The best places to shop in the Pacific Northwest.
Hiking in the great outdoors has long been a favorite pastime for me. It offers an escape into nature and a great workout that rewards with incredible views, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Women hikers have increasingly made their mark, challenging trails across the globe and proving the indomitable strength and resilience that lie…
Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, it cannot be denied that the sights, sounds, and smells of a good Christmas market will entice even the heartiest of Scrooges. The Pacific Northwest provides visitors with a magical winter wonderland. Cozy small towns are blanketed in fresh snow, evergreen treetops glisten with twinkling lights, and the crisp…
Scrambling up a steep trail laden with slippery rocks and muddy patches on a Pacific Northwest hike, fresh after a long drizzle, is no easy task. Yet it’s exhilarating and rewarding. A good challenging hike is made even better when you are wearing the right gear. Enter the Kuhl Kultivatr Kargo Pant. Catchy name, don’t…
The small town of Edmonds is ripe for exploring, thanks to its prime location along Puget Sound. Just 20 miles north of Seattle, it’s a great little community, which makes for a fantastic day or weekend trip from Seattle and a welcome respite from the bustle of the Emerald City. Edmonds is surrounded by the…
**This post was updated January 16, 2024** Walking in Portland makes for a fine way to spend an afternoon. Many of its main attractions are within walking distance, not to mention a plethora of restaurants, food carts, and coffee houses along the way. It is a fantastic dive deep into this city – to find…
**Note: Even though the state-at-home order has been imposed pretty much everywhere, that doesn’t stop us from planning a fantastic trip around Portland when we are able to move around again. Until then, enjoy this armchair journey through downtown.** Here is a guest blog from Marc Johnston, a long-time Portland resident and personal injury attorney,…
I think more of us will be slowing down and reading this summer…and who doesn’t love a good book? Especially when you are stuck at home and cannot travel. At least it is comforting to know that when you are able to travel again, the world will still be waiting for you! No matter the…
Are you looking for some outdoor gear for your next travel adventure? Here are some awesome outdoor travel products coming from the Pacific Northwest that will outfit the explorer in you. Without mentioning the obvious (ahem, *cough *Nike* don’t-get-me-wrong-I-like-Nike *cough*). Sorry Nike, you get an honorable mention here, but you are too big for your…
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,…
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…
A murky fog blankets The Old Town section of Portland, and as the first hint of light begins to overtake the cloudy sky, the vendors appear with their moving trucks and vans. It is a Sunday morning in early December, one of the last big weekends where many of the vendors make more money in…
One of the things that makes Seattle such a great city is its distinctive neighborhoods. Much like it’s feisty sister to the south (Portland), you can think of Seattle as a collection of smaller cities all stuck together. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, its own community, its own sense of purpose. All of them…
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. The crowds can get so thick you can barely navigate past the merchant boots. Be prepared to move quite slowly, especially at the main street…
“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 their rides for the day. The Center provides refurbished bicycles for sale, as well as new and used parts and accessories. They even provide repair…
“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 eye on since I walked in 40 minutes ago. Antique shopping in Portland’s Sellwood never disappoints in the treasure-hunting realm.
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. My mouth began watering as I envisioned pulled pork, shrimp with cheesy grits, and homemade corn bread in my near future. Miss Delta is southern…
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 retain its friendly hippy vibe, particularly between SE 20th and 39th Streets. Hawthorne Boulevard is home to
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 favorite place to people-watch in this neighborhood: within the span of a half-hour I see
