The Oregon forest looks like a strange mystical netherworld during a January rain. It was early morning and I was still not fully awake. In this semi-aware state my writer’s…
Tiny House Travel and Why You Should Do It
Don’t you sometimes just want to simplify your life? Travel more? The vast majority of us (at least in America) are bogged down by the roof over our heads. About…
What Makes Portland So Weird?
What does “being weird” mean to you? It could mean different things for different people. And surely it takes on a different connotation when you are talking about an entire…
Why Portland is the Best Foodie City in America
I am so proud of my city. And finally, Portland has been officially recognized as the best foodie city in the U.S. Because you know something? It’s true! I live…
A Unique Pacific Northwest Experience
One of the most uniquely Pacific Northwest activities you can do is to spend an afternoon shellfishing. There are dozens of great beaches along Oregon and Washington (especially Puget Sound)…
Which City is Better: Seattle or Portland?
Ah….the age-old Pacific Northwest question! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that one! Okay, so without making you scroll all the way down to the end…
5 Things to Pack for the Pacific Northwest (Any Time of Year)
First of all….CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming PNW adventure. You are going to have so much FUN. But now it’s time to start thinking about getting to the nitty-gritty of things…
Skiing in the Pacific Northwest – The Complete Guide
For people who love the outdoors, there is no greater destination than the Pacific Northwest. And for skiers? Whew-eee! You simply cannot call yourself a skier if you haven’t been…
5 Reasons Why Every Female Should Travel Solo (at least once!)
I’m going to jump on the bandwagon here because I rarely do that. I’m writing this week’s blog post as a list. The ever-popular “5 reasons why (insert subject here)”.…
Twin Peaks Locations in Washington State
David Lynch’s television masterpiece, Twin Peaks, enjoyed cult success in the 1990’s. Recently it has been resurrected (unlike Laura Palmer) in the form of several new shows available for streaming…
Best Campgrounds in Washington State That are Free
**This post was updated on April 24, 2024** Looking for free camping in Washington State? You’ve hit the jackpot! Camping is one of the premier outdoor experiences you can have.…
Things to Do in Astoria Oregon
Astoria is Oregon’s northernmost coastal city. Perched at the top of her many hills, you’ll be offered a sweeping view of the very long Astoria-Megler bridge into Washington state, and…
The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip – Part 3
Can you think of a place that is so untouched by human hands, and yet so traversed that it’s difficult to imagine why it remains so beautiful? Vancouver Island is…
The Cannabis Industry in Oregon
“That’ll be $69 an ounce, sir.” The dispensary clerk told my husband, who wanted to try a small sampling of Green Dragon, a strain of cannabis that was advertised to…
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail. It’s on every serious hiker’s to-do list. Mine included. I’m getting to a point in my life where, if I don’t do it within the next…
The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip – Part 1
This is the first in a series of stories about my exploration of Vancouver Island, Canada. Makes for a great road trip in British Columbia. Read about parts two and…
Where To Go Off the Beaten Path Oregon
Think you know Oregon? Think again… Oregon is not the biggest state in the Union, not by far. But venture east of the Cascades into High Desert country and it…
How to NOT Get Lost on the Hiking Trail
I was so excited to go on a solo trip to Vancouver Island. Having never been further than the city of Victoria, my explorer hat was in full force as…
Unusual Places to Visit in Washington State
**This article was updated in June 2022.** I have always been a rebel. If the crowd is going one way, I’m likely to go the opposite direction. That is unless…
Pancakes and Cigarettes: Epic Diners in Portland
Okay, I’ll admit it. That headline was a cheesy attention grabber. I actually despise cigarettes. And I’m fairly certain you can’t smoke in most diners anymore. But I had to…