Looking for a change of scenery? It might seem like Walla Walla is in the middle of nowhere, but there are actually plenty of options for students looking to get away for a while. Below are some of Whitties most favorite places to visit for a day-trip out of Walla Walla.

Waitsburg

Drive just 20 miles east, and you’ll reach Waitsburg, a small town that can fulfill all your daytrip desires.

The Bruce Memorial Museum:

A great stop for history students and history fans. Exhibits are showcased in an 1883 Victorian mansion, which was built less than two decades after Waitsburg was founded. Just seeing the architecture is worth a visit.

Lavender’s-R-Us:

After the museum, treat your senses to a relaxing stop at Lavender’s-R-Us, Waitsburg’s you-pick lavender field and lavender gift shop. Pick up some lavender decor for your home or a lavender sachet to make your car or drawer smell clean and inviting.

L&B Kitchens:

For some local flair, check out L&B Kitchens, a purveyor of wheat-based products. You might want to pick up a package of nutritious whole grain wheat berries, the perfect ingredient for homemade soups and stews. Their website can be found here.

Jimgermanbar:

Hungry after a long day of exploration? Jimgermanbar serves up European-inspired dishes and a variety of original cocktails with seasonal ingredients, which are sure to please. Their website can be found here.

Whoopermump Hollow Café:

If you’re in the mood for something else, you could also try the Whoopemump Hollow Café, which dishes out southern comfort food Tuesday-Sunday in a lively, friendly atmosphere. Their website can be found here.

Dayton

Visit the Laht Nappur brewery and see where your favorite Walla Walla beer had its beginnings.

Milton-Freewater

Just a 15-minute drive south of Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater offers several entertaining options for Whitties who are looking to get away for a day or even for just an afternoon.

Drive-in Movie Theater:

If you’re looking for inexpensive and somewhat retro entertainment, stop by the drive-in movie theater. You can relax in your car and watch a cool flick for only $6.

The Blue Mountain Cider Company:

For those of you tired of drinking PBR and Franzia, Milton-Freewater has a slightly more upscale alternative. The Blue Mountain Cider Company boasts several varieties of delicious cider, all made with locally grown apples. The tasting room is open for visitors from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday-Saturday.

Petit Noirs:

If you have a bit of a sweet tooth after finishing your cider, check out the chocolate shop Petit Noirs. Each treat made at the shop has a high concentration of cacao and is made without artificial flavors or preservatives.

Clay in Motion:

In a crafty mood? Visit Clay in Motion! You can explore the studio where the Neher family creates custom-made ceramics and then pick out something new for your kitchen in their gift shop. (The handwarmer mug is only $18.) The studio and shop are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sundays. Since Clay in Motion is right on highway 11, you can’t miss it.

Tri-Cities

When Walla Walla starts to feel too small, but you don’t want to make the trek to Seattle or Portland, the Tri-Cities offer a wider variety of diversions than you might find in a small town.

Shopping Centers:

If there’s a little too much hipster chic in your wardrobe or if you’re just in the mood to shop, take a drive down highway 12 and visit the shopping centers in Tri-Cities. Kennewick has several retail options, including a Target, a Bed Bath & Beyond and the Columbia Center mall.

Flea Market:

And if those shopping options sound a little too mainstream, take a stroll through the Pasco flea market. The market is open every weekend at 200 E. Lewis Place between March 1 and Dec. 1, and visitors are sure to find a unique and eclectic collection of wares there.

Hockey:

In the winter months, sports fans might also enjoy watching a local hockey game. Kennewick is home to the Tri-Cities Americans, a junior hockey team competing in the Western Hockey League. Visit Toyota Center Stadium at 7000 W. Grandridge Boulevard for tickets.

Roller Derby:

And if hockey isn’t your favorite sport, you can also visit the Toyota Center to see the Atomic City Roller Girls, Kennewick’s competitive women’s roller derby league.