3 Days in Yakima Valley Washington: Day 2 #VisitYakima

A full day in Yakima Valley had me at “hello” and ready for more.  I knew from the first day that people in this area are proud of their property, what they produce, and are the friendliest people.  Their commitment to making this area genuine and exciting for visitors is obvious and each day and event got better and better as a tourist!

Now I’ve heard of cats, dogs, bunnies, even snakes as pets, but do you know anyone who has a pet alpaca?!  I know where you can get one in the Yakima Valley if you’re searching!  Alpaca fiber is considered one of the most luxurious and finest in the world and is a soft as cashmere as I experienced visiting Silbury Hill Alpacas in Sunnyside, Washington. With 1/2 acre of land and less than a half a bale of hay, you could raise a set of 3 alpacas no problem and they are just too cute and unique!  Anthony Cathel, son to the owners took us around the farm to show us the sweet animals and introduce us to their new on site fiber mill.

With about 68 alpacas on the farm and 20 boarders, I learned that the most sought after for pets are the gelding boys that are not aggressive, the more you love them the sweeter they become.  The animals live to be in their teens on average and are more of a herd animal.  Their wool is pulled once a year and often their already unique and multiple color blends can be naturally dyed with dandelions and blueberries.  Their mill’s primary goal is producing quality fiber products: soft, bright yarns in several weights, roving that is made for hand-spinning, and felt products. They hold classes, events, and sell many of their items right in their barn store.

IThe “Father of the Washington Wine Industry” will soon have his name on the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center being built on 24 acres overlooking the Yakima River in Prosser adjacent to the 2 year old Vineyard Pavillion.  Currently the Pavilion features indoor and outdoor assembly areas, and a catering kitchen, a total of 2400 sq. ft available to rent for meetings, weddings, receptions, or other gatherings.The Wine & Culinary Center will be a a centrally located, must-see, learning center that promotes Washington State wine and food by actively engaging visitors to learn, experience and appreciate the quality and diversity of its wine and food products. I imagine myself right back here when I visit again with my husband possibly tasting and sampling food and wines from throughout the state with such phenomenal views.  The venue will have indoor and outdoor spaces, a tasting room, demonstration kitchen, ag and viticulture exhibits, classrooms, conference rooms, office space, a retail shop, instructional vineyards, interpretive and production gardens, and a walkway to the Yakima River.

Just around the bend from the Clore Center, we tasted Desert Wind Winery and dined at Mojave.  Their unique label and the Sauvignon Blanc had me hooked and I even enjoyed a Ruah, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot that was amazing!A one stop shop for shopping, tasting, dining, and sleeping over in one of their gorgeous suites, this gem is somewhere I cannot wait to get back to.  I suggest highly the smoked pork belly quesadilla with a chipotle chile tortilla and garlic aioli.  The off season is November-March and their overnight rates are so reasonable, the rooms are pure romance, and throw in a spa treatment and you would never have to leave the premises on your vacation!Vintner’s Village in Prosser will take you on a beautiful stroll among about 10 wineries in a gorgeous 34 acre landscape.   Each tasting facility is unique and beautiful and had some delicious wines to enjoy.  I loved the selection at Airfield.  There was once a time when I’d sample wines based on labels alone and have come to find some of my all time favorites.  The labels at Airfield are darling, and they taste good too!

The last 2 Saturdays in September and the first 4 Friday and Saturdays in October are prime time for the Apple and Pumpkin Festival events at Bill’s Berry Farm!  The Farm is a small family-run venture in the Yakima Valley’s Grandview.  ‘Farm Fresh Produce and Family Fun’ is their motto and with abundant apples, cherries, and blueberries that keep their June-October busy, we could immediately see all the fun that was to be had.

Fall events include squeezing your own apple cider, barnyard mystery mazes, pumpkin patch picking, two large playgrounds for fun, caramel apple dipping, campfire events, and even a apple slingshot for your chance to win a dozen freshly made donuts!

Did I mention the donuts…they are incredible and made fresh and right before your drooling lips!!  Larelle Michener, the eldest daughter in the family was so kind to take us on a full-experience tour and her pride in her family and the farm was apparent.  You can rent space on the farm, take school tours through, and even have group events, so many possibilities and the atmosphere couldn’t be more fun.  Weekends following this Thanksgiving and through mid-December, the farm will offer fresh cut Christmas trees for sale along with handmade garlands and wreaths.  Enjoy cocoa and vanilla sugar donuts at the farm to end the year on a high note.

Day two ended with a simply amazing experience at Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast, and Barn that you will have to stay tuned for a full review on.  And yes, I did sleep overnight in a posh teepee!

Read about my Day 1  in the Yakima Valley to find out more fabulous spots to visit!

3 Days in Yakima Valley Washington Day 3

My accommodations, tasting fees, meals, and transportation were covered on this media tour, all opinions are entirely my own.