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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/01/2016 03Bi 2015 Yakima Valley Tourism Annual Report Presentation 10 I 444 141 no 00 , BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. B.i. For Meeting of: March 1, 2016 ITEM TITLE: 2015 Yakima Valley Tourism Annual Report presentation SUBMITTED BY: John Cooper, President & CEO, Yakima Valley Tourism SUMMARY EXPLANATION: ITEM BUDGETED: STRATEGIC PRIORITY: APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: Interim City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: BOARD /COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENTS: Description Upload Date Type D <airnirnp<all report 2/23/2016 �: pia it Memo D n pl pl pY 2/23/2016 �::A) A? r Memo D food tir' <a 11 2/23/2016 �: p ir' Memo D cull Wire 2/23/2016 �: pia it Memo Yakima Valley Tourism 4//t<1 " 10 North 8 Street J , Yakima, WA 98901 ,,, T: 509 - 575 -3010 YAKIMA F 509 - 575 -6252 i I � 800 221 - ityaki0751 A LL 1. I www ma.com 2015 Annual Report Presentation City of Yakima In addition to the items in the Annual Report, below are activities specific to Yakima. The Yakima Valley Tourism Convention and Sports Sales teams actively sell and book convention, sporting, and meeting facilities throughout Yakima including the Yakima Convention Center, State Fair Park, Kiwanis Park, Yakima area hotels, etc. 2015 2014 % of Change Future Convention & Sports Events Confirmed 586 564 4% Total Convention & Sports Leads 678 663 2% Lead Hotel Room Nights Generated 122,511 107,198 14% Significant conventions and groups we hosted in 2015: Estimated Attendance Economic Impact Overnight Day Overnight Day Evergreen Rural Water of WA 325 0 $160,875 $0 WA State Fire Training, Safety and Officers 140 10 $115,500 $1,850 Association of WA Cities 475 25 $195,938 $2,313 WA Association for Career and Technical Education 550 50 $272,250 $5,550 WA Association of Sewer and Water Districts 170 10 $84,150 $1,110 Horizon Distribution Inc. 300 300 $99,000 $22,200 WA Fire Mechanics 125 0 $82,500 $0 Road & Street Maintenance Supervisors Conference 280 0 $92,400 $0 DSHS Co- Occurring Disorders 600 50 $198,000 $3,700 American Public Works Assn. -WA Chapter 425 25 $210,375 $2,775 WA Service Corps 280 0 $92,400 $0 WA Farm Bureau 300 0 $148,500 $0 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of WA 480 20 $316,800 $2,960 Fraternal Order of the Eagles, WA State 625 25 $412,500 $3,700 WA Association for Pupil Transportation 325 25 $160,875 $2,775 Grand Chapter of WA Order of the Eastern Star 900 0 $594,000 $0 International Order of the Rainbow for Girls 700 0 $346,500 $0 WA State Multicultural Student Services 900 0 $297,000 $0 WA State Tree Fruit Association (formerly Hort) 600 800 $297,000 $88,800 WA Library Media Association 350 50 $115,500 $3,700 8,850 1,390 $4,292,063 $141,433 Significant conventions and groups we booked in 2015: Projected Estimated Attendance Economic Impact Overnight Day Overnight Day Basic Education for Adults -2016 275 65 $136,125 $7,215 DSHS Co- Occurring Disorders -2016 600 50 $198,000 $3,700 WA State Coalition Against Domestic Violence -2017 300 80 $148,500 $8,880 WA State Council of Fire Fighters -2017 350 50 $173,250 $5,550 DSHS Prevention Summit -2016 675 25 $222,750 $1,850 WA Music Educators Assn. -2018 3,600 400 $1,782,000 $44,400 Intl Order of the Rainbow for Girls -2016 700 0 $346,500 $0 Intl Order of the Rainbow for Girls -2017 700 0 $346,500 $0 Fraternal Order of the Eagles, WA State -2019 625 25 $412,500 $3,700 Fraternal Order of the Eagles, WA State -2020 625 25 $412,500 $3,700 WA State PTA 800 400 $264,000 $29,600 WA State Tree Fruit Association (formerly Hort) -2018 600 800 $297,000 $88,800 WA State Multicultural Student Services -2018 900 0 $297,000 $0 WA State Multicultural Student Services -2019 900 0 $297,000 $0 WA State Multicultural Student Services -2020 900 0 $297,000 $0 WA State Multicultural Student Services -2021 900 0 $297,000 $0 WA State Multicultural Student Services -2022 900 0 $297,000 $0 WA State Multicultural Student Services -2023 900 0 $297,000 $0 PNW Conf. of the United Church of Christ -2018 300 50 $99,000 $3,700 Maintenance & Operation Administrators -2017 175 25 $86,625 $2,775 Maintenance & Operation Administrators -2018 175 25 $86,625 $2,775 Assn. of WA Cities -2018 475 25 $195,938 $2,313 VFW Mid - Winter Conference -2020 280 20 $92,400 $1,480 VFW Mid - Winter Conference -2021 280 20 $92,400 $1,480 VFW Mid - Winter Conference -2022 280 20 $92,400 $1,480 17,215 2,105 $7,267,013 $213,398 Athletes and event organizers throughout the Pacific Northwest appreciate the Yakima Valley for its outstanding sports venues, convenient location, supportive community and terrific weather. In 2015, the Yakima Valley Sports Commission helped secure the following future events, most of which will be held in Yakima: • 2016 WASA Fall Council Convention • 2016 NWACC Women's Fastpitch Spring Crossover Tournament • 2016 16U NB WASA State Girls' Fastpitch Championships • 2016, 2017 and 2018 Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 1A and 2A Basketball Championships • 2016, 2017 and 2018 WIAA Dance and Drill Championships • 2016, 2017 and 2018 WIAA 1B, 2B and 2A Softball Championships • 2016, 2017 and 2018 WIAA 1A and 2A Baseball Championships • 2016, 2017 and 2018 WIAA 1B, 2B and 1A Tennis Championships • 2016, 2017 and 2018 WIAA 1B, 2B and 1A State Volleyball Championships Some of the events the Yakima Valley Sports Commission is currently working to secure include: • NWAACC Women's Fastpitch Spring Crossover Tournament 2016 -17 school year and beyond • NWAACC Women's Fastpitch Championships 2016 -17 school year and beyond • WIAA 1A and 2A Basketball Championships 2018 -19 school year and beyond • WIAA Dance & Drill Championships 2018 -19 school year and beyond • WIAA 1B, 2B and 2A Softball Championships 2018 -19 school year and beyond • WIAA 1A and 2A Baseball Championships 2018 -19 school year and beyond • WIAA 1B, 2B and 1A Volleyball Championships 2018 -19 school year and beyond • WIAA 1B, 2B and 1A Tennis Championships 2018 -19 school year and beyond • Great Northwest Athletic Conference (home to Central Washington University) Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships 2016 -17 school year and beyond • WASA Fall Council Convention 2017 and beyond • Washington Official's Association Annual Convention 2017 and beyond The Sports Commission is actively involved with the Sozo Sports Complex and has already been marketing the facility to event organizers. As the complex develops, the marketing efforts will increase in the hopes of bringing several state and regional events to the City of Yakima. Destination Marketing: • Destination advertisements were placed in key regional magazines, including: Washington Tasting Room, NW Travel, 425 Magazine, SIP Northwest, Food & Travel, and Touring & Tasting. • Maintained a large presence with state - focused guides: WA Wine Commission Wine Tour Guide, WA State Travel Planner (State Tourism Visitor's Guide) and Scenic WA. • Worked with the Washington Wine Country (WWC) Alliance to broaden tourism exposure to the regional wine industry. Promoted WWC website, Taste & Tote campaign, Facebook and Twitter accounts. • Increased social media interactions through strategic content posts, partner content shares, and targeted advertising. • Grew the VisitYakima.com event calendar to rank #1 in the community on Google search. • Continued the success of our seasonal and topic- focused micro - websites. 2015 2014 % of Change Website (visityakima.com) - Sessions 336,025 343,047 -2% - Users 254,398 249,015 2% - Pageviews 1,238,323 877,075 41% - Pages /Session 3.7 2.3 44% Social Media ( @yakimavalley, @winedoggies, FB) - Impressions 28,978,000 13,955,100 100% - Incoming Messages 21,132 18,109 17% - Sent Messages 3,090 2,669 16% - New Twitter Followers 2,053 1,173 75% - New Facebook Fans 4,956 4,068 22% - New Instagram Followers 2,565 0 100% Media & Trade Relations: Yakima Valley Tourism coordinated a familiarization tour with Craft Beverage Yakima, bringing four travel writers to Yakima. We also organized a fall harvest media tour, taking writers to events and attractions including the Central Washington State Fair and Fresh Hop Ale Festival. Public Relations Campaign — Presented the following to Yakima based assets travel and lifestyle media: • Yakima Convention Center • Yakima hotel updates • Yakima festivals and events — for example: o Cinco de Mayo Cultural Festival o Yakima Folklife Festival o Downtown Summer Nights o Holiday Light Parade o Etc. • Yakima restaurants • Yakima wineries • Downtown Yakima • Yakima Historic District • State Fair Park • Yakima Valley Museum • The Capitol Theatre • Seasons Performance Hall • Yakima Farmer's Market • Yakima Valley Trolleys Yakima Marketing Samples FEATURED COMMUNITY PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE n MEETINGS SPORTS TRAVEL MAPS MEDIA ROOM BUSINESS CONTACT US HOME ,C) SEARCH 10 YakimaValley Q it u YAKIMA Page Nolifcamrts Insight Publshing Tools Set — VALLEY WI WIIi WHAT AREA CRAFT BEVERAGES HOWTO TO EAT EVENTS WINE COUNTRY EXPLORE TO DO C TO STAY �t�� I n' the _ ,{ ;r �ffif'! I glib e N V , ... r � DOWN YAKIMA` ` '�' 1� ,, i Featured Community VALLEY AKIMA VALLEY i + • FEATURED COMMUNITIES DOWNTOWN YAKIMA sUNNY5IDE TOPPENISM UNION GAP P . '' -• • �- W . I "����' skims Valley YAKIMA l ourist InfDI mar on 151=11 =NI 0 VALLEY ` "I' a ' , • Tlmelir About Probst Davnbvm Yakima More • �� 2 's - a--1 YAK IMA n m .` ^ ° _ ' VALLEY ��d - + If you have t been here in awhile, we think vout be please ty surpri ed. Wit sunny sky above MAI be sertan to I f •. 111 • enjoy sometime - Va.., newly revitalized downtown. Ado. the way. Val discover w a lasting oms anal r � lllllllllllllll th esno es rang fete coffee shops. s c u an appetite tot steaks n some m downtowns one of a kind ‘ dnn opportuZs rargitg from locally ..O .W fresh cu'l,ne. to the best steaks and pasta dishes you find 'n the 1a14na Valev Best of all, you can savor the taste of local mirrobrews and wiles with your meals in casual and M1m • atmospheres. D owntown Yakima Downtown Yakima also the destnetnn for live music of any genre. The tee, ry .playshostto 'DOWNTOWNI musicals. while the Seasons Performance Hal n the hot venue for nat atjas and blues. R ca . Me maraderie Discover Wine Tasting Rooms, Small Boutique Shops, Art of friends whist lisr .gt stoat bos performances at the wine taste and rests t. Things are. the Galleries, Fine Coffee Shops and Live Music. move in Downtown Yakima. came experience l! 1 If you havens been here in awhile, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Wrth a sunny 111(IM l sky above, you'll be certain to enjoy some time iY kmas newly revitalized downtown Along the way, you'll discover wine tasting rooms, small boutique shops, art galleries � ,,rn r II,,,,..771��n, , — and fine coffee shops. Bring an appetite to indulge in some of downtown's one of a 1885 711 S'eadend Mudiee 4IaP kind dining opportunities ranging from locally inspired fresh cuisine, n to the best steaks The Sea M Hall se addition t me local ced rg arts and pasta d you'll find in the Yakima Valley. Best of all you can savor the taste of uene in downtown Yakima. The former church was bud usng 17th local microbrews and wines with your meals in casual and fun atmospheres. tent, bean =manual oesions its stabled glass and n hgh arching jest 4g provide h perfect D for e Ounpa AeleC t s[ f U edule f0 quality lac and Downtown Yaklmals also the tlestinatonfor fve music of any genre The legendary Capitol Theatre plays host to �• ccla ial performances are a perfect compliment to your visa to the _a't, �i �� 3 musical, while the Seasons Performance Hall is the hot venue for national jazz and blues. Revere in the camaraderie of friends whilst listening to small combos' performances at the wine tasting rooms and restaurants. Things are on the i V. move in Downtown Yakima, come experience Itl The adventurous rtutslc enthusiast can stay up late and dance all night { at the Yakima Sports Center. SHARE THIS PAGE 3 Play Vide' D e "" ' ° Facebook - N(Jf9PU ,raw more Yakima V tl 0 _ vakima o the Cr° of arm has gone through many changes over the l last Vail �_ ''� Attie v a Wye . Ms area of ' k' known Me On North Yakima © N honal Historic Dane remains today much as hwas long ago. p er - .. 5 Downtown Ya waling f d ry by adventurous b. The recent renovations _ Mg" - V!:as(/ nd ieg e m l wR of the po m ce Men. xl what N n .• y. - Northern Pack R h d, haying bee d ied R request f ices • E� ,..iF k il. - n hats M Rig f Union Gap. Washington. 9 ; land 1 � Wm glide For You y vedt this bringing both early teaC�u V b businesses , uildings from • j • AP ' IV Lk SKr, Run/Walt. and Meh original bction and created M new town f t' a. . kleath Far, pod . t ., Vadfic NOHMwa University of Health T Take t of I ack25 rid k'rystp wk dh a n the boardwalk stroll �slocat•d'2 ulheh siced.' a r II Ii ; r l• a 1 ' s«we: Run w Your use sx a:et for _... ..- .. ...•. p' Apra tan. Events in Downtown y Yakima -� Tr �' s I f1 r lE. 4th Street Theatre .y — - - l A , . . - ..4 - ~' Features: Manic Thunder 111- _ - #' { ' . Com Improv ` Location: Downtown Yakima _ • 4 .. '" yn2T- LEARN MORE • t/,.- TREK�' . �a:;- Y to ! Th L ti Thlet at The Capitol TI1 tre • Location: Downtown Yakima R e udare Pad • ilex Yakima nail k Trek Yakima LEARN MORE Trek Yakima is mobile -ready website created by me City of Yakima to assist you in finding all of the wonderful trails around the Yakima area It shows you nearby trails and allows you to search for and save your favorite Yakima Rails. www.trekyaklma.com Stems Wine S hop Tasting • Event with Umnielina . Locaton: Downtown Yakima LEARN MORE 2/21U2016- 2aDI 16 Corks and Canvas at Kana 11111111E111 WIn.n Second Street Grill '�, WE,RE so _._ :,..,.,v _, ,,, .....„ Hoppx....' pi \. ' and Winey . and Cidery : . 4rsoe .. __ and Spirity 4 winT and Hungry) r g Y) • ,r e fi � �'� +4 p r oti , trit, „ ‘ ° usillio's Pizza & Gelato ____A,i/ . . ' , „01 , 0-0 ! ,, _...., -. ' I / Chef I'Pf I9choa ' `� 5 No tippta ��` Lounge, itc �F.a ,.- . 0 • IRI ■ t is 4 D * ear • • ,.un �. . . , c11 Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Icehouse Bar ■*140/1111, Pair your favorite Yakima Valley grown craft beverage with Downtown Yakima's famous happy hours. YAKIMA PLAN YOUR YAKIMA HAPPY HOUR GETAWAY VALLEY 1.800.221.0751 • VisitYakima.com • f visityakima • tr @yakimavalley • ru yakimavalley Fly Alaska Airlines from Yakima and check your first case of wine free! TasteAndTote.com SPECIAL - CULINARY TOUR OF ANTIGUA & BARBUDA 1 , TE o d&-1-1, ... '' Z 0 1 ii S I . 8GREA F r SPRING HIDDEN GEMS . i f ! GETAwAy - v Mus _,,, BEACHES r BAYS &COVES .r= ot. • . A" - ; W . L ' ',,,r„,. - . x . ' -41 _ Ns _;., , , iii. 4.,.. . , ' ? !;%:zi-N, �� •rep ... _ SPRING 2015 54.99 5 1> . 1 111 1 1 FARM-TO-TABLE FRESH ❑ 71486 01665 6 ISLAND RETREATS � D ISPLAY UNTI MAY 25TH. 1 5 W W4V.f OODAN 4 FM-TO -TABLE FRESH 1 .,,,, ----%.. ,.. , i t ,, r - am. ' \ . 4111111111114 • H v - • • V -- • •-• ..: tr i m 1;4 it - j 's 1 r f ' - faered hands J4 di ) r 'wcasing the his hard work. In addition to a thriving farm -to -table culture, he bountiful Yakima Valley in eastern Washington is a sunny region rich with orchards, farms, sunny skies and breathtaking country make _ _ vineyards, and hop fields where it's easy to eat this valley of Am 5 oldest and largest local. More than 40 commercial crops are grown in the y one D1 g Yakima Valley, which enjoys sunshine 300 days a year. w grow reg produc more than Many restaurant owners take advantage of the farm all Washington fresh produce that's within reach almost year- round, one - third of all wine. Chefs prepare flavorful dishes using key ingredients such as asparagus, apples, potatoes, apricot„ green beans, blueberries, corn, nectarines and squash, all hand - picked • F'•'` �, r � from a nearby farm. • k • The valley's distinctive eateries offer al fresco dining . Ir • under the sun and stars, and incorporate fresh local ile 'r ingredients in their dishes or feature Yakima Valley wines ` % lilk. on their menus. You'll find a world of good taste in the l `�, - + _ region, including cuisine influenced by Italy, Mexico, 1 �� , • France and Asia, plus great food at numerous diners. • IF ir ' �� 1 In Downtown Yakima visitors can take pleasure after • L.� - their meal by watching a musical inside the Historic `' Capitol Theatre or a classical music concert played 1 ' by the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. The Seasons r Performance Hall features live bands, salsa dancing, f ABOVE; Shopping and other events. Local artwork is showcased in various downtown at the Yakima �, store front windows along Yakima Avenue, adding its Fanners' Markel cultural touch to the area, while also entertaining those I. RIGHT; Chef Miguel who pass by. Artistic enthusiasts can find more artwork Ch:hoa proudly showing off on display for viewing at the Larson Gallery, the oldest his fresh creation. and largest gallery in Central Washington. Spring 2015 I Food & Travel 35 • R if. ' i iiii 'AR I -TABLE FR r f ;; ' 4 • ilitlit , :. , .4e r ; ."." . . • . ' • ..r-tt - , A . . 1- -1-,' ,- , , __... 0116... • ....,:, , ,_ ii s • 4- , . '1 140 r ' - - - ilk i-__..ire 4) ' i i t P i I i 1 1 1 321.111114 ' r , . 'y1 f � S F �" . . � ■ ith nearly 100 wineries, the Valley is • -' J '• 4, -'.� + e ' 'tr b est known as one of the largest wine ' YT{ .;' � ; , �� producing regions in the country. You'll * no i find friendly tasting rooms, premium boutique wineries, - picturesque vineyards, and charming inns, The Yakima Valley Appellation is the states oldest and largest wine - ABOVE: The Yakima Valley is home to a - growing region, cultivating more than 12,000 acres "U -pick" berry farm. , - . 4i ._ - _ of grapes and producing more than one -third of all ABOVE RIGHT: Blueberry Washt waft moan 3 0 different ing on types oine. f Th wine. e es A wineries side from cr offering re tastin , and peach pies are baked fresh, where the ,. _ , r most wineries participate in year -round events such fruit is grown at Johnson as Wine Crush, Red Wine & Chocolate, Spring Barrel Orchards. 4 Tasting, and Thanksgiving in Wine Country. If you are RIGHT: Grab authentic Y_ seeking an adventure, try a wine tour by horseback Mexican street food at during the day and end your night inside of a luxury one of many Yakima Valley / " 1 F ; 1 i f teepee on a working farm with extraordinary views of taquerias. the Yakima Valley landscape - BELOW:Imperial's .- +r...... --•— "i'" Garden is a produce ' ` . stand and "U - pick" farm. r %see rowing conditions throughout the area are eisrlOir ir = ideal, producing approximately 78% of the ‘i . s nation's hops for breweries along with world- renowned fruits for cideries and distilleries. Visiting these establishments is like taking a class in agriculture. If you want the full tasting experience, you are ,_,� encouraged to explore the Spirits & I-lops Trail. Start with an online visit to hffp//spiritawedfhopstrailcom/ l' You might say that in the Valley, the source of 0 - - - - your next meal is just a stone - fruit's throw away from 11 - a family -owned local farm or the Farmers' Market. 1 , 1 ', - '• ' " •' f Popular for their fresh and vibrantly colored tomatoes, .� �� • sweet onions, jalapenos and bell peppers, the Farmers' a ? - . 1 % . - F i r Market h as the secret ingredients needed for your next - ,��� batch of fresh salsa. For a taste of Mexican cuisine, R� A there are many taco trucks in the region. ; Whether it's enjoying fresh picked fruits & . , ^ ...s„,,, --- vegetables already prepared into a meal at a local .. - restaurant, or the experience of choosing your own r produce at a local U -Pick or the Farmer's Market, the ' Yakima Valley provides endless opportunities for any foodie who prefers a little "farm -to- fork" in their diet, ■v . �r For more information on the Yakima Valley wines, J A as well as locally crafted food products and produce ilk • visit www.yakimavalieytourism.com * 36 Food & Travel I Spring 2075 ., :Y rf , 3 4 . ,„, ,. , s, , , i, ‘,.... iv , t , b 41.1,.., , . ., i ti = � 'r`'^ ! . �. i ` 1� � .� � � � � ' � ■ �r� , i illt t k gy %; , -. 4114.... j :iiiiiiiil -- , . -- N ..‘ . ' r .-F, r - , � ,i: ' , t " `, ' � 1 I rf � Y H " . '] r. - �+ �` r j f 54 :4_ ..,_„;'.. y ..., 1 1 � i,•- F . b. 1 , .. ■ _ *Pi r f'., c ' ter s • •� „ ..• a J 2 � . �'� I �. y . ' • • ilf 'It :. . 4, dt & • t j• I ` .,�: ice AA +- '' � + .tip : r ,. - - , ( 1 r . \ \ 1 ' L c l l's ' . ,j - . f 1 ;• .': ' ;/;-•, 'a,' K y r ..,...4r , ,,... ;:,.... , . . to • ? v" :-t. ,, - • r ' ; '1.9 7'. _ YA i� ^ It ' e r I • � m , ..... 1 Y1 1 1t ' I: . o , ,..+_,,,, J-1-w orli'iii''''''" 2�,= --`.. v � 4 0 ` k s FARM FRESH FUN IN WINE COUNTRY Your visit to our farms and wineries are often met by the farmers and winemakers themselves for an authentic farm fresh experience. PLAN YOUR FARM FRESH GETAWAY YAKIMA VALLEY I .800.221.0751 • VisitFarmFreshFun.com Washington the best art, food, culture, travel v V Newsletter Cart Q Search Africa Asia Caribbean Central America Europe UK Middle East North America USA Pacific South America The 10 Best Restaurants in Yakima, be WA: Top Local Eats CJIt re • rn Located In the heart of Washington, Yakima Is a wonderful place from which to explore rl • 0 the area's numerous wineries. This fertile land Is rich In fruits, vegetables and other N I agricultural products - all of which serve as Inspiration for local chefs. Here Is a look at some of the tastiest eateries found In Yakima, Washington. _ ti View from tower of Congdon Castle in Yakima ! o Walter Smith /Fllckr 5 North Metropolitan Kitchen G Lounge Located in historic downtown, 5 North is a sophisticated yet relaxed eatery specializing in Pacific Northwest cuisine. Procuring the freshest Ingredients from local sources, the culinary team creates gourmet dishes sure to tantalize a wide range of taste buds. Diners can try favorites such as Iamb bolognese made with ground Iamb, fresh fettuccine and green beans, or the Serrano ham - wrapped chicken served with potato gnocchi, green beans and wild mushrooms. A variety of house cocktails, wines and beers are available, with live music completing the charming atmosphere. Antojitos Mexicanos Part of Yakima's culinary scene for several years, this colorful eatery is very popular with locals seeking home -style Mexican dishes bursting with flavor. Visitors will find ❑ host of options, from Mexican favorites to entrees featuring beef, chicken or seafood - plus at least six different salsas of varying degrees of spiciness. Enticing options include tacos filled with a choice of meat, which ranges from pork in a mild red sauce to grilled beef steak: the veggie burrito stuffed with rice, beans and several vegetables; and shrimp sauteed with garlic. Antojitos Mexicanos, 3512 Sum mltuie w Ave, Yakima, WA, USA 41509 248 2626 Barrel House Situated in a historic building brimming with charm, Barrel House is a casual, welcoming restaurant featuring New American cuisine. The menu offers everything from soups and salads to sandwich melts and wraps. Notable highlights include the Mulligatawny soup, which is a delightful combination of curry, chicken, apple and rice, and the wine maker melt, with a burger patty, gorgonzola, red wine relish, lettuce and tomato. Barrel House also has a great selection of wines and microbrews, with an emphasis on those from the local area. Barrel House, 22 N. 1st St Yakima, WA, USA. 4-1509 453 376g -f -1 -- ,-- I 1l�`Q 0 , - - ., •k _ _ : :, ,_ ,...-_ . . : _ :,..-.„.,...., ,.. ! 1 _ _ - I _‘, ii:. �� II _- -� • t S ' ii Capitol Theatre I c Steven Pavlov/WIklCommons Carousel Focusing on French cuisine, Carousel Is a beautiful, Intimate bistro located in an old building, complete with exposed brick walls. Placing an emphasis on ingredients from local sources, the menu changes with the seasons to reflect the freshest products available_ Guests will find French classics alongside other delectable entr6es, all of which will suit a wide range of tastes from omnivores to vegetarians. Dishes to note Include the coq au vin, chicken braised In a red -wine sauce and topped with mushrooms, and rabbit braised in a white wine -cream sauce. Between the cuisine and wonderful, friendly atmosphere, this Is one must -try culinary gem. Carousel, 25 N Front St #26, Yakima, WA, USA, ;1 509 248 6720 Essencia Artisan Bakery Essencla Artisan Bakery is a cozy bakery offering breakfast, lunch plus an array of baked goods, both sweet and savory. The baking team at Essencia's procures the best, seasonal ingredients from local purveyors, resulting in some tasty edibles that are sure to make mouths water Guests can enjoy an espresso alongside an almond or chocolate croissant, cinnamon rolls or assorted scones for breakfast As for lunch, they can choose between soups with mushroom bisque, or sandwiches, including ginger roast beef. Essencia Artisan Bakery, 4 N. 3rd St., Yakima, WA, USA, #1509 575 5570 Gasperetti's Restaurant G Bar Opened in 1966, Gasperetti's is a beloved, fine - dining eatery serving hungry guests delectable Italian cuisine_ Within a warm and inviting atmosphere, discerning diners can feast upon a host of dishes, made with the finest, locally sourced ingredients available. While there is an emphasis on meat and seafood dishes, vegetarian Items are available as well. Gourmet choices to note are house -made cr@pes stuffed with Dungeness crabmeat, baked and topped with tomato and b@chamel sauces, or the filet mignon pepper steak with a cabernet sauce accompanied by whipped potatoes and broccolini spears. An award - winning wine list is also available_ Gasperetti's Restaurant 9 Bar, 1031 N 1st St, Yakima, WA, USA, +1509 248 0528 Miner's Drive -In A Yakima Institution since 1948, the iconic Miner's Drive -In Is a must -try, fast - casual eatery for anyone visiting the area. Known for their huge, juicy burgers and thick milkshakes, the family - friendly restaurant uses local products and makes everything to order ensuring freshness. The menu is large with the most popular Item being the eponymous Miner burger, with one or two patties. However, there are several other burgers, including a bacon burger, sandwiches, hotdogs, seafood and several complementary side dishes, such as tater tots and fries. In addition to creamy milkshakes, there is an array of other sweet offerings, including floats, sundaes, cones and more. Miner's Drive -In, 2415 S 1st St, Yakima, WA USA "1509 457 8194 � I ! ZSf 1� 0� A11% I «- NM= mow— mo', � � _ • Amp- William O Douglas Federal Building le Steven Pavlov/WlkICommons Second Street Grill Established in 2008, Second Street Grill is a great gathering spot for people wanting to savor American cuisine. Tucked Inside a century -old building, the interior is contemporary yet casual, and features ❑ lively environment perfect for a night out with friends. The pork tenderloin with apple -bacon butter served with a choice of potato and seasonal vegetables is a tempting choice for meat lovers, while vegetarians might enjoy the pasta primavera - pasta paired with a variety of vegetables, sauteed in garlic and olive oil, and topped with parmesan and feta_ The full bar includes 24 taps and wines with an emphasis on those from the Pacific Northwest Second Street Gr111, 28 N 2nd St, Yakima WA, USA, +1509 483 1486 White House Cafe Located inside the White House Bed 8 Breakfast, the White House Cafe is a welcoming outfit serving breakfast and lunch every day. Within a light- filled quaint space, guests can savor breakfast delicacies, such as the breakfast delight, a scramble with ham and cheddar cheese, served with toast and fresh fruit Lunch choices include sandwiches - try the turkey cranberry - soups and salads. Specialty drinks, desserts and daily specials are also available at this lovely cafe. White House Cafe, 3602 Kern Rd Yakima, WA, USA. +1509 469 2644 Zesty Cucina Zesta Cucina is a friendly eatery specializing in mouthwatering Italian fare. Diners visiting this establishment will appreciate the relaxing environment, in addition to the cuisine. In order to highlight in- season produce, the culinary team creates a new menu each season, which also represents a different region of Italy, giving diners something new to try again and again. Delicious dishes include the fettuccine with parmesan cream; blackened ahl on a bed of coconut black forbidden' rice with a mustard -soy reduction and ginger and daikon sprouts; and chicken marsala with a marsala- mushroom sauce, garlic- whipped potatoes and wilted spinach. A family - friendly venue, Zesta Cuclna also offers a children's menu. Zesta Cucina, 5110 Tie ton Dr Yakima, WA USA, +1509 972 2000 Marcefina Mortin http: /Ithecul turetri p.com /north -am ericarusalwashi rgtordarti cles/the -l0- best - restaurants -i n -yaki m a -wa -top -I ocal- eats! ?utm_source =em ai I s&utm_m edi um =feat...