beat the winter blues in oregon
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10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues in Oregon

We’ve all been there…it is the thick of winter. There are grey skies…all the time. Okay, not really ALL the time, but it sure as hell feels that way! Nevertheless, it seems that we get up in the morning in the dark, we go about our day, and for those of us who work inside…

Tiny Home Travel
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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 72% of us spend a full 50% of our income on our homes. That’s insane!! It’s a big reason why Americans have an unprecedented amount…

keep portland weird
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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 city as opposed to a person or group of people. The general meaning of weird means out of the ordinary, or peculiar. Just something that…

best foodie city
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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 here, and I shudder like a bikini girl in Alaska when I think of all of the incredible places to eat where I haven’t yet…

Which city is better Portland or Seattle
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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 of this blog post, I’m just going to tell you what the answer is RIGHT NOW.  Are you ready???? Wait for it…..      …

What to Pack for PNW
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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 and figure out what to pack for Oregon, Washington, or British Columbia…the cities, the country, the mountains, the coast, you’ll want to pack thoughtfully. ***This…

St. Johns Bridge
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St. Johns Historic Neighborhood in Portland

There is a section of Portland where the Willamette River and the mighty Columbia River meet. At this confluence resides the historic neighborhood of St. Johns. A section of Portland that used to be its own separate town. To this day St. Johns still retains its independent charm. Portland is a collection of neighborhoods (link…

what makes portland weird
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10 Unusual Things That Make Portland Great

I’m going to forego the usual boring introduction (that no one reads anyway) and just get right to it. These are ten things (out of thousands) that make Portland great. The Naked Bike Ride For one evening every June, Portlanders love to let their freak flag fly and parade down the city streets going full…

Where are the Best Doughnuts in Portland?
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Where are the Best Doughnuts in Portland?

It’s not unusual to walk down a street in Portland and find a line out the door to an eating establishment. There are so many incredible restaurants in the city; Portland has become one of the premier places for brunch, fine dining, food carts…. …and doughnuts. So where are the best doughnuts in Portland?  …

diners in portland
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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 write a post about diners because I live for breakfast. The Best Breakfasts in Portland, Oregon There’s just something about the smell of pancakes, coupled…

Personal Travel Blogs that Inspire Me
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Personal Travel Blogs that Inspire Me

When you need travel inspiration, who or what do you turn to? Facebook? Pinterest? Instagram? Good ol’ Google? A favorite travel blogger? Or something else? It’s common knowledge that travel bloggers these days are a dime a dozen. It seems everyone has built their own website to chronicle their yearly (or monthly) vacations, and that’s fine….

Spending the Holidays in Portland
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Spending the Holidays in Portland

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…

Moving and the Art of Travel
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Moving and the Art of Travel

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…

Portland Spring
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Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon

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…

Bridge of the Gods
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Writers Who Inspire Oregon Travel

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…

Portland Distilleries
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A Very Fine Guide to Distilleries in Portland

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…

Portland, Oregon
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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. 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,…

Portland Flea Market
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Portland Flea Markets

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…

Take the Pacific Northwest Trivia Quiz
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Take the Pacific Northwest Trivia Quiz

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”…

Portland Parks
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Portland Parks

The Rose City has so many wonderful parks. Portland is green (in more ways than one), and her many parks are a testament to that love of nature and sustainability. Whatever your outdoor activity, you can find a park in Portland that will accommodate you. I can’t think of another U.S. city of its size…