My daughter and I will be visiting Whitman in a couple of weeks. We will be flying into Walla Walla and staying at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Should I rent a car at the airport or just take a taxi? How far is the hotel to campus?
Any recommendations on restaurants?
She is recovering from back surgery so cannot walk far distances. Ideally, we would take this trip once she has recovered more but this is the only time we can do it. She is very interested in Whitman.
Thanks!
Calimom23, You may want a car to see the greater Walla Walla area, and as a fall back if your daughter gets worn out. The Marcus Whitman Hotel is 4 blocks from the campus, if you hadn’t mentioned back surgery I would have said it’s “only” 4 blocks. The campus is a stones throw (1 block) from the downtown and it’s all easily walkable for anyone who’s feeling well. If you’re mostly interested in staying close to campus, you’ll find everything you need between the hotel and Whitman. If she can make it 6 or 7 blocks at a time, rest, then walk another 6 or 7 blocks, you’ll be able to see campus and eat without renting a car.
There are quite a few restaurants to choose from on the walk between your hotel and Whitman if you vary the route a little. We always had a few meals during our stays at “Olive"on Main street, great food and a fun atmosphere. I also recommend the 'Green Spoon,” it’s very tasty. “Bacon and Eggs” is on E. Main, has wonderful breakfasts and is a local hangout. “The Maple Counter” on East Alder, a block south of E Main, is legendary. “Graze” on S Colville, a block off E main is a favorite cafe of the students, mostly sandwiches and salads.
The adjacent neighborhoods are fun to see also, we found some of the state’s largest Sycamore trees shading wonderful old stately homes not far away, the staff at the Marcus Whitman can steer you in the right direction, a car would be best for that kind of sightseeing thing on this trip.
Since you’re going in the summer you won’t get the full effect of the bustle that happens when school’s in session, the area is transformed with walking and biking students everywhere, you’ll just have to use your imagination. Have a great trip and I hope your daughter feels better very soon.
Thank you @bopambo. Your post is very helpful. We’ll definitely check out some of your restaurant suggestions. I think I’ll go ahead and rent a car. That way she can reserve her energy for the walking tour of campus.
I know that we won’t get the full effect over the summer but hopefully she’ll get a feel for the school. Then if she gets in, we’ll go back for another visit.
We also had to visit several campuses in the summer and then returned for accepted students days, it worked out fine in the end. Best wishes for your search, I have very fond memories of college trips with my son! It all goes too fast.
Thank you @bopambo. I agree that it will all work out in the end. And if it doesn’t, I’m learning what to do differently with my younger kids. It’s always a learning process with the oldest!
Update- my daughter had her tour/interview yesterday and we both love Whitman!
We never ended up renting a car. We were going to call a taxi but my D wanted to walk. Walla Walla is such a charming town! We ate at Bacon and Eggs which was delicious. Then walked to campus. Our tour guide was fantastic. There were only 5 people in the tour so we had the opportunity to ask specific questions. Then my D had her interview which she thinks went well. I sat in on part of an info session with Justin. He was fantastic as well. Very informative and honest about Whitman. Then I had a chance to talk with the interviewer who is a rising senior. My D really enjoyed their talk- part of it was even about Netflix.
On the tour, I decided that Whitman moved to the top of my list but I didn’t want to sway her thoughts so I let her take the lead on discussing it. She asked to go to the bookstore to buy a shirt. She is very selective and will only buy a shirt from a school she really likes so that was a good sign!
We walked back to the hotel so she could rest. She’s in a back brace following back surgery so tires easily and gets so hot in it. Last night we went to Olive which was delicious. Grape and prosciutto pizza was divine! At dinner she told me that she sees herself at Whitman. She feels like she’d fit in and the few people she talked to seem like her people. This was the first school where she’s mentioned fit.
We head back home today. I hope this is not the last we see of Whitman and Walla Walla!
Calimom23, thanks very much for the update. I’m so glad the trip went well, your daughter is real trooper! Your post reminded me how sad I am that my husband and I don’t have a compelling reason to visit Walla Walla anymore, I grew to love the town, the campus, and the people; it made me wish I could go back to college. I hope senior year goes well for you both.
Thank you. One last comment- we had lunch at Graze. Best panini I’ve ever had!
Calimom23, Graze also has lovely salads, as a fellow Californian, I liked that a lot. The food in the school dinning halls and the student center is good too!
@bopambo our tour guide talked a lot about how good the food is on campus. Whitman is at the top of her list, along with some of the Claremonts. I think she’d be happy at any of them so now time to get working on the applications!
Speaking of food and Whitman, can anyone comment on the quality of the dining hall food? My daughter won’t be able to manage a visit before applying. Food is very important to her.
Earthmama68, the dining halls serve as much organic locally grown food as they can, and they have vegetarian and vegan options at every meal. As a visiting parent, I ate in the dining halls several times and found that they served a variety of options, prepared healthy whole foods and had lots of fruit and vegetables available. It was also delicious.
@Earthmama68 our tour guide said that the dining hall food was very good. For such a small campus, it seemed like there was a good number of places to grab a bite to eat or a coffee.
Seems like Whitman is the ideal school for my kids, except for the Greek life and distance from home. I’m sold.
I wouldn’t be overly concerned with Greek life at Whitman, it isn’t overbearing or exclusive, most Greek house functions are open to all. There’s loads to do for those who don’t choose to join a sorority or fraternity. My son joined a frat and enjoyed it, several of his best friends/roommates chose not to, however, they all lived very happily in an off campus house and had a great time. Going Greek at Whitman is kind of like joining any other club on campus.
Nice article on things to see and eat in Walla Walla.
http://www.seattletimes.com/life/travel/eat-drink-walk-in-walla-walla/