End of summer approaches. Yakima beckons, especially given Seattle forecast for a damp Sunday. Perfect time to go, too: Yakima Valley peaches in peak ripeness. Once you're across the mountains, take I-82 as far as exit 44, then head for Donald Fruit & Mercantile and the state's best peach sundaes.
Charming story behind this place. Four years ago, two local farmers and businessmen, Bryan Eglet and Jim Russi, restored the historic building as a gift shop and tourist attraction. Grape grower Dave Minnick, who'd started his own winery, Willow Crest, in 1995, joined them a year later to launch Piety Flats. (The label features the hop kiln across the road from the visitor center.) Bring a picnic; there's a shady orchard out back. As for dessert, you can't get a better deal: one scoop of Tillamook vanilla with those heavenly peaches is $3.25, two scoops for $4.25. Paradise!
Donald Fruit & Mercantile, 2560 Donald-Wapato Rd., Wapato, 509-877-3115
