Best of WWander: Shopping
In addition to being home to over 120 wineries, the Walla Walla Valley is home to a myriad of innovative local retailers and entrepreneurs. As you walk the streets of downtown Walla Walla, you will pass boutiques, specialty food stores, art galleries and more. All offering a unique way to commemorate time spent in the Valley.
As part of our Rewind WWander Walla Walla Valley Wine series, we’re taking a look back at the most recommended shops and stops from three years of winemaker curated itineraries. As the holidays approach, we encourage you to think local and support the treasured small businesses of the Walla Walla Valley.
Insider Tip: All 10 of these stores are located in the Downtown district. Our friends at the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation created a Gift Local Gift Line for the holiday season. To participate, all you have to do is:
- Call, text, or e-mail (509) 240-2898 or [email protected]
- Tell them about the person you are buying a gift for and your budget.
- They will share three gift ideas and where to find them at downtown businesses. You contact the business to buy directly from them.
- Need it gift wrapped? Need it delivered locally? They will take care of that too, for free!
1. Bright’s Candies
Bright’s Candies is a classic candy store, with a family tradition of candy making going back to 1934. This candy shop offers homemade chocolates, gourmet popcorn, classic sweets and much more. Whether you have a sweet tooth, or are shopping for someone who does, this is the perfect place to stock up on sugary goods. They also have a selection of gift items to go along with your sweets!
2. Trove Home & Vintage Goods
At Trove Home & Vintage Goods, new meets old. Julie, Trove’s proprietress, has a love of collecting and restoring vintage items that is on display in her shop. In addition to vintage gems, you can find new items as well! The selection ranges from gorgeous, restored furniture to jewelry, from souvenir items to classic home décor.
3. The Thief Fine Wine & Beer
The Thief Fine Wine & Beer is a local bottle shop offering selections from every corner of the world. After a day of tasting local wines, you can stop by The Thief for an international selection, or to pick up that bottle of Walla Walla Valley wine you regret not purchasing. They also offer an extensive selection of beers and ciders and expertly assembled bundles to choose from daily.
4. Book & Game
Book & Game is a locally owned, independent bookstore, and they have a wide selection of books and novelties. At Book & Game, if a book you are looking for isn’t in stock, they can often order it directly to the store for you – a great alternative from buying online. Get lots in the stacks or browse board games and puzzles for a little bit of fun.
5. Inland Octopus
The Inland Octopus is a notorious local toy store, with a great selection of toys and games for young ones. If you are out and about with kids, it is a great stop to let them watch toy trains run and browse all of the fun items they offer.
6. Sweetwater Paper & Home
This gift shop has a treasures galore. Kitchen essentials, trendy clothing, cute cards, handcrafted jewelry and so much more! You could spend all day browsing their gift shop, and you are sure to leave with something special.
7. Telander Gallery
Artist Todd Telander specializes in capturing the subtle beauty of nature in his paintings. His works include landscapes, still lifes and wildlife. Visit his gallery on Colville Street and take home a masterpiece of wine country beauty.
8. Studio Opal
Studio Opal is a trendy specialty boutique offering both women’s and men’s clothing. In this shop, you can find a range of clothing options, from designer pieces to outfit basics. They also sell shoes, accessories and much more, making it a one stop shop for restocking your closet.
9. Main Street Furniture Co.
This local furniture store offers new, custom and consignment furniture! Here, you can find one of kind pieces and beautiful furnishings ranging from lamps to beds. If you are from out of town, do not fret, they offer shipping to Seattle, Portland and Boise!
10. 35th & Butter
At 35th & Butter, there is something for everyone! It’s a great stop to shop for Walla Walla souvenirs ranging from wine tumblers to stickers, hats to tees for both guys and gals. They also have a great collection of upscale jewelry, home décor, and accessories.