Happy weekend, Walla Walla! In today’s happening-today edition: Award-winning Riesling, a new road extension, and plants for paws + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Walla Walla protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Another win for Washington: Echolands Winery in Walla Walla AVA earned a Platinum 97-point score at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, its second straight year. The 2024 Riesling was Washington’s only white honoree -- read the full story.
New corridor takes shape: Walla Walla opened the Myra Road South Extension this week, extending from SR 125 to improve traffic, speed emergency response, and support new jobs and housing as growth moves south -- see the new road extension.
New rescue capability: Walla Walla Fire Department received a $21,156 Wildhorse Foundation grant for a UTV to reach patients in the Blue Mountains and support wildfire responses, operational late summer or fall 2026 -- check the rescue grant details.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Easy nature win: Skip the drive to the Blues, Mill Creek and Bennington Lake Recreation Area is your in-town fix for trails, calm water, and a little wildlife-watching. Toss a line for rainbow trout, take a paddle or a walk, then borrow a life jacket from the loaner station and call it a day.
Dinner plans, solved: Salted Mill brings New American comfort with a seasonal, locally sourced menu and a full-service bar in the historic Whitehouse Crawford Building. Add it to your rotation when you want polished plates, a solid cocktail, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes weeknights feel special.
Quick range therapy: Sneak in a bucket at Veterans Memorial Golf Course, a local standby with Blue Mountains views that make shanks sting less. Perfect for a post-work reset or when you just wanna groove the swing without committing to 18.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🐾 BMHS Plants for Paws @ Land Title Plaza | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Need an excuse to bring home another plant? Plants for Paws turns your leafy habit into goodwill, with a one-day plant sale at Land Title Plaza on Main and First that benefits Blue Mountain Humane Society. Adopt a pothos, then feel smug, supportive, and greener.
🍷 Locals Day @ Browne Family Vineyards | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Got a Walla Walla address? Flash your local ID on the 20th of every month at Browne Family Vineyards for 50% off flights and wine by the glass, plus neighborly snacks, sips, games, and a few surprises. Quality time, not tourist lines.
🏴 Playmakers: Captain No Beard and the Stowaways @ The Little Theatre of Walla Walla | Saturday (6/20) at 5:00 PM – Summer calls for swashbuckling, so the Little Theatre of Walla Walla is launching Playmakers: Captain No Beard and the Stowaways, a new showcase for pint-size performers. Bring kids or grandkids, enjoy the AC, and brace for delightfully earnest swordplay. No sea legs required.
🎭 Shakespearean Dinner~ The Denouement @ Smoky Rose Cellars | Saturday (6/20) at 6:00 PM – Take a break from the grind and savor the final curtain call of this Shakespearean winemaker dinner, featuring four courses by Chef Penny Addison paired with SRC wines. Think sonnets between bites, syrah with soliloquies, and pairings locals will quietly brag about.
☕ LGBTea & Coffee: Walla Walla on June 21st @ Walla Walla County Democrats Office | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – LGBTea & Coffee is brewing a cozy Sunday meetup for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies, with complimentary tea from McGovern/Parsons Herb Co. Expect conversation, zero pretense, and a classic spot behind Book and Game, because the best plans are pastries, people, and a pot of tea.
👔 Father’s Day @ Level Up Walla Walla | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – Think Dad’s short game still has it? Level Up is doing Father’s Day with discounted mini putt for dads, drink specials, and free board games, plus a $4 kid craft that turns into two dad-themed keychains, while supplies last. Low effort, maximum bragging rights.
👤 Sam Black @ Fort Walla Walla Museum | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – Brush up on lore with a living history of Sam Black, the Hudson’s Bay Company man who ran Fort Nez Perce at the Walla Walla River from 1825 to 1830. Midlife career change? Try running a fur post, bartering for beaver pelts, and herding voyageurs. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Walla Walla report Weather forecastToday — High: 89°F — Low: 56°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 56. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 89°F — Low: 56°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 89. Later: Clear, with a low around 56. This house is wildAt 3,195 square feet, the Waterbrook delivers generous living with a roomy main floor, open kitchen with breakfast bar, pantry, nook, and mudroom, plus a bright family room for easy gathering. Upstairs, the oversized suite brings a soaking tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet. An RV bay and covered patio round out the extras.
Take a peek inside → |
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