Yakima Washington Hotels
Yakima Washington Hotels |
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Yakima Hotels |
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| Southeast Washington, including Yakima and
Ellensburg, is its own melting pot, with strong influences from Mexican
and Native American cultures. Residents are farmers, nuclear scientists,
cowboys, college students, entrepreneurs, and good ol' boys. They enjoy
a slower, more casual pace than in urban areas. People look at you funny
if you carry an umbrella, and it's a rare restaurant that requires a
jacket and tie. Of course, each city has its bragging points. Ellensburg is famous for its lamb, chimpanzee linguistic research, and Labor Day rodeo; Yakima is known for outdoor activities, wineries, and fruit trees. In fact, the Yakima Valley has more fruit trees than any other county in the United States and is first in production of apples, mint, winter pears, and hops. Not surprisingly, the importance of agriculture overflows into area tourist attractions, including the American Hop Museum in Toppenish and the Central Washington Agricultural Museum in Union Gap. The Yakima Valley's agricultural industry has drawn migrant workers from Mexico, Texas, and California, resulting in a large Hispanic population and a culturally rich community. Over the years, many migrant families have settled in the area, bringing their native culture-and cuisine-with them. Be sure to visit a couple of Yakima's authentic Mexican restaurants to taste for yourself. At first glance Yakima seems a city of freeway exits and strip malls. A closer look, however, reveals places like the North Front Street Historical District, where a 22-car train now houses shops selling everything from women's clothing to stationery and children's toys, and restaurants. There's also the Yakima Valley Museum, which appeals to all ages with exhibits of pioneer equipment, a children's "underground" museum, a thorough display on Yakima native Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, and an old-fashioned soda fountain. The Greenway is a 10-mile-long path along the Yakima and Naches Rivers for bicyclists, walkers, runners, and in-line skaters. The paved path has nature trail offshoots that sometimes allow a view of bald eagles or blue herons. Spend any time outdoors here and you'll see that spaces are wide-open, the clouds-if there are any-are high above your head, and you feel like you can see a million miles in the clear, dry air. |