Visiting or new to Tri-Cities, WA? Five must-do recommendations from long-time locals
Collectively, the Tri-City Herald staff has spent decades in the Tri-Cities, living and experiencing the region while actively reporting on its going-ons. You can imagine they’ve pinpointed their favorite spots in that time. We asked the staff for five must-do and must-see activities in Tri-Cities, based on that expert knowledge.
These staff members have known the places they like — and the places they don’t — in Tri-Cities for a long time. Now, they’ve decided to share their favorites. If you’re new to Tri-Cities, visiting, or just in the mood for something new, check out one of these options.
Richland’s Uptown Shopping Center
The most recommended option by far was the Uptown Shopping Center and some of the gems it contains. The historic strip mall on George Washington Way contains a multitude of businesses, from eateries to venues to niche shops.
The shopping center opened in 1949, one of the first car-focused shopping malls in the country, according to the National Parks Service. As Richland grew, so did the shopping center. Its current retro theme represents these beginnings.
Some local favorites in the shopping center include the Emerald of Siam, Lee’s Tahitian, Kagen Coffee and Crepes and the Uptown Antique Mall, but you can spend all day wandering in and out of shops.
The Tri-City Herald staff recommends walking the Gallery in the Alley. Between the main buildings that make up the shopping center are alleys, mostly used for deliveries and shortcuts. Local artists are painting murals on the back walls, with “original, edgy stuff by legit artists,” according to Wendy Culverwell, Herald business reporter.
Multiple staff members mentioned Adventures Underground and its offshoot, Caterpillar Cafe. Adventures Underground is an all-encompassing media shop, with comic books, vinyls, games and novels. There is truly something for everyone at Adventures Underground, and you can stay and hang out as long as it’s open.
It’s connected to the Caterpillar Cafe, which offers coffee and energy drinks, snacks and sandwiches and beer on tap. Stay a while and rent a board game with friends from the selection on the wall. If you time it right, there may just be live music or another event.
Editor-in-Chief Laurie Williams suggests the Octopus’ Garden, a quirky novelty shop just a few doors down from Some Bagels and Gelato.
“It features a humorous collection of eclectic gifts, cards, T-shirts and toys – from politically incorrect to whimsical,” Williams said.
Columbia River Waterfront
One of the most obvious perks of the Tri-Cities is its proximity to the Columbia River. Many businesses are situated with gorgeous views of the river just across the way. Some staff prefer Richland and some prefer Kennewick, some prefer walking and some prefer driving. But none can deny the beauty and significance of the Columbia.
Driving along the Kennewick waterfront will take you through Clover Island and the lighthouse, offering views of both the Cable and Blue bridges. You might even see some wildlife.
Or stop by the Columbia Point Dock, where the boat ramp is near the Richland Yacht Club. This marina is near several popular food options, like LU LU Craft Bar and Kitchen and Anthony’s at Columbia Point. There are several parks within walking distance, and the Columbia Point Golf Course is just a few streets away.
Continuing down the river, you’ll reach Triton Sail Park. The USS Triton is a submarine that followed Magellan’s route from underwater before retiring in Richland. Stop by the sail, use the space to walk or bike, or you can even poke around for a nearby secluded pond.
Summer’s Hub food truck mecca
Out of all the recommendations, Summer’s Hub is the newest attraction to be brought up multiple times. Only about a year old, the food truck mecca is a gathering place in Kennewick. It features more than 20 food trucks, indoor and outdoor seating and dining options, over two dozen taps and local wines.
Subject to change, the current options include:
Brady’s Brats and Burgers (the only non-truck option)
Angel Brook Farms Hard Ice Cream
Ann’s Best Creole and Soul Food
Bobablastic
C&C Coffee Co.
Burriam Bites
Churros Mia
Coba Fam LLC
Delicious Crepes and Waffles
El Punto Del Sabor
Golden Roll Sushi
Gray’s Wings and Things
KC’s Biscuits and BBQ
La Casita
TC SoDa Bomb
Tacos El Giro
The Corndog Company
Trejos Taco Factory
El Flaco
Foodies - On the Go
Kona Ice
Summer’s Hub often has live entertainment on weekends and will regularly hold fun events, like trivia nights, paint nights and bingo. Check their Facebook Page for updates.
Highlands Grange Park Demonstration Gardens
The Highlands Grange Park in Kennewick is a local hot spot with amenities and recreation galore. It features the Demonstration Garden, maintained by regional Master Gardeners, and was also recommended by multiple staff members.
The garden features 26 themed sections, with hundreds of plant species featured. It’s open to the public between dawn and dusk each day, free to observe. You can have pictures taken in the garden, and if it’s a special occasion, even rent the nearby Grange Building.
“More than 100 varieties of roses bloom to life in early June,” said Eric Rosane, Herald civic accountability reporter. “It’s the perfect spot for a sunset stroll, taking grad or wedding photos, or for hosting a picnic.”
Badger Mountain trails
Some say you aren’t a “real Tri-Citian” until you’ve hiked Badger Mountain. It features five different trails, with varying difficulties and permitted transportation methods. The highest point in the recreation area of nearly 600 acres reaches 1,579 feet elevation.
Whether you hike, bike or ride horseback, you’ll observe lots of regional plant life and views in all directions once you reach the top. Editor Laurie Williams says you can see three mountain peaks from here on clear days.
