Portland is undoubtedly one of the beer and coffee capitals of the U.S., dare I say, the world. But I would be remiss if I didn’t also include her wonderful…
A Pretty Good Portland Itinerary (2 days)
I was trying to get away from doing this. Trying to avoid writing an article about how to plan the ‘perfect Portland itinerary’ Because there really isn’t such a thing.…
City Guide to Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the cuter-than-a-button, picturesque darling of British Columbia. I really love this little city – with its super-easy and affordable ferry trip from Seattle, and its walkable fun-filled streets,…
City Guide to Spokane, Washington
For a town that’s out in the middle of nowhere, smack dab in the high desert of eastern Washington State, Spokane is a pretty cool place. While it’s no Las…
Take a Tasty Tour through Oregon’s Wine Country
When people think of wine produced in the United States, most immediately think California’s Napa Valley. But just up the road is the fertile Willamette Valley of Oregon, which produces…
Brewery Tour: Widmer Brothers Brewing
As a state, Oregon ranks 3rd in the U.S. for the number of craft breweries per capita. When I moved to this area of the country I was most…
Bend, Oregon: Buttes, Brews and Bikes
As we emerged from the Willamette National forest going south, we noticed a menacing dark cloud hanging in the air towards our destination, Bend. This wasn’t a storm cloud, this…
A Very Fine Guide to Olympia, Washington
For years, my only exposure to Olympia, Washington was to simply breeze through the middle of it on the I-5 up to Seattle from Portland. And for years, my…
Shop Local: Seattle’s Pike Place Market
The first time you visit Pike Place Market can be a bit overwhelming…especially if you come at a peak time, such as on the weekend or during the summer months.…
Unique Pacific Northwest Hotels and Pubs: McMenamins
When you think of a chain of hotels or a chain of restaurants, your eyes tend to immediately gloss over and the first thing you think of is BORING…right? You…
Portland’s Incredible Food Carts: The Ultimate List
Updated February 25th, 2022. In all of my travels, I have not been in (or heard of) any other city in the world that has as many and as diverse…
9 Best Portland Cocktail Bars (from a Local)
Weather you’ve been exploring Portland all day, working hard for ‘THE MAN’, or hell, even cooped up in your home office working working on your novel (instead of actually working),…
Alberta Arts District Portland: An Artist’s Haven
“Two hundred, sixty dollars for an almost-new commuter bike? Wow!” As I stood in front of the Community Cycling Center, a handful of cycling enthusiasts were happily outside, tuning up…
Antique Shopping in Sellwood Portland
“How much for this gramophone?” I asked. The elderly gentleman behind the counter in Stars Antique Mall smiled at me, then peered expertly at the item I had had my…
What to Do on Mississippi Ave in Portland
Mississippi Avenue is one of Portland’s most vibrant districts. I hopped off of the Number 4 bus to meet my friend at one of our favorite restaurants there, Miss Delta.…
Discover Portland’s Hawthorne Neighborhood
Continuing my series on Portland’s neighborhoods, this week’s focus is on the Hawthorne neighborhood. Despite some mild gentrification over the past several years, Hawthorne has managed quite successfully to…
23rd St & The Alphabet District, Portland: An Outdoor Shopping Gem
Sitting on a park bench, the cool spring breeze gently combs my hair as I bite into my carne asada burrito from a local taqueria down the street. It’s my…
Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington and More
Nestled in majestic, wooded mountains, Leavenworth, WA is one of those amazing, tiny towns that seem to exist solely for visitors. So where do the locals live? Only when you…