2024 Tri-Cities Visitor Guide

In the Golden Hills of Southeast Washington

At the confluence of three rivers, intriguing historical dynamics brought to life a collection of communities infused with a driving cultural pursuit of discovery. Visit the Tri-Cities and you’ll notice an uncommon pulse of positive energy that seems to emanate from our people. Experiences here are unexpected and sometimes unimaginable. A refreshing combination of outdoor recreation and beautiful sunny skies invigorates a rhythm of vitality and purpose. Relaxation flows across endless waters , rolling hillsides, fertile vineyards , and rejuvenating grape to glass experiences. Here you can contemplate the mysteries of the universe and become one with the rich elements of the earth. Let the passion and friendliness of our people move you and the spirit of exploration expand your horizons. And when you sense the wave of the universe, let the world know how it touched you.

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experiences

Wineries & Vineyards

uncork your senses in the Heart of Washington Wine Country, where tasting is only part of the experience. Relaxation flows across 200 wineries and vineyards within a 50-mile radius. Create your own blend of science, sunshine, and spirit in the Tri-Cities.

River Recreation

unwind in the refreshing swell of life on the river. The Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers are a hub for recreation and relaxation. Cast a line, cool your toes, or immerse yourself completely. Chances are a little river recreation is just what you need.

History & Science

uncover the whispering spirit of exploration with a captivating fusion of history and science. Discovery, invention, and achievement are an integral part of the ongoing story here. Intriguing historical dynamics spawn a driving pursuit of discovery opening vistas for contemplation and consideration.

Events & Entertainment

unforgettable rhythms of creativity, performance, and culture flow through the Tri-Cities. This is a place where differences are celebrated. And celebrations are different. Stirring performances electrify the soul. And souls rise through heart-pounding competition. The uncommon pulse of positive energy is attractive. So go ahead. Lean in a little closer.

Sunshine & Open Spaces

unlimited sunshine. Endless space. In the golden hills of Southeast Washington, along the calming flow of the river, sunshine and open space are refining. They sharpen our senses, heighten our desires, and give purpose to our passions. There’s space to grow here, trails to wander, and room to find yourself.

KENNEWICK

With more than 84,000 residents, Kennewick is the largest of the Tri-Cities communities. Founded in 1884 as a rail stop along the Columbia River, it was transformed (like much of the region) by the people pouring into the area to work at Hanford nuclear plant, one of three Manhattan Project sites in the US. Today, it’s a perfect starting point to discover local wines, both in-city and at several nearby AVAs (see Wineries & Vineyards, page 14, for more). It’s home to the Three Rivers Convention Center, the Southridge Sports and Events Complex, and the Toyota Center, home of the Tri-City Americans major junior ice hockey team. Annually, thousands of tourists and locals alike flock to events like the Tri-City Water Follies, where hydroplanes race through the Columbia River at speeds up to 200 mph, and the Benton-Franklin Fair and Rodeo and Horse Heaven Round-up in August (see Events & Entertainment on page 32, for more).

PASCO

Pasco’s picturesque landscape and inviting food scene offer unlimited opportunities for exploration, with a myriad of hiking and biking pathways, an 18-hole public golf course, and savory and sweet bites—many of which reflect Pasco’s strong Hispanic population. It’s home to event hubs HAPO Center, Pasco Sporting Complex, and Gesa Stadium—where the Tri-City Dust Devils baseball team plays. It began as a railroad construction camp in the late 1800s, named by a Northern Pacific Railway engineer who helped build a railroad in Peru and in the United States, and it has grown into a city of more than 79,000 residents (and counting) with a regional airport. Check out Sacajawea Historical State Park, which sprawls over 284 acres at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers (see River Recreation, page 20), and spring’s Pasco Taco Crawl, a two-week-long celebration of the community’s talented chefs (check out Eat & Drink, page 39).

RICHLAND

Nestled along the Columbia and Yakima rivers, this 62,000plus resident city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. Both Columbia Point Marina Park and Riverview Natural Preserve have trails with stunning views, a boat launch, and wildlife-watching opportunities, and central Richland boasts the 276-acre Chamna Natural Preserve, with more than 11 miles of trails. A robust entertainment district is clustered around Uptown Shopping Center and Richland Parkway. Nearby, Howard Amon Park is a sprawling hub for events. Motocross enthusiasts can get in gear at Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex

The city’s scientific legacy is an inextricable part of its identity (see History & Science, page 26), and visitors can tour Hanford nuclear plant’s B Reactor and LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory.

WEST RICHLAND

This fast-growing, peaceful city of more than 17,000 regularly ranks as a top family-friendly destination statewide. It stretches 7,000 acres along the Yakima River, and was formed in 1955 by the merger of two small agricultural towns. Visitors here can spend days fishing, kayaking, tubing, and rafting. The city's proximity to Red Mountain makes a wine-tasting excursion an easy choice. The prestigious—and fast—Tri-City Raceway at Red Mountain Event Center hosts stock car races; it’s the only half-mile paved tri-oval track in North America, designed in 1968 to represent the Tri-Cities. Bombing Range Sports Complex is a center for citywide events and celebrations, as is Flat Top Park, which hosts concerts, movie nights, and Carols and Cocoa during the winter.

sunshineexperience

& OPEN SPACES

There’s something refining about the shimmer of golden light in Southeast Washington.

It’s scattered across rolling hills, reflected on flowing waters, and sparkling through endless blue skies. With vast open spaces and less than 10 inches of precipitation each year, outdoor activities are waiting for you all year long.

Ready to Roll

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Ramble along the Tri-Cities’ ample mountain biking trails, with diverse terrain and views for days. Enjoy leisurely jaunts to challenging trail surfaces and steep terrain. The Skyline Trail on Badger Mountain in Richland is a popular, easy-to-access route with sweeping vistas; or try the grassy Peninsula Loop in Chamna Natural Preserve (both are also excellent hiking destinations, see page 8). Loop Kennewick’s Bateman Island on the Columbia River, a sandy to grassy path that leads you to a view of the confluence with the Yakima River. For serious mileage, terrain variety, and verticality, head to Rattlesnake Mountain just northwest of

West Richland toward Hanford Reach. There are multiple route options. State Patrol is a 52-trail network in south Kennewick, with appealing terrain features and many moderate-to-challenging (and a couple of very challenging) routes.

RIDE THE RIVER TRAILS

There are 67 miles of paved pedestrian and bike trails here, so getting on two wheels is a fantastic way to explore. Feel the gentle breeze as you glide along the paved and mostly flat 23-mile Sacagawea Heritage Trail, which winds through the heart of the Tri-Cities, tracing the northern and southern banks of the Columbia. Experience the joy of cruising along the riverside via e-bike (Pedego or Greenies rentals have you covered) and add mileage by heading west at I-82 onto the Riverfront Trail, which ends at the USS Triton Sail Park

PHOTOS BY JASON HUMMEL

TAKE A HIKE

Traverse the Tri-Cities and surrounding sagebrush steppe along dozens of well-maintained trails throughout. The short but satisfying one-mile jaunt to Twin Sisters Rock at Wallula Gap brings trailblazers to a high lookout between two basalt monoliths overlooking the Columbia—perfect for contemplation or a picnic. Spot an abundance of wildlife in central Richland over Chamna Natural Preserve’s 11-plus miles of trails along the Yakima River (you can bike and horseback here too).

The Badger Mountain trail system is a crowd-pleaser, with big views and a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels. Just across the way from Badger’s network is Candy Mountain Trail, a family-friendly 3.6-mile round-trip route. Zintel Canyon’s 2.6-mile Spirit of America Trail loop is a wooded riparian trail tracing a meandering creek right in the heart of Kennewick. The Washington Trails Association and AllTrails websites are tremendous resources for local guidance.

Tail-Wagging Adventures

Dogs love fair weather and open spaces too.

Most pedestrian-friendly pathways and trails welcome leashed pets. For off-leash time, head to Paws-abilities Place at Badger Mountain Community Park, a five-acre dog park;

other off-leash-friendly areas are the Juniper Dunes Wilderness and White Bluffs recreational area at the northern edge of the Hanford Reach National Monument—each offers miles of trails. Always check signage for park and trail leash rules before entering.

When dining out, CG Public House is a standout, with complimentary house-made dog biscuits. Pasco’s Sage Brewing Company has a covered patio, and Kennewick’s Ice Harbor Brewing now has even more room for your pup in its new location. Wine lovers can bring their dog to many places, including Kiona Vineyards on Red Mountain, Kitzke Cellars vineyard and tasting room on Candy Mountain, Sleeping Dog Wines along the Yakima River, and Richland’s Barnard Griffin Winery

The majority of hotels and several VRBOs and Airbnbs are pet-friendly too.

sunshineexperience & OPEN SPACES

“When I arrived here in March of 2022 to lead Washington River Protection Services (WRPS), it snowed. This South Carolina boy only had his golf clubs. I was warned it wouldn’t last, and it didn’t. Within a couple of weeks, I was out enjoying the golf courses in our community. They are true gems that take advantage of the sunshine and open spaces of our area.”

– WES BRYAN , President and Project Manager, WRPS

Green Ways

Find your swing at one of the nine public golf courses in the area, playable year-round.

THE TRI-CITIES is one of Washington’s top golf destinations—there are nine public courses, one private club, and even a couple of indoor options. There’s something for everyone, from the casual golfer and families to more serious players.

PARKLAND-STYLE

Columbia Point Golf Course (RICHLAND)—This municipal par 72 course offers beautiful views of the Columbia River, as does its clubhouse, which includes a golf shop, cafe, and a covered patio. Swing through this more traditional parkland-style layout over 6,555 yards—tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and just enough challenge for a variety of golfers.

Canyon Lakes (KENNEWICK)—Take on this award-winning, popular 7,026-yard, par 72 public course. It’s the Tri-Cities’ highest rated fairway, pulling out all the stops against a stunning Columbia River backdrop. Bonus: There’s an 18-hole, par 72 grass-surfaced putting course.

FAMILY FUN

Sun Willows (PASCO)—Designed by famed course architect Robert Muir Graves, this 18-hole, par 72 bluegrass municipal course is a wellbalanced and casual family-friendly spot for golfers of all abilities. At 6,715 yards, it first opened in 1960.

Zintel Creek (KENNEWICK)—This is a par 65 public course that started in 1938 as Twin City Golf Club. Today, it’s dotted with old-growth trees and is perfect for beginners and families.

Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex (KENNEWICK)—Not only can you play 9 or 18 holes of traditional golf at this scenic 2,682-yard, par 55 municipal fairway along the Columbia River, you can play disc golf and footgolf on the course (at the same time if you want to!), so there’s truly something for everyone in your crew.

QUICK AND CASUAL

West Richland Golf Course (WEST RICHLAND)—Tucked into a bend of the Yakima River, this 18-hole, par 70 public course over 6,014 yards offers a nod to local history—it was once an emergency landing strip during World War II.

Horn Rapids (RICHLAND)—A budgetfriendly, 6,945-yard, par 72 public course near Hanford Reach National Monument—twilight rates start at 1 p.m., which is especially perfect for beginners who benefit from the typically less busy afternoon times.

Golfland (PASCO)—A 9-hole practice course conveniently near the airport; there’s also a full-length real-grass driving range and a putting and chipping green with a sand bunker here.

Buckskin Golf Course (RICHLAND)—Try the nine holes or check out the driving range at this 2,800-yard, par 35 course.

Virtual/Indoor Golf

Prefer an indoor experience to hone your game or just have a fun lunchtime round? There are two options: X-Golf in Kennewick is all-ages, and Divots in Richland is for ages 21 and up. At both, tee off virtually through courses from all over the world and get instruction from PGA pros.

JASON HUMMEL

wineries & VINEYARDS

by Andrew Collins

Tri-Cities is The Heart of Washington Wine Country ™

This is a legendary wine-growing destination bisected by the mighty Columbia River. Here, you have your pick of more than 200 wineries in a 50mile radius. This area includes seven AVAs—some of the closest are the famed Red Mountain, Candy Mountain, Goose Gap, and White Bluffs; while others, like Walla Walla and Yakima valleys and Horse Heaven Hills, are within day-tripping distance.

Tri-Cities vineyards produce some of the world’s most celebrated wine grapes, thanks to an ideal balance of conditions: consistently sunny days and rapidly cooling nights; nutrient-rich topsoil, a legacy of the Missoula Floods at the end of the last Ice Age; irrigation from the Columbia River, its offshoots, and a wealth of local aquifers; and many south- and southwest-facing slopes.

There’s no single variety that defines Tri-Cities winemaking. Robust, full-bodied reds thrive here—cabernet sauvignon, Syrah, and merlot are among the area’s top grapes—but you’ll also find an increasing presence of cabernet franc, malbec, petit verdot, sangiovese, mourvedre, grenache, and others. Fans of white wine will find plenty to love too: Chardonnay leads the way, but local wineries are also turning out exceptional sauvignon blanc, albariño, Riesling, roussanne, and others. Rosé and sparkling wine also appear on many tasting menus.

Wine experiences in this region greet you with refreshing friendliness and unhurried tastings. No matter where you are in your wine knowledge, ardent oenophile to casual sipper, you’ll be

welcomed—sometimes even by the winemaker or winery owner.

Immerse yourself in wine and vineyard culture with a bike ride, stroll, horseback ride, or overnight stay among the vines. Join winemakers throughout the Tri-Cities as they thieve fresh grape juice during the punch down phase. Take part in test barrel tweaking and perfecting. Celebrate the stages of growing and aging during seasonal celebrations such as spring barrel, fall harvest, winemaker dinners, and pairing parties. Or connect with the vineyard cultivation process and the science of agriculture.

Whether you have just a couple of hours or a week, you’ve come to the right place to fall in love with Washington wine.

WHEN TO VISIT

APRIL

Spring Barrel: When many wineries offer sips of new vintages right from the barrel.

JUNE

Taste Red Mountain: Sip wines over two days and multiple locations, with events that include a guided vineyard hike, horse-drawn wagon rides, and dinners, and culminating in a Grand Tasting.

OCTOBER

Wine Crush: One of the most exciting times of year, wineries hold special events giving you the chance to see grapes being turned into wine and join in the celebrations.

NOVEMBER

Tri-Cities Wine Festival: Enjoy regional wines plus food and live entertainment at Three Rivers Convention Center.

ONGOING

With the region's dry and sunny climate, you can typically sip outside; temperate spring and fall are especially nice times. On cooler winter days, mingle with friends over flights in a cozy tasting room or outside by a fire pit. Check winery websites for events, from behind-the-scenes tours to visiting food trucks or live bands and to see if you need reservations.

Fun Fact: Nearly 1 in every 10 Washington wines contains grapes sourced from the White Bluffs AVA, just north of the Tri-Cities. The white refers to the soil sediment, called the Ringold Formation, a legacy of the Missoula Floods more than 13,000 years ago that transformed the region’s soil. Grapes on this plateau get an extended growing season and good airflow.

wineries & VINEYARDS

Where to Go

Try tasting rooms from the walkable downtown districts to wineries out in the high-desert hills, surrounded by vineyards.

“The Tri-Cities offers unforgettable wine experiences. Col Solare, Goose Ridge, and Anelare are our favorite places to share a glass of wine. Red Mountain wineries offer unmatched vineyard views and a quiet escape. CPCCo is proud to be a part of the Tri-Cities community and work to protect the Columbia River from the risk of legacy waste at the Hanford Site.”

– ANDY DROM , Waste Projects & Operations Director, Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo)

Tasting Rooms

WEST RICHLAND

Bodega Palencia

RICHLAND

Market Vineyards

Longship Cellars

Convergence Zone Winery

Powers Winery / Badger Mountain Vineyard

KENNEWICK

TULIP LANE

• Barnard Griffin Winery

• J. Bookwalter Winery

• Tagaris Winery

Wine Social THIS WINE BAR ON RICHLAND PARKWAY FEATURES HUNDREDS OF BOTTLES, MANY LOCAL.

Farmhand Winery

4 Whistles Winery, at the Public Market at Columbia Warehouse

COLUMBIA GARDENS WINE VILLAGE

• Gordon Estate Winery

• Muret-Gaston Wines / Purple Star

• Bartholomew Winery

• Palencia Wine Co / Monarcha Winery

CANDY MOUNTAIN

Kitzke Cellars

Elk Haven Winery

Avennia Estate

Frichette

Winery

Hedges Family Estate

Upchurch Vineyard

Hightower Cellars

Hamilton Cellars

Domaine Magdalena

RED MOUNTAIN

Col Solare

Kiona

Fidélitas

Red Mountain

Trails Winery

GOOSE GAP

Goose Ridge Estate Winery

wineries

Adventures Beyond the Bottle

WINE CRUISE

One of the most magical experiences for sipping local wine is on a Water2Wine Cruises excursion along the Columbia River, aboard a sleek 74-foot yacht, the West Star. With three outdoor decks and a pair of stylish dining rooms, the ship offers a few different options featuring regional sips, including 1 1/2-hour lunch and brunch cruises and 2 1/2-dinner trips with fourcourse meals and endless sunset views.

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HORSEBACK

Benton City’s Red Mountain Trails Winery conducts picturesque one-hour horseback rides through vineyards that produce grapes used in its exceptional cabernet franc, merlot, and others—you can even book a tasting around the fire pit afterwards. Red Mountain Trails also offers wagon rides, which are a big hit with families and groups of friends. Visitors are welcome to relax on the farm’s grounds and pet the friendly goats.

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BIKING

Red Mountain offers guided bicycle tours that include stops at three Benton City tasting rooms. Add a little pedal power by signing up for the half-day electric bike excursion with Kickstand Tours, featuring tours and tastings at a trio of top-notch wineries. The company also offers e-bike adventures in the nearby Prosser and Rattlesnake Hills wine regions.

TALKING WITH VICTOR PALENCIA

Victor Palencia fell in love with vineyards from an early age, earning a degree in enology and viticulture before he was even old enough to drink. When he made the leap to growing his own two labels, Palencia and Monarcha, the wine world took notice, earning him headlines and his wines awards. Learn about this talented Tri-Cities winemaker’s rise.

READ ON OUR WEBSITE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE

SUSTAINABILITY IN WINEMAKING

Winemaking is a resource-heavy industry. Several Tri-Cities wineries are leading the way in changing that, taking an eco-conscious approach to their craft. That means wine created without synthetic treatments, eliminating foil caps and using recycled paper and ink for labels, going pesticide-free, and following green farming practices.

READ ON OUR WEBSITE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE

RIVER recreationexperience

by Laura Kostad

Follow the rhythms of the rivers.

The Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers converge at the heart of the Columbia Basin, providing endless opportunities to enjoy the water. Expansive horizons and the gentle terrain of the unique sagebrush steppe landscape are a pleasant backdrop to your activities.

IN THE WATER:

BOAT, KAYAK, FISH, AND SWIM

NEAR THE WATER:

WALK, RIDE, DINE, AND PLAY

Getting On the Water

BOATERS

PADDLERS

Tri-Cities is a boater’s mecca, with launches at public parks and marinas across all four cities.

GEAR UP

Big D’s Powersports and Pacific Shorz Power Sports for rental boats or jet skis

Cruise along the extensive Hanford Reach National Monument to the north, home of the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River. Catch glimpses of shuttered World War II-era nuclear reactors and towering White Bluffs cliffs. Anchor off the shore of one of a handful of mid-river islands, or stop at popular Carbody Beach north of Richland, and relax.

GUIDED TOURS

Plenty of passionate locals are ready to show off the best of Tri-Cities’ riverways. Consult our outfitter list (scan QR code below) for the full list, including fishing guides.

• Oatis Outdoor Rentals/Adventures: Rental equipment and guided excursions by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard

• Chuck’s Guide Services and Tri-City Guide Service: Small-group Hanford Reach boat tours

• Water2Wine Cruises: A 74-foot yacht with three viewing decks, offering dinner and brunch cruises along the Columbia River

SCAN FOR OUTFITTER LIST

Paddle a canoe, kayak, inflatable raft, or stand-up paddleboard—or ditch the oars and take a pedal boat. Local outfitters can deliver to your choice of launch point.

GEAR UP

Northwest Paddleboarding Greenies

Bateman Kayak and Canoe

Oatis Outdoor Rentals/Adventures

Seaductive Kayak Rentals

SWIMMERS

There are many designated swim areas accessible from the area’s many public parks, though not always tended by a lifeguard, including:

• Leslie Groves Park, Howard Amon Park—Richland

• Two Rivers Park—Kennewick

• Hood Park, Levey Park, Charbonneau Park, Wade Park, and Chiawana Park—Pasco

(See Parks & Trails in this section for more.)

RIVER recreation

Parks & Trails

COLUMBIA PARK, KENNEWICK

Tri-Cities’ largest park offers plenty of easy family fun. Boat ramps will get you on the water. Bring your kids and a fishing pole and check out the fishing pond on the east end. Multiple playgrounds, a splash pad, picnic amenities, a skate park, the J&S Dreamland Express Train, birdwatching trail, the Challenge Tri-Cities ropes course, bird pond, and disc, foot, and regular golf courses (plus a driving range) round out the options.

HOWARD AMON PARK, RICHLAND A short walk from the shops and eateries of Richland Parkway and several riverside hotels, this is one of the city’s most popular gathering spots, with amenities that include a large play area, wading pool, tennis courts, beach access, swimming areas, and a boat launch. The park is intersected by the paved Riverfront Trail, a favorite with bikers, runners, and walkers. It’s not uncommon to catch a free public performance off the Fingernail Stage.

CHIAWANA PARK, PASCO

Connected with the paved Sacajawea trail system, this tranquil park offers many of the playground, picnic, boat launch, and shore access amenities as other Tri-City parks without the crowds.

Guided fishing with Tri-City Guide Service

SACAJAWEA HISTORICAL

STATE PARK, PASCO Lewis and Clark stood here on October 16, 1805, with their Corps of Discovery. Explore a history-rich park and experience the seasonally operated Sacajawea Interpretive Center. Learn more about the incredible expedition and come into contact with artifacts of the Indigenous people who originally called this place home.

LESLIE GROVES PARK, RICHLAND

One of the most popular swimming beaches in Tri-Cities—bring a picnic or supplies for a barbecue, or play a pickup game of sand volleyball or enjoy tennis with family and friends. The paved Riverfront Trail also bisects this park and there’s a boat launch on the north end.

TWO RIVERS PARK, FINLEY

A little off the beaten path, Two Rivers provides water access to two secluded and peaceful coves. A lush green peninsula stretches into the waterway, offering views of the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers. The park offers typical picnic and park amenities as well as an 18-hole disc golf course and wooded wetland trails to explore and find peaceful solitude.

WADE PARK, PASCO Walk, run, bike, or boat. The Sacajawea Heritage Trail meanders along this ribbon-like park tracing the northern Columbia River shoreline. It’s perhaps the best place to take in the annual Tri-City Water Follies hydroplane races and Over the River Air Show featuring fighter jets and antique stunt planes, held the last weekend of July.

Howard Amon Park

An unforgettable day on the water

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: CHRIS HENSON; JASON HUMMEL; COURTESY STATE OF WA TOURISM

experience

RIVER recreation

Walking the Sacajawea Heritage Trail

TRAILS

The 23-mile Sacajawea Heritage Trail is a fully paved loop that runs nearly the entire length of Tri-Cities’ Columbia River frontage on both the north and south sides. The trail offers runners, walkers, and bikers plentiful public amenities all along the way, plus access to eateries, landmarks, and interpretive signs. For a wetland experience and wildlife viewing (that’s also pet-friendly), try Chamna and Riverview natural preserves or Bateman Island in Richland, or the east end of Two Rivers Park, a 273-acre park with several wildlife habitats, including marshland, plus picnic-friendly tree-lined areas, in Finley (just outside Kennewick). Some of the best, most expansive views of the Columbia can be found off the Twin Sisters Trail east of Pasco at Wallula Gap, where an ancient Ice Age dam broke and formed the Columbia River Gorge. On your way back to Tri-Cities, stop off at Wallula State Park for more excursions into the region’s riparian wetlands. (See Sunshine & Open Spaces, page 6, for more hiking options)

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

FISHING & WILDLIFE SPOTTING

MCNARY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE : Just east of Pasco, one of the area’s best places to birdwatch.

BATEMAN ISLAND, RICHLAND: An undeveloped island with miles of trails open to foot traffic, bikes, and fishermen.

YAKIMA RIVER DELTA: Home to all kinds of deer, and birds from geese to pelicans.

HANFORD REACH NATIONAL MONUMENT: Watch wildlife in their natural habitat in a more rural and rugged locale.

FOOD WITH A VIEW

Soak in the serenity of the rivershore over drinks and a savory meal— there are 15 restaurants with a river view in the Tri-Cities, most clustered in a few gathering spots.

FIND YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE — SCAN THE QR CODE.

GROWING WITH THE FLOW

The Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers have shaped and sustained this region in every way imaginable—environmentally, economically, and culturally. They’re a center of recreational activities.

Learn more about how the Tri-Cities have grown with the rivers.

READ MORE—SCAN THE QR CODE.

Cliffs at the Hanford Reach National Monument

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: EMREE WEAVER; ALAMY; JASON HUMMEL; ALAMY

y & SCIENCE

by Ellee Thalheimer

Uncover the whispering spirit of exploration inside you with a captivating fusion of history and science.

In the 1940s, the Manhattan Project transplanted hundreds of scientists and engineers to the area, forever transforming it into an epicenter of scientific endeavor. Hanford was one of three top-secret sites involved in the intense race to develop the atomic bomb with the goal of ending World War II. The Tri-Cities received elite designation as an American World War II Heritage City for the significant role the communities played in the war effort.

Today many top researchers live and work here, and the number of PhDs per capita is among the highest in the country.

In 2015, the U.S. National Park Service established the Manhattan Project National Historical Park to open vistas for contemplation and consideration surrounding the secrets, stories, sacrifices, and science that changed our world forever.

Manhattan Project history at the Reach Museum.

An Epicenter of Scientific Endeavor

NUCLEAR LEGACY

In 1942, Army Colonel Franklin Matthias chose Hanford for a top-secret plutonium production facility for the Manhattan Project. Learn all about it at the Hanford Visitor Center, the REACH Museum, and Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The B Reactor National Historic Landmark, the world’s first full-scale plutonium production reactor, is the signature site of the Manhattan Project. It is undergoing preservation work and not open for live tours for 2024 and 2025; however, 360-degree-view virtual tours are available. The REACH Museum also has hands-on exhibits showcasing the area’s nuclear legacy and more.

The United States Department of Energy offers free public tours of other intriguing pre-War historic sites, including the stories of the 1,500 residents who were displaced by the Manhattan Project—including Native American tribes and people from the agricultural towns of Hanford and White Bluffs.

Hikers and bikers will want to check out the robust slate of ranger-led tours. The Hanford Not So Secret City Walking Tour reveals the daily life of the Richland farming community before the Manhattan Project transformed it. Ride with a Ranger tours lead cyclists on an 8-mile interpretive route along the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, and on the Hike Through Time, rangers from the Manhattan Project National Historical Park and Whitman Mission National Historic Site team up to guide a 3.6-mile hike up Candy Mountain, illuminating Native American and settler history as well as the legacy of the Manhattan Project.

ASTRONOMY AND PHYSICS

Richland is home to some of the most advanced infrastructure and tools in the field of gravitational-wave astrophysics. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) has hyper-sensitive gravitational wave detectors responsible for breakthrough astronomical discoveries; the public can learn more at the LIGO Exploration Center’s (LExC) interactive exhibits. On monthly guided tours, view the interferometer’s four-kilometer-long arms spanning across Eastern Washington and visit the control room to see the world’s most sensitive measuring device.

Stargazers love the CPCCo Planetarium—named after its major sponsor, the Central Plateau Cleanup Company. Situated on the Columbia Basin College campus in Pasco, the planetarium has the most state-of-the-art projection system in the Pacific Northwest. The 36-foot panoramic viewing dome simulates a 3-D effect, without glasses. The theater usually shows documentaries about black holes or stars but occasionally veers into subjects like cell structures and coral reefs.

A show at the CPCCo Planetarium in Pasco

Learning at LIGO Exploration Center

experience histor y & SCIENCE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS

Archaeology geeks, take a 1.5-hour tour of the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site and the Mid-Columbia Basin Old Natural Education Sciences (MCBONES) Research Center. Here, on the western outskirts of Kennewick, archaeologists and volunteers scour a desert sand cliff for bones of the Columbia mammoth, gigantic creatures that roamed Eastern Washington during the last ice age. There’s another archaeological claim to fame here: In 1996, two people found a skull on the shore of the Columbia, leading to the excavation of 90% of the bones of the 9,000-year-old Kennewick Man, one of the oldest ever found.

FOR HISTORY BUFFS

In Sacajawea State Park, a 267-acre park at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, visit the Sacajawea Interpretive Center. Take an in-depth look at Sacagawea’s role as interpreter between Native Americans and the Lewis and Clark expedition, which famously arrived here in October of 1805 and met some 200 Sahaptin-speaking people. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission puts on Sacagawea Heritage Days in September, which includes Native American dancing and cultural displays. For those interested in the pioneer history of the area, visit East Benton County Historical Society Museum in Kennewick or the Franklin County Historical Museum in Pasco. Aviation aficionados will enjoy the Pasco Aviation Museum, featuring vintage aircraft, aviation memorabilia, and interactive exhibits, like a flight simulator room.

YOU CAN HIRE A MUSEUM PILOT FOR A RIDE IN AN IMMACULATELY RESTORED 1943 WW II STEARMAN BIPLANE.

Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site

TRI-CITIES STEM AND HISTORY VENUES

Sacajawea State Park Interpretive Center, PASCO

Manhattan Project National Historical Park, RICHLAND

LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) Hanford, RICHLAND

Wallula Gap National Landmark, SOUTH OF PASCO

Missile Silo Dives managed by Undersea Adventures, KENNEWICK

Pre-Manhattan Project Historic Tour, RICHLAND

East Benton County Historical Society and Museum, KENNEWICK

REACH Museum, RICHLAND

Pasco Aviation Museum, PASCO

USS Triton Sail Park, RICHLAND

Franklin County Historical Museum, PASCO

MCBONES Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site, KENNEWICK

Columbia Basin College Planetarium, PASCO

Hanford's B Reactor National Historic Landmark

Don’t Miss:

A 30-FOOT, 6,000-POUND STEEL COLUMN, RECOVERED FROM THE WORLD TRADE CENTER TWIN TOWERS IN NEW YORK CITY, CREATES A STRIKING 9/11 MEMORIAL AT THE SOUTHRIDGE SPORTS AND EVENTS COMPLEX . KENNEWICK IS ONE OF JUST A FEW COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES TO RECEIVE A PIECE OF THE TOWERS. THE MONUMENT HONORS THE 2,996 PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.

WEB EXCLUSIVES

A CLEAN ENERGY HUB

A deep-rooted and vibrant scientific community has helped make the Tri-Cities a hub for clean energy production and technology, with projects in solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power plus biofuel planned or already humming along.

READ MORE ON OUR WEBSITE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE

experience histor y & SCIENCE

Making Waves

LIGO head and Richland resident Michael Landry talks about being at the center of the (gravitational wave) universe in the Tri-Cities.

Michael Landry was the detection lead scientist at Hanford’s Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) when it rocked the world of astrophysics, first detecting gravitational waves from two black holes merging in 2015.

“We revealed an unknown aspect of the universe,” says Landry, who has lived in Richland and worked at LIGO since 2000. He became head of the observatory in 2016. “We measure the ripples in the very fabric of the universe. We listen instead of look.”

For those who love astronomy and celestial drama, visiting LIGO is a Tri-Cities must-do. LIGO’s research has altered our understanding of the universe by confirming a major prediction of Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity and opening an entirely new field: gravitational-wave astronomy.

Q: What would people be surprised to find out about gravitational waves?

Michael Landry: Gravitational waves pass through us all the time. They move at the speed of light and are so tiny that we don’t notice. With our detectors, we observe the very loudest events in regards to gravitational waves—like two black holes revolving around each other then spiraling and smashing together to make one big black hole. These merging black holes create gravita-

tional waves—space-time dilation—that travels far across the universe to be detected as minuscule length changes in the detector’s 2.5-mile-long, L-shaped arms. That’s what the nothingness of space does, expands and contracts.

Q: Why is the Tri-Cities area a good home for LIGO?

ML: Seismically, it’s quiet, which is essential for detectors. It’s also isolated. You wouldn’t want to base near New York City, with subways and noise. But it’s close enough to airports so that you can fly in scientists and engineers. Also, the Tri-Cities STEM environment is fantastic. We hire out from the community, and that workforce is very important.

THE LIGO EXPLORATION CENTER , LExC (sounds like “Lexi”), hosts thousands of K-12 students annually, providing hands-on exhibits, tours, and discussions with scientists and engineers. For the general public, there are Second Saturday of the Month tours, and drop-in visitors are welcome Tuesday through Friday.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about LIGO?

ML: Because gravitational waves are so tiny, the mirrors we use in the detectors need to be very still. The tidal stretching of the earth’s crust or a storm in Alaska that squeezes the continental shelf can create seismic vibrations that interfere with gravitational wave detection. In order to be successful, we hang the mirrors as a pendulum, within an incredibly intricate system of pendulums, to reduce movement. As the ground moves, the mirrors stay still. The mirrors have to be 10 billion times more still than the ground to be sufficiently quiet.

Michael Landry at work

WE REVEALED AN UNKNOWN ASPECT OF THE UNIVERSE.”

GEOLOGICAL GEMS

Q: What was the significance of detecting the collision of two neutron stars in 2017?

ML: Neutron stars are the remnants of dying stars that catastrophically explode as they collapse. LIGO and its sister observatory in Livingston, La., observed two colliding. For the first time both gravitational waves and light were detected from the same cosmic event. The discovery allowed us to directly measure the speed of gravity as well as the expansion of the universe in a brand new way. Most significantly, we learned how heavy metals formed in the universe.

Q: How does LIGO contribute to the local community?

ML: At the LIGO Exploration Center, or LExC, we host thousands of K-12 students each year [see box below]

Twin Sisters

THE HANFORD REACH MONUMENT is an untouched, 51-mile section of the Columbia River protected from development, human habitation, and agriculture due to its proximity to the Manhattan Project. This expanse is part of the ancestral lands of the Wanapum People, Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, and the Nez Perce before that. Take a self-guided tour through the galleries of the REACH Museum in Richland, which bridges the natural and cultural history of the Hanford Reach with the legacy of the Manhattan Project. It features local artists, river ecology, the history of wine in the region, and more.

Talk about dramatic history: Tri-Cities endured cataclysmic ice age floods 15,000 to 18,000 years ago that ravaged the Pacific Northwest. The National Park Service’s Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail highlights points of interest that showcase this catastrophic event, like Wallula Gap Natural National Landmark 18 miles south of Pasco. Wallula Gap—a narrowing in the Columbia River measuring just over one mile across—backed up the floods. It took weeks for the water to pour through, creating a temporary lake. Imagine the magnitude of the floods at the overlook, or take a one-mile round-trip hike to the Twin Sisters, two basalt lava flow buttes carved out by the floodwater.

… As far as professional opportunities, LIGO hires from the community in STEM and STEM-adjacent fields. Plus, our gravitational wave detection brought the region accolades for a 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Q: What do lay people ask you the most about LIGO?

ML: Many people ask what it would feel like to be near a black hole pair when they collide. The answer: not good. You’d be stretched a meter taller, then crushed down, then stretched a meter wide. It’s a game-over equation. I like people’s questions. It’s important that the public feels comfortable asking any question about our research.

Q: What are your favorite movies?

ML: Interstellar and Contact

Q: What exciting things are in LIGO’s future?

ML: We are trying to understand stellar evolution—the birth and death of stars, how black holes form. I hope that we find entities that no one has ever predicted before, that we discover the completely unknown.

This interview has been edited for clarity and space.

The

These ice age floods are a huge factor in the robust agricultural history of the area. They brought down the soils that, combined with modern irrigation technology, created an ideal environment for growing food—and award-winning wine. The harmonious combination of well-draining soil, climate, and extensive sunshine have nurtured the creation of more than 200 wineries within a one-hour drive of Tri-Cities.

REACH Museum in Richland

events

& ENTERTAINMENT

by Malia Alexander

From food festivals to art shows, hockey to hydroplanes,

get a real flavor for life in the Tri when you immerse yourself in the events and entertainment happening throughout the year. Enjoy a vibrant art and music scene, dazzling riverside festivals, farmers markets, professional sports, and so much more. Dive in for a refreshing burst of creativity, competition, and culture pulsing through the communities.

MARCH 22–23  BADGER MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE

Hardcore runners traverse Badger and Candy mountains and Horse Heaven Hills in Richland at distances of 100 miles, 100K, 50 miles, or 55K in this ultra endurance feat. It's southeastern Washington’s only ultramarathon event and a UTMB® MONTBLANC (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc)-qualifying race. There's also a 15K trail run/hike for those who want a taste.

APRIL–MAY DOWNTOWN PASCO TACO CRAWL

Follow the flavor to downtown Pasco's sizzling spring event. Taco connoisseurs can indulge in nearly 20 different takes on this beloved food from local food trucks and restaurants. Vote

Signature Events

for your favorites at sampling sessions to ultimately crown the winner of the crawl.

JULY 26–28

TRI-CITY WATER FOLLIES

Race on over to Kennewick's riverside to stake out your spot for three days of heart-pulsing action on and above the river. Watch dozens of motorboats glide through the 2.5-mile Columbia Cup course, reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, and see skilled pilots slice through the air, showcasing aerial stunts and vintage planes from the Erickson Aircraft Collection.

JULY 29–AUGUST 10

NATIONAL HORSESHOE PITCHERS ASSOCIATION WORLD TOURNAMENT

Watch 1,000 of the best pitchers from around the world home in on the world title, a first for the Tri-Cities. It will be held at Kennewick's Three Rivers Campus.

AUGUST 20–24

BENTON FRANKLIN FAIR AND RODEO

A demolition derby, pro rodeo, carnival, live music, and a grand parade, not to mention dozens of food vendors, come together for a lively and fun Americana experience during the last week in August.

SEPTEMBER 22

IRONMAN 70.3

Around 2,500 triathletes from across the globe test their physical limits across dynamic Columbia Basin terrain in this competition that includes a 1.2-mile swim in the Columbia River, a 56-mile bike race through wine country, and a 13.1-mile run along riverside parks and trails to a spectator-friendly finish at Columbia Point Park.

SEPTEMBER 27–29

GREAT PROSSER BALLOON RALLY

See Prosser break out in a riot of color the last weekend of the month, when hot air balloons take to the skies. The three-day fest includes familyfun activities like sunrise launches and street painting.

experience

Professional Sports

HOCKEY

In winter, cheer for the Tri-City Americans, a major junior pro ice hockey team at Kennewick’s Toyota Center.

BASEBALL

There’s nothing like hearing the crack of a bat under stadium lights at a hometown baseball game. The Tri-City Dust Devils, a minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, play from early spring to late fall at Pasco’s Gesa Stadium.

RACING

Get swept up in speed at the Tri-City Raceway at Red Mountain Event Center. The late model stock car racing excitement starts with the Apple Cup in spring and ends with the Fall Classic.

Wine Events  events

JUNE

TASTE RED MOUNTAIN

Col Solare Winery hosts a tasting of more than 20 wines from Red Mountain AVA on its gorgeous grounds; you can also join experiential activities, like guided vineyard hikes, horse-drawn wagon rides, and dinners during these festive two days.

JULY

PROSSER ART WALK AND WINE GALA

Just 30 minutes away from Tri-Cities, the annual art walk and wine gala in downtown Prosser features local wineries and breweries, food trucks, hometown artisans’ craftmanship including pottery and jewelry, and evening live music.

NOVEMBER

TRI-CITIES WINE FESTIVAL

This annual tasting event at Kennewick’s Three Rivers Convention Center showcases the incredible winemaking skills and terroir that the area has to offer. There are live entertainment and snacks as well.

Arts Love

The region is infused with rhythm and creative energy. From live theater to visual arts, Tri-Cities is home to a thriving scene and lively programs developing the next generation of talent.

STAGE

The Richland Players have been bringing music and laughter to the community since 1944. Take a seat for one of the Players' five productions September through May.

Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre produces and stages a wide range of amateur theatrical shows, such as The Wizard of Oz.

Shakespeare fans will enjoy The Rude Mechanicals, performing works of the bard at indoor and outdoor venues throughout the year.

DANCE

Turn to the Mid-Columbia Ballet for modern and classic productions like The Nutcracker, with periodic guest artists from other companies, including Dance Theatre of Harlem and Pacific Northwest Ballet.

GALLERIES

Allied Arts Association’s Gallery at the Park has been showing off Pacific Northwest artists' works for almost 100 years. Check out more than 250 regional artists in the Townside Gallery, plus the spotlight artists in the Parkside Gallery, which are regional or national. Come often—exhibitions in both change monthly.

Find challenging and conversation-sparking works at Drew Boy Creative in Richland. The gallery collaborates with emerging artists, those who challenge the artistic status quo, and artists from diverse and marginalized backgrounds to stimulate the art appreciator in all.

Explore the rich intricacies and history of textiles at the White Bluffs Quilt Museum in Richland, with exhibitions, classes, and an extensive quilting library.

Cultural Events

LAO NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (APRIL)

This three-day celebration kicks off the Lao New Year with music, traditional dance, and parades at the Wat Lao Thammayanaram temple in Kennewick, inviting good wealth and fortune to all.

TRI-CITIES PRIDE FESTIVAL (JUNE)

Celebrating love is year-round, but it shines here during Pride Month, with parades, drag and art shows, parties, and the Walk and Roll 3K Community Fundraiser and BBQ along the Columbia River for LGBTQ+ youth facing bullying, suicide, and self-harm.

ART SHOWCASES (SUMMER/FALL)

Art in the Park in July spotlights two days of art, live music, and food at Gallery at the Park; in October, regional artists open their homes and studios across the Tri-Cities for 509 Tour d’Arts—visitors can take a selfguided tour.

FIERY FOODS FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 9)

Like to feel the burn? This one's for you. More than a dozen food vendors, live entertainment, a pepper eating contest, and a whole lot of milk come together for one flavorful weekend.

TRI-CITIES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (OCTOBER)

For three days, Uptown Theater in Richland screens indie films from small-budget Pacific Northwest filmmakers, including submissions from the 72-Hour Film Challenge, short films created over one weekend.

events

SThis Musician’s Roots Run Deep

Dara Quinn left band touring life to run her family’s legacy Richland restaurant—transforming it into a live music hot spot.

ome nights, you’ll find musician Dara Quinn on stage, tickling the ivories and improvising with one of the many bands that play their way through the Emerald of Siam, her family’s legacy Thai restaurantturned-live-music hub. “My passion for music is satiated by having artists in every week…. One of the rewards I get is getting all these live bands coming through and you do find me on stage with them frequently.”

Quinn co-owns Emerald of Siam with her brother, Billy Quinn, a talented guitarist and bassist who also joins her on stage some nights. “I grew up in the restaurant,” she says. “When they opened in 1983, I was 10 years old. It has been a part of my family.”

EMERALD OF SIAM, DOWNTOWN RICHLAND

See live shows here most days of the week—check emeraldofsiam.com for schedule.

The Emerald, situated in downtown Richland’s Uptown Shopping Center, started off as a Thai restaurant. Ravadi Quinn, Dara and Billy’s mother, envisioned it as a “cultural oasis” for the community—a nurturing haven that welcomed everyone. “We were the first Thai restaurant in 1983,” says Dara.

“[My mother] introduced Thai food to the area and a place where people can be themselves.” When her mother retired in 2001, the siblings agreed to take over the restaurant under one condition: they would add live music.

Dara Quinn’s love for music began when she was eight. She was a force on the piano and clarinet and by eighth grade, she was recruited to play in the jazz band. She played in different ensembles and was a drum major in her high school marching band.

By the time she graduated high school, Quinn knew she wanted to pursue a career as a professional musician, and left Tri-Cities for Seattle. Her determination led her to touring the West Coast with a steel drum band and her own trio through the 1990s. “I was so immersed in the Seattle music scene,” she says. “But in 2001, I moved back to Tri-Cities to take over my mom’s restaurant.”

She saw an opportunity to revive the music scene in the Tri-Cities. “When I moved back, it wasn’t my plan to open a venue. I planned to continue playing music, but there was no scene at all,” says Quinn.

So she brought music back to Tri-Cities. “It’s been a work in progress,” she says, but a successful one so far: The multi-genre music lounge has become a pitstop for touring

Music Festivals Concerts

MARIACHI AND MORE FESTIVAL (JUNE)

IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR ME TO CONTINUE [MY MOM’S] LEGACY.”

artists, and Portland and Seattle artists always find their way here. “We’ve had some performers who have been playing at our restaurant for 10–20 years, and they’ve expressed to me how grateful they are to have someplace to play.”

However, running a restaurant is more than a full-time job. Dara put her recording and touring on pause and instead transitioned her passion for music into the venue and the artists with whom she gets to connect and sometimes perform.

Although the Emerald has gone through some transformations within the last few years, it’s still the cultural gem that Ravadi pioneered it to be. “It’s really important for me to continue [my mom’s] legacy,” says Quinn. “We try to stay involved with bringing the community together and spreading culture and having a place for people to express themselves artistically.”

The Quinn family’s commitment to strengthening the cultural vibrance of the area mirrors the community’s effort to bring the arts forward. “It’s been a battle, you know, to do this,” says Quinn. “But it’s a special place. It is kind of an oasis out here in the desert.”

Kennewick's Columbia Park blooms with sound from top mariachi bands from throughout the Pacific Northwest, plus food vendors and activities.

TRI-TOWN GET DOWN (JUNE)

For three days, more than 100 acts across many genres take over more than 10 stages at Richland's John Dam Plaza for Eastern Washington’s biggest celebration of sound.

SACAJAWEA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL (JUNE)

Not only the best place to hear musicians from around the country jamming but also to learn from them as they teach classes on a variety of instruments, at Sacajawea State Park in Pasco.

TUMBLEWEED MUSIC FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER)

Love the strumming of acoustic guitar? This concert series brings the rhythms of Tri-Cities’ acoustic performers to Howard Amon Park over Labor Day weekend. The benefit concert, openmic, and workshop rooms have become community favorites over the fest’s 30 years.

ENCANTO ARTS (YEAR-ROUND)

Revel in the oneof-a-kind sounds of opera, classical piano, and mariachi boleros—tenor José Iñiguez founded this arts nonprofit and collaborates with local and visiting musicians to put on benefit concerts in the Tri-Cities.

THUNDER ON THE ISLAND (JUNE–AUGUST)

Summer Wednesdays are for concerts on Clover Island; bands perform at Clover Island Inn’s outdoor venue, and concertgoers can enjoy the Inn’s food and an outdoor bar.

MID-COLUMBIA SYMPHONY & MASTERSINGERS (YEAR-ROUND)

Don't miss these musical experiences featuring top-notch local talent, from classical recitals to performance choir concerts and special events.

LIVE @ 5 (JUNE–SEPTEMBER)

Bring your chairs and blankets to the outdoor stage and amphitheater at Richland’s John Dam Plaza for musical performances all summer, with food trucks and refreshments.

“The Tri-Cities has been home for me for as long as I can remember. Big community events like the Benton-Franklin Fair & Rodeo, air shows, and winter wonderlands are always fun for our family. We are blessed to have several world-class event facilities here, which often host popular fundraising events for nonprofits. At HMIS, we’re proud of the partnerships we’ve established with local organizations to help enhance the health and well-being of our community.”

–AMY BASCHE, Chief Operations Officer, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS)

calen d ar

A FULL YEAR OF EVENTS MAKES ANY TIME A GREAT TIME TO VISIT THE TRI-CITIES.

JANUARY

TRI-CITY FAMILY EXPO

Grab the kids and join in for two days of activities and entertainment.

SPORTSMEN EXPO

Find the latest in outdoor equipment and much more at the HAPO Center.

FEBRUARY

CRAFT BREW AND BACON FESTIVAL

Sip more than 50 beers (and ciders!) while snacking on bacony bites from local restaurants and caterers at this one-nightonly event.

RADCON

Fantasy and science fiction buffs join forces each Presidents’ Day weekend for panels, tabletop games, and a costume contest.

MARCH

ANNUAL BADGER

MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE

Highlights of Eastern Washington's premier ultramarathon are its 100- and 50-mile ultras.

CUSTER’S SPRING ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

Shop Pacific Northwest–made jewelry, metal art, mixed media, and specialty food—all over three days at the HAPO Center.

APRIL

PASCO TACO CRAWL

Feast on some of the best tacos in the region while supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties.

ANNUAL LAKESIDE GEM & MINERAL SHOW

Featuring precious gemstones, minerals, jewelry, fossils, meteorites, special exhibits, and local collections.

SPRING BARREL TASTING

Join dozens of wineries throughout the Tri-Cities region offering up sips of upcoming vintages straight from the barrel.

MAY

CINCO DE MAYO

This annual festival celebrates local—and global—Hispanic cultures.

E-SPORTS

SUNDOWN SAGA

Central Washington's largest video game tournament features many popular fighting games.

JUNE

COOL DESERT NIGHTS

A Friday-night cruise, a street dance concert in John Dam Plaza, and a car show-n-shine all day Saturday at Richland's Uptown Shopping Center and Jefferson Park.

TRI-TOWN GET DOWN FESTIVAL

Hear an all-star musical lineup of performers at

this annual celebration of music, culture, and community.

TRI-CITIES PRIDE FESTIVAL

This free event in Pasco’s Volunteer Park celebrates the LGBTQI community.

JUNETEENTH

Commemorate the end of slavery with this celebration featuring a live DJ, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more; held in Pasco’s Kurtzman Park.

MARIACHI & MORE FESTIVAL

Enjoy the sounds of top Northwest mariachi groups and other bands.

SACAJAWEA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

The annual festival features musical performances, music lessons and food.

JULY

BENTON CITY’S 4TH OF JULY

A weekend that comes with a biscuit breakfast, kids’ parade, and fireworks.

GRAND OLD 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

This two-day event includes a family bike ride and a fireworks show at Gesa Stadium.

RIVER OF FIRE

Celebrate the Fourth with a day-long celebration at Kennewick’s Columbia Park.

RICHLAND ART IN THE PARK

Peruse booths from more than 200 makers and artisans at this annual event held at Howard Amon Park; it also includes local food vendors and entertainment.

NATIONAL HORSESHOE PITCHERS ASSOCIATION (NHPA) WORLD TOURNAMENT

At this two-week event, players from across the globe compete for the championship title.

TRI-CITIES WATER FOLLIES COLUMBIA CUP & OVER THE RIVER AIRSHOW

It’s ultimate hydroplane racing at 200 mph along the Columbia River as boaters compete to take home the coveted Columbia Cup.

AUGUST

BENTON FRANKLIN FAIR & RODEO

Locals call this the “best week of summer.’’ The annual fair and rodeo includes a grand parade, a demolition derby, and a concert series.

Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo

River of Fire Festival

TRI-CITY RACEWAY

NASCAR ARCA WEST SERIES

This regional stock car racing series is owned and operated by the Automobile Racing Club of America and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.

TUMBLEWEED MUSIC FESTIVAL

This free, open-air folk and bluegrass festival celebrates local and international singer-songwriters with live performances and workshops in Howard Amon Park.

SEPTEMBER

THREE RIVERS TATTOO CONVENTION

Tattoo artists and enthusiasts travel from around the country for this three-day festival.

FIERY FOOD FESTIVAL

Celebrating a variety of cultures through food and including a hot-pepper-eating contest.

SAUSAGE FEST

A free event featuring exclusively locally sourced food plus live bands, bingo, and community performances.

CRAWFEST

Enjoy a delicious crawdad boil, live Zydeco music at this annual event in Pasco.

IRONMAN 70.3

This half-Ironman-distance triathlon is a perfect race for first-time

triathletes and seasoned veterans alike.

USSSA WORLD LATINO SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

An amatuer adult slowpitch tournament established as a multicultural celebration of competition and companionship.

GREAT PROSSER BALLOON RALLY

Hot air balloons take to the skies the last full weekend of September.

OCTOBER

COUNTRY MERCANTILE

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Enjoy classic fall activities and start new fall traditions, from pumpkin picking and corn mazes to mining for gemstones.

TRI-CITIES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTI -

VAL Enjoy three days of Oscar-winning short films as well as feature-length projects.

TRI-CITY RACEWAY

FALL CLASSIC

Featuring over 140 cars, the Northwest’s largest motorsports event is held at Tri-City Raceway.

MIDDLETON’S FALL FESTIVAL

Wind your way through the eight-acre corn maze, try your hand at pumpkin bowling, ride the zipline at this monthlong farm harvest festival.

WINE CRUSH

Plan a tasting tour of Tri-Cities–area wineries during the harvest season.

FIELD OF SCREAMS

This interactive experience takes visitors through an array of haunted areas.

WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL

View thousands of floating lanterns adorned with messages of love and hope; enjoy food, games, activities, and music.

NOVEMBER

CUSTER’S CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

This three-day event showcases jewelry, ceramics, and metal art from Pacific Northwest artisans.

THREE RIVERS

WINE FESTIVAL

This evening includes wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, and live entertainment.

DECEMBER

HOMETOWN

HOLIDAY PARADE

Usher in the holiday season—and Santa—with this old-timey parade that marches through downtown Kennewick.

LAMPSON CABLE

BRIDGE RUN

Lace up for this scenic city run, across the Columbia River from Kennewick to Pasco via the Cable Bridge. Kids ages 4 and under race free.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

Festively lighted boats parade up and down the Columbia River.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Walk amid holiday lights in Richland’s John Dam Plaza and take a holiday train ride in Howard Amon Park.

SENSKE HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW

Watch as 500,000 sparkling lights are synced to a seasonal soundtrack. Free and open nightly all month long.

PASCO WINTERFEST

The annual tree-lighting event includes family-friendly activities, music, and food vendors.

Great Prosser Balloon Rally

Three Rivers Wine Festival

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ROSEANNA SALES SHUTTERSTOCK (X2); COURTESY (X2)

EXPERIENCES

ATOMIC ESCAPE ROOMS

Engage in immersive experiences, solve captivating puzzles, unravel mysteries, and create lasting memories – guaranteed fun for friends, family, and colleagues. atomicescaperooms.com

Want to release some stress or have fun with the family? Come and experience throwing axes, hatchets & Ninja stars with us!

THROW@AXEKPR.COM

When visiting the Tri-Cities, hop on a bus and let our friendly drivers help you find your way! bft.org

IPLAY EXPERIENCE

Unleash imaginations at our Family Entertainment Center! Conquer towering slides, craft 3D digital creatures, explore sensory sand, and adventure out in VR games. Fuel up with snacks, relax in our café, or drop off kids for 3-hours! We host award winning theme parties. Fun for all ages, under one roof!

BOOK NOW

8524 W Gage Blvd, STE 110B | Kennewick

509.579.5971 iplayexperience.us

D-BAT COLUMBIA BASIN

Step into the ultimate baseball and softball experience at D-BAT Columbia Basin! Our state of the art facility is designed for both fun and skill improvement. We have 4 pitching machines with real balls to ensure an authentic feel. We also offer hitting cages and pitching lanes to work on your game.

6416 W Hood Place | Suite A150 | Kennewick

509-940-3228 dbatcolumbiabasin.com/

BOOK NOW

AXE KPR AXE THROWING

BEN FRANKLIN TRANSIT

COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE

Discover Columbia Basin College (CBC)

See a movie in CBC’s full dome CPCCo Planetarium and explore science, space, and the universe without leaving your seat. The Planetarium provides a 36-foot panoramic view to deliver high-definition images and sound using the most state-of-the-art projection system in the Pacific Northwest. For tickets and schedules visit www.columbiabasin.edu/connect/arts-and-culture/planetarium.

Catch a game with one of nine CBC athletic teams. Whether you’re a fan of baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer or golf, CBC sports don’t disappoint. For schedules and more information visit https://cbchawks.com/.

Attend a concert or theater performance at CBC’s Performing Arts Center or view the work of local artists at CBC’s Esvelt Gallery. Visit www.columbiabasin. edu/live/play/arts-center/ to learn more.

2600 N 20th Ave | Pasco | 509.547.0511

509.547.0511 columbiabasin.edu

EXPERIENCES

HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE

Hedges Family Estate invites you to taste wines and enjoy food at its French-inspired estate in the heart of the Red Mountain. hedgesfamilyestate.com

SANDOLLAR FARMS

ALPACAS & GREAT PYRENEES

Book your tour of this charming farm for a unique experience; then shop the boutique for amazing alpaca retail! www.SandollarAlpacas.com

KICKSTAND TOURS

Come enjoy the wineries of the Columbia Valley and Tri-Cities area in a whole new way, on an eBike! kickstandtours.com

da y tri p s

With most just about an hour away, these places are worth a visit during your Tri-Cities stay.

Yakima

DRIVE TIME: 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES

TO DO: Wineries, restaurants, Yakima Symphony Orchestra, produce markets, river rafting

George

DRIVE TIME: 1 HOUR 5 MINUTES

TO DO: Concerts at Gorge Amphitheatre, Wild Horse Monument, wineries, Ginkgo Petrified Forest/Wanapum Recreation Area

Palouse Falls State Park

DRIVE TIME: 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES

TO DO: Carved more than 13,000 years ago, these are among the last active waterfalls on the Ice Age floods path

Dayton & Waitsburg

DRIVE TIME: 1 HOUR 15 MINS

Tri-Cities

Prosser & Benton City

DRIVE TIME: 20–30 MINUTES

TO DO: Wineries, Chukar Cherries store and headquarters, Rattlesnake Mountain Skydiving, Red Mountain trails, horseback riding, Rattlesnake Mountain Shooting Facility

Pendleton

DRIVE TIME: 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES

TO DO: Pendleton Woolen Mill tour and store, Hamley & Co handmade leather goods and saddles (since 1905), historic underground tour, Wildhorse Resort and Casino

TO DO: Blue Mountain trails, snow sports and sno-parks, history, Lewis & Clark Trail State Park, Bar Bacetto restaurant

Idaho

WATER2WINE CRUISES

Welcome Aboard! We are pleased to share with you an exclusive and unique way to explore the Columbia River. Experience a breathtaking Tri-Cities’ sunset, Northwest wines, fine cuisine aboard our 74-foot luxury yacht. We have a variety of different cruises to choose from with delicious meals prepared fresh daily by our own chefs.

The Best Events Are On The Water!

509.578.1717 water2winecruises.com

DISCOVER KENNEWICK’S HISTORIC WATERFRONT DISTRICT: CLOVER ISLAND

DISCOVER KENNEWICK’S HISTORIC WATERFRONT DISTRICT: CLOVER ISLAND

Clover Island features a Lighthouse, nine public art installations, twelve scenic viewpoints, two waterfront restaurants, a brewpub and hotel lodging. The Riverwalk, and a free public boat launch offer options for sun-filled recreation.

Clover Island features a Lighthouse, nine public art installations, twelve scenic viewpoints, two waterfront restaurants, a brewpub and hotel lodging. The Riverwalk, and a free public boat launch offer options for sun-filled recreation.

101 Clover Island Drive | Kennewick

101 Clover Island Drive | Kennewick

CloverIsland.org

CloverIsland.org

DISCOVER KENNEWICK’S HISTORIC WATERFRONT DISTRICT: COLUMBIA GARDENS

DISCOVER KENNEWICK’S HISTORIC WATERFRONT DISTRICT: COLUMBIA GARDENS

Columbia Gardens Wine & Artisan Village features boutique winery tasting rooms including Bartholomew, Palencia/ Monarcha, Gordon Estate, and MuretGaston wine bar; six food trucks; Swampy’s BBQ Kitchen; and seven public art installations. Award-winning wines and great food nestled alongside a scenic waterfront.

Columbia Gardens Wine & Artisan Village features boutique winery tasting rooms including Bartholomew, Palencia/ Monarcha, Gordon Estate, and MuretGaston wine bar; six food trucks; Swampy’s BBQ Kitchen; and seven public art installations. Award-winning wines and great food nestled alongside a scenic waterfront.

| Kennewick

ColumbiaGardensVendors.com

ColumbiaGardensVendors.com

325 E. Columbia Gardens Way

325 E. Columbia Gardens Way | Kennewick

3 EYED FISH KITCHEN + BAR

3 EYED FISH KITCHEN + BAR

Sip, savor, and snack at our spot! Dive into our chill vibe with a menu loaded with local wines, craft beers, and killer cocktails. Pair ‘em with some tasty bites and soak in the good times. We have a beautiful and newly renovated private space for your next event!

Sip, savor, and snack at our spot! Dive into our chill vibe with a menu loaded with local wines, craft beers, and killer cocktails. Pair ‘em with some tasty bites and soak in the good times. We have a beautiful and newly renovated private space for your next event!

1970 Keene Road | Richland

1970 Keene Road | Richland

509.778.5546

3eyedfishwinebar.com

509.778.5546

3eyedfishwinebar.com

BOOK NOW

BOOK NOW

LU LU CRAFT BAR + KITCHEN

LU LU CRAFT BAR + KITCHEN

A modern feel with a sense of family and history. Everything at LU LU is prepared daily from scratch. Our menu features burgers, steaks and salads. We have 12 beers on tap, over 80 local wines and signature barrel-aged martinis!

A modern feel with a sense of family and history. Everything at LU LU is prepared daily from scratch. Our menu features burgers, steaks and salads. We have 12 beers on tap, over 80 local wines and signature barrel-aged martinis!

606 Columbia Point Drive | Richland

606 Columbia Point Drive | Richland

509.778.5117

lulucraftbar.com

509.778.5117

lulucraftbar.com

BOOK NOW

BOOK NOW

A visit to Tri-Cities means great local eats, from extensive food truck fare to delectable sweet treats, and sips that go well beyond wine.

BY ANDREW COLLINS

eat & drink

FOOD TRUCKS & HUBS

Sample Creole bites, brats, BBQ, street tacos, and much more.

Kennewick

SUMMER’S HUB

Two rows of food trucks serve up Thai curries, Southern barbecue and biscuits, Creole and soul food, Mexican tacos and churros, chicken wings, boba teas, homemade ice cream, and more. Inside the adjacent central market hall, find popular Brady’s Brats & Burgers—try the fries with house-made dipping sauce.

COLUMBIA GARDENS WINE VILLAGE

A cluster of colorful food trucks complement four

and Culture Shock Bistro, a collaboration between chef Frank Magana and winemaker Victor Palencia that features Spanish-inspired paellas, paprika-dusted calamari, and Catalan-style pizzas.

CASA ROSITA

Try mouthwatering torta ahogadas (with refried beans and carnitas and drenched in tangy tomato salsa).

Pasco

DOÑITAS TACOS

A popular spot for filling and delicious birria tacos with consomme.

JOCHO'S TACOS

Yes, tacos and also pambazo—Mexican bread fried in guajillo chile sauce and stuffed with potatoes, chorizo, and more. Find the shop or the truck.

LARGOO'S TACOS

Boasting shrimp options (cocktail, quesadilla, or ceviche) and tlayudas, a Oaxacan dish of meat, beans, cheese, and avocado piled atop a large crispy corn tortilla.

Richland

GRIGGS ACE HARDWARE

A handful of food trucks gather here, including Doggie Style with its gourmet hot dogs plus delectable mac and cheese, Lucky Bao for fragrant pork soup dumplings and scallion

pancakes, and Mas Taco for quesadillas, burritos, and tacos.

West Richland

JOSE’S TACO TRUCK

Try its namesake dish along with tortas Cubanas, ceviche, and tamales. BBQ Sundae at Swampy's

Doñitas Tacos

LOCAL BOUNTY

Visit farmers markets, U-pick, and farm-to-table restaurants for a true Tri-Cities taste.

Farmers Markets (May–October)

KENNEWICK: Outside the Public Market at Columbia River Warehouse, featuring live music and food stands. Thursdays 4–7 p.m.

RICHLAND: On Richland Parkway, find produce, meat, cheese, prepared food, and gifts, like baskets and potted cacti. Fridays 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

3 EYED FISH: Also in Richland, with fresh produce plus local crafts and prepared foods. Sundays 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

PASCO: One of the largest in the state, with produce, crafts, and music. Saturdays 9 a.m. –1 p.m.

Farm-to-Table Restaurants

Sample creative dishes using ingredients grown or sourced in Washington at restaurants including Lu Lu Craft Bar and Kitchen, Dovetail Joint, The Bradley, Endive Eatery, and Graze

U-Pick

APPLEGATE BLUEBERRY U-PICK: In Burbank (just outside Pasco), this is your go-to for juicy blueberries. The farm also sells pre-picked cartons.

HATCH PATCH: Just north of Pasco, locally grown cherries, apples, pears, sweet corn, pumpkins, and honey.

RAY FRENCH ORCHARD: In Richland, a favorite for picking cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, and apples.

Hatch Patch

Dovetail Joint

eat & dri nk

COFFEE & DESSERTS

Sip brews from local roasteries and pick up a sweet treat or three.

Pasco

Aliona’s Euro Bake is a bustling cake shop with tempting European-style desserts, including chocolatechip cannoli, caramel layer cake, Bavarian cream tartlets, and Mediterranean baklava.

Frost Me Sweet Bakery & Bistro has, to date, created more than 350 cupcake flavors, including such tantalizing combinations as blackberry-goat cheese, pineapple margarita, and salted-caramel chocolate. Other specialties include macarons and flourless chocolate torte. The bistro does a Sunday brunch too.

Peacock Coffee Roasting Co pours first-rate lattes and cold brews made with small-batch, house-roasted beans sourced from Colombia, Kenya, East Java, and other renowned coffeegrowing regions.

Kennewick

Monarca Ice Cream’s house-made Michoacán-style ice cream and paletas, traditional popsicles made with real fruit, come in more than two dozen flavors, including guava, mamey, rose petal, and pine nut. You can also find smoothies, shaved ice, and other treats.

Viera's Bakery is a beloved shop with two locations. Try campechanas (flaky, honey-glazed pastries in assorted flavors), buttery croissants, rich cakes, spiced breads and more.

Richland

Caterpillar Cafe, inside Adventures Underground bookshop, serves up lattes and other coffee drinks in dozens of flavors.

Our Cookie House (also in Pasco) bakes up signature soft and chewy stuffed cookes—pick up a sampler box to taste the many flavors, including S’mores (with graham cracker and stuffed with marshmallow crème and chocolate) and chocolate chip nutella.

Flying X Coffee, next door to Our Cookie House’s Kennewick location, serves inspired seasonal coffees and teas along with single-origin espresso drinks.

Rockabilly Roasting Co offers a tempting array of cupcakes and muffins along with espresso drinks and teas. It’s attached to an antique shop in Kennewick’s historic downtown.

Monarca Ice Cream

Caterpillar Cafe

SOI 705

An independent Craft Asian street food and cocktail bar in the heart of Richland, WA. A unique, immersive space that transforms from day to night featuring rotating menus of small plates and big flavors. Catch us for a casual lunch by day, or experience an ultimate evening with curated late night vibes. True pan-Asian fusion bites, craft cocktails, local beers, Japanese whiskys and a celebration of the orient then and now.

509.491.3400

TRI-CITY DUST DEVILS

Dust Devils Baseball is FUN! With games running April-September, the Tri-Cities’ Minor League team excels at creating affordable family entertainment. Come enjoy delicious food, exciting promotions, and majestic sunsets at award-winning Gesa Stadium. The Dust Devils are the proud affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and many of their professional ballplayers will be in the big leagues soon. Come experience the FUN with the Tri-City Dust Devils!

509.544.8789 dustdevilsbaseball.com

705 The Parkway | Richland

BUY TICKETS

Gesa Stadium | 6200 Burden Blvd | Pasco

eat & drink

eat & drink

WINERIES

Come for the wine, stay for the bites and views.

10 TO TRY

1 Overlooking Red Mountain and Badger Canyon, Benton City’s ANELARE WINERY turns out a terrific sangiovese that pairs perfectly with the house-made pizzas served in the tasting room.

2 BARTHOLOMEW WINERY , in Kennewick’s Columbia Gardens Wine Village, specializes in varietals less commonly found in the United States, such as aglianico, negroamaro, and Carmenère.

3 A stunning, contemporary winery in the Red Mountain AVA, COL SOLARE partners with prestigious Italian wine company Marchesi Antinori to produce some of Washington’s most lauded cabernet sauvignon.

4 GOOSE RIDGE sits atop a sunny plateau in the Goose Gap AVA as one of the region’s largest and most respected wineries. Enjoy delicious truffled cheddar paninis and hummus plates on its elegant tasting patio, which also features a bocce court.

Barnard Griffin

J. Bookwalter

5 An established, beloved winery on Tulip Lane, BARNARD GRIFFIN has an outstanding restaurant that serves small plates of toasts with spreads, fried green tomatoes, and more. The winery also hosts foodrelated events, like paella nights and classes in making kimchi.

6 KIONA VINEYARDS has been a Red Mountain fixture since planting its first grapes in 1975. Try something new here, maybe a fragrant pinot noirLemberger blend or a racy Sémillon.

7 Arrive at J. BOOKWALTER with an appetite. In this Tulip Lane winery’s casually elegant restaurant, Fiction, you can feast on dry-aged Wagyu burgers and pan-seared wild Alaskan halibut.

8 A short walk from Richland’s Howard Amon Park, LONGSHIP CELLARS serves Italian and French varietals along with addictively delicious baked Brie and goat cheese plates with toppings like maple-pecan and pesto.

9 At old world-inspired TAGARIS WINES , enjoy a romantic meal on the terrace of the winery’s celebrated Mediterranean taverna.

10 Benton City’s gracious TERRA BLANCA WINERY serves tasty lunches featuring produce from the on-site garden in its Vineyard Grill.

BOIADA BRAZILIAN GRILL

Boiada Brazilian Grill is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse fine-dining experience with wonderful cuts of meat served tableside by traditional gaúchos (Brazilian cowboys). At Boiada, we deliver value to our guests through exceptional food and service. Join us for a wide range of top-quality meats, our fresh market table with delicious Brazilian and American options, and unforgettable cocktails and desserts.

8148 W Gage Blvd | Kennewick

509.820.3199

boiadabraziliangrill.com

BOOK NOW

CROW’S NEST BAR AND GRILL

Enjoy a special dining experience, beautiful panoramic view of the Columbia River, and a fun, unique ambiance of an old wooden ship, found only in Crow’s Nest Bar and Grill. Perched atop the 4th floor of Clover Island Inn in Kennewick, WA. Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm.

435 N Clover Island Dr | Kennewick

509.586.0541

cloverislandinn.com/crows-nest

BOOK NOW

Kiona Vineyards

EMERALD OF SIAM

Est. 1983 as Tri-Cities first Thai restaurant. This unique artsy oasis presents award winning Thai food and world class live music in Richland’s historic Uptown Center. Weekday lunch buffet. Gluten free, vegan available. Free WiFi.

1314 Jadwin Ave | Richland

509.946.9328

emeraldofsiam.com

BOOK NOW

HAMILTON CELLARS

Discover Hamilton Cellars, where a picturesque setting, award-winning wines, and a focus on Malbec and Bordeaux-style blends create an unforgettable experience. Nestled at the base of Red Mountain, our solar-powered winery offers a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for exceptional tastings, RV pad rentals, and exclusive discounts through our “Miltonaire’s” wine club.

55410 N. Sunset Road | Benton City

509.628.8227

hamiltoncellars.com

WINE MAY BE THE BEVERAGE

that put Tri-Cities on the map, but you'll find many other craft sippables, from creative cocktails to beer and cider produced with Washington-grown hops and fruit.

Pasco

Ale aficionados will find plenty to love, starting with Sage Brewing Company, a friendly spot for watching sports while sipping some of the best hazy IPAs in the state. Slightly out of town, Paper

Street Brewing is on a working farm that features rotating food trucks and tons of family-friendly outdoor seating.

For cocktails and karaoke, head to speakeasy Juice Box, located at Proof Kitchen

Kennewick

Popular Ice Harbor Brewing Company has two locations: the original brewery and pub across from the Public Market at Columbia River Warehouse, where you can dine on casual bites like burgers and shrimp po’boys, and the modern restaurant at the Marina on Clover Island, where you’ll find specialties like cioppino and rib-eye steak.

D’s Wicked Cider House serves up its own ciders, with flavors like tart Green Apple and the lightly spiced Ciderhammer. It also offers events, from trivia to live music.

Proof Gastropub is Proof Kitchen’s industrial-chic sibling, with hearty food and cocktails like the Black Walnut Old Fashioned and the Strawberry Basil Fresh Press, featuring house-infused cucumber vodka.

Richland

Moonshot Brewing serves its wellbalanced ales at its Pub at the Park, steps from Richland’s Howard Amon Park as well as its original Kennewick taproom. Other favorites for beer include Flight Tap & Table, a dapper two-story bistro with 44 taps, and White Bluffs Brewing—be sure to check out the sour and fruit beers.

Prohibition Era-inspired Amendment XXI has an extensive menu of mules, classics, and fruitforward sippers. Find creative cocktails and mod international bites at hip bistro Moniker, and sophisticated drinks and tasty food to match at Asian street food-themed Soi 705

CONVERGENCE ZONE CELLARS

Casual Tastes. Serious Wines. Visit us for laid back tastings with the winemaker in our new conveniently located working warehouse winery. Enjoy small production, 90+ point wines handcrafted with grapes sourced from premium Washington vineyards.

1339 Tapteal Dr., Suite 104 | Richland

VINTNERS VILLAGE

Vintners Village is a signature wine destination in the heart of Washington wine country. We’re a fun and casual atmosphere for your tasting and shopping adventures. Walk, ride, or drive the loop around the Village and explore our businesses serving up happiness, one pour, plate or purchase at a time. Each stop along the way has a style all its own. You + here makes the perfect blend.

Prosser

vintnersvillage.com

Paper Street Brewing

425.233.5638 czcellars.com

lod g in g

Where to Stay

WITH MORE THAN 30 HOTELS in the greater Tri-Cities area, there’s plenty of room for travelers of all sorts to tuck in for the night.

Kennewick

Columbia Center

COMFORT INN

7801 W. Quinault Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336 choicehotels.com

FAIRFIELD INN BY MARRIOTT 7809 W. Quinault Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336 marriott.com

RED LION HOTEL KENNEWICK COLUMBIA CENTER

1101 N. Columbia Center Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336 redlion.com

SUPER 8 KENNEWICK

626 N. Columbia Ctr. Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336 wyndhamhotels.com

Convention Center

HILTON GARDEN INN KENNEWICK

701 N. Young St. Kennewick, WA 99336 hilton.com

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT KENNEWICK

7048 W. Grandridge Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336 marriott.com

BEST WESTERN

KENNEWICK TRI-CITIES CENTER HOTEL

602 N. Young St. Kennewick, WA 99336 bestwestern.com

Southridge

BAYMONT INN & SUITES

4220 W. 27th Pl. Kennewick, WA 99337 wyndhamhotels.com

BEST WESTERN PLUS KENNEWICK INN

4001 W. 27th Ave. Kennewick, WA 99337 bestwestern.com

COMFORT SUITES KENNEWICK AT SOUTHRIDGE

3703 Plaza Way Kennewick, WA 99338 choicehotels.com

HAMPTON INN KENNEWICK AT SOUTHRIDGE

3715 Plaza Way Kennewick, WA 99338 hilton.com

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES

2600 S. Quillan Pl. Kennewick, WA 99338 wyndhamhotels.com

Riverfront

CLOVER ISLAND INN 435 Clover Island Dr. Kennewick, WA 99336 cloverislandinn.com

Central KENNEWICK INN & SUITES

321 N. Johnson St. Kennewick, WA 99336 fairbridgeinns.com

RED LION INN & SUITES KENNEWICK TRI-CITIES 5616 W. Clearwater Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336 redlion.com

Pasco

HAPO Center/ Gesa Stadium

HAMPTON INN & SUITES PASCO/TRI-CITIES

6826 Burden Blvd. Pasco, WA 99301 hilton.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES PASCO TRI-CITIES

4525 Convention Pl. Pasco, WA 99301 ihg.com/holidayinnexpress

MY PLACE HOTEL

6830 Rodeo Dr. Pasco, WA 99301 myplacehotels.com

SLEEP INN PASCOTRI-CITIES 9930 Bedford St. Pasco, WA 99301 choicehotels.com

Tri-Cities Airport

BEST WESTERN

PREMIER PASCO INN & SUITES

2811 N. 20th Ave. Pasco, WA 99301 bestwestern.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT PASCO

TRI-CITIES AIRPORT 2101 W. Argent Rd. Pasco, WA 99301 marriott.com

RED LION HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

PASCO

2525 N. 20th Ave. Pasco, WA 99301 redlion.com

Richland

Columbia Point

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT RICHLAND COLUMBIA POINT

480 Columbia Point Dr. Richland, WA 99352 marriott.com

THE LODGE AT COLUMBIA POINT 530 Columbia Point Dr. Richland, WA 99352 lodgeatcolumbiapoint.com

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT 591 Columbia Point Dr. Richland, WA 99352 marriott.com

“Tri-Cities hotels are much more than just a place to stay. From friendly staff who make you feel like family to cozy and well-appointed rooms, our hotels truly make you feel at home. Whether a luxurious retreat or a quaint boutique experience, each one has its own distinct charm and offers a personalized stay. Come discover our genuine hospitality—you won’t be disappointed.”

Queensgate

HOME2SUITES BY HILTON

2861 Lincoln Landing Richland, WA 99352 hilton.com

Riverfront

HAMPTON INN RICHLAND

486 Bradley Blvd. Richland, WA 99352 hilton.com

HOLIDAY INN RICHLAND ON THE RIVER

802 George Washington Way Richland, WA 99352 ihg.com/holidayinn

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON - RICHLAND

1060 George Washington Way Richland, WA 99352 hilton.com

RICHLAND RIVERFRONT COLLECTION BY ASCEND

50 Comstock St. Richland, WA 99352 choicehotels.com

South

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES RICHLAND 1970 Center Pkwy. Richland, WA 99352 ihg.com/holidayinnexpress

WOODSPRING SUITES 1370 Tapteal Dr. Richland, WA 99352 woodspring.com

WRIGHT’S DESERT GOLD MOTEL & RV PARK 611 Columbia Park Trail Richland, WA 99352 wrightsdesertgold.com

lodging

Other Accommodations

AVENNIA ESTATE GUESTHOUSE

20206 E. 583 PR NE Benton City, WA 99320 avennia.com/guesthouse

CHERRY CHALET BED & BREAKFAST 8101 W. 10th Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336 cherrychalet.com

THE GRAIN BIN FLOWER FARM & INN 2740 Ringold Rd. Pasco, WA 99301 (206) 579-8737

THE TINTE RED MOUNTAIN RETREAT 32807 Vineyard View PR NE Benton City, WA 99320 redmountainretreat.com

COMFORT SUITES KENNEWICK AT SOUTHRIDGE

Enjoy a delicious free hot breakfast, a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness center. We offer an all-suite guest experience with free premium Wi-Fi, business center, and marketplace. Meeting space available and pet friendly. Walk to restaurants and Southridge Sports & Events Complex.

3703 Plaza Way | Kennewick

509.579.0897

ComfortSuitesKennewick.com

–RONI GIERKE , Sales Manager, Three Rivers Convention Center

4525 Convention Place | Pasco 509.543.7000 P | 509.542.9315F | kcole@hotelsa1.com

BOOK NOW

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES PASCO/TRI-CITIES

Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasco, where comfort and convenience meet in the heart of the Tri-Cities. Our spacious suites are equipped with modern amenities, offering the perfect retreat for both business and leisure travelers. With a prime location near shopping, dining, sports venues, and outdoor attractions, there’s something for everyone. Business travelers will appreciate our comprehensive facilities, including meeting space and complimentary shuttle service. Join us and experience the best of the Tri-Cities with us!

509.543.7000

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/ hotels/us/en/pasco/pscwa/hoteldetail

2101 W Argent Road | Pasco

pascosales@hotelsa1.com | 509.545.4022

BOOK NOW

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT PASCO TRI-CITIES AIRPORT

Experience unparalleled comfort at Courtyard by Marriott Pasco. Enjoy our complimentary airport shuttle for stress-free travel.

Elevate your stay with Tri-Cities’ largest hotel fitness center. As a Marriott Rewards-winning business property, we prioritize your satisfaction. Book now for a seamless blend of luxury, convenience, and award-winning service.

Your perfect stay awaits at Courtyard by Marriott Pasco. Visit our website for details.

509.545.4011

marriott.com/psccp

LODGE AT COLUMBIA POINT

The Lodge at Columbia Point, a 4-Star Riverfront Richland Hotel, offers timeless architecture and a warm culture. Guests relish stunning water views, a River Walk, and amenities like spa services, a full bar, fitness room, and covered outdoor pool. This centrally located haven serves as an ideal base for business or leisure in the Tri-Cities region, providing a premier experience with its welcoming ambiance and convenient access to diverse activities.

509.713.7423

lodgeatcolumbiapoint.com

MY PLACE HOTEL PASCO

Located nearby the HAPO Center, Gesa Stadium, and the Pasco Sporting Complex! Enjoy Wi-Fi, Fresh Coffee, on site Laundry, My Store and Breakfast in Bed. We welcome your pets. We are Pet-Friendly! All rooms include Full Kitchen, Climate Control, Pillow top Mattresses, and Blackout Curtains. Book at the My Place Hotel in Pasco, WA today for the best rate!

509.545.2186 myplacehotels.com

6830 Rodeo Drive | Pasco

530 Columbia Point Drive | Richland

HAMPTON INN & SUITES PASCO / TRI-CITIES

Hampton Inn & Suites Pasco/Tri Cities hotel provides a home away from home retreat while you stay in Washington!

Wake up to a free hot breakfast served seven days a week and, in case you can’t stay, grab a Hampton On the Run Breakfast Bag with quick, healthy options after you get in a quick workout in our 24-hour fitness center.

After a restful sleep you will be ready to explore the area, including playing a round of golf at an award-winning golf course or enjoying a day of water activities on the beautiful Columbia River. If you enjoy beautiful hikes, then Badger Mountain is your place to go, climb to the top and take a look over the entire tri cities!

Plan your next adventure as you are located in the heart of Washington wine country, you may want to spend the day exploring multiple wineries or simply unwinding in our indoor saltwater pool and hot tub while enjoying a treat from our huge selection in the Treat Shop!

Walk to Hapo center for meetings, concerts, sporting events and other activities or visit the Gesa Stadium to watch the Tri-Cities Dust Devils team play Minor League Baseball.

LODGING

Only in Tri-Cities

1

LIVE MUSIC

Follow the sound to the Tri-Cities’ many music festivals, concerts, and venues, like Richland’s Emerald of Siam.

2

ED HENDLER BRIDGE

This icon was the first major cable-stayed bridge in the U.S., completed in 1978 and named after a Pasco mayor.

3

SUN WILLOWS

Swing through this 18hole municipal course in Pasco, opened in 1960 and designed by Robert Muir Graves.

4

GESA CAROUSEL OF DREAMS

These hand-carved horses originated in 1910 in St. Joseph, Michigan, and ran at Silver Beach Amusement Park for 62 years. In 2002 they came west; find them at Southridge Sports and Events Complex.

5

MAYA LIN'S STORY CIRCLES

Walk the seven circles at Sacajawea State Park to experience artist Maya Lin’s exploration of Native American cultures, language, nature, and history at the site where Lewis and Clark passed in 1805.

6

RIVER SPORTS

The Snake, Yakima, and Columbia rivers converge here, making for epic opportunities to play in the water—paddleboarding, boating, swimming, and more.

7

GALLERY IN THE ALLEY

Peep some contemporary mural art at Richland's 1949-built Uptown Shopping Center. This ongoing project shows off works by half a dozen local artists.

8

SOLAR STAGE ARCHES

Designed by Richland science teacher Trevor Macduff, the shadows align with the circular stage at noon on summer and winter solstices. Find them at the REACH Museum.

9

WINE TASTING AT RED MOUNTAIN

You'll find a dozen tasting rooms to explore at Red Mountain, plus more at nearby AVAs.

10

CLOVER ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

Come to the plaza of this 62-foot-tall, fully functional lighthouse, built in 2010. It’s idyllic for sunsetand wildlife-spotting.

SPRINGHILL SUITES

An all-suite hotel that’s connected to the Three Rivers Convention Center and is centrally located in Kennewick!

www.marriott.com/kwcsh

KENNEWICK SUPER 8

Free Wi-Fi • Pet Friendly • Free Breakfast Business Center • Indoor Pool & Spa Micro/Fridge • Guest Laundry. www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotel/03906

WRIGHTS DESERT GOLD MOTEL AND RV PARK

Efficiency apartments • Full hook-up • Laundry room, propane, convenience store, Pool and Hot Tub. Near Golf, Fishing, Breweries and Wineries. wrightsdesertgold.com

HAMPTON INN RICHLAND

HAMPTON INN RICHLAND

Overlooking the scenic Columbia River and next to Howard Amon Park, experience the beauty of TriCities at Hampton Inn Richland, conveniently located in the heart of the area for both business and leisure.

Overlooking the scenic Columbia River and next to Howard Amon Park, experience the beauty of TriCities at Hampton Inn Richland, conveniently located in the heart of the area for both business and leisure.

All rooms offer mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. We offer complimentary hot breakfast, free wi-fi, and 24hr facilities including indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center and several meeting room options. Like to travel with your furry friend? We are also pet friendly.

486 Bradly Blvd | Richland

All rooms offer mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. We offer complimentary hot breakfast, free wi-fi, and 24hr facilities including indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center and several meeting room options. Like to travel with your furry friend? We are also pet friendly.

486 Bradly Blvd | Richland

509.943.4400 hilton.com

509.943.4400 hilton.com

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HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON RICHLAND

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON RICHLAND

Homewood Suites Richland is an upscale, all suites property located in the heart of Richland along the majestic Columbia River. In addition to our spacious suites, we offer our Suite Start hot breakfast daily and a Welcome Home evening reception served on Wednesdays from 5pm-7pm. We also have a coin operated laundry facility on site, 24 hours fitness center, business center, activity room with a billiards table, seasonal outdoor pool and guest barbecue grill areas.

Homewood Suites Richland is an upscale, all suites property located in the heart of Richland along the majestic Columbia River. In addition to our spacious suites, we offer our Suite Start hot breakfast daily and a Welcome Home evening reception served on Wednesdays from 5pm-7pm. We also have a coin operated laundry facility on site, 24 hours fitness center, business center, activity room with a billiards table, seasonal outdoor pool and guest barbecue grill areas.

1060 George Washington Way | Richland

1060 George Washington Way | Richland

509.371.1550

homewoodsuitesrichland.com

509.371.1550

homewoodsuitesrichland.com

BOOK NOW

BOOK NOW

BOOK NOW

THE BEST WESTERN PREMIER PASCO INN & SUITES

Enjoy our newly-opened on-site restaurant and bar Valley Bistro. A complimentary full hot breakfast is available every morning. Additional hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, sauna, fitness center, expansive, full-service business center, and conference facilities. Quality guest rooms each feature pillow-top mattresses, microwave, refrigerator, satellite television with HBO, and high-speed internet access. Close to the Pasco airport, the Port of Pasco, and the TRAC.

2811

509.543.7722

CLOVER ISLAND INN

The Clover Island Inn is Kennewick’s waterfront hotel nestled along the Columbia River. It is a full-service, locally owned and operated hotel with bar & restaurant, ballroom and 150 guestrooms consisting of Single Queen, Double Queen- and 4th floor King-Sized bedroom suites with beautiful river views. Enjoy the sparkling sunsets, fun events, and terrific meals at Crow’s Nest Bar & Grill. Our goal is to provide you, our guest, with a great value and enjoyable stay.

509-586-0541

cloverislandinn.com

435 Clover Island Drive | Kennewick

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Retail Therapy

Find treasures to remember your visit by at these local indie shops.

Richland

Start at Uptown Shopping Center, a 1950s-era outdoor mall. There, browse Uptown Antique Market’s vintage kitchenware, textiles, art, clothing, and more; stock up on gifts like toys, stickers, candy, and cards at The Octopus’ Garden; or find your personalized perfume blend at Atomic Alchemy. Get lost in Adventures Underground’s huge selection of comics, graphic novels,

Uptown Antique Market

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: COURTESY THE LITTLE PLANT SHOP; EMREE WEAVER (X2); ELLIE LOGAN; COURTESY STATE OF WA TOURISM; COURTESY ROMA HOUSE

Just a hop-skip south of the Parkway on George Washington Way, venture to Tulipe for luxury brand women’s and men’s clothing plus cozy home goods.

Head north from Uptown and the Parkway for retro gems: Fuzzy Felt has an impressive collection of concert tees and jean jackets; Xenophile Bibliopole & Armorer, Chronopolis stocks rare books, memorabilia, movie posters, and novelty items (it’s in an industrial park, but you’ll spot it by the gargoyle statues flanking the driveway). Beaver Bark Gift and Garden Center is a mecca for plant lovers and unique and seasonal gifts, home goods, and clothing.

Kennewick

Find home goods and gifts from Downtown Mercantile; sustainable fashions at Threads Boutique; small-batch jewelry, candles, and apothecary items at Earth Spirit; and trendy women’s wardrobe and accessories from Envy Galore (which also has a location in Pasco). Visit the Public Market Columbia River Warehouse indoor market to shop local artisan creations, from textiles to spices. West of downtown, Lemon Grass Home & Gifts specializes in interior design, stylish home goods, and gifts.

Pasco

Downtown shops featuring dreamy quinceañera dresses, sharp guayaberas (men’s formal summer shirts), festive jewelry, and more reflect the Tri-Cities’ Hispanic population. Check out Caballero Western Wear for denim, hats, belts—and especially Western-style boots, in a variety of cuts and leathers.

At Country Mercantile (also in Richland) grab a bite at the deli and browse the gourmet treats, seasonal produce, and gifts, plus house-made ice cream, gelato, and chocolate—watch the chocolatiers at work at the Pasco store.

Greenies

Uptown Shopping Center

Roma House

The Octopus' Garden

By

FACTS AND FIGURES FROM AROUND THE TRI-CITIES nearly

200 WINERIES WITHIN A ONEHOUR DRIVE

12

RIVERFRONT PARKS

15 RESTAURANTS WITH A RIVER VIEW BREWERIES AND TAP HOUSES

10

99% OF WASHINGTON WINE GRAPES ARE GROWN HERE

6 FARMERS MARKETS

31 6 the Numbers

200

HIKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

67 MILES OF PAVED PEDESTRIAN AND BIKE TRAILS

3NATIONAL PARKS

50+ WILDLIFE REFUGES AND PRESERVES

QUEUE UP A PLAYLIST and buckle up! Depending on where you’re headed from, your travel time to the Tri-Cities could be faster than a Monday morning wait at the Starbucks drive-thru.

by air

Fly Direct to Tri-Cities Airport—PSC

6 airlines

9 cities serviced non-stop

by car

Drive times from/to:

SPOKANE — 2 hrs 15 min — or … around the time it takes to listen to a Gonzaga basketball game

PORTLAND — 3 hrs 15 min — or … about how long it takes to browse the bookshelves at Powell’s City of Books

SEATTLE — 3 hrs 30 min — or … just about the time it takes to listen to three Nirvana albums

BEND — 4 hrs 15 min — or … the length of time to read Wild by Cheryl Strayed

BOISE — 4 hrs 30 min — or … about how long it takes to make four batches of roasted potatoes

VANCOUVER, B.C. — 5 hrs 50 min — or … around the time it’d take to binge-watch the entire first season of Schitt’s Creek