Explorer Sue • Your Guide to the Pacific Northwest - Part 9

Unusual Places to Visit in Washington State

Informational

**This article was updated in June 2022.** I have always been a rebel. If the crowd is going one way, I’m likely to go the opposite direction. That is unless I’m looking for a good place to eat. I will rarely go into a café if the place is empty. When it comes to food, you can bet that if you queue up to that long line, you won’t come away disappointed. But I digress… When exploring new destinations, I prefer to go where the crowds are thin to none. You get the full experience and enjoyment of the places without having to “share” it when a lot of people. Call me selfish. To that end, I enjoy visiting unique and unusual places. Unique experiences in Washington State, to be exact. What are some weird things to do in Seattle? Or unique things to do in Washington State, for that…

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Pancakes and Cigarettes: Epic Diners in Portland

Food & Drink

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 with just a hint of the aroma of cigarettes that brings me fondly back to childhood vacations. Diners embody the heart of real America and are a treasure to behold from coast to coast. Portland has its fair share of long-running diners. Where many of the booths are tattered and worn, the Formica tables have that charming chip off the corner, and the wait staff greets you as if you’ve been coming for years. A constant in an ever-changing world Diners are where you come to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of the…

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Why I Didn’t Like My Trip to Vancouver, B.C.

British Columbia, Canada

Everybody is supposed to like Vancouver, right? Well, this Vancouver travel guide will give you a different perspective. Vancouver is the site of so many beloved film and television shows. MacGyver. X-Files. The Rise of the Planet Apes. I, Robot. And that blasted Fifty Shades flick, to name a very few. You could say that it is Canada’s “Hollywood.” But that is definitely where the similarity ends. Vancouver is nothing like Los Angeles. Sure, it’s a cosmopolitan city, but to me, it is more sophisticated and compact, where L.A. is a sprawling mishmash of everything under the sun. This Vancouver is also beautiful. I had high hopes for my first visit to Vancouver, B.C. Maybe too high. We only spent two days there, and it rained nearly the entire time. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t surprised by the lack of sunshine. This is the Pacific Northwest, after all. It’s…

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Pacific Rim National Park

10 Facts about Pacific Northwest National Parks

British Columbia, Canada

The Pacific Northwest has some pretty epic national parks. It’s safe to say that as far as outdoor scenery goes, these parks are among the best Planet Earth has to offer. The great nations of the United States and Canada have set aside these lands for everyone to enjoy, and I am privileged and humbled to have them in my backyard. As part of your pre-national-park-trip planning, be sure you know the difference between a National Park and a State Park. National Parks are actually federal land, and as such, are governed by federal law. There are many more state parks (or provincial parks in Canada) than there are national parks. There are seven national parks in British Columbia, three in Washington and only one in Oregon. The National Parks in the Pacific Northwest are all unique. For entrance into national parks in Oregon, Washington state, and British Columbia, you…

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Personal Travel Blogs that Inspire Me

Beyond the PNW

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. But you what REAL information about a destination. So how do you wade through the muck and get to the REALLY good ones? Who are those bloggers who go beyond the catchy headline and over-the-top personality to give you real information you crave? Well, me for one! But I am not writing this article to toot my own horn. There are plenty others like me who have made it their goal in life to bring you the best information out there in terms of where to go and how to spend your precious vacation time.…

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Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head Lighthouse

Guides

The Oregon coast has such a wide variety of attractions that it really takes time to explore it fully. Just recently I learned that it takes about eight long hours to drive from Astoria in the north, all the way down to Brookings near the northern California border. And that is only if you don’t make ANY stops! You really have to take in the magnificent Oregon coast in smaller snippets to appreciate it fully. Most people do this on the weekend, where they can plan a more relaxing itinerary, and that’s what we do. The best time of year to experience the coast is in the spring or late fall, the shoulder seasons. So what makes a relaxing weekend on the Oregon coast turned into an outdoor adventure? Spouting horns and elusive sinkholes, that’s what! You can find these at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area on the Oregon coast,…

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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 September 1, 2024** 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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