Walla Walla, Washington

One of the most fertile areas in the country

Walla Walla was a big surprise we were not expecting…very clean town with a restored city center of restaurants, galleries, historical brick buildings, and shops. Located 6 hours east from Olympia and 3.5 hours south of Leavenworth, the area is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the USA. The valley produces such crops as sweet onions, strawberries, wheat, asparagus and more recently, wine – there are more than 100 wineries nearby.

With approximately 31,000 people, the town has received many civic awards since 2000. In 2001, Walla Walla was a Great American Main Street Award winner for the transformation and preservation of its once dilapidated main street. In 2011, USA Today and Rand McNally both selected it as the “Friendliest Small Town in the America”.

Veterans Memorial Golf

Surprisingly, one of the best golf courses on our trip was located here – a public course “Veterans Memorial golf course” –  $23 for 18 holes, very walkable, tree-lined, flat, good condition-forces you to use all your clubs.

“Walla Walla” means “many waters”

Curious how the name of the town was founded, I researched and discovered it was derived from the Walla Walla Native Americans tribe, who were one of the most powerful tribes of the area. The tribe’s name means “many waters” named so from the many streams and rivers that ran through their homeland. Tribe members practiced the traditional Washat religion, a religious belief that a spirit exists in every living thing and spirits wishes should be followed.