[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Congratulations! Your time has finally arrived. You are officially retired. You no longer need to set your alarm for 4:00 am to make it out to the Hanford Site or to the office on time, nor do you have a need to iron your clothes for work tomorrow. You no longer need to worry about your next work project or deadline. You no longer need to deal with exasperating employees or bosses. It is now time to focus on you and what YOU want to do every day for the rest of your life.
Your Retirement Plan Has Worked. Now What?
Now that you have reached this amazing goal and are able to enjoy all life’s freedoms without time constraints, how exactly do you want to spend your time? What activities do you want to do to fill each day? Work life kept you well-rounded; you were mentally, physically, and socially active every day. Now that you are no longer working, how do you plan to maintain your sense of well-being?
How To Make The Most Of Your Retirement in Tri-Cities, WA
Staying active physically and socially will inevitably be key factors in this next chapter of your life. Sure, you can get up and watch the news and maybe do a few crosswords each day, but what about the bigger picture? What are your plans for this weekend, next week, or next month? Making plans for fun, physical, educational, social, or cultural excursions are just some of the vital things you can do to contribute to your overall health and happiness during your retired years. These do not have to be expensive, extravagant vacations or activities when we have a plethora of things to do and places to visit right here in Eastern, WA.
The Post-Retirement Travel & Recreation Guide in the Tri-Cities, WA Area
To plan a fun day trip or weekend getaway, consider Yakima, WA or Spokane, WA. These two cities vary in size and population and have unique characteristics as well as unique activities and places to enjoy and discover. These towns will afford you the opportunity to travel within your own state while having a great time and without the risk of exceeding your monthly budget (that you now need to be aware of). Below is a brief visitor’s guide we have created to help you plan your first “Statecation”![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Yakima, WA “The Palm Springs of Washington”
Outdoor Activities
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Cowiche Canyon Trail
Stretch your legs and stop to smell the flowers on the Cowiche Canyon Trail, a scenic 5.2 mile walk with river views and little changes in elevation. It is a beautiful hike on a nice spring or summer day for any skill level. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cowiche-canyon[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5126″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Do you enjoy gardening and all things nature? The Arboretum & Botanical Garden provides stunning displays of horticulture, with over 1000 different varieties of flowers and plants as well as 46 acres for you to roam and enjoy. https://www.ahtrees.org/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5127″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Boulder Cave Trail
A day of adventure awaits you at Boulder Cave trail. This cave was formed over 10 million years ago from lava flow and different sediments. The cave is home to the Pacific Western big-eared bat, so please be quiet while in the cave! The 1.5 mile trail is accessible for all skill levels and features a waterfall. In addition, plan ahead to bring a lunch as there are many different picnic areas to enjoy. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=58133[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Museums & Galleries
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McAllister Museum of Aviation
Have a love for flying? Visit the McCallister Museum of Aviation to learn about Charlie McAllister, an early 1900’s pilot with ties to Orville Wright. Take photos and learn about the historical pieces of aircraft located at the facility. https://mcallistermuseum.org/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5129″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Larson Galllery
Give your eyes a visual treat at the Larson Gallery. Let your inner Van Gogh wander through the assorted exhibits which feature different artistic medias from varying artists. https://larsongallery.org/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5127″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Boulder Cave Trail
A day of adventure awaits you at Boulder Cave trail. This cave was formed over 10 million years ago from lava flow and different sediments. The cave is home to the Pacific Western big-eared bat, so please be quiet while in the cave! The 1.5 mile trail is accessible for all skill levels and features a waterfall. In addition, plan ahead to bring a lunch as there are many different picnic areas to enjoy. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=58133[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Museums & Galleries
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McAllister Museum of Aviation
Have a love for flying? Visit the McCallister Museum of Aviation to learn about Charlie McAllister, an early 1900’s pilot with ties to Orville Wright. Take photos and learn about the historical pieces of aircraft located at the facility. https://mcallistermuseum.org/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Lodging in Yakima
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The Birchfield Manor Inn and Restaurant
Not quite ready to rush home? Book an overnight stay at the clean and cozy Birchfield Manor Inn and Restaurant. Treat yourself to a dip in the pool followed by a delicious meal delivered right to your room! https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/birchfield-manor-inn-and-restaurant.html[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Leisure Activities in Yakima
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Apple Tree Golf Course
Looking for a new place to golf? This premier golf course features the world-famous Apple Island Green, as well as several other water features and an outdoor dining and lounge area. You know what they say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”! http://www.appletreeresort.com/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5131″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Apple Tree Golf Course
Looking for a new place to golf? This premier golf course features the world-famous Apple Island Green, as well as several other water features and an outdoor dining and lounge area. You know what they say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”! http://www.appletreeresort.com/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Museums & Galleries
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Miner’s
If you want one of the biggest and juiciest burgers or the best milkshakes in town, you will have to visit Miner’s. A popular landmark in Yakima since 1948 where “The food is not precooked, but worth the wait.” While there, you will have to make sure to order their signature “Big Miner Burger” to have the full beef experience you may be craving.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5134″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Los Hernandez Tamales
Do you consider yourself a “foodie”? If so, then this will be worth the short drive right outside Yakima in Union Gap, WA. Open since 1990, this family owned and operated “tamales only” restaurant features savory and unique tamales which garnered them a James Beard award in 2018. Spice up your day with this visit! http://www.loshernandeztamales.com/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Spokane, WA “The Lilac City”
Outdoor Activities
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Riverfront Park
There is no limit to the fun activities you can find at Riverfront Park. Take a skyride, listen to live music, or chow down at one of the food trucks. Depending on what day you go, there is no telling what exciting events you may stumble upon! https://my.spokanecity.org/riverfrontspokane/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5136″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Mica Moon Zip Tours
Is zip-lining on your bucket list? There is no better time than the present! Pick which tour you would like to take and start zipping over the trees. While cruising through the air, enjoy views of beautiful mountain streams, as well as a historic area where “moonshining” used to take place during prohibition. https://micamoon.com/tours/zip-tour/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5137″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Wiley E Waters Whitewater Rafting
Let the adrenaline kick in and the water splash you in the face! This whitewater rafting activity is for the kid at heart who still loves a little adventure! You will be guided down two Class III rapids known as the “Bowl & Pitcher,” as well as the “Devil’s Toenail” during a day you are sure to remember! https://riverrafting.net/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Museums & Gallleries
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Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Spend your day amongst a myriad of interesting and exciting art pieces, many of which have historical significance. Make sure to check out their website for updates as exhibits and collections do change. https://www.northwestmuseum.org/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5138″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Spokane Symphony
Does music move you? Let your heart and soul sing while enjoying this incredible 70-piece orchestra that performs 65 concerts each year at this gorgeous concert hall. https://www.spokanesymphony.org/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5140″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Blue Door Theatre
Is your funny bone itching? Do you need a good belly laugh? Blue Door theatre offers improv comedy performances that are sure to get you giggling. If you are feeling courageous, sign up for one of their classes and become a comedian yourself! www.bluedoortheatre.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Spokane Lodging
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The Historic Davenport
If you want to spend the night in Spokane, the place to stay is the historic Davenport hotel. With an onsite salon and spa, fabulous downtown location, and world class dining accommodations, this hotel has everything you need and more. More Info[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5142″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Montvale Hotel
This hotel, built in 1899 and constructed with brick, is within walking distance to the downtown area. The lobby and rooms all feature a quaint and cozy décor style that is sure to make you feel right at home. All the creature comforts, including wifi, are included and the hotel even offers free bike rentals if you would prefer to see the city from two wheels. https://montvalespokane.com/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Leisure Activities in Spokane
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Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park
Do you want to be the first one to hit the fresh powder when someone says it is starting to snow? If you do, grab your boots and skis and head just a few miles outside of Spokane to Mount Spokane for a day (or two) of skiing and snowboarding fun! www.mtspokane.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5144″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Two Women Vintage Goods
Do you enjoy taking your time to find hidden treasures? Spokane is home to many unique vintage shops where you can find just about anything you are looking for. To start your vintage shopping journey, visit the brick and mortar store, Two Women Vintage Goods http://www.twowomenvintagegoods.com/ and then work your way around town![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Spokane Bites
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Wild Sage Bistro
Tantalize your taste buds with a dinner from their locally sourced delectable menu and then pair it with one of their signature spirited beverages. The flavors and atmosphere here will leave you wanting more. http://www.wildsagebistro.com/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5146″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]
Mizuna Restaurant & Wine Bar
Located downtown, this gem of a restaurant also delivers locally sourced delicious dishes and can cater to those on vegan or vegetarian diets. It boasts a cozy atmosphere with exposed brick walls that will put you at ease and has an extensive list of wines that will force you to choose between a vibrant white or a full bodied red to go with whatever meal you choose. https://www.mizuna.com/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
