Hotel at a Glance: Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center

A Walla Walla landmark since 1928, Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center was named the 2015 Hotel of the Year at the 13th Annual Washington State Wine Awards. That’s because—in addition to its famous hospitality—the hotel offers six tasting rooms where visitors can sample the wines of such local establishments as Mansion Creek Cellars and Flying Trout. Since the wine list at the hotel’s Vineyard Lounge is more than 20 pages long, it’s hard not to find the perfect glass of vino.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms and suites are elegantly appointed in rich colors and textures for maximum comfort.
• Wake-up call: Rooms have coffeemakers and a special blend of Walla Walla Roastery coffee made just for the hotel, and a complimentary hot breakfast is served daily in the dining room.
• Eat well at The Marc Restaurant, which was named 2014 Restaurant of the Year by the Washington Wine Commission. 
• Neat perk: Select options of this deal come with a daily $30 dining credit valid at the restaurant and the Vineyard Lounge.
• Hitch a ride: The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle.
• Stay in shape by working out in the hotel’s fitness center.
• Sample wine at one of the dozens of tasting rooms in the area, 20 of which are within walking distance.

Walla Walla, Washington: Wine and Art in One of the Best Small Towns in America

Calling Walla Walla one of the country’s best small towns isn’t hyperbole—USA Today named it that in 2011. Unsurprisingly, “the town so nice they named it twice” won out in the “friendliest” category. The best way to get to know such a welcoming place might be to head to Main Street. There, you can admire public artworks and pop into antique shops and restaurants. There are more than 130 wineries in the area, most of which have their own tasting rooms.

There’s sophisticated entertainment to match visitors’ sophisticated palates, too. The Walla Walla Symphony is the longest-running symphony west of the Mississippi, and the Gesa Power House Theatre, once a gas plant, is now the preferred venue of Shakespeare Walla Walla theater company.

Thanks to Walla Walla’s location near the Blue Mountains, there’s plenty for outdoor enthusiasts as well. Cycling trails, some as long as 50 miles, run throughout the town. In the winter, they can head to Ski Bluewood’s slopes, located a little more than an hour away from downtown.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.