRIVE AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN WALLA WALLA WINE COUNTRY

While there are many wonderful hotels, inns, and B&Bs in the area, nothing is more convenient than the Marcus Whitman, in the heart of downtown. This is the quintessential Walla Walla hotel. Built in 1928 it features elegant rooms, a great restaurant, and many small tasting rooms and shops, including Nine Hats Tasting Room. It's also the tallest building in the area giving you an easy beacon as you explore downtown.

If you're looking for a more casual stay, that is also very pet-friendly, check out The Finch, also in Downtown Walla Walla. This modern hotel features rooms appointed by local artists and a "Map Room" to help you get oriented quickly.

Depending on what time you arrive on Friday, there are a couple of great ways to set the tone for your weekend. If you want to dive right into the bucolic farm life, check out Blue Mountain Lavender Farm with its tours, gifts, and you-pick lavender.

If you'd rather stretch your legs with a short walk, head over to Whitman College. This celebrated academic enclave will instantly give you "college vibes" and infuse in you a youthful glow. The campus grounds are beautiful, with many walking paths, historic buildings, and water features. If you'd like a self-guided tour, check out this Art Walk Map for the college.

After checking in to your hotel, head over for a delightful tasting at D’Olivo Olive Oil Tasting Bar to sample their artisan oils and vinegars. They also have a great selection of home goods, loose leaf teas, and other gifts.

For dinner consider reservations at Brasserie Four, where you can enjoy moule frites or boeuf bourguignon along with a comprehensive wine list. Or, dig into a juicy prime rib or melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon at Walla Walla Steak Co. located in an old train depot.

After dinner, take a stroll through the rest of downtown to get familiar with your next day's adventure, taking in the cute shops, public art, and historic architecture.

SATURDAY - CHOOSE YOUR GOLF OR WINE TASTING ADVENTURE

Whether your Saturday is all about experiencing the amazing wines and wineries of Walla Walla or hitting the links at Wine Valley Golf Club, we have some suggestions for your perfect day.

A FULL BELLY AND A COOLER FULL OF PROVISIONS

Before heading out, you'll want to stock up on provisions. Colville Street Patisserie is the place to grab classic French pastries and treats to start the day. You may also want to explore the vibrant downtown Farmer's Market (9am to 1pm) where you can find all sorts of goodies. Depending on your lunch and/or picnic plans, you could swing by FoodScape and Butcher Butcher to stock your cooler with breads, cheeses, and charcuterie. After all, it's better to be prepared than to be hungry.

OPTION 1: A DAY OF WINE TASTING IN WALLA WALLA

With your car fully stocked it's time to start your wine tasting day with us at Long Shadows, a quick 15 minute drive from downtown. We have been voted the #1 tasting room in the country by USA Today on two occasions and our Chihuly Tasting Room features a museum-level collection of glass art from Dale Chihuly.

We are open from 11am to 5pm (last tasting at 4pm) and offer a variety of experiences. During the summer months, we offer the Inside Story Tour where guests are given a tour of our facilities and a special guided tasting.

We offer a variety of seating options including our outdoor patio with views of the Blue Mountains, and be sure to try your hand at a little pétanque while sampling our Bordeaux-inspired wines: Pedestal, Pirouette, and Feather.

After your Long Shadows experience, the world is your oyster. Walla Walla is full of world-class wineries and passionate people. One of your best resources to explore and plan a trip is the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance website. You can search and sort for the type of experience you want and plan the rest of your day with ease.

If you're planning on staying on the west side of Walla Walla, we recommend L'Ecole No. 41 and Woodward Canyon. Long Shadows' Founding Winemaker, Gilles Nicault, worked at both of those wineries early in his career, prior to joining Long Shadows in 2002.

OPTION 2: A DAY OF GOLF AT WINE VALLEY GOLF CLUB

Ready to hit the links? Wine Valley Golf Club, literally across the street from Long Shadows, is ranked among the best golf courses in Washington State. It's a Dan Hixson design reminiscent of Scotland, set on vast rolling fairways. The views of undulating wheat fields stretch for miles and the Blue Mountains provide breathtaking views in the background.

It's a challenging yet fulfilling course, and the payoff? A tasting at Long Shadows after your round! While we are not officially the 19th hole, we are the perfect place to relax and rehash the round with your friends, talking about the birdies that almost were.

YOUR SATURDAY EVENING IN DOWNTOWN WALLA WALLA

When you head back to Walla Walla for dinner, put Passatempo Taverna on your list. The covered outdoor patio is hidden gem and it's an easy walk from the Marcus Whitman Hotel. We love the marinated olives, meatballs, classic bolognese, and the prosciutto pizza. Boun appetito! They also feature a robust wine list sure to delight your senses.

If you’re looking for some farm-to-table, seasonal fine dining, you should check out Hattaway's on Alder. Inspired by the local ingredients of the Pacific Northwest, Hattaway’s on Alder brings the cooking traditions of the Southeast and rural America to Walla Walla. You can't go wrong with the pan seared halibut cheeks or the chicken and grits.

After dinner you can enjoy some live music. Every Saturday (4pm to 10pm) through early September the Summer Concert Series in Heritage Square Park on Main Street features local musicians and lively entertainment.

SUNDAY - HIKING AND MORE WALLA WALLA WINE TASTING

Of course, if you intend to enjoy another day of wine tasting, please do not let us stop you!

Before you head out, grab a hearty breakfast at Bacon and Eggs. This locavore restaurant features all of your favorites from classic omelets to decadent brioche French Toast to Eggs Benedict four different ways.

If you're not up for a full breakfast, check out Carte Coffee on Colville St. in Downtown Walla Walla.

If you eschew the wine tasting and want to spend a little time outside, we suggest heading toward the Blue Mountains to explore one of the many premier hiking adventures. There’s Mill Creek and Bennington Lake just a short drive from town with over 20 miles of trails to explore. Or, a short, scenic 30-minute drive from Walla Walla is the West Tiger Creek Trail in the Umatilla National Forest which offers a 4-mile out and back hike year-round.

Back in town, indulge your sweet tooth (you’ve earned it!) with a trip to Bright's Candies, a Walla Walla institution since 1934, for some fresh chocolates, confections, and caramel corn. Or, cleanse your palate with premium hand-crafted small batch ice cream at Pine Cone Creamery. The bourbon caramel pecan and honey lavender are not to be missed.

With your sweet tooth satisfied you can explore a few more shops like Tra Vigne’s expansive collection of antiques, art, and furniture or 35th and Butter, a downtown gift shop where you can grab souvenirs for your friends and family.

Of course, leave yourself some time to visit a few more wineries. Long Shadows is a great place to stop on your way out of town to stock up on wines you loved during your tasting.

We hope you enjoy our recommendations and they’ve ignited a love for our special piece of the world. We know you'll be back, and we’ll be waiting for you!