Cute neighborhoods, a delicious culinary scene and a grand view of the Columbia River—it’s no surprise the little coastal town of Astoria made it onto Yahoo Lifestyle’s list of “50 Charming American Towns You’ve Never Heard Of.” Astoria is the oldest city west of the Rocky Mountains. It was the finish line of Lewis […]
An Historic Getaway to Albany, Oregon
Fantastical beasts, pioneer homes, nature hikes, culinary adventures – the city of Albany and its environs offers all this and more, an affordable Willamette Valley destination perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway from the Portland area. Straddling the I-5 corridor, Albany is located about 70 miles south of Portland. Monteith House, photo by […]
Celebrating the Cranberry Harvest on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula
The Long Beach Peninsula is well-known for many things: one of the longest public beaches in the world, an oceanfront boardwalk, two 19th century lighthouses, ridiculously fresh seafood (such as Willapa Bay oysters) and growing cranberries. In fact, one of the area’s unofficial nicknames is the Cranberry Coast, so when my family and I visited […]
A Tale of Two Portland Bridges
Portland has been undergoing a great transformation over the last few years. Our borders are expanding in every direction and the city’s distinctive profile is changing right along with it. Only the rivers remain unchanged—although, there’s been a recent addition that proves “Bridgetown” is looking toward the future as it redefines itself as a 21st […]
The Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway Celebrates 100 Years
Rugged cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and a river powerful enough to carve a path through ancient lava beds — it’s no surprise that the Columbia River Gorge is Oregon’s most visited destination, a dynamic landscape that is always worth the trip. And, whether you drive, hike, or cycle the 75-mile-long route, you’ll find the best way […]
Portland’s Historic Movie Theaters
When I want to enjoy a film on the big-screen surrounded by brightly-lit vintage marquees, barrel arches, ornate wrought-iron fixtures, brilliant mosaics and velvet-draped walls, I head to one of these five movie theaters. Independently owned and sprinkled throughout Portland, these historic gems were all originally built as movie houses or live theaters and opened […]
A Summer Spent on the Tillamook Coast
Summer is just a month away and it’s time to get ready for all the fun my family can handle in three short months. Everyone has an opinion; exploring the great outdoors, unique shopping experiences, and, of course, hanging out on a beautiful West Coast beach. Sometimes it’s hard to satisfy everyone’s idea of a […]
Communing With the Art of Northeast Portland’s Grotto
When I moved to Portland one of the first places I heard about was The Grotto at the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. This 62-acre Catholic shrine is the result of a combined vision between its founder Fr. Ambrose Mayer and the creators of British Columbia’s Butchart Gardens, Robert and Jennie Butchart. It’s a peaceful place for reflection that welcomes visitors […]
The Luck of the Irish is Found at Kells Irish Pub
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, but you don’t have to wait any longer to enjoy the rich heritage of the Irish if you order up a hearty plate of the Emerald Isle’s best meals at Kells Irish Pub I celebrated my Gaelic roots early with a trip to Kells last weekend, where […]
A Guide to the Portland Art Museum
Getting lost in a work of art is one of my favorite ways to escape reality. A thought transformed on canvas or stone transports you into an artist’s mind at the moment inspiration strikes. At the Portland Art Museum, the West Coast’s first museum dedicated solely to artistic endeavors, great masters from the past and present display their works in a sprawling collection […]