Top 10 fun things to do in Pullman, WA and Moscow, ID

Number 10: Explore the Art of the WSU Campus
  Washington State has art around every corner. There are displays in the buildings and on the grounds. If you have time there is a cell phone tour that you can take. Basically you walk around campus and can listen to information on various pieces through your phone. Snazzy. In addition they also have an art museum! This summer they are featuring works from a local artist, who has painted a very popular mural down town. The museum is open most days of the week from 10-4 and changes exhibits frequently.

Number 9: Take in a Show
  The local civic theaters in Pullman and Moscow are always busy. Every month or so a new show will come out. Recently they performed the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Oliver is coming in August and The Importance of Being Ernest soon after. Tickets are $12-$15 at the door, and you can feel refined and cultured all day long.
  If you'd rather see a movie there is a dollar theater in Moscow. They show new releases about a month after they first come out. There are usually movies for all ages, so it's a good place to go if you need a cheap date night or entertainment for kids.

Number 8: The Lentil Festival (http://www.lentilfest.com/)
  This year the Lentil Festival is August 17th and 18th! It may sound strange, but in this area of Washington and Idaho they grow about 25% of the lentils in the United States. The festival is a great opportunity to sample food and beverages from local vendors. One of the favorite activities is sampling the lentil chili that is made in a giant (they have to climb a ladder to stir it!) pot, and given away for free.  There is also a street fair, fun run, and beer vs. wine tasting event. Great Washington weather and live music add the perfect backdrop to the annual festivities.

Number 7: The Appaloosa Museum (http://appaloosamuseum.org/)
  Do you like horses? Maybe? Well you should! Like people horses come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some are angry at the world, but some are kind, old softies that can cheer you up when you are down. Horses have been pretty depicted by various cultures throughout history. However, it was the Nez Perce Indians of the Pacific Northwest that helped make the Appaloosa into what it is today. You can learn all about the history of the American Appaloosa breed in Moscow, ID.

Number 6: Support Local Growers
  I love farmer's markets, and both Pullman and Moscow have a variety of vendors at their markets. While Pullman's market is small, there is always a variety of produce and baked goods, not to mention wonderful people to talk to. The Pullman Market convenes every Wednesday, from June to October, from 3:30-6:00 pm between the Spot Shop and Swilly's.
  The Moscow farmer's market is quite a bit bigger than Pullman's. It convenes every Saturday, May to October, from 9:30 am-1:00 pm off of Main street. This market has everything! Aside from locally grown produce and baked goods, there is pottery, jewelry and clothes. If your looking for breakfast or lunch they have Hispanic, Filipino, Egyptian and Greek food. If your looking for something sweet you can find cookies, locally made ice cream, and hot, fresh mini donuts sprinkled with your choice of seasoned sugar. As you browse there is live music for you to enjoy from both professional and local musicians, always entertaining. Overall the markets are great, and shouldn't be missed!

Number 5: Sample the Local Cuisine
 There isn't enough time to go through all of the delicious and interesting restaurants between Pullman and Moscow. Suffice it to say that there are enough options to keep everyone happy. Whether you are looking for a $40.00 dinner of quail (Swilly's in Pullman) or a tasty bagel sandwich on the go (Moscow Deli and Bagel). There are definitely options for everybody.

  Here are my personal favorites so far (if your interested...but I have many more places to left to eat):

•   Red Bento Sushi (Pullman and Moscow): Tasty and cheap compared to places in the Midwest!
• The Old European Breakfast Restaurant (Pullman): Best bacon in town! Dutch babies and aebleskivers! (If you've never had either of these you should try them immediately!)
• The Moscow Food Co-op (Moscow): Delicious sandwiches and deli food, relatively healthy too!

Number 4: Wine and Beer Tasting
  The Camas Prarie Winery (http://www.camasprairiewinery.com/) is tucked away on Main street in Moscow, ID. It is quiet and refined, but not so fancy you can't walk in in casual clothes on a hot day for some refreshment. The best part of a trip here is the tasting. You can taste 5 of their wines for just $1.00! Woohoo! When your done tasting you can grab a glass of your favorite and stick around to enjoy music or just the local color.
  The Wawawai Canyon Winery (http://www.wawawaicanyon.com/) is a small but interesting winery between Pullman and Moscow. They believe in sustainability and use turkeys and sheep in their viticulture endeavors! The turkeys eat the pests...not quite sure what the sheep do, other than add to the picturesque pastoral  atmosphere. But it gives you the opportunity to feel sanctimonious as you sip your environmentally friendly wine.
  Merry Cellars Winery (http://merrycellars.com/) is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon or evening. They use a minimalist approach to wine making, and have a wide variety of wines for every occasion. In addition they have a schedule of events that includes everything from music to tastings and competitions. If you like wine you should definitely check them out.
  The Palous Falls Brewing company ( http://www.palousefallsbrewing.com/) is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in Washington. Most of their selections are named after local mascots and heroes. They have a relatively large tasting room and great hours of operation, making them highly accessible to locals and tourists. (Helpful Hint: You can stay in a really nice hotel that is a 5 minute walk from the brewery!)
  If your looking for some tasty food while you enjoy your ale, stout, IPA, whatever! You should definitely check out the Paradise Creek Brewery! (http://paradisecreekbrewery.com/) If you're the kind that likes gourmet burgers, pulled pork nachos, or awe inspiring grill food this is definitely a place to stop.


Number 3: WSU Grizzly Bear Research Center 
(http://nrs.wsu.edu/Research/Bear-Center/index.html)
  Interested in wildlife, conservation, animals? You should definitely check out the Grizzly bears at WSU. All the bears are unreleasable, either because they are too tame or they have physical limitations.There are usually between 8-10 bears there at any time. Aside from playing outside (they have a large enclosed area as well as individual dens), eating, and bathing, they also provide a wealth of information for research. The bears help both people and animals by participating in studies about everything from behavior to cardiology.

   I have been to see the bears many times, and there are always people there watching them. The bears are relatively active throughout the day, so there are usually some good photo ops. In addition, the people who work there are very nice and are usually willing to answer your questions (please don't interrupt them if they are doing training exercises with the animals). If you are in Pullman you should definitely visit the Grizzly bears!

Number 2: Cowgirl Chocolates (https://cowgirlchocolates.com/)
  Yeeeowww! Cowgirl chocolates is an awesome place to visit! Tucked in a small nondescript building off of the main drag through Moscow, this unassuming front hides some of the most highly awarded chocolate in the United States! Why Cowgirl chocolates? Because Cowgirls are tough, independent and hot. Cowgirl chocolates is the premier home of spicy chocolate in the modern world. Although spicy chocolate has a strong following now, when Cowgirl chocolates started people thought the owner, Marilyn Lysohir, was crazy for putting chili pepper in chocolate and habaneros in caramel. Now, with at least 16 awards and multiple features in publications around the country, people can't seem to get enough of Cowgirl chocolate.

  Spicy not your thing? No worries! They have mild and sassy versions that aren't as hot. They also have more exotic flavors like lavender, ginger, and cappuccino. First time visitors to the store get a free sample, and the people there are wonderful, friendly and helpful. We met Marilyn herself when we were there, and she was absolutely fabulous. Sweet and fiery all wrapped up in one little lady! So if your in the area, definitely check out this hot spot.

Number1: The Great Outdoors

   To me the best part of the Pacific Northwest is the great outdoors. Around Pullman and Moscow there are trails for walking, biking, skating, you name it! The Bill Chipman Trail provides easy, casual activity and winds through cities, parks and countryside for many miles. If your looking for more rugged adventures you can drive over to Moscow Mountain and hike or bike the trails. There are also several state parks in the area that provide a wonderful view of the Palouse area. Many paths follow rivers and streams, and are intermittently shaded (The Chipman trail has little shade and is very hot in the middle of the day.), making them quite comfortable. 
  Another  great aspect of the trails is the wildlife. Washington has an abundance of wild raptors that can be seen and photographed while you are out and about. Song birds, mockingbirds, and quail can also be found in abundance. Mammals are mostly the usual muskrat, rabbits, and squirrels. However, in more wild areas moose, mountain lions and bears are seen regularly.
 There are many other activities you can participate in if you visit the Palouse. As usual it is important to be careful and consider the variables for each activities appropriateness (i.e. Right now it gets quite hot in the afternoon. Bring water, sunscreen, etc. No dogs!). However, I highly encourage everyone to come to Washington and Idaho and spend some time doing their favorite outdoor activity!