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Yakima may not be the first place that comes to mind while planning a trip, but they have so much to offer.
I’ve lived in the Yakima Valley my entire life. Most of what this valley has to offer, I take for granted. In fact, when we have guests from outside this area who ask about things they should see while here, I’ve had difficulty coming up with suggestions. I had to stop and think a bit to come up with my thoughts for this web page.
While researching the topic, I found this short video by the Chamber of Commerce. It a promo video that gives a quick overview of a number of things to see and do in the Yakima Valley.
Whenever I’ve taken week long vacations with my family to some of the Worldmark resorts, of which we are members, we try to balance our activities with some good old-fashioned relaxation. We want to see some sites and do some activities, but we don’t want to try to cram too much into a short period of time.
Typically we restrict ourselves to one activity per day, during our vacation. The rest of the time, we spend at our condo eating, swimming, playing board games, watching movies, and then eating some more. That way, we don’t return home from our vacation more worn out than when we left.
This list is what I might line up as our daily activities if I were a visitor to the area.
Water Recreation
One of the most popular activities for Yakima residents in the summer is to float the Yakima River Canyon. Every summer, thousands of people spend the day relaxing and partying as they casually drift down the river on their rafts.
For those who prefer excitement over relaxation, you may wish to try your hands at white water rafting on the Tieton River when the flows from the Rimrock reservoir begin to increase in the late summer and early fall months. During this time, this stretch becomes the fastest white water rafting in the state.
Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre is a historic building that continues to offer concerts, broadway shows, and a variety of performances throughout the year. It may be hit-and-miss as to whether or not they have something playing during your trip to Yakima, but if they do, it would be one of the activities you should consider.
When I was young, the Capitol Theatre was being used as a movie theater. At one point, the building caught fire and was badly damaged. It sat vacant for quite some time before a group came in and renovated the building. They’ve done a fabulous job and the theater has continued to operate in it’s current fashion ever since. It is a great asset for the community of Yakima.
Wine Tours
I’m really not even a wine drinker, but I’ve added this to the list because the winery business plays such a strong role in the Central Washington agricultural scene. I’ve been to a number of the winery’s in the valley and find the business to be very fascinating.
The Yakima Wine Association provides a list of suggested wine tours that are recommended. I could probably get away with driving myself around to the various locations, but for some others, it may be recommended that you enlist a limo or a bus to assist you on your tour. Stay safe.
Museums
The Yakima Valley Museum is located in Franklin Park on Tieton Drive to the west of downtown Yakima.
I had driven by the museum probably a hundred times without ever stopping to go through it. Recently, I joined a group from my workplace that held a social event in one of the meeting rooms inside the museum. We were allowed to wander around the museum while we were there. I was completely surprised as to how much history they housed there.
The Yakima Valley Museum is the best and most interesting place to go for learning about the history and culture of the area.
Recreational Sports
All year round there are a number of sport tournaments and events being held in Yakima. From the high school district volleyball and basketball tournaments that are held in the Sun Dome in the fall and winter, to the baseball at Kiwanis Park, to the Hot Shots 3 on 3 basketball tournament held in the middle of Yakima Avenue in the summer, there are sporting events for everyone all year ’round.
As I write this post, the city is preparing for the Pirate’s Plunder Adventure Race. This obstacle course will require extreme strength and endurance in the contestants. This October 5, 2013 event is just one example of the quality recreational events held in this area.
Old West
Toppenish is a half an hour south of Yakima, along the I-82 corridor. It’s a small town where the west still lives. It also just happens to be the town that I was born in.
Shortly after I graduated from high school and moved away from this little town, they began a couple new initiatives. They adopted an “old west” theme, and they started painting murals around the town. In fact, every June, they hold an event that they call Mural in a Day where a number of artists band together to paint a new mural.
Today, nearly every business in town sports an old west look and as you walk around the town, you can find more than 70 spectacular murals painted in various locations.
On top of all that, they have a number of fascinating museums, including the Rail & Steam Museum, the American Hop Museum, and the Yakama Nation Cultural Center.
Produce
It hardly makes any sense at all to come to the Yakima Valley and not pick up some locally grown produce. Many people come to Yakima from around the state just to stock up on the local delights for canning or just eating good fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Yakima Farmer’s Market is open in downtown Yakima every Sunday from early May through late October is a great place to find your produce, local crafts, and much more.
