Unique Stays and Experiences in Washington State

My name is Jenn from Washington State and the creator of UniquePNW! Since getting married 8 years ago, my husband, Tyler, and I have found a love for traveling to unique places across the Pacific Northwest. Wanting to showcase the amazing places in our neck of the woods, I’ve been on a mission to showcase the uniqueness of our area through social media. I think each part of our corner in the US is special. I want to show others in our area that we don’t need to travel elsewhere to experience beauty and adventure. It’s all in our backyard!  

couple in hobbit home

We travel a lot and we’re often asked the question: “Where are you from?” When I tell them “Washington state!”, I almost always receive a smile accompanied by something like this: “Aww...it must be gorgeous! Do you love the rain? My (insert relative here) lives in Seattle and I love the greenery!” I then have to explain to them that we’re not from “that” side of Washington...we are from Eastern Washington where tumbleweeds race down the highways, summers reach a scorching 100+ degrees, and farms are plentiful. The looks of disappointment and shrugs afterward are also quite common.

 

While Eastern Washington may not sound glamorous, it’s very unique and beautiful in its own right. While it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle that the West side has, it does have a lot to offer. If you’re looking for uniqueness or just pure luxury, Eastern Washington is a great place to explore and relax. 

 

the grain bin inn

The Grain Bin Inn

The Tri-Cities is known for 300 days of sunshine and is situated around the mighty Columbia River. With a population of about 300,000, it’s a little less than half the population of Seattle, but a quarter of the steep hills! It’s a city of constant growth and creativity. Take, for instance, Liesl and Alan’s incredible creation: The Grain Bin Inn located in Pasco, WA. This inn is situated on their personal organic farm that you are free to explore and check out. While we didn’t find any miniature donkeys to hug (I’m always looking for those on a farm), we got to see a barn cat, which is almost as exciting.  

 Surrounding the inn itself is Liesl’s incredible flower garden with plenty of places to lounge and take it all in. From a boho-chic hammock to a plethora of seating options near a chicken coop (it’s dreamier than it sounds), there isn’t a bad place to soak in that warm, dry, Tri-Cities weather. Our personal favorite was the outdoor lounge they created that sits right next to the grain bin. It’s open during the warmer months and was a magical place to watch the sunset turn to dusk while the string lights twinkled against the sunflowers that stretched before the lounge.  

unique stay in Washington

Once inside the grain bin, you walk right into a cozy farm home. It is endowed with rich colors, an incredible wooden spiral staircase to the sleeping loft, and the cutest little eating area for two. Liesl includes her homemade baked bread on the table, and it truly feels like you are welcome and free to make yourself at home. Climbing the staircase, you are greeted by the silo ceiling, a beautiful oak bed, and all the coziness in the world. You truly cannot have a bad stay at The Grain Bin Inn!  

cameo heights

Cameo Heights

If pure, unadulterated, luxury is what you're after, Cameo Heights in Touchet, WA is your gal. With a population of about 350 people, Touchet is certainly a peaceful place to stay, albeit with a lacklustre nightlife. This gem of a bed and breakfast is located in the rolling bluffs of Eastern Washington, on a bountiful vineyard and orchard. With seven decorated and ornate suites, we have had the pleasure of staying in half of them. Our favorite is definitely the Greek Suite. It’s the largest of the lot, has a private entrance to the patio, and is the closest to the hot tub, which is fantastic when it’s snowing, and just screams “I AM LUXURY”! We are partial to Christmas time at the ol’ Heights, as it is decorated to the nines with Christmas lights! It’s also a great time to sit by their outdoor gas firepit and have a private dinner with your one and only. They also have the breakfast part of the bed and breakfast down PAT. It’s so good you’d stay to eat it even if you had broken a toe right before it arrived to your room. For legal reasons, I have to say this has never personally happened. Between you and me though...   

Anyway, breakfast starts with homemade danish and coffee.  Then comes an ornate fruit bowl with everything cut in gorgeous shapes (I always come away convinced I can create rose-shaped strawberries at home...never can. Won’t stop trying), followed by seriously one of the most delicious breakfasts you’ll ever have. After breakfast, you can soak in your air-jetted tub (each room has its own), catch a movie in the house’s personal theater, play ping-pong downstairs, or just take a walk amongst the orchard trees. Cameo Heights truly should not be missed!

breakfast

The Wesley

About 30 miles from Touchet and 55 miles from the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla sits as Wine Town USA. I don’t know if it’s actually called that, but it may as well be with over 120 wineries within its borders. Right on the edge of the wine action is The Wesley, a quirky boutique hotel with 11 suites and one detached cottage. What struck me when we walked through the front door was the funky lighting prominently placed in the entryway. Funky lighting is my middle name, so I knew I was in the right place. Our first stay was in the Grand King Suite – 1A. With a gas fireplace, a free bottle of wine, and an exquisite sitting area, it’s a true gem. For our second stay, we went all bougie and stayed in the Penthouse. Holy guacamole...talk about spacious! There are TWO electric fireplaces, two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a private loft sitting area that overlooks the city.  

We found a hidden lounge in the basement of The Wesley. I don’t know if it’s *actually* hidden, but nobody has come in each time we’ve stayed, so I’d like to think it’s hidden. Just don’t spread the word because I like to party in a lounge all to myself. (“Party” to me is sitting politely on a couch and saying “nice music” here and there). Other amenities include TWO hot tubs, private cabanas, tons of outdoor seating, firepits, and a cowboy pool (This is just a round tub...not a pool with shirtless cowboys in it. Just in case others had the same misconception...).   

the wesley

The Wesley is one block behind downtown Walla Walla, making it an excellent home base for exploring tasting rooms and incredible restaurants. I seriously have never had such outstanding meals in my life, and they were all within a 10-minute walk of this amazing hotel. Be sure to check out The Wesley for your next visit to Walla Walla!

 

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Eastern Washington isn’t “boring” and there certainly is so much to do and explore! We are home to so many amazing places and unique experiences. Be sure to stop by and check out everything our side of the state has to offer! You may just find your next favorite place.  

 

Looking for more unique stays? Check out some of our other articles and our website for more!

Jenn and Tyler

My name is Jenn from Washington State and the creator of UniquePNW! Since getting married 8 years ago, my husband, Tyler, and I have found a love for traveling to unique places across the Pacific Northwest. Wanting to showcase the amazing places in our neck of the woods, I’ve been on a mission to showcase the uniqueness of our area through social media. I think each part of our corner in the US is special. I want to show others in our area that we don’t need to travel elsewhere to experience beauty and adventure.

2 Comments

  1. Jan Murphy on April 29, 2023 at 2:47 pm

    Love your site! Have you ever visited Gardenview Estate (Vegan B&B) in Kettle Falls?
    I live on the west side of Washington, but they recently donated a stay to Heartwood Haven, the farm sanctuary I work with. I always love to see vegan businesses promoted.

    Thank you!

  2. […] have all heard of unique stays. A cute A-frame cabin in the woods, a quirky tree-house hideaway, a modern tiny house, even a […]

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