D.S.Watkins Gallery and Coffeehouse

When we first came to Kennewick, we were blessed to find D.S. Watkins Gallery and Coffeehouse. It's been a focal point of Downtown Kennewick for a few years, and fabulous gathering place.

It's not the building that we were blessed to find...it is the people that own it.

Deb and Dave Watkins bought the building, and restored it. They did a remarkable job. Beautiful old wood plank floors, original brickwork, it's just beautiful. Deb decided to open the coffeehouse as she knew it would be a while until Kennewick would support a serious art gallery.

A few months ago, she decided to do away with the coffee house (I can't tell you how much I miss it, and the triple death by chocolate cake) and keep the gallery.

Deb's a fine business woman, and a very classy lady. She'd cultivated quite a large number of friends and buyers, and the gallery has been successful.

All good things come to an end. Dave found a job he wanted in Portland, Oregon, and they'll be gone by the end of March. Deb's working on keeping the gallery going for now, and they'll keep their home upstairs.

They're such fine people...I really don't want to see them leave, I barely got to know them. But, of course, I wish them well, and great success.

No doubt, they will have that success.

I'll miss them.