A colleague and I decided to stay in a B&B on a recent trip to Whitman College. I came across Green Gables Inn through a Google search of B&Bs in Walla Walla. Green Gables was mentioned in a New York Times article. The current owner recently took over the Inn. She is young. Her energy and vision are evident in how she cares for details. The small touches set apart this historic Inn. My colleague and I were the only guests this past Sunday night/Monday morning. My suite (Idlewild) was huge and very comfortable. It has a fireplace and a private balcony with its own sitting area. My colleague stayed in a very comfortable room, as well, Dryad's Bubble. Monday morning's breakfast came in two stages: the continental was set up when I got up: juices, yogurt, pastries, coffee and tea, granola. The hot breakfast came out about 8:30: Citrus French Toast, Maple Sausage, fresh fruit. It was a great stay. This would be a great place to bring friends for a wine-country adventure.

Walla Walla has some notable restaurants. It's certainly up and coming as a wine region. The winter weather is much better than the Seattle. And, it's not as pricey as Napa.

I recommend this for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path holiday.