Archive for August, 2012

Let’s go out to breakfast!

Saturday, August 25th, 2012
The Yakima Valley has the breakfast spot to appeal to any taste; from charming to rustic you will find the perfect spot to start your day.

Charming Breakfast:
  • White House Café: A special gathering place for girlfriends, mothers and daughters looking for an out of the ordinary dining experience. Features gourmet country fare of home-baked breads and pastries, fresh Yakima Valley produce and locally roasted coffee in a charming environment. Serving breakfast Monday through Friday from 8a.m. to 10:30a.m., Saturday 9a.m. to 10:30a.m. and Sunday from 9a.m. to 2a.m.
Breakfast with a View:
  • The Apple Tree Grill: From the traditional egg breakfasts to wonderful country and garden lovers omelets to eggs Benedict, the menu has all the favorites and more – All with the beautiful view of the apple shaped island on the17th green of the Apple Tree Golf Course amid the rolling terrain of 100 year-old orchards. This is an unforgettable location to start your day.. Breakfast served daily 8a.m. to 11a.m. and Sunday Brunch Buffet 9a.m. to 1p.m. (pictured)
  • Whistlin’ Jack Lodge is the place to relax in the woods and enjoy the view of the Naches River on Hwy 410. Breakfast served daily in a country lodge setting, try the applewood smoked bacon and eggs or be adventurous with the pan fried mountain rainbow trout. Whistlin’ Jacks offers and exceptional Sunday breakfast buffet from 9a.m.-11a.m.


    Diners & Home Cookin’:
  • Mel’s Diner: A 50′s style diner, a Yakima icon open 24 hours, where the locals and musicians go after hours for breakfast. Offering all the favorites :eggs, hashbrowns, toast , pancakes and more. (pictured)
  • Old Town Station: Extensive menu of family favorites such as biscuits and gravy and daily breakfast specials. Located in Union Gap near the Valley Mall.Breakfast served Monday through Saturday 6:30a.m.- 2p.m.; Sunday 7:30a.m.-2p.m.
  • Woodshed Restaurant: Eagle Rock Resort on Hwy 410. Around since the 1940’ s serving the local community and travelers all the traditional breakfast favorites and more! Breakfast served from 8am-noon.
Sunday Brunch
  • 2nd Street Grill: Sunday brunch 10a.m.-3p.m. in addition to regular menu offerings such as omelets, eggs Benedict, banana nut waffles, French toast, biscuits and gravy and more.
  • The Apple Tree Grill; Sunday Brunch Buffet 9a.m. to 1p.m.in addition to regular menu.
  • Bob’s Burger and Brews: Sunday Buffet Brunch 9a.m. to 1p.m.
  • Whistlin’ Jack Lodge: Sunday Buffet Brunch served in the lounge from 9a.m. to 11a.m. in addition to regular menu offerings.
Breakfast Buffet
  • Old Country Buffet: For as little as $8.09 you can have a breakfast buffet of all your favorites. Located in Union Gap next to Valley Mall. Breakfast served Saturday 7:30a.m-11a.m. Sunday 7:30 a.m.-10a.m.
Pancakes Anyone? Pie?
  • International House of Pancakes: I-Hop, need I say anything more -Pancakes, blintzes fruit filled, topped with whipped cream. Any kind of pancakes you desire plus scrambles. Yum! Breakfast served daily.
  • Sharis Restaurant: Northwest family restaurant for family dining. Try one of the $3.99 Fast Start breakfasts, weekdays until 11a.m., or choose from a great selection of the freshly made pie to go with your morning coffee. Open 24 hours.
Hotels with Restaurants
  • Clarion Hotel: Coffee Garden Restaurant offers breakfast service dining from 6 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., everyday. Full service open until 10 p.m. Come and sample menu selections that represent cooking styles and regional influences of the Pacific Northwest, Italian and Continental cuisine; with an emphasis on the use of indigenous ingredients from the Yakima Valley.
  • Hilton Garden Inn: The Great American Grill Breakfast Buffet , Monday through Friday 6a.m. to q0 a.m. and Sunday 6a.m. -2p.m. $11.95 All you can eat.
  • Red Lion Hotel: Hotel guests enjoy the signature hot Roaring Start Breakfast Buffet which includes various juices, breakfast breads, pancakes, bagels, assorted cereals, yogurt, a signature egg dish, bacon, sausage and breakfast potatoes. This fantastic breakfast buffet is available for purchase at our front desk for $5.95 per guest/$10.95 non guest Monday-Friday 6a.m.-9a.m./weekends 7a.m.-10a.m.
  • Holiday Inn Downtown: 8th Street Bistro a full service restaurant. Breakfast served daily. 6a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Morning Coffee and More:

  • Lincoln Avenue Coffee Co.: Best espresso in town!  Hot coffee, Latte’s, frappuccino, iced drinks, breakfast cookies, specialty oatmeal.
  • Guerra’s Deli and Cafe/Guerra’s Coffee Co.: The Guerra family would like you to come join us for an espresso or non coffee drink in true  coffee house culture.  At Guerra’s Coffee Company enjoy gourmet coffee, ambience, knowledgeable baristas, free wifi, comfortable couches, and complimentary newspapers.  We are also featuring the pastries from the best bakeries in town.

Updated 8.25.12

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

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Enjoy Lunch at Yakima Valley Wineries

Monday, August 20th, 2012

Many Washington Wine Country wineries are offering farm fresh fare paired with fine Yakima Valley wines.  Lunch, light evening appetizers, dinners and many other special food and wine pairing events throughout the year are planned for the Yakima Valley wineries. To see if there is a special wine and food pairing event for the dates you will be visiting, check the Yakima Valley Visitor and Convention Bureau’s Winery events listing.

Downtown Yakima

  • Gilbert Cellars: Tasting Room Downtown Yakima. Small plate offerings of selected cheeses, Salumi Artisan Cured Characuterie meats and more.
  • Kana Winery: $5.00 Cheese plate daily. 1st Friday of the month special BBQ offerings in early evening with live music.
  • Naches Heights Winery: A unique selection of appetizers for light supper or lunch. Enjoy the weekend entertainment and movie night in the summer. Refreshing summer Sangria.

Rattlesnake Hills AVA; Zillah, WA – 20 minutes from downtown Yakima. These are wineries surrounded by vineyards and orchards.

Bonair Tapas
  • Bonair Winery: Tapas on Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 12- 4p.m. and wine by the glass on patio.  Enjoy a selection of small plate appetizers for $5.00 on the patio overlooking the duck pond and vineyards.
  • Silver Lake Winery: BBQ lunches from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 pm.  The menu is always slow cooked smoked ribs and chicken on Trager grills. In August enjoy the addition of  BBQ Salmon to the menu and live music on Sundays.

Prosser Tasting Rooms: Exit 80 off I-82 East- Within 2 blocks there are a dozen tasting room in seven huge beautiful buildings.

  • Milbrandt Winery: Lunch on the patio with recommended wines to pair with items Friday-Sunday 12p.m.-4p.m.  Patio menu examples; Small plate offerings such as chicken salad canapés,onion Tartelettes…, Sandwiches such as roasted vegetable wraps, Italian cold cuts and more. Salads such as Rachel’s Chef Salad, Chicken Salad and more. This year they feature in house mustard with Traditions Pinot Gris and house dressing featuring this tangy, zesty mustard with honey, white wine vinegar, olive oil and seasonal herbs. Each offering on the menu comes with wine pairing suggestions.
    Desert Wind Winery
  • Desert Wind Winery: Restaurant,  Mojave by Picazo, features casual Southwest cuisine paired with Desert Wind wines.  Open Thursday – Saturday noon – 3:00 p.m. Lunch menu.  Example: Gorganzola Sliders, Coconut Shrimp, Mojave Signature Crab Cakes, Southwestern Grilled hanger Steak Skewers…
  • Kestrel Winery: “Bites and Flights,” Friday and Saturday in the summer evenings. Small Plate Tapas with wine and may have live local music or open mic.

Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Patterson, WA. South of city of Prosser on Hwy SR 221.

  • Columbia Crest Winery: Wine Country lunches available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Wine by the glass is available for purchase every day.  Tasting room open until 4:30p.m.

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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Friday, August 17th, 2012

Yakima, WA- (August 17, 2012) – The Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau,  Tourism Walla Walla and Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau announce the launch of a new collaborative effort with Alaska Airlines and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to promote Washington Wine Country. Launching September 2012, Washington Wine Country Taste and Tote will make it easier and more affordable to taste and travel the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities and Walla Walla Valley wine regions.

As part of this new partnership, Alaska Airlines will expand its existing wine check-in program “Taste and Tote” to the Yakima and Pasco/Tri-Cities airports.  Originating in the Walla Walla Valley in late 2011, this program allows outbound passengers to check their first case of wine free on their return flight. In addition, Enterprise Rent-A-Car will waive car drop-off fees for visitors flying on Alaska Airlines into Yakima, Pasco or Walla Walla regional airports who wish to fly out of one of the other two airports.

“The ‘Taste and Tote’ program has been a big success in Walla Walla and we feel our expansion to the Pasco and Yakima airports shows our dedication to being Washington Wine Country’s airline of choice,” said Clint Ostler, Alaska Airlines’ manager of retail advertising and sponsorships. “Washington State’s tourism and wine industries are so closely connected and we are committed to making it easier for travelers to visit our award-winning vineyards.”

Other features of the new program will allow travelers to sample wines at participating wineries and pay no tasting fees when they show a current Alaska Airlines boarding pass from one of the three airports.

“This is a great partnership for everyone involved, especially our visitors,” said John Cooper of the Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau. “This program gives travelers the opportunity to spend an extended vacation in Washington Wine Country and not pay extra during their stay, either in car rental, airline baggage or wine tasting fees.”

The majority of visitors to Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities region and Walla Walla Valley wineries come from the Seattle and Portland metropolitan areas. Organizers hope that with these added incentives, visitors from these destinations and others served by Alaska Airlines will utilize air service for their trip to Washington Wine Country. Additional details on the Taste and Tote promotion are available at www.tasteandtote.com.

About Washington Wine Country

Founded in 2003, Washington Wine Country is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wine-related tourism by fostering collaborative regional partnerships throughout the wine growing region of Eastern Washington, where 98 percent of Washington State’s wine grapes are grown. For more information, visit www.winecountrywashington.org.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines flies nonstop from Seattle to Walla Walla Regional Airport twice daily ; to Yakima Air Terminal three times daily ; and to the Pasco/Tri-Cities Airport five times daily. Starting Aug. 27, the carrier will begin new daily service between Pasco/Tri-Cities and Portland, Ore..  Connections can be made beyond Alaska’s Seattle and Portland hubs to destinations in Alaska, the lower 48, Mexico and Canada. To purchase tickets, visit www.alaskaair.com or by calling 1-800-ALASKAAIR.

About Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Enterprise Holdings, through its regional subsidiaries, operates more than one million cars and trucks, the largest fleet of passenger vehicles in the world today. Enterprise Holdings is North America’s largest and most comprehensive service provider in the car rental industry, operating the Alamo Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental brands.

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Naches Peak Hike is for Wildflower Lovers

Sunday, August 12th, 2012


Naches Peak Hike on Chinook Pass,  Hwy 410, is an easy 2 1/2 hour hike with an amazing view of Mt Rainier and numerous wildflowers. One starts the hike by going over the bridge across the highway at the top of the pass, going clockwise around the peak. This a great stop on your way to the Yakima Valley.

After a short walk you will reach a small pond with some large outcroppings of  rocks to sit on and enjoy the view (the pond in the photo below).  Hiking further uphill one reaches the steepest section and the turn around to the western downward slope where you can see Dewey Lake (pictured) in the valley below.


In early August it is spring in the mountains and the wildflowers are usually in bloom. For Mt. Rainier wildflower information Click Here. This will give you some idea of what is blooming at elevation. Identify the wildflowers you will see by going to this page, Click Here. For a map of Naches Peak trail Cick Here.

Current conditions Video: 8.08.12  Posted on Washignton Trail Association (WTA) Website Click Here. for more information. video includes into of short hike around Lake Tipso at the Chinook Pass rest stop nearby.

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Mt. Rainier comes into sight as you crest the first rise on the west slope of Naches Peak. This west side of the trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail and dogs are not allowed in this National Park Service Area.

Naches Peak is about 60 miles from Yakima on Hwy 410. Looking for a place to stop and eat, Whistlin’ Jack Lodge in Cliffdell is a great spot to stop for breakfast before your hike or a late lunch or dinner after your hike. Spend the weekend exploring this beautiful area with a stay at one of the cabins by the river at the lodge.

The Woodshed Restaurant & Lounge at Eagle Rock Resort on Hwy 410 offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a warm and relaxed environment.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors & 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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Searching for a “Burger?”

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

Coming to the Yakima Valley for Hot Shots 3-on-3?  Pirate Plunder Adventure Race or other sports events?  Whether you are the participant or the pep club, celebrate like and Olympic athlete after the competition with a great hamburger or three,  from one of the local iconic hamburger restaurants.

McDonald’s golden arches serve more than 60 million people around the world every day, and is an official sponsor of the 2012 Olympics. There are over 33,500 McDonalds Restaurant’s worldwide.  I bet you haven’t been to one like this.  A 50’s themed McDonald’s in Yakima! Elvis would be pleased at the homage he is paid with his own wall of fame. Sit in   the  1957 Chevy and enjoy your Big Mac. The signature 50’s style arches look a little different from the modern arches of today.  The little guy on the top of the arch was a chef character named “Speedee.”   For more on the history of McDonald’s, click here. This themed McDonald’s is located at 2326 S. 1st Street, Yakima! I’m Lovin’ It.

Miners Drive In Restaurant has been dishing up the Big Miner Burger in the Yakima Valley, at 2415 South 1st Street near the Valley Mall, for over 45 years. This is a family owned restaurant with Gary and Renee Miner being third generation owners. Generations of high school sport’s teams have eaten at Miners after their games.  Satisfy your burger cravings with their huge burgers. Watch this video to see how those famous Miner’s Burgers are made.  Now-a-days, Miners is a full service restaurant, with seating inside, offering an extensive menu of items. There is a unique display of Native American bead-work and historic photos on the walls. You will enjoy this piece of Yakima Valley history.  Miner’s is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 509-457-8194.

Bob’s Burger and Brew: As the founder, Bob Kildale says “Only the Best,” offering quality food, generous portions, and great service at an affordable price. Not only will you find a great selection of over 20 gourmet  beef and chicken burgers, you can enjoy a frosty cold premium beer-on-tap  in the lounge or on the outside patio. This restaurant chain began in Washington State and  is not to be missed.  It is easy to find, off Exit 33-A from I-82 East or Exit 33 to Yakima and follow the signs to the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center and you will drive passed the restaurant.  Here is a coupon for your next visit.

Everyone knows Burger King is the Home of the Whopper! Every day, more than 11 million guests visit Burger King restaurants around the world.  In 1954, Burger King was founded and has grown to is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world.  The king was introduced in 1955.  The Whopper made its debut in 1957.  If you are looking for that signature Whopper meal and play areas for the kids in air-conditioned comfort, these are two location where you can find them.  Don’t miss the new Sweet Potato Fries! Yum! Burger King in Yakima at 2113  South 1st Street and 2611 West Nob Hill Blvd.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors & 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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