A Valley of Treasures

There are many treasures here in the Valley, and many of them lie quietly in the many vintage and antique shops of Walla Walla.

You can’t properly seek out vintage treasures here without visiting Shady Lawn Antiques. It is the largest wood frame structure in Walla Walla, and, like several other vintage shops, has family roots dating back generations. What I find most impressive about the collection at Shady Lawn is every single furniture item has been through their workshop. The owners, the Emigh family, have a passion for oak furniture, and each piece that comes through their doors has been restored to its original glory. Without a doubt, the most impressive example of this family’s skill is the Waitsburg Post Office cabinet. It came to them as a pile of sticks, and they spent more than 250 hours restoring this magnificent piece.

For many of us, the first place we think to look for antiques is the giant building that is The Country Store. When it first opened in the 1950s it was a surplus store on Main Street. You could buy a single nail, hunting gear, or Levi's, and there was a pet store in the back. Now with a consignment structure, The Country Store has 82 vendors and a waiting list. When I was there recently, I saw a bench from the original train depot building, which now houses the Walla Walla Steak Company. The west wing used to be the VA hospital. Some people claim it’s haunted.

Antique shops are great options when looking for that perfect gift. While you’re there, ask the employees to show you their favorite pieces or share a story. You never know what you’ll find in Walla Walla.

By Sarah Magill