VAF 2026 | Lodging and Travel

Columbia River Plateau

Atomic Space. Native Soil. Geologic Time.

Walla Walla, Washington | May 27-30, 2026

Conference Co-Chairs:

Amanda C. Roth Clark, Whitworth University, Dean of the Library & Special Programs

J. Philip Gruen, Washington State University, Professor, School of Design + Construction

Conference Hotel

Marcus Whitman Hotel

6 West Rose Street

Walla Walla, Washington 99362

VAF has secured a block of rooms from Tuesday, May 26 through Sunday, May 30. Update as of March 8: Consecutive nights in this block are currently sold out. We are working to secure additional rooms. There is currently only availability for Saturday night, May 30. Check back for updates, or book at the nearby hotel options listed below.

LINK TO HOTEL REGISTRATION

Hotel room rates quoted below are per room, per night, and subject to prevailing city, county, and state taxes; and fees and assessments. Rates are guaranteed until Tuesday, April 30, 2026.

Rates are $189 per night for May 25, 2026 and May 26, 2026 and $229 per night for May 27, 2026 through May 30, 2026.

Check-in is at 4:00pm and checkout is at 11:00am.

To make your reservation, you may also contact the hotel directly via phone: (866) 826-9422. Use code word "VAF" to access our block of rooms.

Other Hotel Options Nearby

Best Western Plus

7 E Oak Street, Walla Walla, Washington 99362

WEBSITE

Courtyard Marriott Walla Walla

550 W Rose St, Walla Walla, WA 99362

WEBSITE

Travel & Transportation

By Plane

The Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) is five minutes from our downtown hotel and offers rental cars, limited shuttle buses, and taxi services. Flying to Walla Walla takes forty-five minutes from Seattle via Alaska Airlines.

The Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in nearby Pasco has nonstop service on several major carriers from cities including Burbank, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles (seasonal), Minneapolis, Phoenix-Mesa, Salt Lake City, San Diego (seasonal), San Francisco, and Seattle. The drive to Walla Walla is forty-five minutes by rental car.

Other airports, train, and driving options:

If you chose to fly to a different airport and drive, there are several options:

– Spokane, WA: 2.5 hour drive

– Seattle, WA: 4 hour drive

– Portland, OR: 4 hour drive

– Boise, ID: 4 hour drive

Overnight parking is included at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Guests are welcome to use either the main parking lot or the convention center lot. Electric vehicle charging stations are available for an additional fee at the hotel.

If you choose to take the historic Empire Builder Amtrak train to Pasco, there are connecting bus services to Walla Walla.

Food and Beverage in Walla Walla

(Know a restaurant you want to see added? Email webmaster@vafweb.org)

AK's Mercado — Local favorite serving tacos, smoked meats, and street-food fare with a full outdoor patio and cozy lounge atmosphere.

Bacon & Eggs — Local spot offering bacon, eggs, and essential breakfast items.

Clarette's Restaurant — Homestyle American diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Colville Street Patisserie — French-influenced bakery offering a taste of Walla Walla.

Fiasco Pizza — Wood-fired pizza prepared with apple and cherry wood for a signature flavor.

Hattaway's on Alder — Fusion cuisine presenting Southern hospitality in the Inland Northwest.

Iceberg Drive-In, the city’s old school burger drive in restaurant. https://www.facebook.com/people/Ice-Burg-Drive-In/100063584410191/#

Ime's Kitchen Mexican Gastrotruck — Authentic Mexican cuisine located across the street from The FINCH!

Kitchen at Abeja — Wine-country dining focused on seasonal Northwest ingredients.

LIVIT Coffee — Single-source Guatemalan coffee and smoothies.

Maple Counter Cafe — Local cafe serving flavorful breakfast and lunch.

Marcy's Bar and Lounge — Neighborhood lounge with a popular happy hour menu.

Passatempo Taverna — Rustic Italian restaurant featuring hand-made pasta.

Public House 124 — Known for exceptional seasonal cocktails.

Red Monkey — Eccentric sports bar where you can watch your favorite team.

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen — Mediterranean cuisine in southeast Washington.

Scobies Dogs and Brats — Local hot dog stand located in the heart of downtown.

Shiki Hibachi Sushi — Restaurant offering high-quality sushi.

Stone Soup Cafe — Local cafe offering soups, sandwiches, and other lunch dishes.

Sweet Basil Pizzeria — Pizzeria serving New York–style pizzas, calzones, and Italian favorites.

Tacos La Monarca — Food truck offering local Mexican food.

The Maple Counter Waffle Company — Food truck extension of a Walla Walla cafe offering waffles.

TMACS — Elegant bistro serving locally sourced produce and poultry.

Walla Walla Bread Company — Modern cafe and bakery known for artisan breads and pastries.

Walla Walla Daily Grind — Cafe known for its notable coffee.

Walla Walla Indian Cuisine — Authentic Indian restaurant offering a lunch buffet and dinner service.

Walla Walla Steak Company — Steakhouse recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as one of America's 100 Best Wine Restaurants (2019).

Wingman Birdz + Brewz — Kid-friendly restaurant specializing in chicken wings and local beverages.

Please contact Julia Griffith, VAF Program Associate, with questions about the conference at conference@vafweb.org

For more information or questions contact
the secretary or the webmaster.