If You Want Yakima to Improve You Gotta Support These Spots First

Many Yakima residents say they wish the city had certain things to do and activities, yet they are completely ignoring the gems we have in our own back yard.

What Does Yakima Need More of?

I recently asked a bunch of locals living in "the Palm Springs of Washington" what they wished Yakima had more of and the answers were quite revealing.

Requests for a water park was the #1 choice from the feedback I got. Yakima also wants better shopping and "ethnic" restaurants. It made me wonder why they aren't taking advantage of the fun places and tasty spots we already have.

If You Wish We Had a Water Park

We have several pools to cool off in, including three that have water slides (Franklin, Lions, and the Aquatic Center). A new place is opening, too, the new multi-million-dollar MLK Jr. Park Aquatic Center.

Read More: 8 Events That Make Yakima Truly Yakima

If You Wish We Had Better Restaurant Choices

Yakima is buzzing with acclaimed restaurants that you probably have never even tried, so before you say we don't have any good food around here, think again! We also have some great dive bars, family-owned pubs and bakeries that deserve a chance to win a place in your heart.

Read More: Yakima’s Best-Kept Secret Lunch Spots

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If You Wish We Had Better Shopping

Have you been to English Country Market at Chalet Place? It's a quaint locally owned shop that sells cute things for kids (like plushies), the bath, and all kinds of things for your home, including decadent treats to eat and drink. The Little Soapmaker is another shop with unique lotions, soaps, and gifts. You won't find these stores in a big city like Seattle or Spokane!

We also have a state-of-the-art adults-only movie theater (Orion Cinema, 202 E Chestnut Ave), a local venue that brings Broadway shows to town (Capitol Theatre, 19 S 3rd St), swanky date spots (EZ Tiger, 222 E Chestnut Ave), and a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that's tough to get reservations at (Crafted, 22 N 1st St).

So many cool places and activities to explore, so let's support them before griping that we don't have anything to do in Yakima.