Washington state’s wines continue to turn heads, and the diversity of varietals produced are as distinctive as the different tasting regions—from Woodinville in the northwest, to Walla Walla in the southeast, to Spokane in the northeastern part of the state. What’s fun to do in between tastings, sometimes with kids in tow? Here are 10 ideas that make for great pairings with wine.
Woodinville
21 Acres Farm
Wander the pastoral farm grounds and indoor market of 21 Acres, a center for local food and sustainable living that includes gardens, an apiary, goats, and a premiere event space. Its demonstration kitchen offers a range of classes, including basic culinary skills, and serves as an incubator for bringing new products to market. 21acres.org
Woodinville Lavender
This impeccably landscaped property is breathtaking and its patio is perfect for relaxing while taking in the sustainably and organically grown lavender fields. The farm store is everything lusciously lavender: plants, fresh cut bouquets, aromatherapy items, and culinary offerings. See the website for year-round activities, like classes and distilling demonstrations. woodinvillelavender.com
Adventura Aerial Adventure Park
Want to feed their your adrenaline junkie, have a bonding experience (other than over wine), or just need a laugh? Adventura promises to deliver, with 50-foot cargo nets, rope loop bridges, and a host of aerial obstacles. Scale, zip, jump, and swing to your heart’s desire. The park has been so popular it sells out 14 to 30 days in advance, so plan accordingly. adventuraplay.com
Tri-Cities
Red Mountain Trails
Horse-crazy Teresa Owen grew up on a rustic farm on a spectacular plot of land on the now vineyard-rich Red Mountain. When she and her husband, Jeff, purchased the family home in 2011, they started a business providing horseback trail rides. With views as breathtaking as the wines produced in the prestigious AVA, there’s no better way to experience the mountain. redmountaintrails. com
The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center (REACH)
Opened July 1, REACH is an impressive 24,000-square-foot “hybrid” institution that combines a museum experience with an interpretive and visitor center. It tells the story of the dynamic Columbia Basin, and the Hanford Reach National Monument, named by former President Clinton to honor the last free-flowing section of the Columbia River. http://www.visitthereach.org/
Walla Walla
Telander Gallery
A formerly abandoned barbershop on downtown Colville Street is now a light, minimalist space featuring the work of nationally recognized fine artist Todd Telander, with local landscapes, wildlife, still life, and original watercolors created for the Falcon Pocket Guide books. More galleries have since opened downtown, including Tra Vigne and Studio Two Zero Two. telandergallery.com
Pioneer Park and Aviary
Constructed in part by landscape architect, John C. Olmstead of Central Park in New York City, this oasis has a number of show-stopper trees, including a 93-foot Fernleaf Beech. Visit the rose garden tucked in one corner of the park and the free, outdoor aviary, a breeding facility for endangered birds, with close to 200 exotic and native birds. friendsofpioneerparkaviary.org
Walking Tours
Pick up walking guides from the tourism kiosk downtown that includes public art, architecture, and historic homes. There’s an exceptional collection of public art sculptures commissioned from renowned resident artists, and immaculately restored 19th century buildings that now house tasting rooms, trendy boutiques, and cafés. wallawalla.org
Bennington Lake
Just minutes from wineries and tasting rooms is Bennington Lake, an Army Corps of Engineer gem with northern views of the Blue Mountains. The lake and trails are multiuse and include an amicable mix of people strolling with dogs, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, boating, and bird watching. recreation.gov
Spokane
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park inhabits 100 acres of land and water in downtown Spokane and is considered the legacy of Exposition ’74, The World’s Fair, which the city hosted in 1974. Riverfront Park rose out of the demolition of The Great Northern Railroad Depot on Havermale Island, and now only the historic clock tower remains. The park is a hub of activity with an IMAX Theatre, Spokane Falls SkyRides, a sculpture walk, and the historic 1909 Looff Carousel. spokaneriverfrontpark.com