TOPPENISH -- A trip to Toppenish, billed as a place "Where the West still lives," can be turned into a full day for Tri-Citians looking for a mix of outdoor fun, education and shopping.
The small city is about 65 miles from downtown Kennewick, about two miles off Interstate 82. It's easy to find, just take Exit 52 and follow the signs for murals and museums.
Large murals -- there's about 70 -- painted on the outside of buildings are the main attraction in this Yakima Valley town.
"In 1989, the state of Washington wanted to do something to celebrate the centennial and (in Toppenish) the first historically painted mural was painted in one day," said Effie Burton, a volunteer at the Toppenish Chamber of Commerce and Toppenish Mural Society.
Clearing the Land, a 14-by-40-foot mural, was painted June 3, 1989, by about a dozen artists. The mural shows a settler using a horse to clear sagebrush and a woman in the distance tending to a pile of burning brush.
The first mural-in-a-day was "done as much as a stunt to see if it could be done," Burton said.
It was such a success that it started a tradition. Each year, on the first day of June, a mural goes up in Toppenish and is completed in one day.
"It really is incredible" to watch, Burton said. "That's when you come to Toppenish to watch paint dry."
Other murals have been painted in a more relaxed fashion over time. All are privately funded and painted by professional artists. They have to be approved by the Mural Society for historical accuracy and quality, Burton said.
"They're from the 1850-1950 era" and are images of "things that either actually were here or what might have been here," she said.
Toppenish also is unique in that the town founder is a woman and Native American. Josephine Bowzer Lillie Parker, remembered as the "Mother of Toppenish" because she platted much of the town, is featured on one of the murals.
The Yakima Valley Vistor Guide includes a map of Toppenish that shows all the mural locations around town. The guide can be picked up at the Toppenish Mural Society office, 5A S. Toppenish Ave.
Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals, or hop on a horse drawn covered wagon during the spring and summer for a guided tour.
The about 45-minute tour costs $12 for adults and $5 for kids. For more information call 697-8995 or go to toppenish muraltours.com.
Those needing to refuel -- or just want to have a treat -- can stop downtown at Gibbon's Soda Fountain.
The old fashioned soda shop features cream sodas, root beer, shakes and ice cream. They also have burgers, sandwiches, fries, onion rings and more.
Hungry visitors can eat at the counter and get nostalgic over the good-old days, thanks to old-fashioned Coke and Pepsi signs, bottles and other decor.
After filling up on goodies, it's shopping time. Just stroll along the downtown streets while listening to country western music and check out the wares Toppenish stores have to offer.
Two must-stop places are Kraff's Clothing, featuring Pendleton blankets and other Native American items, and the Amish Connection, which imports authentic Amish furnishings and sells other home decor, such as witty hand-painted signs, pictures and more.
Those who time their visit right, also can take in one of the many festivals. Some upcoming events are: Aug. 15-17, Toppenish Western Art Show and the Yakima Valley Rail & Steam Museum Rail Fair; Aug. 23, Toppenish Whistle-stop! County & Bluegrass Festival; and Sept. 13-14, Fiesta Patrias! Celebration.
Other places to check out:
w The American Hop Museum, 22 S. B St. Open Wednesday through Sunday, from May 1 to Sept. 30. 865-4677, www.americanhopmuseum.org.
w Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Ave. Open Tuesday through Sunday, from May 1 to Oct. 28. 865-1911, www.nprymuseum.org.
w Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center, Highway 97 & Buster Road. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 865-2800, www.yakamamuseum.com.
w Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge, about 10 miles south of Toppenish on Highway 97, features a variety of waterfowl.
w Yakama Nation Legends Casino, just outside of town, offers Las Vegas-style fun close to home. Free shuttle rides are available from the Tri-Cities. Go to www.yakamalegends.com for a schedule.
For more information, contact the Toppenish Chamber of Commerce at www.toppenish.net or 865-3262.
