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Wine Tasting: Getting to Know Northwest Wines

This is part of a series on Wine Tasting for Beginners in the Pacific Northwest. See the whole Wine Tasting series here. Have you pondered why Washington is known for full-bodied Merlot while Oregon is famous for its fruity Pinot Noir? Location, location, location. The topography and climate of the Pacific Northwest is incredibly diverse, and this diversity is reflected in our wines. [...]

5 Great Urban Paddles

One of the greatest assets of living near so much water is getting out into it. Spy Houseboats on Seattle’s Lake Union In the middle of Seattle is a big, beautiful lake ringed with funky houseboats and city parks, including the emerald hilly jewel, Gas Works Park. From your kayak (rent them and all the equipment [...]

Wine Tasting Basics: Tips for First-Timers

This is part of a series on Wine Tasting in the Pacific Northwest. See the whole Wine Tasting series here. So, you’re a tasting room virgin. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. Maybe you’re in the camp that thinks wine-tasting is a silly pastime for urbanites who can say “nice residual sugar” with a straight face. Or perhaps you’re just deathly [...]

Tulip Festivals Jump Start Spring in the Northwest

There’s something about rows upon rows of brightly-colored tulips that screams: GOODBYE, WINTER! HELLO, SPRING! Over the next month, Skagit County will be crawling with people, cars and bikes all crammed together onto little country roads to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. Will you be among them? Because we have a nice [...]

5 Great (and Cheap) Northwest Dates

It is almost February 14, also known as Valentines Day where sweethearts everywhere exchange symbols of their affection, from heart-shaped boxes of chocolates to richly-embellished cards. And that’s all before noon. When the sun goes down hand-holding over fancy dinners will commence, perhaps followed by a little nooky by candlelight. A traditional Valentines Day is perfectly [...]

Wine for Thanksgiving in the Willamette Valley

Before we were parents, before the mornings of waking up at 3am to our son singing Band on the Run in his underwear after turning on every light in the house, my husband and I took leisurely romantic getaways. Ah, the memories. Our favorite, perfect Northwest weekend getaway was wine tasting in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. [...]

For the Love of Mushrooms…A Weekend Foray

Have you foraged for wild mushrooms, then cooked them up into a gourmet meal? It’s a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience! Join fellow mushroom enthusiasts for a weekend of wild, edible fungi, sponsored by the Oakridge Hostel and Guest House in the lush Northwest forest on the west slope of Oregon’s Cascades. Autumn is prime mushrooming season and [...]

Northwest Art & Air Festival

One of the Willamette Valley’s biggest events wraps up summer with art, music and exceptional aircrafts. The ATI Northwest Art & Air Festival at Timber-Linn Memorial Park in Albany is a blowout annual gathering that celebrates both local art and the regional tradition of aeronautics. More than six dozen Northwest artists will display and sell their [...]

Oregon Brewers Festival

Raise a pint to 25th annual Oregon Brewers Festival. Set on the west bank of the Willamette River with Mt. Hood as a backdrop, this is the spot for anyone who loves craft beer. With a laid back attitude and scores of award-winning beers, the festival reflects the essence of the city of Portland. The [...]

State Park Cabins in Oregon, from Rustic to Deluxe

Picture this. After an unexpectedly chilly night spent sleeping on the hard, bumpy ground at a local state park, you skip your morning shower (too cold!) only to get rained on from the sky while eating instant oatmeal, shivering in your gortex. It’s car camping in the Northwest! And if you’ve had an overnight experience [...]

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