When October arrives in Washington, most people plan trips to places like Leavenworth, which is surrounded by colorful foliage and buzzing with events like Oktoberfest. But considering the west side of the state tends to get much colder (and wetter) faster, your best bet may be to head east for an autumn day trip—or in this case, southeast. If you’ve never visited Walla Walla in the fall, make this the year you do.

There’s the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, which is actually happening now.

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Facebook This amazing event takes place every October.

You can head to Klicker Berries & Antiques and pick out some pumpkins or seasonal produce…

Klicker Berries & Antiques Facebook

… or try to make it through the Walla Walla Corn Maze.

Walla Walla Corn Maze Facebook

The Walla Walla countryside really comes alive in autumn.

Robert Melanson / alltrails.com If you walk the 2.7 mile Bennington Lake Trail, you’ll see some great views.

But even if all you have time to do is walk downtown, you won’t be disappointed.

Visit Walla Walla Facebook

Of course, Walla Walla is best known as wine country, and not just in the spring.

Flickr/Andrew G. Hayes Fall is a great season for wine tasting here. The Fall Release Weekend is November 4-6, though you may want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway if you want to try all the new releases.

You’ll have plenty of options for a hearty meal.

Sweet Basil Pizzeria Facebook You can’t go wrong with Sweet Basil’s Pizzeria for lunch or dinner.

Walla Walla is a beautiful city to visit in any season, especially fall. Here are some other essential autumn experiences in our state.

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Facebook

This amazing event takes place every October.

Klicker Berries & Antiques Facebook

Walla Walla Corn Maze Facebook

Robert Melanson / alltrails.com

If you walk the 2.7 mile Bennington Lake Trail, you’ll see some great views.

Visit Walla Walla Facebook

Flickr/Andrew G. Hayes

Fall is a great season for wine tasting here. The Fall Release Weekend is November 4-6, though you may want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway if you want to try all the new releases.

Sweet Basil Pizzeria Facebook

You can’t go wrong with Sweet Basil’s Pizzeria for lunch or dinner.

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