Soak up sunshine and wine in Prosser, Washington

Hidden in Washington's Yakima Valley is a small town with a big reputation.

Prosser

is known as the birthplace of Washington's wine industry. More than 28 wineries take advantage of 300 days of annual sunshine to produce award-winning vintages. The superb weather makes it easy to be outdoors, wandering Prosser's historic downtown and enjoying outdoor events and activities.

Prosser is a pleasant three-hour drive from Seattle or Portland. When you arrive, leave the car behind for a guided tour of

Prosser's wineries

. On a

wine tour

, you can treat yourself to more than one glass of wine and get insiders' tips on the best way to experience Prosser's flourishing wine industry.

Soak up some sun, wandering the cobblestone sidewalks in Prosser's historic downtown. Charming art galleries and cafes line the streets, and the seasonal

Saturday farmers' market

has everything from fresh fruit and veggies to artisan breads and gourmet cheese. The downtown also hosts some of Prosser's most popular annual events such as July's

Art Walk & Wine Gala

in September.

And right on Prosser's doorstep is the lush

Yakima Valley

. Hop on a bike and pedal through the verdant countryside.

Crawford Riverfront Park

is the perfect place for a picnic and a stroll along the riverside pathway. In the Yakima River, anglers can try their skill (or luck)

fishing

for bass, whitefish, and Chinook salmon.

For more planning tips, go to the

Washington State Tourism

website.

Read more of the

50 Affordable Stateside Escapes

.

Have a recommendation for Prosser, or another great getaway in Washington? Post your comment below.