With triple digit temperatures and warnings from multiple people about rattlesnakes when hiking, I decided to instead explore Yakima today.

My itinerary:  Yakima Valley Museum, Yakima Area Arboretum, Kana Winery, downtown Yakima, and Bale Breaker Brewery.

Yakima Valley Museum

Yakima Valley Museum, located next to Franklin Park and a public pool, contains many displays.  Most enlightening: the exhibit highlighting Supreme Court Justice William Douglas from Yakima, best known for his “consistent and outspoken defense of civil liberties” and his personal life (four marriages).

Franklin Park

Yakima Valley Museum Quinceañera Special Exhibit

Yakima Valley Museum Shoe Self-timer Pic

Yakima Area Arboretum

The Yakima Area Arboretum is an urban green space and refuge on 46 acres of land cultivated as display gardens, tree collections, and natural areas.

Downtown Yakima

I’ve wandered around the downtowns of many cities and towns.  Most often, I’m surprised at the civic pride and public artwork.  Yakima, however, leaves a lot to be desired.  Although Kana Winery, owned by a now-retired ENT doctor, offers tasty wines, the rest of downtown disappointed me.

A nod to the Tree Top fruit company

Bale Breaker Brewing Company

Since Bale Breaker, a highly recommended brewery, focuses on hops-heavy beers, I asked the beertender for a flight of lighter beers.  Something I’ve learned from previously tasting flights of beer, I rate each taste and drink no more than half of what’s served.  It keeps it down to one beer rather than two!