Explorer Sue • Your Guide to the Pacific Northwest - Part 8

Discovering the Villages of Vancouver Island

British Columbia, Canada

Ever wonder what was down that lonely dirt road on your last road trip to a popular destination? Did you want to go down that road to see where it led, but couldn’t because you were in a time crunch, or your travel companion said ‘no’? While planning an upcoming trip to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, I started honing in on some of the backcountry places on the island, particularly up north. While studying my trusty Vancouver Island map, I noticed that northern Vancouver Island is pretty sparse, and that intrigued me. Cities in Vancouver Island Sure, there are the (most visited) towns of Victoria and Tofino in the southern half of the island. And then there is one main road going up the length of the east side. But other than that? Google Maps makes Vancouver Island look pretty bare. So I had to ask myself, is northern Vancouver Island…

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Courtesy of OregonStateParks.org

10 Observations I’ve Made Living in the Pacific Northwest

Personal Musings

When I moved to Portland in my early twenties, I have to admit I had no idea what living in the Pacific Northwest was all about. I was young and in love and only did it to follow my husband here. But other than sticking with him, moving to the Pacific Northwest was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I quit my job in Nebraska and left my family to drive across the country to try the good ol’ Pacific Northwest lifestyle. To live in a place I had never even visited. Little did I know that I was going to be putting down roots in one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the world. Twenty years later, I still haven’t experienced all that Oregon, Washington and British Columbia has to offer. That’s part of the reason I started this Pacific Northwest travel blog…

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Eugene, Oregon is Not Just for Duck’s Lovers

Food & Drink

Just off of I-5 in the midst of the fertile, wine-grape-loving’ Willamette Valley of central Oregon is the town of Eugene, and its neighboring town, Springfield. Eugene is the home of the University of Oregon, and more notably, the Oregon Ducks. As a member of the Pac-12 conference, Ducks players are regularly drafted by professional sports franchises. During any given game day at Autzen Stadium, Ducks fans from Portland get up around 3 or 4 am and make the caravan trip three hours down to Eugene to catch a game. Forget about traveling anywhere else on I-5 during game days, the traffic is insane, you might as well stay home! But there is so much more to Eugene than just sports. Duck mania aside, the city of Eugene has loads of other attractions that make this town very special. It is home to the Lane County Fair held in late…

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Helmsman’s Hideaway: Perfection on the Oregon Coast

Guides

A cold and rainy Friday night found us driving from Portland to Florence, Oregon to spend a weekend getaway at the coast. After a long day at work and over three hours of driving, we were ready to relax! When we finally arrived in Florence, we headed north of town about 3 miles and pulled up to our destination. What greeted us was a lovely vacation house, with festive white lights lining the A-frame’s shape. A welcoming sight in the dark drizzle of the evening. “Wow, nice!” My husband said. “We’re staying here?” Let the record state he is not someone who is easily impressed. As we ascended the large front deck and entered the house, a homey, woodsy aroma filled our senses. And on the kitchen table, a welcome gift! After settling in, we had a glass of wine (or two) and munched on the yummy home-baked treats…

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Is This a Good Pacific Northwest Travel Website?

Personal Musings

I love the Pacific Northwest. I’ve lived here for over twenty years. I love living here so much that I’ve built this website over the past couple of years showcasing the many places to visit here. I have written several Pacific Northwest travel itinerary articles and will add many more. I love it here so much I want to shout it from the rooftops. And I do! I know there are a few of you out there that are reading my blogs about all things Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. But sometimes I kind of feel like I’m shouting into an abyss. I see you there, but I’m not hearing you. Therefore, I’m not entirely sure that what I’m writing about is useful to you. Are you coming to my website because you’re from this area and are just curious about my opinions of it? Are you coming to my…

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Why the Pacific Northwest is Perfect for Solo Travel

British Columbia, Canada

Solo travel, especially female solo travel, has been common for years, but has recently entered the mainstream. And it’s about flippin’ time! What’s even better is that solo travel in Washington State, Oregon and British Columbia is a LOT of fun. There are many travel bloggers out there who have paved the way to help make solo travel more acceptable. Gals like Adventurous Kate, Sherry from OttsWorld, Amanda from A Dangerous Business and many others have been inspiring people like me for over ten years to stop waiting around for other people and follow their travel dreams. Pacific Northwest travel is perfect to do solo, particularly in Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland. These cities definitely encourage solo travel. Each city has its own individual charm, and it is rare that you don’t see a few people hanging out in coffee shops, bars and restaurants, alone. Here on your own, you can engage…

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Spending the Holidays in Portland

Guides

Portland during Christmas doesn’t get a lot of snow, if any. We are deep in the Willamette Valley, where temperatures rarely go outside the 35 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit mark. It does snow once or twice during winter, but during Christmas, it’s rare to have any of the white stuff on the ground. So we make due by laying it on thick other ways in the form of many holiday festivities. Peacock Lane Every city has their main residential block where all of the neighbors’ band together and decorates their house with lights for the holidays. Peacock Lane in SE Portland takes the concept and dials it up to 11. They even have their own website! Most of the houses are Tudor-style, giving the entire experience a quaint, old-world Christmas feel. A Portland tradition since the 1940’s! Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas Tree Portland’s living room. What better place to put…

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Moving and the Art of Travel

Moving and the Art of Travel

Oregon

So, I just completed a move. A move from a nice, quiet ranch house in the suburbs into a small studio apartment on one of the hippest streets in the center of Portland. The move was exhausting…I’ve done many moves and they’re ALWAYS exhausting. But the important thing is… I’m happy! I love my little place. It’s a studio in the corner of an eco-friendly apartment building (yes, I AM in Portland), on the second floor with a wrap-around balcony. I can’t wait until the weather gets warmer and I can sit in my camp chair on my balcony, sipping a margarita or drinking a craft beer, and watch all of the hipsters and tourists meander down my street. I was miserable in the ‘burbs Out of necessity, we moved to the next town over from Portland two years ago, due to a family situation. While the suburbs are quiet…

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Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon

Guides

Deciding where to stay in Portland can greatly influence experience of this dynamic city, especially for first-time visitors. Downtown Portland is just one choice if you want the quintessential urban experience, complete with easy access to top-notch dining, shopping, and cultural landmarks like the Portland Art Museum. It’s also super convenient for public transportation. Portland’s landscape is a picturesque blend of urban charm and natural beauty. The city unfolds across various elevations, from verdant river valleys to gentle slopes, leading up toward the impressive backdrop of the Tualatin Mountains, more commonly known as the West Hills. Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the Willamette runs north/south and cuts through the heart of the city, dividing it in half. The Columbia runs east/west a little further north and is the dividing line between Oregon and Washington. The Geography of Portland – Simplified The city itself is cleverly…

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Writers Who Inspire Oregon Travel

Oregon

Oregon is home to a great many prolific authors. The majority of people who live here, especially in Portland and the larger towns, were not born here. Like me, they are transplants from elsewhere in the U.S. and around the globe. There is just something so appealing about Oregon; its diversity, the friendliness of its residents, and the gorgeous scenery nature provide. Remember Louis and Clark? They were the ultimate Oregon travel writers. Through their daily diary entries of their harrowing journey out west, they have given us an intimate look of the Wild West. I’ve been trying to find a book that intimately chronicles their detailed writings, but I haven’t found one. If you know of such a book, please let me know! Below is a very small list of the many writers who were inspired by and made their home in Oregon. Some of them are travel writers;…

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A Pretty Good Seattle Itinerary (2 days)

Food & Drink

**This article was updated on July 1, 2022** Planning a trip to Seattle? Great, you’re in the right place. I love Seattle…the fact that Seattle is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city right on the edge of the stunning beauty that is Puget Sound makes it unique among the average big city. This coupled with its diverse neighborhoods lends itself to a rich experience not found anywhere else in the world. It is also on everyone’s Pacific Northwest vacation itinerary. A weekend in Seattle is one of my favorite short trips to make, and is one of the best cities in the U.S. for solo travel. The history of this place is pretty good, too. So the obvious, number one choice for a Seattle itinerary is the Space Needle, right? WRONG. Okay, go if you must, I’m not going to tell you NOT to do the Space Needle. But there is SO…

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A Pretty Good Guide to the Central Oregon Coast

Guides

Looking for a great road trip in Oregon? How about a road trip on the Oregon Coast? Oregon’s central coast is the most diverse when it comes to wildlife and scenic views. As you meander up or down Highway 101, the scenery changes quite a bit. You will drive through dense forests which give way to incredible Pacific ocean views, marshy bogs, and expansive grazing fields. Here you will come within very close proximity to….and probably even get to view…sea lions, whales…and cows. Wait, what? Yes, milking cows, to be exact. Hwy 101 runs tantalizingly close to the unending expanse that is the Pacific Ocean…this road truly skirts the edge of the earth, but then just as you’re getting used to the breathtaking view, the road snakes back inland, where vast, tree-spotted fields and the occasional cow herd can be seen. Many of these cows lend themselves to the making…

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A Very Fine Guide to Distilleries in Portland

Food & Drink

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 distilleries. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that there is a vibrant food scene – along with a fine dish must come the perfect spirit with which to wash it down, right? Or maybe it’s because the fertile farmland all around Oregon and Washington is ripe with fruit, nut and grain fields – the perfect ingredients for that special brandy, whiskey or vodka. Whatever the reason, if you appreciate your hard alcohol, it’s worth an afternoon to tour some of Portland’s distilleries. Here is a comprehensive list of most of the finer ones in town. Bull Run Distilling Whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin are made here, using fresh Bull Run water from the fertile Willamette Valley.…

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A Pretty Good Portland Itinerary (2 days)

Food & Drink

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. Not for any one person, anyway. It’s impossible to suggest a ‘to-do’ list for a Portland weekend getaway because EVERYONE has different interests, different tastes, and different priorities. It’s not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. But here I am, writing it anyway. Trust me, there are better guides. No, really. There are. So take it for what it’s worth…a GREAT BIG grain of salt. The salt grain is huge because I have picked out things to do that will suit (almost) anyone. These activities can be done year-round, rain or shine. And we all know that our Rose City gets plenty of rain! It’s part of what makes the city so gorgeous. All that green. In addition, I encourage you to visit…

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Crater Lake National Park

Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park

Guides

Make no bones about it…Crater Lake, Oregon is a magical place. It’s mysterious, it’s gorgeous, it’s heart-stopping. We’ve all seen pictures of it, but unless you’re there to witness it in person, you have no idea. Really. The first time I laid eyes on her over ten years ago, my breath caught in my throat. “Woooowwww,” was the only thing I could utter for a full minute. And even the second time just recently, I got the privilege of being a “first time witness” because the second time, I brought my husband with me and it was his first time. So I got to experience another “first time” through his eyes. We approached the Lake from the north side entrance to Crater Lake National Park (the only National park in Oregon) and parked at the first viewpoint. You have to climb up a small hill to look over the edge…

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Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State

Guides

You’ve seen this decade volcano from the plane, or from a high rise in Seattle on a clear day, or driving down I-5, and you’ve always wondered to yourself, “What is it like on the ground standing the foot of this gorgeous behemoth?” Well, let me tell you. A Jewel of a Mountain If one was to compare Mt. Rainier vs. Mt. Hood, well…I’m not sure a fair comparison is in order. Both rise from the low clouds and give you that ‘come hither’ look on a clear day. Both are iconic landmarks of the Pacific Northwest, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Dare I say, however, even though I’m from Oregon… Mount Rainier would have to win out. But only barely. I mean, just look at this. As far as hiking is concerned, I would definitely recommend Mt. Rainier. I don’t know, maybe it’s because Mount Rainier…

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Portland Flea Markets

Guides

A great way to soak up the essence of a city, talk with locals, and grab a bargain or two in the process is to attend a local flea market. Who doesn’t love a flea market? It’s a great way to spend an afternoon alone, or with friends. Whether you are in the mood for a nifty vintage outfit, an antique collectible, or are simply looking for that next great book to read, you’ll likely find it at a Portland flea market. Shop for buried treasure here! Why do they call them flea markets, anyway? I don’t know, seems kind of off-putting, doesn’t it? Flea markets are notoriously sporadic – many of them occur just one day a week or one day a month. Some are fleeting, they come and go, but the Portland Saturday Market has been around since the early 1970’s. Here are some flea markets in Portland that…

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Why I Love (and Hate) New Orleans

Beyond the PNW

“Y’all know what you’re havin’?” the friendly, weathered man said behind the counter. “Oh yeah, we came here all the way from Portland for an ‘All That Jazz’ “ said my husband. Well, we didn’t come to New Orleans JUST for that. We were at Verdi Mart on Royal St. around 1 am for the infamous, delectable and horribly fattening killer sandwich that gives the best NOLA po’boy a run for its money. There was a local lady standing next to us who decided to put her two cents in. “I just ordered the catfish sandwich.” I turned to her. “Yeah, is it really good?” She eyed me then eyed my better half. “That your husband?” I nodded. “Get the catfish. It’ll bring you closer together.” If that’s not a selling point, I don’t know what is! But we got the All That Jazz, anyway. Make no mistake, we’ll be…

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Driving the Oregon Coast

Informational

The whole of the Oregon Coast offers up near unlimited experiences. Explore rugged and rocky vistas, sandy beaches, and forests that practically touch the water’s edge. Lighthouses galore, quaint seaside bed and breakfasts, and world-class crabbing and fishing. The Southern Oregon Coast, in particular, is a prime playland for adventurous and curious souls. Coos Bay Once a major logging town and shipyard, it is still the largest town on the Oregon Coast. Take a walk on the boardwalk, catch a production at the historic Egyptian Theater, visit the Coos Art Museum, shop for treasure at Leaf’s Treehouse Antiques. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area The dunes are perfect for hiking, photography, and riding dune buggies! For Dune Buggy tours, go here. If you want to explore the dunes with your own ride, go here. Cranberries of Bandon I don’t know about you, but I LOVE cranberries. I love to…

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Take the Pacific Northwest Trivia Quiz

Informational

Think you know your Pacific Northwest trivia? I’ve put together this little trivia quiz to test your knowledge and to get you thinking about your next Pacific Northwest Adventure. The tiniest park in the world resides in Portland Oregon. What’s it called? Forest Park Washington Park Peninsula Park Mills End Park In the “Twilight” novels/movie franchise, Bella and Charlie’s hometown is what tiny Washington town? Forks Prineville Port Angeles Condon The deepest lake in the U.S holds mysterious qualities due to its immense depth. What’s its name? Shasta Lake Crater Lake Diamond Lake Lost Creek Lake What city is the capital of Washington State? Salem Tacoma Olympia Spokane The most dangerous lighthouse on the west coast is… Cape Disappointment North Head Terrible Tilly Haceta Head Who/what was San Juan Island named by? A Spanish explorer A Catholic Saint The first horse brought to the island The Puerto Rican city…

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