Be a Tourist in your Own Town: Yakima Daytrip
January 8, 2010 by Heather Caro
Paperwhite bulbs beginning to sprout at Garden Girl
By Heather Caro
Photos by Rod Woolcock
A Yakima Magazine reader recently told us that she and her husband try to act like tourists in their own town. We thought that idea sounded intriguing. So if you don’t want to leave the area to take a trip, take a day trip — or even a “date” trip — right here in Yakima. Retail therapy, terrific food and an evening of culture can all be found within a few city blocks. Although there are many more options to choose from, following are a few suggestions.
If we pay attention to stereotypes, clothes shopping may not sound like the perfect way to start out any “date” trip. We’ve got a solution to the “woman shops, man holds bags” routine: Gretchen and The Haberdasher. Both shops, located at 811 W. Yakima Ave., cater to the stylish and dapper; in fact, the shops themselves are beautiful inside. Gretchen features boutique women’s wear, from designers such as Nic & Zoe, Three Dots, and Joe’s Jeans, as well as adorable accessories. The Haberdasher carries men’s clothing, featuring designer labels such as Cutter & Buck, Haupt and Skip Gambert & Associates, plus high-quality shoes and belts. Both Gretchen and The Haberdasher are known for their attention to detail and customer service, making shoppers feel pampered.
Next stop: the heart of Yakima. Wine aficionados will enjoy a visit to Stems, located at 411 E. Yakima Ave., next to the Hilton Garden Inn. (Hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.) This specialty shop features Northwest wines, Riedel glassware and a surprising variety of accessories. Wineglass charms, creative corks and gourmet treats round out the mix of vino necessities you’ll find here. This is a good place to grab a bottle of your favorite vintage — or ask proprietor Brad Baldwin for his pick — to take with you to dinner, now that many restaurants downtown are “corkage free” and won’t charge you to open your own bottle.
We know it’s cold outside, but you can make believe it’s spring at Garden Girl, located in the historic Opera House building at 25 N. Front St. Suite 2. It’s a little like walking into a storybook walled garden, with a touch of whimsy throughout the shop. Garden Girl is known for its signature paper whites and also features French toiletries and interesting gift items. The shop is not large, but it’s amazing how much time you spend there.
Entrance to Carousel photo by Rod Woolcock
Dinner is not far away. Just around the corner, in Suite 6, is Carousel Restaurant and Bistro — a restaurant with a European flair. Open Tuesday through Saturday, the cozy French restaurant fits the “date night” criteria: romantic and tasty. Try its medallions of veal with shitake mushrooms, or the spiced duck with pear. The Carousel has a full menu of both French and local wines, but you can also bring in your own, since Carousel is now “corkage free.”
If you eat a little earlier in the evening, you can round out your day by catching the family favorite “Annie,” one of the musicals in The Capitol Theatre’s perennial “Best of Broadway” series. If you’re up for something a little more risque, try “Avenue Q,” a part of the Capitol’s new “Broadway on the Edge” series. Both have February show dates, and both promise to be highly entertaining.
If the classics are more your style, don’t miss the Yakima Symphony Orchestra’s new season. January through April, one of the four finalists in the symphony’s search for a new music director will conduct a YSO concert at The Capitol Theatre. Audience members will be polled after each performance. The first concert, Lawrence Golan conducting Brahms, takes place Jan. 30, followed by Viswa Subbaraman conducting Beethoven on Feb. 27.
If you’re in the mood for a more “authentic” vacation experience, stay overnight. Try a relaxing weekend for two at Birchfield Manor Country Inn. The 1910 Victorian manor is known for award-winning breakfasts, delicious multi-course dinners, and a terrific wine selection as well as its antique-laden guest rooms. Located two miles from Yakima at 2018 Birchfield Road, the B&B is receiving a January facelift and will introduce a brand new dinner menu in addition to updated accommodations. Many rooms feature a double Jacuzzi tub and fireplace – a great way to end your own date trip, right here at home.
For more information:
The Capitol Theatre’s Broadway and Broadway on the Edge series tickets
509-853-ARTS
Yakima Symphony Orchestra tickets
509-853-ARTS
Birchfield Manor
Off-season specials and packages are available.
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