New Quarter New Experiences
By Ben Wexler
From new bites and unseen trails to secret date spots and a wellness focused bodega, our valley’s blossoming flowers aren’t the only fresh thing surfacing this spring.
If you’re tired of walking around Bennington Lake or hiking to the bottom of Palouse Falls, you might want to switch it up with the Middle Point Ridge hike. Just off the route to Bluewood, this six-mile trek begins with a stroll through the deep woods, suddenly shifting into a steep incline with views of the valley. Along the way you’ll find yourself immersed in high meadows with blooming wildflowers and soothing outlooks of the Bluewoods. You can reach the trailhead at North Touchet Road in Dayton.
Replenish yourself after a morning hike with locally grown produce and goods at the Downtown Farmers Market, starting up on the first Saturday of May in the heart of downtown Walla Walla from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. From lion’s mane mushrooms and crates filled with blackberries and glistening peaches, to piping hot cinnamon rolls, you’ll always find new offerings from our local farmers and artisans. Students with small businesses who are interested in vending at the market can secure a booth at www.downtownww.com/farmers-market.
De-stress from deadlines or get revenge on a frenemy at Red Dot Paintball on Beardsley Road in Richland. Bring your squad and compete in five different fields, from natural and urban-themed environments to tournament grade bunkers, in games like capture the flag, elimination, and bomb squad. You can suit up for a whole day of paintball with their $50 player package including a rental marker and paintball rounds.
Are your spring allergies keeping you inside? The Verve Bazaar & Coffee has curated an eclectic social space for customers to relax, study, or just listen to their featured vinyl. While smells of freshly brewed coffee waft through the air, the space immerses customers in art-deco design with air plants and vintage clothing racks scattered around lounge areas. Visit The Verve on Main Street.
Cugini Italian Import and Foods doubles as a deli and casual date spot that will make you feel like you’re living in the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene. With items like burrata and caprese platters to share, pasta including lasagna and tortellini, and cannolis and tiramisu for dessert, Cugini offers you and that special someone the experience to dine in style. Their venue offers a small and cozy, but picturesque Italian deli decked out with red and white checkered tablecloth and wheels of aged parmesan. If you’re looking to impress your friends with your cooking skills, the deli offers imported Italian goods from tomatoes and pasta to olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can visit Cugini on Wallula Avenue.
The Market by Andy’s is a small bodega focused on offering locally grown produce and health-conscious foods to further one’s wellness journey. [1] The counter offers green smoothies, juices, and grab-and-go vegetarian meals to carry you through your day. Their pantry style layout allows you to pick and choose nuts and grains by the pound along with snacks and frozen goods. Shop The Market on Main Street in the heart of downtown.
References
- Wallawalla.org. (2020). Things to do in Walla Walla – Wineries, restaurants, & more | Visit Walla Walla. http://websites.milonic.com/wallawalla.org
