Explorer Sue • Your Guide to the Pacific Northwest - Part 4

What to Do in Edmonds, Washington

Food & Drink

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 natural wonders of the PNW, with forests to the east and amazing views of the Olympic Mountain range to the west. It boasts plenty of beachside attractions, as well as great hikes in the surrounding areas. It’s one of the best small towns near Seattle. Here are the best things to do in Edmonds, Washington. Explore the Downtown Area With quaint local shops and restaurants, downtown Edmonds is the best way to spend an afternoon. The shops are fun, with unusual gifts and goodies. Main Street and Fifth Avenue holds antique stores, jewelers, clothing boutiques,…

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Meet the Makers Who are Redefining Baker City, Oregon

Food & Drink

Few people who pass by Baker City as they speed along Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon know what a gem of a town they are missing. A former gold and copper rush area located on the historic Oregon Trail, what appears to be a simple collection of motels and gas stations just off the interstate, holds a unique culture and collection of attractions that reveal themselves when you peel back the layers. Revitalization of downtown Baker City has been brewing (beer pun very much intended) for years, and they’re only getting started. I have been here several times, but my recent trip to Baker City really opened my eyes to the amazing businesses that are thriving and the passionate people who are making it happen. Not only will you find families that have been here for many generations, but younger people are moving into the area to enjoy a slower…

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Meet the Makers: The Farm-to-Table Experience in Halfway, Oregon

Food & Drink

Come with me on my recent adventures to eastern Oregon! Here you will not only read about how awesome Baker County is, you will know where good food really comes from. You hear the term “farm-to-table” tossed around so much these days it has started to lose its meaning. A new generation of producers are revitalizing the northeastern Oregon. This isn’t gentrification, this is an authentic desire to make Baker County a true destination, while keeping its history firmly intact. One way they’re doing this is through food. My recent trip to Halfway and Richland, Oregon put the true farm-to-table experience into perspective. These are the unique stories of the amazing people who have dedicated their lives to providing their community and surrounding areas with healthy, wholesome (and delicious) organic food. Halfway, OR – The Ultimate Ranching Community When I stepped up to the unassuming house that is the headquarters…

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Get the Best Buns on the West Coast

Food & Drink

This article, written by yours truly, first appeared on B-C-ing-U.com, a wonderful British-run eclectic website where I am a regular contributor. Portland, Oregon is a foodie haven, where the gastronomic options run the gamut between the simple food cart to the finest Michelin star restaurant. And then there’s the neighborhood joint that one comes back to again and again. I will tell you what mine is. Widely considered as serving the best soup dumplings on the West Coast, I chose to celebrate my 50thbirthday at XLB. All of my foodie friends recommend it, so you know you’re in good hands here. And it’s affordable, to boot! For those culinary aficionados in the know, XLB stands for xiaolongbao in the Chinese language, which in English translates to “small basket buns.” These glorious little pockets of heaven take the form of paper-thin dough filled with meat and steaming broth. My Birthday meal.…

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Three Mountains, Some Waterfalls and a Girl

Guides

The winding road skirting central Oregon’s mountain range led me into air that was getting increasingly heavy. Haziness could be detected as far back as Black Butte. My arrival in the destination town of Sisters brought the heady aroma of wood fire; the kind that permeates the back of the throat and leaves an intriguing and not terribly pleasant aftertaste in your mouth. The wildfires of Oregon and California are increasing in number and intensity as each year passes. Thanks, global warming, but I’ll take my wildfires about every 10 years or so. Alas, mother nature has other ideas. My goal was to explore the Lava Caves south of Bend, but the current fires threw a monkey wrench into that idea when I discovered that while the caves were open, park officials closed off the back part of the caves so you could only tour about half of them. I…

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Meet your shuttle here and scan the barcode!

The Best Way to See the Columbia River Gorge

Guides

One of the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge is to tour all of the waterfalls on the Oregon side. The popular ones are fairly close together and not far from the main roads running along the river. There is so much epic hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities along this route. It is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. But with that comes big crowds and fighting for parking spaces, especially in summer. And on the weekends? You may as well plan for spending most of your time in the car as you wait for a parking space to open up. What if I told you there was a better way? A MUCH better way? Leave your car in one convenient parking area, hop on a bus and let a professional drive you up and down the Columbia River Gorge? Introducing the Sasquatch…

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Explore the Hidden Treasures of Puget Sound

Guides

Puget Sound is an amazing place. The biodiversity alone will set your imagination alight and keep you endlessly enthralled. Most visitors to Seattle and Olympic National Park have no idea that there are tiny pockets of nature to explore and wonderful little marine-side communities between these two major tourist areas. The entire area experiences a temperate year-round climate, and the best times of the year to visit are late spring through early fall. I will take you north beyond Elliot Bay in Seattle and the remote wooded wonderland of the rainforest to points in between. Come along and enjoy the ride… Kingston Located on the shores of Appletree Cove, this is the “Little City by the Sea” and one of the main ferry terminals along Puget Sound with service to Edmonds, just 25 miles north of Seattle. North Kitsap Heritage Park is a great place for a nature walk, just…

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Top 10 Destinations for Road Trips From Oregon

Must Go

This is a guest post from some great people that know exactly where all the best road trips are in Oregon – the DMV. Planning your next road trip? A road trip in Oregon is something you’ll fall in love with. Drive along the scenic coastline or pass by tranquil rivers and lakes, thick forests, majestic waterfalls, volcanoes, and desert. Stop at orchards, campgrounds, farmer’s markets, historic small towns, or go fishing and hiking while enjoying the incredible scenery. But before you plan your road trip, make sure that you have a driver’s license. To acquire one, take a DMV written test and comply with the requirements. Now here are the top destinations to consider for your epic Oregon road trip: Columbia River Gorge A drive through the scenic Columbia River Gorge is an experience of a lifetime. Here, you will get to explore as many majestic waterfalls as…

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Sisters, Oregon – A Haven for Relaxation

Guides

The town of Sisters is the sweet cherry that sits on the top of the ice cream sundae that is Bend in central Oregon. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts year-round, there is perfect skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and all manner of mountain and water activities in summer. Things to do in Sisters, Oregon The Three Sisters Wilderness is nearby and the best way to experience it quickly is to drive the McKenzie Highway, or Route 242. It has some of the most amazing scenery – however, the road is closed from November through June due to wintry conditions. The total length of the highway is 37 miles, and you’ll find breathtaking views around every bend. Suttle Lake is 15 miles west of town and is a great day trip. You can hike around it, kayak or boat in it, swim in its cool waters, camp along the shore, and…

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Meet One of the Best Artists in the Pacific Northwest

Personal Musings

One of the great things about being a travel writer is discovering and getting to know some of the amazing people you encounter as part of your job. It is these chance encounters of meeting interesting people and getting to hear their stories – where they came from and how they came to be where they are. People like Sterling Rose Rung. The town of Bellingham, Washington, up near the Canadian border, has many artists, and Sterling is one of them. She (much like myself) worked in the corporate world for years and realized that it wasn’t for her. She did what so many other creatives have done – busted out of the 9 to 5 and followed their dreams and their passions. She doesn’t express her talents through sculpture, or with a paintbrush, or with performance. She expresses herself through the lens of her camera. But that’s not all!…

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Salvador Dali in bathroom

My Top 10 Picks of Portland’s Best Hotels

Guides

I just love staying in hotels, even in my own home town! I’m sure many of us have become fans of the staycation and if I’m going to be completely honest, I’ve been doing it for many years. It’s the perfect way to pamper yourself and pretend you’re traveling during those times when you can’t, for whatever reason (*cough*pandemic*cough*). I’ve stayed in every one of these hotels, so this is not simply a regurgitated list of all of the other “best of” lists you will see out there. These are my personal opinions and I will be the first to tell you that each of these properties is superbly and authentically Portland. The Rose City has more than its share of fun and funky hotels – it’s kind of what we’re known for! Each of these properties have their own unique definition of hospitality, and I will tell you why. **Disclaimer.…

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Bring On the Ghosts! Haunted Places in Oregon

Guides

“It was a dark and stormy night…” Which is never far from the truth in Oregon, at least in the wintertime. Do you believe in ghosts? I suppose you do, lest you would not be reading this article. The entire state of Oregon is filled with some of the world’s most notorious haunted houses and hotels, creepy roads, and hellish haunted tales. While there are lots of fake stories out there, I have delved deep into my state’s sordid past to dig up genuine hauntings that will make the hair stand out at the back of your neck. Oregon haunted houses are a thing. For real. Let’s get started. Geiser Grand Hotel – Baker City An exquisite and stately hotel which holds a commanding place in the center of eastern Oregon’s Baker City. I spent two nights here and while my room was utterly amazing, alas, I experienced no ghosts.…

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10 Best Weekend Trips from Seattle

Guides

The Emerald City is a true cosmopolitan delight, but even the most steadfast of Seattleites need to get away from the big city once in a while. Luckily, Seattle is completely surrounded by a fantastic collection unique places outside for a short or long getaway. Take a breather from the stress of the hustle and bustle, and head to these amazing Washington State vacation spots. I’ve rounded up the best weekend getaways from Seattle. San Juan Islands It’s hard to believe that such a scenic group of islands nestled in the heart of San Juan de Fuca inland water system is so close to the bustling urban city of Seattle. When you arrive by plane or ferry to the San Juans it is as though you have entered another world. Island life (and island time) rules here, so if you are expecting lots of activity, better pick another spot.…

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The Great Pacific Northwest Travel Blog Roundup 2021

Guides

If you’re looking for things to do in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve hit the jackpot! These Washington and Oregon vacation ideas are the cat’s meow. I’ve gleaned some pretty tasty ideas from these blogs myself. Oregon is for Adventure Nina (of ‘Where in the World is Nina’ fame) and Garrett are full time travelers who call Oregon their home base. In just the short time this blog has been around, they’ve amassed quite an impressive collection of incredible things to do and see around my great state of Oregon. I definitely have some blog envy here! They’ve really done a good job with this site, with loads of information, including road trip ideas, great hiking suggestions, and activities to do around Oregon all year long. Explore Washington State Explore Washington State launched in 2016 and should be your new go-to guide for everything Evergreen State related. Whether you are searching…

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8 Things I Learned in 2020

Informational

As I look towards what appears to be a very promising new year, part of my process is (duh) writing down and reflecting on the past year and what it has taught me. And boy, was it a doozy of a year. Many lessons were learned. I’ll try and sum them up here. 1. I’ve learned to appreciate LOTS of reflective moments. Is this a good or bad thing? I’m not sure. Mostly good, I guess, but then again, I tend to overthink things. Most of us have had more time to get in touch with our true selves, for better or worse. I tend to think it’s mostly for the better. 2. Social media burnout is a real thing. Never before have I gone to my phone with the intention of looking up the weather forecast for the next day, only to have the Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook…

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Why This is the Year for RV Travel

Informational

When you think of taking your wanderlust on the road in an RV, what is the first emotion that you experience? Elation? Abject trepidation? Instant terror? Or a smattering of all three? More importantly, have you ever vacationed in an RV before? RV travel in Oregon and Washington state has seen a huge increase as of late, and it’s only getting more popular. This is thanks, in part, to our amazing natural landscape, out incredible state and national parks. Our Cascade Mountain Range playground and unbeatable coastal delights. But it is also due to the fact that people just want to take back their freedom and be able to travel safely. I mean, who wouldn’t want to drive a mammoth road hog that also happens to be a gas guzzler and can be pretty tricky to steer, especially down narrow city streets? Sounds like fun, right? Why am I all…

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6 of the Best Armchair Travel Books from the PNW

Informational

The Pacific Northwest is known for a lot of things. Incredible natural scenery carved out by the last ice age. Lots of rain. Grunge music (I’ll always love Pearl Jam, and who can forget Nirvana?), fresh salmon, and majestic mountains. Iconic landmarks like Pike Place Market, Crater Lake, and Mt. Saint Helens. Hipsters who recycle. It’s also the birthplace of that global coffee franchise that shall not be named. But the Pacific Northwest is also known to produce some great stories – both fiction and non-fiction. I may get some flack for this but I truly enjoy stories like the Twilight Series (sorry, but Ms. Meyers’ writing IS good, unlike that Fifty Shades debacle). Whether or not you are traveling, immersing yourself in a good book can be the next best thing. The Pacific Northwest has been a muse for countless authors and some phenomenal stories that have captured the…

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Come Find Your Peace in the Wallowa Mountains

Guides

Out here in Northeastern Oregon, the Wild West still reigns supreme and the Wallowa Mountains are the focal point. Carved by the Oregon Trail, not a lot has changed since the good ‘ol days when hopeful future landowners blazed the trail by covered wagon. In this remote area of Oregon, you will find working ranches owned by the same family for 100 years. The remote Eagle Cap mountains rise up from the high desert floor to dominate the horizon, creating wide-open vistas, ripe for exploration. At the base of the Wallowas are large fields of fauna, with clearings that are now, for the most part, empty. They were once occupied by mining towns, some of which are now of the ghost variety. Yes, that is a fancy way of saying ghost towns. I didn’t know this about my state of Oregon. That we have a canyon that is actually deeper…

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5 Girlfriend Getaways in Washington State (You too, Guys!)

Guides

**This article was updated February 12, 2024** Sometimes you just need to get away with your besties with day trips from Seattle. Vacations in Washington State are rich and varied, with the greenery of Western Washington, and the desert beauty of Eastern Washington. There’s a lot here to do when bonding with your gal pals. And fellas, if you want to take your lady on one the best affordable romantic getaways in Washington State, read on… In a hurry? Here are my top recommendations for tours for your girlfriend getaway: Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour Go Hiking and Wine Tasking All-Inclusive Day Tour from Seattle 3-Day North Cascades National Park Kayak-Sailing Whale Watching from Friday Harbor San Juan Island Olympic National Park Full Day Small Group Tour **This article contains affiliate links. When you link on any link and make a purchase, you will be helping to support my…

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Spacious living room

Be a Sophisticated Kid at the Klickitat Treehouse

Must Go

The Columbia River Gorge is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. But most people only traverse the Oregon side. What is lesser known is all of the wonderful things that can be discovered on the Washington side… …like fantastic treehouses. The Klickitat Treehouse hits that sweet spot in between being a kid again (sleeping in a treehouse) and satisfying the very adult craving of luxurious accommodations. The exterior does not look rustic, rather, it is a modern structure that fits in surprisingly well, tucked into the trees surrounding it. Once inside, the interior design looks as though it could leap out from the pages of Architectural Digest at any moment. The space offers clean lines and a very modern approach to “roughing it.” Here you will find the best glamping in Washington State. No “Roughing It” Here All of the amenities are here: a fully stocked kitchen, full bathroom, living…

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