Pasco
The Tri-Cities form eastern Washington's second largest urban area. Favored with a sunny climate and a brief winter season, this has long been a productive agricultural region. Vineyards in particular proliferate in all directions. A combination of hot summer days, cool nights and rich volcanic soils creates a perfect terroir for crafting premium wines. The Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) surrounds the Tri-Cities. More than 160 wineries are within an hour's drive, making this a popular base for wine touring.
Downtown Pasco has become the retail hub for the region's sizable Hispanic population. Spanish-language signs and a multitude of ethnic shops and restaurants give it the feel of a small Mexican city. The white-domed Franklin County Courthouse faces shady Volunteer Park, a nice spot for a picnic. On display in the park is a vintage Northern Pacific steam locomotive.
Baseball fans enjoy Tri-City Dust Devils Northwest League Short Season Class A home games at Pasco's Gesa Stadium from late June to early September; phone (509) 544-8789.
The Pasco Farmers Market sets up downtown at Fourth Avenue and Columbia Street. This open-air produce market, the state's largest, is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings from May through October.