7.26.11
Walla Walla named “Friendliest Small Town” by Rand McNally/USA Today
Rand McNalley/USA Today Best of the Road – Best Small Towns in America
Friendliest
Walla Walla, Wash.
Team that visited: Jason and Nikki Wynn ("Gone with the Wynns") of Dallas, who were the winning team
What made it stand out: This southeastern Washington community may be famous for its sweet onions and growing wine industry, but those aren't the only things that put a smile on the Wynns' lips. "You can ride your bike around the entire city in the morning, see kids at the BMX park in the afternoon and see a musical under the stars in the evening," they say. "It seemed everyone was involved and loved their city, from wine growers and politicians to cleanup crews. This is a happy town which made for friendly people."
Don't miss: "If you're here during the summer, go for a hot-air balloon ride" and visit one of the area's more than 100 wineries, the Wynns suggest.
Biggest surprise: The historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, which the Wynns say has "an amazing chef's table service with loads of local ingredients and micro-greens grown at the hotel."
More information: 877-998-4748 wallawalla.org