A slice, a glass, and a pint
It’s midweek in Walla Walla and I was on a quest to add something different to my lunch repertoire to spice up my Wednesday. I had heard there was a new addition to the Walla Walla Farmer’s Market held at Heritage Park every Wednesday so I decided to check it out.
Three years ago, when the Walla Walla Farmers Market was looking to add a day to its schedule, they experimented with several different days and locations. This year they were fortunate enough to set up at Heritage Park, which is located between Pete’s Ski Shop and Hidden Treasures.
Blayne and Bobby Barnhart are market veterans who have been involved with the Walla Walla Farmers Market since it’s induction back when there were only 6 vendors and it was only held on Saturdays. Jump ahead 11 years and the Walla Walla Farmers Market runs 3 days with over 70 vendors on Saturdays.
The midweek market has given some of the smaller vendors a chance to showcase their produce and crafts. The Wednesday market features different vendors then the weekend market and for the most part the Wednesday vendors only do the midweek market. They enjoy the smaller crowds and already are seeing some regulars.
For me it was a great chance to grab some dessert (a pint of local blueberries) to go with my slice of margherita pizza from Sweet Basil. To complete my local lunch theme I added a glass of Balboa Cat’s Meow. Sweet Basil offers many local labels either by the glass or they have these great little half bottles, perfect for two (or one really thirsty person!) Along with their every day pizza selections they offer daily specials. If you happen to hit it on a Thursday the Thai pizza is great. Who would have thought it – pizza with carrots but it is to die for!
The Wednesday Market runs from July 15 through September 16th. Sweet Basil is open Tuesday through Thursday 11-8, Friday and Saturday 11-9. Balboa Winery’s tasting room is located at 7 S. 4th and is open on the weekends for tasting.
If you feel like you want a little exercise after your slice, pint and glass walk a full block to Brights Candies on 11 E Main Street and have a hand dripped chocolate just to finish off the downtown Walla Walla experience.
