Walla Walla's Architecture

American Theater 1917, now part of Macy's                       © Diane B. Reed 

Walla Walla is a city full of architectural treasures. Downtown is full of gems from Main Street to the neighborhoods adjoining the commercial district.  One of my favorite downtown buildings is the American Theater (later the Liberty) built in 1917. Although it is no longer a theater, the Tudor Revival facade is still intact. It's just one of a number of buildings and sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Walla Walla and the county.

Home on historic Palouse Street in Walla Walla © Diane B. Reed

 One of my favorite streets in Walla Walla is Palouse Street, which features a wide array of impressive mansions, many of which were built with wheat and lumber fortunes. More modest but equally impressive houses are clustered around historic Pioneer Park.

Pioneer Park, which opened in 1908, was designed by John Langdon, who was inspired by John Olmsted, who visited Walla Walla in 1906.  The centerpiece of the park is the bandstand, built in 1909 and circled by magnificent trees.

Pioneer Park                                          © Diane B. Reed

Whether it's downtown, in the neighborhoods, in the surrounding countryside or at historic Fort Walla Walla, it's worth exploring the area. You can also pick up a walking tour brochures at the visitors' kiosk at 33 E. Main. Follow the tours or follow your nose, you'll be sure to find lots to enjoy!

The Season of Eagles

© Diane B. Reed

It's the time of the year when eagles are a familiar sight in the mid Columbia Valley and at lakes like Bennington Lake in Walla Walla. Yesterday we counted six in one large tree along the Columbia River near Wallula Gap. Most of the eagles who winter in our area come from Alaska and northern nesting areas. The Columbia and Snake Rivers and lakes in our region provide ample food for these visitors.

© Diane B. Reed

Although the Skagit River Valley in western Washington is a popular viewing area to see large gatherings of eagles, there are a number of locations in our area, including the Columbia and Snake Rivers, where eagles are commonly seen. We've seen eagles at Bennington Lake in Walla Walla, McNary Wildlife Refuge in Burbank, Columbia Park in Kennewick, and Charbonneau Park on the Snake River. But you may find eagles almost anywhere where there's good fishing for these magnificent birds.

Most of the eagles will leave our area in March for their breeding grounds up north. So now's the time to get out and enjoy them.