Wine Tasting: Vino Vocab

Do you know what fruit-forward means? How about tannin, or terroir? Students, gather ’round. You don’t have to be ultra-knowledgeable about the world of wine to enjoy visiting wine regions and tasting rooms. In fact, like we told you in Wine Tasting 101, the point of visiting wineries is to learn. Still, you might feel […]

Wine Tasting 101: Tips for First-Timers

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 afraid to walk into one of those granite-clad tasting rooms with no freakin’ clue what to do […]

5 Bodacious Breweries in Bend

Holy hops! I’d figured we’d be kickin’ back with a pint or two on our recent trip to Bend, Oregon. After all, any Northwest beer fan can tell you that Bend is the bomb when it comes to brewing, the birthplace of legends such as Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale (both courtesy […]

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 […]

EAT: Portland’s Little Bird

Portland’s Bistro Petit Oiseau (Little Bird in french) has earned a plethora of raves, including the Oregonian’s restaurant of the year. The bistro, sister to chef Gabe Rucker’s LePigeon, prides itself on great wine and apertif cocktails, creative food and excellent service. And best of all, it is right downtown near all of Portland’s boutique hotels. Order […]

Razor Clamming Season Begins on the Washington Coast

To learn all about razor clamming, including what equipment and license you need and how to use the gear to dig for clams, check out Northwest TripFinder’s Guide to Razor Clamming. Get out your clamming tube! This year may just be a record razor clam season at some Washington state beaches.   Digging days and evening low […]

Seattle’s Best Brunch

Is there a topic (besides politics) that Seattleites have stronger opinions on than where you will enjoy the best brunch in town? I think not. There’s something gravitational about a favorite neighborhood brunch spot. One’s loyalty to their weekend wake-up call is fierce! During the years I lived on Seattle’s Phinney Ridge, I couldn’t have fathomed a Saturday morning […]

The Northwest Chocolate Festival in Seattle September 29-30

Do you adore chocolate? Well then imagine spending an entire day tasting and savoring a variety of the finest, most incredible chocolate in the country. Stop by a chocolate-making demonstration, taste a fresh cacao pod, sip a chocolate cocktail and listen to the stories of craft chocolatiers. The Northwest Chocolate Festival returns to Seattle September 29 and 30 at the Washington State […]

Twisp Farmers Market in the Methow Valley

Location: The parking lot of the Community Center in Twisp. The Methow Valley Farmers Market (also known as the Twisp Farmers Market) is 9am to noon each Saturday from April through October. The market features fresh seasonal produce from local farms, prepared foods, bakery-fresh pastries and coffee, farm-fresh eggs, honey, preserves, pottery, mosaics and many other items. The Twisp […]