I SPY . . .

. . .paper wasps building a nest inside a bird feeder.

I LOVE ANYTHING RED

It's time to break out the new pair of gloves.

WALLA WALLA'S MARCHE AUX FLEURS

Paris may have its Marche aux Fleurs at Place Louis-Lepine, an outdoor market of flowers, potted plants and garden novelties, but Walla Walla has the local BiMart which sells flower and vegetable starts, perennials, shrubs and trees beginning in late March. Being a self-professed plant-aholic, this is my happy place. 

 PERENNIALS . . .

 AND ANNUALS . . .

AND TOMATOES, OH MY!

APRIL SHOWERS

 An ominous cloud.

One minute later down the road.

FILL 'ER UP

Burwood Brewery is a newcomer to the wine incubators, and is the only brewery among four other wineries. Unlike wine tasters who swirl, sip, and spit, the brewery customers at Burwood can drink a pinto or two on the premises and then fill a growler to take more of that brewed goodness home. 

For additional info, follow this link: http://www.burwoodbrewing.com/

DINING ALFRESCO WW STYLE

Rule Breakers or Trend Setters?

The season opener Food Truck Night was a smashing success. To escape the crowds, this threesome relocated a table to the adjacent wheat stubble field. Outdoor dining in Walla Walla couldn't get much more authentic than this.

This photo taken by a drone is courtesy of Wallaholics. 

(Notice the table just left of center in the foreground.)

I'LL MEET YOU AT THE CLOCK

A Local Landmark--the Falkenberg Clock

Serving the Walla Walla Valley since 1906, Falkenberg's Jewelers was founded by Kristian Falkenberg, "jeweler, silversmith, and optician" who emigrated from Norway in 1893. After settling in Walla Walla, he opened his first store at 42 East Main in the space that is now occupied by Macy's shoe department.

Six years later in 1912 after moving to the current location at 6 East Main Street, Mr. Falkenberg installed the unique American-made clock on the sidewalk outside his store and started the routine of winding it once a week. The clock still keeps time over 100 years later.

The reflection of the clock can be seen along with the French flag in the next-door window of Brasserie Four, an authentic French restaurant run by local owner and chef Hannah MacDonald.

WALLA WALLA BING BANG

Washington's Oldest Independent Record Store

Hot Poop is definitely a one-of-a-kind name for a one-of-a-kind music store located in downtown Walla Walla. If you grew up in the 60s or 70s, then you'll feel right at home. For more info, follow this link: http://www.hotpoop.com/

A QUINTESSENTIAL AMERICAN SMALL TOWN

This over-sized flag that flies in the center of downtown W2 is a fitting symbol for a town named by Fodor's as one of the 10 Best Small Towns in America in 2013.

Earlier in 2011, both Rand McNally and USA Today named Walla Walla as the Friendliest Small Town in America. For a list of other awards and recognitions follow this link: http://www.wallawallawa.gov/visitors/awardsandrecognition

FOOD TRUCK NIGHT WALLA WALLA STYLE

When I moved to Walla Walla 28 years ago, decent restaurants were few and far between. But with the proliferation of more than 100 wineries over the last 20+ years, Walla Walla has also developed a fanatic foodie following. Initiated three years ago with seven vendors in the tiny downtown parking lot of Bacon and Eggs, Food Truck Night has this season grown to more than 15 trucks at the wine incubators near the airport.

Walla Walla Wine Incubators is a collection of five, 1600 square foot buildings that house start-up boutique wineries. Many of Walla Walla's most successful wineries had their start in these incubators. Then last summer, a brewery joined the mix. Food, wine, and beer; what's not to like?