Archive for August, 2011

Have You Been to The Beautiful Tuscan Inspired Yakima Valley Visitor Info Center

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Find the information you need on sites, activities and events in the Yakima Valley. The Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center in Central Washington features a comprehensive selection of information about events, cities in the Yakima Valley, Central Washington as well as Washington State, Oregon and Idaho.

The Gift Shop at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center has an ever changing inventory of specialty items produced in the Yakima Valley, as well as unique gift items.  Examples of the products you will find in the shop; Chukar Cherries Chocolate, Cherry Pie Filings, Mick’s Pepper Jellys, “Its All About the Pretzels”, Tillen Farms Pickled Products, Chukar Cherry Apple Chips, Assortment of Yakima Valley wines, Rattlesnake Hills Wine Glasses, Rattlesnake Hills Passport, Corkscrews, Local Cookbooks, Postcards, Souvenir booklets and unique gift items such as jewelry, leather purses, wooden cheese boards, etc.

The Visitor Center features an ever changing selection of Yakima Valley wines in the state of the art wine tasting machine. Purchase your “govino” , Yakima Valley branded, stemless polymer wine glass ($5.00) and receive free tasting of four Yakima Valley Wines. Start your wine country experience at the Visitor Center with wine tasting as you collect your information. If you don’t have time to visit the winery, the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center features a a great selection of Yakima Valley wines for sale at winery prices.

You can even buy your, “ I (love) Yakima” T-shirt there!

Located off exit 33A I-82 E, Open 9-5 M-S 10-4 Sunday. Winter Hours 9-4 M-S Closed Sunday

You will be glad you stopped there for help in planning your stay in the Yakima Valley!

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Whitewater Rafting-The “Flip Flop” on the Tieton River!

Sunday, August 21st, 2011

Make your reservation now for the thrill of a lifetime! Whether you are a novice whitewater river rafter or experienced, the thrill on the nonstop, predominantly class 3 rapids of the Tieton River during the annual one month long “Flip Flop,” is guaranteed.

Where is the Tieton River? The Tieton River is located on the east side of White Pass, Hwy 12, 20 miles from Yakima, 40 miles from Packwood.
Why is this experience called the “Flip Flop?” The Yakima Basin reservoirs, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation release irrigation water on a cycle called “Flip-Flop”. This means that the Rimrock Reservoir feeding the Tieton River does not release its water until after Labor Day. Before Labor Day the irrigation water comes from northern reservoirs and is released into the Yakima River above the Yakima River Canyon.

Why is the Tieton River “Flip Flop” experience the fastest and best White Water rafting in Washington State? The Tieton River, during the Flip Flop, is class 3 rapids with non-stop whitewater, as well as the “fastest” whitewater in Washington State, with an average drop in elevation of 55 feet per mile. Most rivers drop at a rate of only 20 to 30 feet per mile.

When can I experience the Flip Flop? The water is released in the Tieton River from Rimrock Lake Dam during Labor Day weekend September 4th and continues for the month of September.
What time are the rafting trips? Osprey Rafting schedules trip at 9a.m. and 1p.m. Each trip includes a lunch BBQ, of beef, chicken or veggie burgers, local watermelon, fresh corn on the cob, chips-salsa and lemonade.
Is the water cold? The water that is released has been warmed in the lake all summer and is the warmest whitewater rafting experience in the state.

How long is the white water rafting experience? Trip length is 12 miles. A typical guided float trip takes approximately three hours.
Do I need a River Guide? Rafting with a guide will assure the proper safety gear and support for this challenging river. The professionals at Osprey know the river well, Osprey Rafting company will provide you with wetsuits, paddles, helmets, life jackets, safety talk, friendly & experienced guide, and all transportation to/from our staging area. Osprey Rafting Company has a beautiful staging area 24 miles west of Yakima on Hwy 12, twelve miles up the Tieton River from the junction of Hwy 410 and Hwy 12.
Where can I stay in Yakima? The Best Western Ahtanum Inn, in Yakima offers special rates to those who are rafting the Tieton River with Osprey Rafting.


The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Entering the Yakima Valley on Chinook Pass Scenic Byway

Friday, August 19th, 2011

The Yakima Valley sits in a rain shadow of the Cascade Mountain range to the west, which accounts for 300 days of sunshine and only 9 inches of rain per year. To reach the Yakima Valley from Seattle and cities on the west, there are passes through the mountains, Snoqualimie (I-90), White Pass (Hwy 12) and Chinook Pass are the most direct. Both Snoqualimie Pass and White Pass are open during the winter with occasional closings for avalanche control. The Chinook Pass Scenic Byway, the highest elevation pass of the three, is closed during the winter and usually opens by Memorial Day when the snow is cleared(pics) from the road. This year, the 2011 opening is later due to an abundant supply of snow. Expect spring flowers along the byway and around Lake Tipsoo at the top of the pass in August. In the summer there are numerous activities, photography opportunities, hiking and campgrounds to enjoy.

When Chinook Pass is first opens in June expect to drive between 10 foot snowbanks. This is a beautiful drive into the Yakima Valley. Whistlin’ Jacks Lodge in Cliffdell (milepost 96.1) is a great stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an overnight stay in one of the cottages along the Naches River. On weekends you can expect to find live music in the lounge by house musician, Don Forgey.

At milepost 108.6 there is a five mile detour due to a massive landslide which covered the highway and altered the course of the Naches River.  From this detour looking north one can see the scar the landslide on the hill. As you re-emerge onto the original highway, the Woodshed Restaurant at Eagle Rock Resort is on your left, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, a lounge, and camping.

Entering into the Yakima Valley, the Naches Fruit and Mercantile is a one stop destination for local produce, wine tasting, specialty gifts and food. The Last Chance Deli offers homemade soups, stews, salads and sandwiches. Pick up a boxed lunch to “go,” and plan on a picnic, at the Yakima Valley wineries or back in the mountains.

In the town of Naches, Thompsons Farm Market sells local produce, their own family farm grown tree ripened fruit and gifts as well as daily wine tasting.

The Chinook Pass Scenic Byway is a beautiful mountain pass drive to the Yakima Valley, not to be missed when first opened with the snow banks lined roads or in the August “spring” with the wildflowers in boom.


The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Summer Dining Alfresco Style!

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

The sun is shining and the evening air is warm. Outside dining in the Yakima Valley means lots of laughs, leisurely conversations, wholesome recipes made with Yakima Valley produce and, of course, sips of the Valley’s famous wines. Define your mood and appetite and enjoy choosing from delicious cheese flights, appetizers or desserts at wineries to fine dining Alfresco style at the many outdoor venues.

Gilbert Cellars Winery offers cheese flights (the Cougar Gold cheese tray is a favorite) and assorted appetizers complement their fine wines. One can also enjoy a selection of micro-brews on the sidewalk cafe’ seating or in the tasting room and wine bar.

Track 29, just over the railroad tracks from the Historic District, is a great place to enjoy a stroll back in time on the authentic wooden boardwalk. Relax and watch the trains go by while enjoying hand-thrown pizza and gelato on the deck outside of Russillo’s Pizza & Gelato.

Downtown Yakima offers charming restaurant choices for sidewalk cafe-style seating such as Tony’s Steak House (new!), featuring a spectacular menu of American Kobe Wagyu beef, grilled, along with all other prime cuts, over an applewood fire. Tony’s wine list includes and extensive selection of Washington State wines with chef selections from the Yakima Valley. Enjoy Tony’s happy hour specials from their outdoor patio.

2nd  Street Grill (new!), the 1915 building with roll up glass garage doors, lets the outside in and offers outside seating on the shady side of the street in the evening. Their menu is inspired contemporary American favorites with an Asian flair. Enjoy their impressive center island bar with one of their 11 TV’s tuned to your favorite sporting event, a variety of specialty drinks, martinis, local and regional wines or choose your favorite local and world-renowned micro-brew.

8th Street Bistro at the new Holiday Inn Downtown – Outside dining with plans for Summer  BBQ on the patio. Great Happy Hour.Around the city of Yakima are dining gems like Gasperettis Courtyard Dining Room! Italian alfresco dining under the stars. With the sounds of an Italian fountain and smooth jazz music in the background, surrounded with flowering pots and cascading landscape transcend you to a ristorante in Firenze, where all the Gasperetti culinary magic began. A point of pride in the Yakima Valley for over 40 years! Hint -Try the Salmon Cheesecake with the Green Goddess Dressing. It’s The Best!

Bob’s Burgers and Brew, (new!) to the Yakima Valley, offers over 20 gourmet beef and chicken burgers and favorite micro-brews. Outside patio seating with restful waterfall and an amazing fire feature for dining enjoyment. Check out the Happy Hour specials.

Creekside West (new!) on 40th Avenue. Contemporary restaurant  offering an outdoor pavilion, great views of  rolling desert hills and spectacular sunsets from the dining room and friendly bar.

The Yakima Valley Museum Soda Fountain is a working exhibit of a late 1930’s soda fountain. Sodas, sundaes, and milkshakes are created with Tillamook ice cream. Hot dogs, chili, soup and sandwiches are served in the outside cafe seating adjacent to the beautiful Franklin Park.

Zesta Cucina is an Italian restaurant on the west side of Yakima with a cozy and welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home. Relax in the casual environment of an old fruit warehouse building and enjoy a leisurely meal with friends, family or business associates on the outside deck. Friendly voices and conversation fill the air; laughter and enjoyment echo throughout as you enjoy the flavors with influence from Italy, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific Rim. Recently opened after remodel that expanded the bar area and outside dining area.

Apple Tree Grill, at the Apple Tree Premier golf course, features a nostalgic theme that brings to life Apple Tree’s homegrown heritage in farming the orchards surrounding the golf course in rural Yakima. Signature items include their famous Applewood Smoked Prime Rib. If it is a spectacular view you desire, Apple Tree will not disappoint.

River Ridge, a nine hole golf course in nearby Selah offers outside dining on their “19th hole” restaurant deck. Enjoy the course view, and review your round of golf.
Reservations are appreciated, especially for larger groups, but are generally not required to be seated quickly for your Alfresco experience in the Yakima Valley. For more information, call the Visitor Information Center at 800-221-0751.


See also Yakima Valley Blog: Enjoy Lunch at Yakima Valley Wineries For Information on outside dining at Yakima Valley Wineries.

Updated 2.20.11

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Vineyard and Winery Tours in Washington State

Thursday, August 11th, 2011
Washington State is the country’s second largest wine producing state. Central Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA produces 99% of the wine grapes grown.  Want to tour the vineyards of Central Washington’s Yakima Valley where the wine grapes are grown?  Learn about the growing of grape vines and the wine making process? There are a number of Yakima Valley wineries that will lead you through the process of producing the fine Washington State wine of the Yakima Valley.
The Columbia Valley AVA encompasses the  smaller AVA’s of Central Washington, such as the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. The wineries of Rattlesnake Hills AVA offer a Sunday morning tour of wineries or vineyards. The Vineyard Tour is a 90 minute tour of the vineyards of the Rattlesnake Hills with a qualified winegrower or winemaker starting at 9:00 am. The Winery Tour is a 60 minute tour where a qualified guide will explain the process of wine making from beginning to end. You can Reserve online or Call 509.965.4521 to reserve your space. There is a small fee for the tour.
Two Mountain Winery in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA offers aspiring viticulturists a chance to get their hands dirty during four half day seasonal sessions which include topics from pruning, thinning, veraison to harvest. Each session is followed by wine and appetizers, generous wine discounts, member t-shirt and bragging rights.


In October, Two Mountain Winery offers the opportunity to participate in grape harvest and crush during a two hour course. The first hour you will exam the vines and learn to determine when the grapes are ready for harvest with Vineyard Manager Patrick Rawn in Copeland Vineyard. The second hour at Two Mountain Cellar with Winemaker Matt Rawn, you participate in the process of crush by reading the brix number through a hydrometer, take temperature readings, participating in punch-down and learning about the fermentation process.

Kestrel Winery in Prosser, WA offers tours by appointment only. The Kestrel website offers interesting online tour and technical notes on the vineyards.

Desert Wind Winery in Prosser, WA offers tours for 2- 50 persons. Choose from a luncheon package or light appetizer platter. Be sure to reserve your tour as tour slots fill up quickly,  please contact via email or call 509.786.7277.

  • Tour and Luncheon Package: Available for groups of 8-40 people. $35 per person.  Please allow 2-3 hours for tour, tasting, lunch buffet and time in our gift shop. Facilities tour led by a Desert Wind staff member/Tasting of five Desert Wind Wines ‘Two hours’ use of banquet room for luncheon/Three-course lunch buffet (salad, entree and dessert)
  • VIP Tour: Available daily at 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. for groups of 2-10 people. 60-90 minutes for tour, tasting and time in our gift shop. $20 per person. Facilities tour led by a Desert Wind staff member/Tasting of six Desert Wind Wines/Barrel samples of future wines/Keepsake logo glass/Light appetizer platter NOTE: Upon enrolling, Wine Club members receive a coupon for one complimentary VIP Tour for up to four people.
  • Small Group Tour: Available daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for groups of 2-20 people. 60-90 minutes for tour, tasting and time in our gift shop.  $10 per person. Facilities tour led by a Desert Wind staff member/Tasting of five Desert Wind wines/Keepsake logo glass/ Small cheese plate
  • Large Group Tour: Available daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for groups of 20-50 people. $5 per person. 90 minutes for tour, tasting and time in our gift shop. Facilities tour led by a Desert Wind staff member /Tasting of 4-5 wines/Keepsake logo glass
  • Large Group Tasting: groups of 12-50 people.  $2 per person. Please allow 30-60 minutes for tasting and time in our gift shop Tasting of 4-5 Desert Wind wines OPTIONAL: A keepsake logo glass (for an additional $3 per person)

Columbia Crest Winery in Patterson, WA offers guided tours on weekends at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm. 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm. Self-guided tours are available daily.

Central Washington is a rich agricultural region with vast acres of vineyards and numerous wineries from boutique to much larger operations. This is the perfect location to learn about the tending of the vineyards and the profession of winemaking.  For those whose find that wine making is their passion, there is a teaching winery in the city of Grandview, Yakima Valley Vintners. Here you can take college level courses to learn vineyard growing, wine making, and tasting room management. The students take care of the vines and make their first attempts at wine making, which you can taste and purchase at Yakima Valley Vintners Grandview tasting room.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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European Flare at this Yakima Valley “Estate” Winery

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Enjoy a leisurely Saturday afternoon on the patio with a small plate of food called “Tapas,”famous in Spain, paired with a glass of fine wine, overlooking the duck pond and winery courtyard. The owners of Bonair Winery, Gail and Shirley Puryear have brought a European ambiance to their winery from their extensive travels abroad.

The tasting room features beautiful tapestry’s, an expansive counter and a knowledgeable staff for an experience that is fun, educational and relaxed.

Bonair Winery in the Rattlesnake Hills of the Yakima Valley is an estate winery. Historically an estate bottled wine is grown, fermented, and bottled by the winery that grew the grapes, fermented the wine, and bottled entirely within the appellation where the grapes were grown. One of the first wineries in the Yakima Valley, surrounded by its vineyards, the production facility sits across the courtyard from the new winery tasting room. Tours of the bottling facility are Sunday mornings at 9 am for a small fee. There is also an informative vineyard tour but space is limited so reserve your place early. It may be that the winery owner himself, Gail Puryear will be leading the tour.

Bring friends to lunch, chat, laugh, meet “Bung ” the winery dog, and don’t be surprised if a Russian acoustic guitarist is playing on a Saturday afternoon.


The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Get Happy with Cocktail Hour Specials!

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Watching your budget? The restaurants in downtown Yakima and the surrounding area have a solution.  Get out and enjoy their Happy Hour specials.  Relax with friends after work or enjoy a light supper before attending a concert or a play at the Capitol Theatre.

Downtown Yakima:

5 North Metropolitan Kitchen and Lounge– Happy Hour: Tuesday – Saturday  4:00-6:00p.m. The newest restaurant in the Historic District of Yakima.  Special prices on select drinks.  Tasty bites include Sexy Fries $5, Chevre’  Goat Cheese, Quesadilla $3:  Pan Fried Oyster Slider and House-made Slaw $3 each or 3 for $8;  Beer Braised Baby Back Ribs, Asian BBQ Sauce and sticky Rice $2 each;  Fresh Personal Pan Pizza $7;  Tomato Basil Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto and Truffle Oil.

2nd Street Grill – Happy Hour: Daily  3-6pm Half-price well drinks, Bud Light, Coors Light Draft, Select Martinis and microbrew.  Half-priced appetizers 3-5p.m.

8th Street Bistro at the Holiday Inn – Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 4pm-6pm. $2.50 Appetizers:  Calamari – tender ring and tents served with dipping sauce.  Fish & Potato Nuggets – Fried cod & taters served with chipotle tarter.   WonTons – Chefs family recipe of ground beef, herbs &  spices in a fried won ton shell served w/sauce.  Cod & Clams Cocktail – Fried cod and clam strips with cocktail sauce.  Fried Mac & Cheese – Served with ranch or blue cheese dressing.  Hand Cut Fries, served with ranch or blue cheese.  Mini Spring Rolls – Fried spring rolls served with sweet &  sour sauce.

Barrel House – Happy Hour  Wednesday-Friday. 4- 6pm Half Price Appetizers.  $3.00.  Micro Brew Pints;  $2.00 off Glass Pours, Mixed Drinks & Cocktails. 35% off Wine Bottles

Bill’s Place - The locals are known to get together for Bill’s famous Mc Whimpy burgers on Wednesdays. Here are a few of their daily specials. Monday: 3 tacos for $2.50! Tuesday: 3 pulled pork sliders for $4.50. Wednesday:  Mc Whimpy Burger day! Cheeseburger with all of the fixin’s for $1.25!  Thursday: HUGE Beef Burrito for $4.50.  Friday: 2 piece Fish & Chips for $5.00! A tavern the locals enjoy.

Russillo’s Pizza and Gelato – Happy Hour:  Monday-Friday 4-6p.m. Half-price well drinks and domestic beer.  Appetizers: cheesy bread sticks, sausage rolls, salads, soups (great minestrone).  Enjoy the shaded deck, people watch and enjoy the historical train atmosphere (with a real train passing by every so often).

Sangha’s Restaurant at Howard Johnson’s : Happy Hour  Tuesday-Saturday 5-7pm. Drinks; $1 off well drinks, wine and beer. Daily appetizer specials ask waitstaff.

SportsCenter – Happy Hour:  3-6pm, Monday-Friday.  Half-price appetizers and Daily Specials. Spicy wings, hand-cut fries, quesadillas, beer-battered onion rings, three-way wings. The quesadillas are the best! Add chicken for a meal!

Tony’s Steak House – Happy Hour:  3-6pm, Monday-Saturday. Late Night Happy Hour: 10p.m.-close on Friday and Saturday. $5 well drinks, $2; American bottled Beer $4; Microbrew /Imported Beer $3.50-5pm. Special Appetizer menu:  $4-$11   Korean beef kabobs, Cajun chicken salad, steak fries, sweet potato fries, and calamari. Fine dining with fine appetizers.

Note: Happy Hour has been extended to 3-8 PM, Monday thru Saturday, for the entire month of August! Come in from the heat and enjoy a cold drink!

Within 5-20 Minutes of Downtown Yakima:

Black Angus – Happy Hour: 4-7p.m., Monday-Friday. (bar area only)
Drinks: half-price wine by the glass, classic martini, gold strike margaritas, 16oz draft beer, well drinks.  Happy hour appetizers include: half-price shrimp cocktail,  fried zucchini,  potato skins, wings,  sampler platter and more! The sampler platter is a great value and fills your palette with a variety of tastes.

Bob’s Burgers and Brew: Happy hour is 7 days and nights a week 3p.m.- 6p.m. and 9p.m. to close. $2 off appetizers. $1 off wine by the glass. $3 well drinks. $1 off draft beer. $2 off martinis and specialty drinks.

Gasperetti’s – Happy Hour  Monday-Saturday 3:30-6p.m. $3 draft beer, $1 off cocktails,  50% off all “Appetizers” and select “Bar Food” –Including famous Shrimp Tempura, Tuscan Melon Salad, John’s Classic Tomato & Mozzarella Bruschetta, G•Spot Mini Burgers, Famous onion rings, Margarette pizza, oyster shooters and so much more to enjoy.

Jack-sons Sports Bar – Happy Hour: Monday -Thursday 4pm-7pm and Saturday and Sunday 12-3pm.  Thursday only select beers $1. Appetizers $3.25-$4.99. Come watch sports with your friends on huge projection TV in comfortable atmosphere.
Zesta Cucina - Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 3-6pm Drinks: $5. Cocktails $3-$5. Wine $2. Bottled domestic beer $3. Imported beer, $3. Draft beer. Select from spinach artichoke dip, crab cakes, chicken ravioli, stuffed mushrooms, coconut prawns, and much more.  A great selection and an outside deck to enjoy them on.

You should be feeling happy already,  just thinking about all of these delicious appetizers.

Updated: 8.2011  For specific information please contact the restaurant directly.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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