The Tri-Cities area is a 3-1/2 hour drive east from Seattle. It is at the juncture of Interstate Highways 82, 182 and U.S. Highway 395. Horizon and Delta Airlines fly non-stop from Seattle, Portland and Salt Lake City. Shuttles to hotels are available, and car or limousine rental is not a problem. Ben Franklin Transit Authority operates a bus service connecting the short distances between towns, and traffic jams are not common.

The land is dry and desert-like with flourishing yucca and cactus on rolling hills. Then surprisingly, the terrain shimmers into verdant green, the result of dedicated pampering and irrigation of the many vineyards in the area. Washington State is the second largest producer of premium wines in the U.S.

From luxury suite to simple B & B, there’s a wide choice of accommodation. Whether a boat tour of the raging Columbia River suits your fancy, a game of golf, tennis, a hike on a nature trail or a fine meal and taste-testing the prize-winning vintages at a nearby winery – there’s plenty to entertain and surprise you in this area of Washington State. The towns are only a short drive apart.