Getaway Guide to Astoria, Oregon

It rains a lot in Astoria, Oregon, as anyone familiar with the winter of 1805 according to Lewis and Clark well knows. The rich shades of grey found in Astoria’s sky probably provide inspiration for Benjamin Moore. But when the sun comes out (and it does, eventually) this small maritime city is spectacular. And very well-caffeinated. […]

Quick Escape: Cross-Country Skiing in the Methow Valley

When you long to escape the mist and the moss of the west side for a real winter wonderland, go east. The Methow Valley stretches like a slender finger into the heart of the North Cascades. Snow-capped peaks surround the valley, making for a postcard-perfect backdrop. Rolling hills and quiet pastures flank the winding Methow […]

Destination: Bremerton

Bremerton is a small city surrounded on three sides by the waters of Puget Sound. Depending on who you ask, Bremerton is either charming and livable, or run-down and a bit boring. We think of it as the former, especially for its slowly-but-surely revitalizing downtown, good places to eat and panoramic views of the Cascades […]

Destination: Oceanside

Looking for a place on the northern Oregon Coast off the beaten path? Go to Oceanside, a quaint little beach town eight miles west of Tillamook. In summer, Oceanside makes a terrific home base for exploring the greater Tillamook area’s many parks and trails, from the Bayocean Spit to the north, to Cape Lookout and […]

Trip Guide: The North Beach of the Washington Coast

Pack up the beach chairs and clam bucket, but leave that to-do list at home. Head to the hidden stretch of Washington’s coast known as the “North Beach” for sandcastles, stormwatching and solitude. The sand stretches for miles in this less-visited coastal treasure. Like Ocean Shores, cars are permitted to drive right on the beach in some […]

Trip Guide: Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula

It’s not all go-carts and saltwater taffy in this quintessential beach town, though there’s plenty of that to keep beach lovers happy. From cranberries to Lewis and Clark, the region’s cultural heritage is everywhere. And with miles of trails and wild beaches to explore, opportunities to immerse yourself in nature are abundant as well. The […]

Bellevue Trip Guide

Bellevue is having a coming of age moment. The construction cranes that littered the downtown skyline just a few years ago are gone. In their place are towering glass boxes that house the likes of Microsoft offices and luxury condos. You think Seattle has high-end shopping? Bellevue has higher end shopping. It’s called The Bravern if you […]

100 Things We Love: Seattle

1. The Space Needle. Although a surprising number of Seattlites have never done the tourist thing and taken the elevator to the top, we love it dearly because it defines our skyline and captures our city’s future-facing entrepreneurial spirit. 2.  The International Fountain at Seattle Center. This is Seattle’s front porch and gathering place. Kids dance in […]

Trip Guide: Bandon on the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is dotted with fantastic destinations, from Astoria at its northern tip to Brookings down near the California border. So what makes Bandon so special? World-class golf courses, gorgeous protected beaches and historic “old town” with cute shops, a dozen art galleries and glass art studios, and tasty restaurants. Do you like historic lighthouses? The Bandon […]

Vashon Island Trip Guide

The price of gas, pushing $4.50 a gallon, is now officially impacting our vacation travel. I imagine it is yours, too. We’re brainstorming places we can go for relaxing weekend excursions that require minimal mileage. As residents of West Seattle, the closest getaway we could come up with is only a short ferry ride away […]