Classic And Iconic Signs in Yakima – Our Top Ten
Growing up in Yakima, we've had plenty of iconic signs around town. Local businesses that use them for their store, but they become landmarks around town as time goes on. Many of them update their signs, many classic signs have migrated to the Yakima Valley Museum but there are plenty that are still up and running on the busy streets of town. Here are a few of my favorites.
Welcome to Yakima
The Palm Springs of Washington
Even if someone has never been to Yakima, or maybe they were passing through to or from Seattle and drove past Yakima, no doubt they've seen this iconic and ironic sign. Easily visible from the freeway, it has been the butt of many jokes but still a landmark in our great city.
Bonnie & Clyde Muffler Shop
Corner of 1st and Nob Hill
Nothing says “Welcome to Yakima” more than a giant sign shaped like a hand gun. Since 1967, they've been serving Yakima with all of your tuneup and auto repair needs. Conveniently located on the busiest intersection in town, 1st and Nob Hill, they can do it all and it's why they've been in business for so long.
The Sport Center
When I was a kid, I didn't have a clue what The Sports Center was. I figured it was a place where people could buy guns and sports equipment. Only until I was older did I know it was one of the coolest bars in town. They have since remodeled and expanded, but the sign stays the same. Let's hope they keep it that way.
Hill's Cafe
Located in Union Gap, Hill's Cafe has been feeding hungry travelers and locals for many, many years. Once you eat there it's no wonder why with how big their portion sizes are. I love the style of this classic sign that lights up at night.
Westpark Shopping Center
Westpark Shopping Center is a host to many small, local businesses on 1st, but this sign it so high, you can literally see it from a mile away, even farther. Some of the businesses come and go, but this sign remains the same and any shop in this mini-district will always be in the Westpark Shopping Center.
Morton Supply
Morton's Supply have two things going for them, aside from their completely visible location on 1st. Not only do they have an extremely large, wooden blue sign, but the building is a large blue dome. There is no way you can drive down 1st and not notice this place.
Ron's Coin and Book
The only one on the list that's more of a painting or a mural than a sign, but I still consider it. Don't let the name fool you, either. Ron's Mini-Mall, host to Ron's Coin and Book is a place you can buy and sell your old jewelery, buy throwing stars, pick up all the latest comic book, buy some used video games and so much more all in one place. I spent a lot of my childhood growing up in this store.
The Peppermint Stick
The Peppermint Stick is iconic, if nothing more than it's one of the first businesses you see heading north into Yakima via Union Gap. I've known several people in town who may even live out in West Valley who will travel all the way to the Peppermint Stick for a milkshake. This place is that good. I bet you anything they also serve Pepsi there.
Precision Fruit Stand
Until making this list, I didn't even know this place had a proper name. Precision Fruit Stand is just one of those places you always see. Just outside of Yakima heading north on 82 towards Ellensburg and Seattle. Big lettering tells you exactly what they have their and they do have more than just what's on their sign.
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Del Monte
The very famous Del Monte tower, snug in central downtown Yakima. Yakima doesn't have so much of a skyline as we're in a valley, but if we did this Del Monte tower would be a part of it. You can see it from just about any angle of any hillside around Yakima and certainly acts as a beacon if you're new to town and get lost.
Flickr, athena60_98
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