Explore Washington State
Editor’s note, October 2026: Since this story ran, Pintxo by Valdemar, Ephesus Cafe & Gelato and the Walla Walla Steak Co. have all closed. Pintxo’s space is now Jackson House, a restaurant and craft cocktail bar. For what’s open around town now, see our Woodinville guide. It’s a good idea to revisit a destination from...
Editor’s note, October 2026: Pintxo by Valdemar has closed. Its space in the Schoolhouse District is now Jackson House, a restaurant and craft cocktail bar. For what’s open around town now, see our Woodinville guide. What happens when a Spanish based winery hires a chef from Australia to oversee the kitchen of their Woodinville based...
It’s taken a long time for the food truck scene to come to fruition in the Yakima Valley. But right now, it’s fair to say, the food truck frenzy is at its peak. Sure, there’s been plenty of taco trucks spotted throughout the valley for years, but it took a while for others to begin...
Ellensburg, Washington, is just a two-hour drive from Seattle and is one of the hidden gems of the Pacific Northwest. Located east of the Cascade Mountain Range off Interstate 90, Ellensburg offers outdoor recreation like biking, fishing on the Yakima River, hiking and more. The charming city is home to around 20,000 people, and is...
Spokane is known for its Riverfront Park and stunning architecture, but what about food? Join Explore Washington State contributor Molly Lindquist as she takes you on a journey through 7 of the best brunch spots in Spokane. On Sunday mornings I like to take my time waking up. Life feels a little more peaceful, like...
If you head south from Spokane’s downtown, you’ll come across the vibrant South Perry neighborhood. Here you’ll find a wellness bar, a brewery, thrift shops, a bakery, a coffee shop, a pizza place, art galleries and a greenhouse. One of the best farmer’s markets in Spokane occurs here on Thursday evening in summer and the...
By Nancy Croisier The first time my husband and I ventured to Red Mountain many years ago, we found ourselves pulling up to a house. Signs guided us through a sliding door and we ended up wine tasting in the basement of someone’s home. Things sure have changed since then. In 2001, the region became...
Mill Creek was a rush of water through the middle of town – an upwelling of recent snowmelt and rain that careened westward toward the valley and gorge beyond. It sounded of the impending new season and warmth, but even now the first tint of spring was still tempered by cool nights and frost lingering...
For those of us with a sweet tooth in Spokane, or for those visiting, there are a variety of candy stores, ice cream shops and coffee shops ready to serve up a sugar rush. But what if we want something on the sweeter side for breakfast? How about something with flaky layers or chewy caramel?...
Travel into prehistoric times and dine among dinosaurs! This diner goes beyond a good burger and gives you an experience of a lifetime.
Editor’s Note (April 2026): Since this article was written, Michou Deli, Pecos Pit BBQ, and Blazing Bagels have all permanently closed. Maiz and Paseo remain open. We are working on updated Seattle lunch recommendations. “What are you in the mood to eat for lunch?” Seattle’s stretch from Pike Place Market down to SoDo is one...
Did you know that your Friday night IPA is likely made from juicy hops grown in Yakima, Washington? Or even the apple on your counter, and the sprig of mint in your salad? I’d say it’s well known to most Washington residents that Yakima Valley has a fascinating geographical and native history, killer views of...
