City of Murals-Art Galley

In the Yakima Valley, the city of Toppenish is known as, "The City of Murals." Huge murals are painted on the sides of buildings depicting the diverse history of Toppenish, from its Native American roots, rodeos, and hops harvest to railroads. The original paintings, painted as proofs, chosen to become murals, are on display at the Toppenish Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. The original artwork was submitted for consideration for the "Mural in a Day, " a yearly event where a new mural is painted on the side of a Toppenish building. The 2009 Mural was painted on the back of the Toppenish Chamber building.

At this "Art Galley" you may buy souvenir postcards of the murals depicted on the buildings and more information on the history of Toppenish.

Location;

514 S. Elm Street Toppenish, WA 98948

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Yakima Valley Wineries Evolve into Entertainment Venues

Yakima Valley wineries and tasting rooms are evolving as they expand to entertainment destinations.

Downtown Yakima and Prosser's Vintners Village are on the leading edge of this new entertainment development. On any weekend in downtown Yakima you will find live music at Tim's Downtown and other tasting rooms. On the first Friday of every month Gilbert Cellars, Kana, Plaza Sociovole and Tim's, numerous local restaurants feature live music, from blues to rock bands, acoustic duos to jazz. These wineries each offer special menus such as gourmet pizza, appetizers, cheese flights or tapas. Tim's even sells a selection of local micro brews. Each of the tasting rooms are destinations to sip fine wine enjoy conversation with friends and listen to a varying selection of music. Fourteen of the downtown Yakima restaurants, Barrel House, Café Melange, The French Carousel, The Depot, Golden Wheel, Greystone, Libby’s, Santiago’s, 2nd St Grill, Sports Center, Russillo’s, Tequila’s, Great American Grill, and Tony’s Steakhouse, will wave the corkage fee for wine bought at the downtown wineries and brought to their resturants. they will honor same day purchases.
In Prosser's Vintners Village, a destination with a dozen tasting rooms in two blocks, you will find varying entertainment experiences a growing trend. These beautiful landscaped huge buildings, styled from modern, Tuscan inspired, to an airplane hanger, are offering food, live music, cinema nights and even a 5k run though the vineyards this fall. Airfield Estates 5K run through the beautiful estate vineyard, as well as the fun filled Annual Grape Stomp at the winery, on October 10. Airfield Estates is also known for its cinema nights which feature movies that include flying and plane themes. The Thanksgiving in Wine Country celebration, November 27-29 is one of the largest events in the Yakima Valley. The wineries from Yakima to Rattlesnake Hills to Red Mountain join together to offer food and wine pairings, live music and more.

Coming to visit the wineries of the Yakima Valley? Picking up your holiday wines and Christmas gifts? For an experience to remember, check the schedule of events and see what entertainment your favorite winery is offering to compliment great wine.

BMX Track-Bring your Bike!

If you have a BMX enthusiast in the family be sure to bring his/her bicycle along on your visit to the Yakima Valley. The track, located in the city of Union Gap is the official site of Yakima Valley BMX, "where no one sits on the bench." Group races are usually scheduled on Saturdays.

Set in the beautiful Ahtanum Youth Park, this 74-acre park was once a Department of Agriculture farm labor camp, where well established trees shade picnic areas.


As well as the BMX Track, there are opportunities to play soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and horseshoes. Other facilities are available to reserve for large group gatherings such as covered picnic shelters, two buildings, a 4-H Ropes Challenge Course and an outdoor arena for equestrian use. The park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until dusk. There is a small fee for parking.

Directions:

From Seattle
Take exit 110 to merge onto I-82 E/US-97 S toward Yakima 36.3 mi
Take exit 36 for Valley Mall Blvd -Union Gap 0.3 mi
Turn right at E Valley Mall Blvd (signs for Union Gap) 0.3 mi

Take the 2nd left onto 1st St/Main St
Continue to follow 1st St 0.2 mi
Continue on Main St 0.2 mi

Turn right at W Ahtanum Rd
Destination will be on the left 1.3 mi



Ahtanum Youth Activities Park
1000 Ahtanum Rd
Union Gap, WA 98903-1202

Prosser Balloon Rally - Sept 25-27, 2009

The Prosser Balloon Rally, a popular wine country event fills the sky with colors. Wineries join in the festivities with specials, winemakers onsite to answer questions and educate visitors. This is the Grape Crush season for wineries. A street fair of Yakima Valley fresh foods, arts and crafts entertains visitors while the balloons are traveling the valley. The night glow of the huge balloons is the spectacular highlight! Many activities to enjoy during the Balloon Rally.

Want to volunteer to crew a hot air balloon this year? Here is the information on how to crew a hot air balloon.


How to crew for a hot air balloon - More DIY How To Projects



The night glow taken in 2006.