Travel
Sunny Spring & Summer Escapes to Tri-Cities | Sponsored
Fun is just a short drive away
By Visit Tri-Cities May 5, 2023
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2023 issue of Seattle magazine.
Located in southeast Washington state at the confluence of three rivers, the Tri-Cities has 300 sun-filled days a year, and its dry climate offers visitors a warm, sunny paradise from early spring all the way through late fall.
Made up of Richland, Kennewick and Pasco, the Tri-Cities is the third largest metropolitan area in Washington state after Seattle and Spokane, with a population of more than 300,000. Pasco is the “boomtown” of the three and is among the nation’s fastest-growing cities. The Tri-Cities is just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, making it perfect for a weekend getaway.
The Wine Lover
The Tri-Cities is known as the Heart of Washington Wine Country, and for good reason — there are more than 200 wineries within an hour’s drive as well as an established culinary scene, making it an attractive travel destination for any foodie or wine lover. Spring and summer are an especially exciting time to visit the wineries, as they offer many wine tasting events and experiences, often paired with food and live music.
The Sweethearts’ Escape
Springtime in the Tri-Cities is perfect for outdoor patio dining, where you can savor being immersed in wine country. There are few more blissful experiences than sitting on a shaded patio with your sweetheart, enjoying scenic views of the vineyards as you sample the latest vintages.
The Tri-Cities has a rich agricultural history, and you can enjoy an abundance of culinary delights, from casual farm-to-table to fine dining, paired with cocktails or a locally made craft beer. A hotel with a river view is a must — there’s no better way to enjoy a morning cup of coffee than sitting on the deck overlooking the water.
The Outdoor Adventurer
While much of Washington is still cool and drizzly in spring, the Tri-Cities is comfortably warm and dry as early as April, with an average high temperature of 74 degrees in May and 81 in June. Hiking, biking, and golfing have a longer season here than almost anywhere else in the state. Enjoy an early morning paddleboard or kayak on the river, and then go for a delicious brunch after you’ve worked up an appetite.
Follow Us
First Taiwan Tourism Center Opens in Seattle
The center is the country’s first in the United States
Taiwan has chosen Seattle for its first Taiwan Tourism Information Center in the United States. The effort is part of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s effort to expand its tourism presence across North America and deepen travel, cultural and business ties between Taiwan and the U.S. Seattle has had a sister city relationship with Kaohsiung, Taiwan,…
Gorge-ous Getaway
Luxury camping hits the Columbia River Gorge
High end camping, or glamping, has been popping up next to national parks for a while now — pretty canvas tents, real beds, bathrooms that don’t require braving the woods in the middle of the night. Now a major national brand has made it to Washington. Under Canvas, the Denver-based company known for luxury camps…
Heart of Glass: A Weekend in Tacoma
Looking for a quick getaway? The City of Destiny awaits.
Tacoma is our happy place. We have a few scattered across the state, but Tacoma is the closest, the easiest, and the most familiar. When we’re craving inspiration or a meal that knocks us sideways, when our wardrobe needs a jolt or we want to be stopped in our tracks by street art, we head…
As Smoke Fades, Hope Rises in L.A.
Why visiting Los Angeles after the wildfires matters more than ever
“In Los Angeles, it’s hard to tell if you’re dealing with the real true illusion or the false one.” — Eve Babitz Babitz was one of Los Angeles’ great muses, and her line rings especially true now in the wake of the wildfires that swept through parts of the region this winter. Los Angeles has…