Myscha Theriault / McClatchy-Tribune News ServiceA local riding enthusiast enjoys a wine tasting at a vineyard he visited by horseback.

In Eastern Washington, accessible by plane or a weekend road trip from Seattle past Mount Rainier, lies a picture-perfect getaway known as the Yakima Valley. Packed with authenticity and a cultural diversity that includes everything from Native American influences and cowboy heritage to a Mexican food scene you’d typically have to drive to a southern border state to find, the area has much to offer pet parents in search of vacation value.

Sipping

Yakima Valley is home to a fairly extensive wine region, with vineyards and tasting rooms peppered among the farm stands, stone-fruit fields and apple orchards. Those traveling with Bowser will appreciate the built-in romp breaks, sniffing opportunities and prevalent outdoor seating. Bonair Winery is particularly pet-friendly, with large-breed dogs being greeted with open paws by the venue’s resident pooch. The view and grounds are spectacular, with the occasional BOGO wine deals adding to the value.

Also of note for canine wine snobs is Two Mountain Winery. The fun blend of wine barrels, plants and industrial warehouse fixtures provides a relaxed atmosphere, and our rambunctious Labrador was welcome inside on the cool concrete floor while we sampled their selection. Grassy outdoor seating with giant wooden lawn chairs is also available.

Feel like something fancier? Treveri Cellars sells sparkling wines with outdoor seating appropriate for urban-mannered pooches. Their wines have been selected for a variety of state and diplomatic functions, and their $6 sparkling cocktail selections are a hit with locals and vacationers alike. The sparkling syrah is an unusual offering and particularly worth the throw down if you’re planning on serving red meat for a special meal. For big, quality reds without the fizz, head to Cultura. Housed in a country barn with an industrial loft decor, it is located in the heart of the wine country and has outdoor seating for those arriving with a furry friend.

Visitors arriving by plane can get additional value by taking advantage of Yakima Valley’s Taste and Tote program, which operates in partnership with Hertz and Alaska Airlines. Travelers with a valid inbound airline ticket can get their tasting fees waived at participating venues and are allowed to ship one case free to their return destination. Additionally, those wishing to fly into one of the three area airports and depart through another can do so with Hertz and skip the usual drop-off fee. Discounted rental rates are also available. Tasteandtote.com has full details on the program’s wine-packing requirements, current savings codes and more.

The region has a spirits and hops trail, which is particularly relevant with such a large portion of the nation’s hops being grown here. Bale Breaker Brewing Company in particular is located smack dab in the middle of a working hops field, offering an affordable frothy beverage option for visitors to experience while they gain a sense of how agricultural this stage of the brewing business actually is. It’s a pet-friendly establishment with cost-effective beverage prices. Small pints are available at $3, and growler refills are $10. Sample tasting trays start at $7.

A new addition to the trail is the Glacier Basin Distillery, located at The Hackett Ranch. This microdistillery produces small-batch fruit brandies in a creatively rustic facility located next door to an area winery that hosts warm-weather outdoor concerts.

Sightseeing

When you head out of town to explore the wine country itself, take the time to swing by and see the historic teapot gas station in the town of Zillah.

Built in the early 1920s, it’s been restored and put to use as a seasonal tourist information center and gift shop. Free parking is available, along with restrooms and a grassy picnic table area suitable for lunch with a large-breed dog. This is really more about the photo opportunity but makes a fun stop to break up the day and get a peek at a unique building on the National Historic Register.

Another location you’ll want to make time for between vineyard stops and farm stands is the town of Toppenish. Known for its massive interpretive history murals, it’s an easy intuitive walking tour with a grassy town park for Fido to take a break, grab a drink and get some shade. The murals each have a descriptive sign, making it easy to learn the town’s history as you move along. If you feel like picking up some souvenirs while you’re there, a number of venues offer quality retail shopping. For example, El Vaquero is the place to go for locals and travelers in search of cowboy boots, while Kraft’s offers Pendleton goodies such as robes, duffel bags, purses and more.

The Yakima Valley Museum is a great stop for those who enjoy retro-style advertising. Their collection of neon sign art provides a whimsical peek at yesteryear, while their carriage exhibit exemplifies an even earlier period in history.

Their traveling exhibits are of note as well, including some unique Japanese heritage artifacts and an extensive show on the myth and legend of the Sasquatch. Instead of the typical cafe, this museum boasts a working replica of a 1930s soda fountain restaurant. Period-style treats are served in full 1930s style, for those who are interested in a cold treat after a morning of exploring. Adult entry tickets for the museum are $5.

If you feel like seeing a bit more of Yakima’s art deco architectural history, head downtown to the A. E. Larson Building. It’s an impressive structure that houses several food and beverage establishments, including Kana Winery and the Yakima Craft Brewing Company.

In between tasting and beverage shopping, poke your head into the main lobby if you happen to be there during business hours. It’s an opulent example of the architectural elements of the day and a free experience that you’d be hard-pressed to find replicated in any museum.

If stocking your beverage cellar hasn’t blown your souvenir budget, head to North Front Street to explore the shops. The period buildings add a fun vibe, and the variety of venues makes it easy to kill some leisure time. For example, Garden Dance offers unique women’s clothing and accessories and is located directly across the street from Gilbert Cellars, a modern urban winery. A fresh produce market in an antique train depot and a garden pottery shop are also in the Front Street Mix.

Snacking

If you’re looking for casual, canine-friendly dining as you enjoy this part of town, be sure to hit Rusillo’s. Shaded patio dining is available, along with an extensive Italian menu. Affordable vegetarian pizza options, seafood pastas and hearty sandwiches are available for $15 or less, and the staff is friendly.

A significant number of residents in the Yakima Valley are of Mexican heritage, which translates to one of the most authentic food scenes found in any of the northern states. Taquerias, Latino bakeries and more are available throughout the area. For example, Los Hernandez Tamales in the town of Union Gap draws visitors from miles around. Their tamale treats are made fresh daily and available with chicken, pork and asparagus fillings. At less than $2 each, they’re a tasty and cost-effective travel treat.

For an affordable lunch stop suitable for enjoying with your pooch, head to the taco truck that makes its home on North First Street in Yakima. It has picnic table seating, $5 combo specials and a small sauce and veggie bar for choosing your own toppings.

Sleeping

Travelers visiting with a dog and wishing to stay in Yakima proper will want to check out Oxford Suites. First-floor pet rooms open directly onto the grassy riverfront trail area through sliding glass doors. For those frustrated with riding down 12 floors in the elevator to coordinate canine bladder relief, this is about as convenient a situation as you’re likely to find. Rooms come with breakfast, an evening soup and salad offering and complimentary drink tickets for the nightly reception. With rack rates starting at $119, it’s an affordable place to rest your head when you have Rover in tow.

Interested in more of a splurge? Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast and Barn in the town of Zillah offers a unique pet-friendly option set amid the vineyards and orchards with a commanding view of Mount Adams and the surrounding area. The guest accommodations here are luxury teepees, complete with comfortable beds, refrigerators, fans, robes and rustic decor.

The $245 per night price tag includes a decadent breakfast on the ranch house viewing patio, a private seating area near your tent with a fire pit, wood, marshmallow kit and a barbecue grill for cooking your own romantic dinner under the stars. Pet kennels are available on site for those who opt to explore the wine country on horseback the next day, and romantic open-air twilight soaking tubs can be booked as an affordable evening add-on for $35 per couple.

Proceeds go to fund the rescue and care of the horses you’ll see on the ranch, most of whom have been saved from dire circumstances.