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Stay Cool This Summer: Indoor Edition

Swing into Summer with these Indoor Activities

Well, folks, gone are the days of bundling up because summer is here! And while the sunshine is nice, sometimes we need to keep cool indoors. We’ve rounded up a collection of outings to keep the whole family comfortable and entertained. And when you’re excited to do it all again, check out our online calendar for upcoming events here!

Food & Drink for Everyone

The perfect family vacation does exist! Start the morning off with a nutritious and delicious visit to Walla Walla Bread Co. and Harvest Smoothie Co. to fuel the day. Then browse all the cute little shops in downtown Walla Walla for a bit of walking mixed with lots of stops into the air conditioning to cool off. Next, stop by Graze, Sweet Basil Pizzeria, or Yamas Greek Eatery for a well earned meal, some chilled salad, and an iced drink. 

Ready for some wine tasting? Explore downtown, the airport district, the eastside, southside, AND westside wineries here! You only have to go outside to get from the vehicle to the tasting room and back again. Need some transportation? Explore all our transportation and wine tour options.

Adventure Time

There’s always time to see something new while on vacation…or acting like a tourist in your own town! You may have a hard time pulling the children out of Inland Octopus and their fun toys. Another cool spot is Bright’s Candies with their window-viewing kitchen and seal the deal with some quality treats sure to make everyone smile. Everyone will leave with a new understanding after spending time at The Fort Walla Walla Museum, where you’ll memorialize soldiers from the Civil War, the Indian Wars, and more. Bring some entertainment home after a stop at Book and Game where everyone will find an activity of their calling.

Arts & Entertainment

Have you planned your visit around the annual Walla Walla Movie Crush? It’s a beautiful weekend in early July showcasing the best American short films of the year, hosted at the Gesa Power House Theater. Check out Gesa Power House Theater for more upcoming events.

Stay cool indoors and take time to see what our local artists are creating at these galleries: The Cotton Wool, Telander Gallery, Combine, FVC Gallery; plus Foundry Vineyards always has special exhibits. The Mokuhanga Project Space Invitational, GLOBAL DIMENSIONS has viewings through July 30, 2023.

After feeling inspired from walking the galleries, make some art of your own! Browse the Visit Walla Walla calendar to see if The Refinery is hosting a wine + clay night, The FINCH is offering a Fluid Art night, or Enable Art is offering a class during your stay. Feel inspired by creating and staying cool.

Taking a break from the sun is one of the best ways we can enjoy summer. It’s almost a perfect excuse for an unofficial food and beverage tour. And with all of these ideas, you’ll have days worth of fun!

Hop over to the Outdoor Edition of our Stay Cool This Summer Series for even more summer fun.