Hometown Tourist part 3
As our community continues to grow, new small businesses pop-up, relocate or rebrand. Let’s support our local businesses, whether that’s patronizing their establishments or telling others they exist — every little bit helps.
Here’s another roundup of awesome local joints that are either new or just new to me.
Vault 19 Bakery and Trading Post - aka - All Things Artisan has a new brick & mortar at 920 S. Main in Milton-Freewater!
They started as a small bakery based in Weston, OR.
You may remember them as a downtown Walla Walla farmer’s market vendor under the pavillion. Fresh baked goods plus all kinds of extras like freeze-dried fruits and snacks!
Stay a-round donuts and Fry Pies, who I shared about in the first edition of Hometown Tourist has expanded! They, too, started at the downtown farmer’s market and have opened a brick and mortar in MF.
Located in a charming old house at 311 S. Main Street (right where the road makes a hard left as if heading to Pendleton).
Their new location has more than fry pies and donuts, they also serve a very hearty biscuits and gravy. Plus a drive-thru!
The Bonfire - another food truck that added a permanent space - this time at 430 W. Main in Walla Walla.
They’re in the space formerly known as Fat Cats, and most recently, Dibs on Main.
Their tag line is Real Fire, Real Food
They feature scratch-made BBQ with house made sauces, low & slow cooked meats. We visited them shortly after they opened the location in January 2024 and the service was very friendly and very quick.
Wee Bit O’Heathers
As you’re heading into Milton-Freewater, on the west side of the road at 1141 N. Columbia, you’ll find this little gem.
No frills, tasty down home cooking. This is the ultimate local hang with fast service, hot coffee, and big portions.
Five Dollar Ranch Brewing - these brewers are basically in my back yard as I can see them from almost any spot on my farm.
Although my neighbor rides her horses over from her Stateline Road pasture, the rest of us enter from Beet Road. The craft beer scene in Walla Walla is getting robust but I gotta say, even if they’re newer-ish, they’re the best. Hands down!
The Soda Stop is a new, fun concept beverage joint in the plaza across from Walmart (1705 SE Meadowbrook, College Place).
I just learned about them and haven’t been by yet since it’s been so cold.
But I will be going there as soon as it warms up because 8-year old Elaine loved to blend her sodas back in the 80s!
The Barkery - a dog bakery?? SIGN ME UP. Or should I say, sign Dally up. She will be getting her next birthday cake from here in October. Baked from her home, Lucy makes all kinds of doggo safe confections. Find her on facebook.
Runway Market & Sparkling Wine Bar located 455 B Street at the Airport in Walla Walla
Another new place topping my list for a sunny day, is the Runway Market.
Offering everything from sparking wine tastings and even Cards of Humanity game nights, plus a little market full of must-have trinkets and treasures.
Locally Nourished housed at 245 E. Main in Dayton is 1000% worth the drive.
We went this past fall and it was my first time in Dayton in quite some time.
Walking their Main Street all I kept saying was WOW, DAYTON IS CUTE!
And Locally Nourished is the epicenter of cute. But also super delicious. Using local ingredients and high quality produce, everything on the menu is yummy. My personal fave — Hashbrown bowl!