It's that time of year again, New Year resolutions. From being more healthy to resolving to get in touch with old friends, Americans are good at making (and breaking) resolutions. A University of Scranton study in 2002 found that nearly 45% of Americans make New Year resolutions, and less than half of those are being kept by summer.
Last week I was reviewing online stories and blogs on 2010 travel resolutions. Not surprisingly there were many out there offering a range of ideas and advice. My favorite post was authored by blogger Katie Hammel on Gadling.
One thing she recommends is to get to know your own backyard. With that in mind, here are ten suggestions for enjoying Washington wine country and the Yakima Valley:
- Eat local. Try a new restaurant that serves local foods. Visit a fruit stand for fresh, locally grown produce.
- Take the long way home. Find some good local maps, get off the interstate and meander down a country lane.
- Try a new lodging option. Chain hotels are nice, but a resort, inn or bed and breakfast gives you greater exposure to the people and character of the destination.
- Visit a new winery. There are seventy wineries open to the public in the Yakima Valley, and another hundred or so in Eastern WA. Surely you have not visited them all!
- Head for the hills! There are some amazing hiking trails in the Naches Ranger District and, with proper planning, they make for a great excursion. Or take a stroll along the paved Yakima Greenway trail.
- Soak up the arts. Sure we're known for our wine and agricultural bounty, but there's a growing (pardon the pun) artistic community. From galleries to Broadway productions, the Yakima Valley has a range of artistic endeavors.
- Indulge yourself. Get a spa treatment at one of our local spas.
- Better yet, make it a girlfriends getaway with your favorite friends.
- Plan to take in a new festival or event.
- Tell your friends about our region or let us send them a Yakima Valley Visitors Guide. Be sure to sign up for email updates on what's happening in Washington wine country.
Here's wishing your travel resolutions take you to some great destinations and hope to see you in the Yakima Valley in 2010!
John Cooper
