Round Up: Events to Kick Off the Holidays

Ready to make some spirits bright? Or at least get a bit jolly with some spiked eggnog? In an effort to procrastinate buying our Christmas tree this weekend (it just feels too early) I’ve been looking for festive distractions. And I found some. I’ll be hanging with the DIY sect at Seattle Center. How about […]

Hiking after the Rain

The sun is out today, and it’s time to get outside! When the rain returns, keep hiking with these suggestions from Washington Trails Association.

Holiday Gift Guide from Northwest TripFinder

In between the recent torrential rain and fierce gusts of wind in the Pacific Northwest, we might find a few moments to do a little holiday baking or crafting. Or we might choose to relish these short, dark days in a different way, with family or a book by a warm fire. But one thing […]

Thank You, Dear Readers

Happy Thanksgiving! Image courtesy of a 1940s Vintage Oregon Postcard: “Incomparable Gorge at Shepperd’s Dell, Columbia River Highway, Oregon”

STAY: Hi-Tide Ocean Beach Resort

This lodging listing is sponsored by Hi-Tide Ocean Beach Resort 4890 Railroad Ave Moclips WA 98562 map and directions phone: 1-800-MOCLIPS website: hi-tide-resort.com email: hitide@coastaccess.com lodging type: condo vacation rentals resort rates: $75-$230 features: Kids OK, Pets OK, free wifi, Fireplace, Kitchenette, TV, Wheelchair accessible, Parking Provided Description: We invite you to leave behind your hectic daily routine and escape to the […]

Autumn Larch Gold in Kettle Falls

My friend Bruce McGlenn is one of those Northwesterners who belongs outside. When he’s not hunting for elk or fishing for trout, he’s off building a cabin or consulting on some environmental project. His Facebook page is filled with Northwest backcountry beauty, like this gem of blazing larches he photographed recently in Washington’s northeast corner. This photograph was […]

Greetings from Snoqualmie Falls

I’ve been experimenting with Photoshop to replicate some of my favorite vintage postcard designs. This, of course, is Snoqualmie Falls. The font is inspired by none other than Twin Peaks. And, am I ever grateful that old episodes of Twin Peaks are on Netflix. However would I get through a Pacific Northwest winter without it?

Ten Essentials for Surviving the Northwest Rain

Drip, drip, drip. In autumn, we wait for the inevitable. We wait, patiently, for the rain to come and stay. The days on end of grey. The constant puddles to dodge. And once winter is here, it’s here for days on end. Months, even. And then we wait, patiently, for the rain to end. The sun will […]

Sampling Beer in Sisters

Central Oregon is the kind of place where people like to enjoy themselves. You know, live a little. Or a lot. I sensed this when I was taking a stroll downtown Bend recently. Suddenly a giant peddle-powered brewpub on wheels rolled past me on the street. Its patrons were waving enthusiastically as they pedaled past. But that’s a […]

Olympics Cheap Eat: Burger Time at the Blackberry Cafe

In the blink and you’ll miss it town of Joyce, Washington, there’s a little diner worth your attention. Next time you find yourself on the North Olympic Peninsula, whether its for a camping trip to Salt Creek Recreation Area or a stay at the Lake Crescent Lodge, make a stop at the Blackberry Cafe.  You’ll […]