How would you like to take an art / winery tour vacation in the Northwest (USA)?  The scenery is beautiful, people are very friendly, first class accommodations are available, and you can enjoy some of the nationally acclaimed Walla Walla Wines while touring a few of the 100+ wineries in the valley.   You can “double down” with a stay at the famous Hot Lake Springs Resort / Bed & Breakfast, another not to miss art resort.  I’m not here to plan your vacation, but I can surely fill you in on some of the terrific highlights in the area since I’ve lived in the area all my life.  If you want to get away from the crowds, taste some fabulous, award winning wines and enjoy a relaxing vacation this could be the one.  For you golfers, there are some fantastic courses at very reasonable rates and if you arrive most anytime except the busy season there will be little if any waiting to get on the course.  Courses in the lower valleys are playable even through most of the winter.

The best way to arrive by air from out of the region is SeaTac airport in Seattle and then a direct flight to Walla Walla by Alaska Airlines.  Be prepared for a small plane to Walla Walla, but I’ve flown on this same plane, and although it’s a twin engine prop I found it to be very comfortable (great safety record) with a friendly staff.  You likely won’t have long lines of waiting to get on in Seattle, and you will have Hertz and Budget car rentals available in town when you arrive.  If you’re looking for an upscale place to stay you won’t be disappointed in the famous Marcus Whitman Hotel with its lavish surroundings, first class eatery and service.  Be advised, this is small town USA, but the people are very friendly and the artistic atmosphere and historic culture are unforgettable. “The arts are treasured here, from the foundry that casts sculptors’ artistry into products, to a wide selection of music provided at the Summer Sounds on the Plaza downtown. There is a well-regarded symphony, Walla Walla Symphony, and dance and theater productions through the Walla Walla Little Theatre and campus productions from the three local colleges” as described on the city’s cultural web site.

If you’re coming be sure to plan at least a 10-day stay to get a flavor for the whole SE Washington, NE Oregon area.  I promise you will enjoy it all if you like art, wine, theater, music, great food and history.  It can all be found in the Walla Walla Valley and you could easily plan the whole vacation there, but don’t.  You would kick yourself later if you found out how interesting, relaxing and impressive Hot Lake Springsis (about 1 ½ hours away into NE Oregon).  Plan on driving a rental car to La Grande, Oregon to see the incredible renovation that’s been done and still in progress after 7 years at what is becoming a world wide recognized art and resort destination. Being right on the Oregon Trail, and one of the oldest stops on the trail because of its hot springs, the native Indians of the region came from all over to use the curative waters in peace for centuries.  Eventually a health resort was built on the site,  which is next to the main line of the Union Pacific Railroad.  Early in the 20th century this was a main stop for people from Portland on the West Side of the state,

and at one time was referred to as the “Mayo Clinic of the West.”  Today it’s owned by the Manuel family who purchased the property and moved their foundry business from Joseph, Oregon.  The site has been a huge undertaking with millions of dollars invested into the renovation.  I’m convinced no other entity would have been able to see the potential of this previously, totally run down property if it hadn’t been for the Manuels.  The property was devastated from non-use and abandonment for years, but with their vision, financial investment, family support and the support of local people and businesses it has evolved into a wonderful destination for art and history lovers.  Each time I return to HLS I’m amazed at all of the work that’s been done,  restaurant, theater, art and health professionals establishing businesses, bronze sculpture gallery and foundry, historic style rooms (bed & breakfast), antique fire truck and buggy collection, museum, hosted tours, gift shop, salon spa & mineral soak.  There’s more, but you’ll have to see it, or go to their site to find out.  Since HLS is at a higher elevation than the Walla Walla Valley, and is a family owned business they are closed for the wintry month of January.  The months of March, April, August, October and December are scheduled for special events for 2012.  The resort can be reached at 541-963-4685, or emailed for information at bb@hotlakesprings.com.

So if you’re adventurous, you’ll love what you find.  If you’re looking for big city art centers and culture this is not the area.  What you will find is lush forests, beautiful open valleys, and some of the most beautiful bronze sculptures in the country on the old Oregon Trail.  The Old West atmosphere is intertwined with rich cultures of art, music, theater, golf, winter skiing, great food, fantastic wine, outdoor sports, comfortable living,  friendly people and adventure that will fill your soul.  Another element you will appreciate is the open skies, clean air and very low humidity which makes for a very comfortable visit, even in July and August.  The highways are modern and well maintained, and about half of the travel from Walla Walla to the great Grande Ronde Valley to see HLS is a beautiful freeway drive which will take you past the popular Wildhorse Resort & Casino at Pendleton.   If you have time you may want to consider a stop in town, another fun and famous western town with Pendleton Woolen Mills & retail store, and Pendleton Underground Tours.  If you want to do something different and exciting plan on coming during the second week of September for the world famous Pendleton Roundup (rodeo).  People come from all over, and it’s always a lively and spirited town with rodeos, night shows, street entertainment, and parades with real cowboys, cowgirls, and Indians with all of their western regalia.  People come from all over the world to attend this annual event that began in 1910.

To learn more about Hot Lake Springs and the beautiful bronze art statues produced there by David Manuel see our previous article Home Decoration Pro; Art As An Investment.

Don’t forget the need for artistic accents when you send home your newly purchased art treasures.  We have what you need for those final artistic touches using silk floral wall sconces, silk plants, and silk floral arrangements in that special art room from Silky Flower Store.

Have Fun & Start Planning Now,

Billy Goldmark                Silky Flower Store

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