Washington State Offline, Aug 5-7, 2005

[Bucko]

It is a toss-up as to where to go. Here are the stats:

Yakima Valley -- About 35 wineries spread out over 80 miles. Nice wineries.

Walla Walla -- About 40 wineries spread out over twenty miles. I give the edge to quality of wineries to Walla Walla.

Yakima -- A city of about 75,000. Still a country atmosphere. Lots of nice B&Bs. Four or five nice restaurants.

Walla Walla -- A town of about 30,000. More of a country atmosphere. A few B&Bs. Two decent restaurants.

Yakima -- 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Seatac airport.

Walla Walla -- A good 4-hour drive from Seatac.

Alternative -- Woodinville. Less than an hour from Seatac. 14 top notch wineries spread out over 20 miles. Plenty of places to stay and eat, but be prepared to pay twice the price of the other two options. Convenience is the only advantage -- people wishing to sight-see Seattle will like this.

As always, pros and cons ... Wineries are not a problem -- I know most everyone and can get private tastings lined up.

I don't want to usurp CCK, so anyone that can get ahold of her please feel free.