Sunday an article on Walla Walla was posted by The Voice of the Rockies, as I like to call it. Will Success Spoil Washington’s Walla Walla? As you will note, Knute Berger’s article originally appeared in Crosscut last Thursday.
Much has already been written about the Walla Walla miracle, how an old, insular small town in the farm country of southeastern Washington emerged as a major wine center with all the accoutrements that go with it: tourism, fine food, and lots of newcomers looking for all-American livability…. [read more]
The article offers good insight into the community, the effects of tourism, and the bing bang boom in the valley. Berger provides a variety of links to relevant sites and discusses the impact of the wine industry on Walla Walla’s neighbors as well. Thankfully, he makes clear that it is NOT Walla Walla’s goal to be “the next Napa.” It’s true. First, we’re too far away from a true metropolis to attract the same kind of settling. Second, thank God we’re not Napa! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my share of good times in Napa Valley, but there’s something special about Walla Walla that I would never want to see taken away. Michael Davidson of the tourism office is right; this town is unique. And not just because I was born here. (Okay, that was a bit egotistical.)
There are a few comments that I’d like to add, however. Not everyone from Walla Walla loves onions, though I do. Not all of us know someone in the penitentary or have witnessed a hanging. And if you want live music, well, open a venue. There’s karaoke at The Golden Horse, live music Wednesday at Barnaby’s Pub, and jazz at Backstage Bistro. The Walla Walla Symphony is the longest running symphony west of the Mississippi River. But you’re hard-pressed to find quality live music on the weekends.
This is my one request for the valley: With all this growth, someone please help out the music scene! What do we have to do to get regular good live music in town? This isn’t my area of expertise, but I’m more than willing to help out if someone’s got a plan.
In the meantime, I’ll be visiting the Jim German Bar in Waitsburg, hanging out for brunch at 26 Brix, sipping on a favorite cab franc (this week), enjoying some imported goat cheese from Salumiere Cesario, and loving the ever-shifting light on the Blue Mountains in the evening.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m curious about this change that has come to WW. How different is it and where and how is it evident? and since when? I was last there in 2001 or 2002, I think.
Jon, I returned from England in the spring of 2004 and things have changed even since then. Of course, it began about the time you were born — when Leonetti started producing wine. Now there are over 100 bonded wineries in the valley. Weekends find hotels full and the streets filled with tourists. And because weekends are so booked, some are choosing to visit midweek as well, when accommodation is easier to come by.
Many new restaurants, cafes, tasting rooms and shops in the downtown area. In the last three years things have exploded. Summer of 2005 I witnessed a strong wave of seasonal tourists. Now it seems it is year-round, though of course somewhat diminished during the grey winters which you may recall. Yet winter barrel tasting, the first weekend in December, is always crowded. People reserve lodging up to two years in advance. Many bed & breakfasts and vacation homes have appeared to meet the growing need for accommodation. New designer town houses are being built. The real estate market is doing well.
Should you come back to visit sometime, I’d love to show you around. There is still much that would feel kindly familiar in the midst of the new.
Thanks for the info, Amy. I don’t know when I’ll next make it to Walla Walla, but when/if I do, I’ll look you up for the tour.