Great Golf in the Heart of Washington Wine Country
Even with all of the uncertainties surrounding the future of the nation’s economy, people still want to travel. They just want to do it for less, while staying closer to home.
That is why the Tri-Cities-comprised of the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland in southeastern Washington-is fast becoming the getaway destination for travelers from all over the Pacific Northwest.
Why are people traveling to the Tri-Cities? Because reasonable drive times from locations such as Portland, Seattle, Spokane, and Boise; paired with affordable prices, make it an ideal destination for every type of traveler including wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, birders, and history buffs.
Golfers specifically will love the region simply because they have numerous play options. The area’s ten beautiful courses challenge enthusiasts of all levels.
In Kennewick, golfers have the opportunity to putt from the largest green in the Pacific Northwest, or play one of the “Northwest’s Dream 18 Holes” at Canyon Lakes Golf Course. Rated 4 ½ Stars by Golf Digest and tied for the “Top Rated Golf Course” in Washington State, Canyon Lakes offers GPS on every cart, driving range, full practice facility, 18-hole putting course, and restaurant. Northwest Travel Magazine also selected Canyon Lakes as one of the “18 of the Best in the Pacific Northwest.”
Or experience the Tri-Cities’ desert climate at Horn Rapids Golf Course in Richland. Known as the area’s target course, Horn Rapids is set amongst the sand and sagebrush and offers a gorgeous backdrop of the Yakima River with Rattlesnake Mountain off in the distance. Golfers will appreciate the full-service pro shop, deli, restaurant, 18-hole putting course, driving range, practice bunker, and three practice greens.
When you make your trip to the Tri-Cities, don’t forget to book a tee time at one of their other fine courses including Columbia Point, Sun Willows, Tri-City Country Club, and Pasco Golfland. Or if you are a country club member, be sure to use your reciprocal membership at Meadow Springs Country Club, the area’s only private country club.
If you are looking to book a getaway package, the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau has a package that is right for you! By logging on to http://www.golfwinecountry.com/, visitors can choose from fifteen golf getaway packages starting at just $159. Packages include one night of lodging and round of golf with cart for two. Participating hotels also offer additional amenities for their guests. For example, the Clover Island Inn offers guests a free continental breakfast, two adult beverages, riverfront dining at The Crow’s Nest Bar & Grill, free airport shuttle service, and they’ll even book your tee time for you!
Regardless of if you utilize one of the fantastic golf getaway packages, or venture out on your own golf getaway, you’ll learn that the Tri-Cities is an ideal destination for golfers wanting consistent, challenging courses which are playable year-round. And as we move into September, you’re sure to appreciate the pleasant weather that accompanies the season change. With temperatures hovering around the 80 degree mark and the fact that the average rainfall lingers somewhere around eight inches annually, the Tri-Cities golf scene is quite satisfying during the fall months and you’ll quickly see why golf is one of the Tri-Cities’ most popular sports.
After a day of golfing, it’s time to sit back and relax. With more than 160 wineries within an hour’s drive, the Tri-Cities is fast becoming the Heart of Washington Wine Country. And this is the perfect occasion to taste for yourself the reason why.
Tri-Cities wineries are still young enough to be intimate, yet experienced enough to produce world-class wines. Visitors will often be greeted by the winemaker or owner and are usually invited to tour the vineyards.
The perfect opportunity to meet the owners and tour the vineyards in the Tri-Cities is at Preston Premium Wines. Preston is the largest family-owned winery in Washington State and was also the state’s third licensed winery. Visitors can taste extraordinary wines while enjoying a spectacular view of the vineyards and beautiful Tri-Cities sunsets.
Lastly, when you make your break for the Tri-Cities, be sure to plan it around one of the region’s fun, fall festivals:
Fiery Foods Festival - September 12-13
Grapefest 2009 - September 12-13
23rd Annual Catch the Crush - September 26-27
Grillin’ & Chillin’ at Preston Premium Wines - September 26
For information on Golf Getaway Packages, wineries, and events, log on to the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau’s website, http://www.visittri-cities.com/, or call (800) 254-5824.
