Urban Bed and Breakfasts in Seattle and Portland
Try to find a place to stay in Seattle or Portland, besides a hostel, for under $100 a night. Just try. The good news is, city cheap sleeps are out there. The bad news? There are literally only a handful of them. There’s the White Eagle in Portland. Seattle’s College Inn. The Ace Hotel in […]
Mount Rainier North – A Cheap Sleep and Three Day Hikes
Not everyone digs sleeping in a tent under the stars. And even those who do dig it might want a break from it every once in awhile. I recently got an email from Caroline, an avid hiker on her way to Washington state from Arizona who is looking for an inexpensive “basecamp” around lots of […]
Vashon Island Trip Guide
The price of gas, pushing $4.50 a gallon, is now officially impacting our vacation travel. I imagine it is yours, too. We’re brainstorming places we can go for relaxing weekend excursions that require minimal mileage. As residents of West Seattle, the closest getaway we could come up with is only a short ferry ride away […]
John Day Fossil Beds Rock my World
What a fantastic vacation a trip to Eastern Oregon makes. This varied landscape, rich with geologic history and natural beauty, features many surprising elements–ponderosa pine-topped mountains, meadows of tall native grasses and wildflowers, winding rivers and streams teaming with trout, stunning canyons and badlands, and real fossils that you can get close to. Add to […]
Vacationing Close to Home – Officially a Trend
Is your family staying in the Pacific Northwest for vacation this summer? You are not alone. In fact, nationwide, you are now officially part of a growing travel trend. The New York Times’ travel section writes that summer’s best deals are close to home. The American family’s summer vacation to Europe, which in recent years […]
The McMenamins Edgefield is Offbeat and Fun
Have you heard about the McMenamins Edgefield, just east of Portland in Troutdale? Hardly just a place to crash for the night, Edgefield is quite a destination in itself. A 15-minute drive from Portland, Edgefield is a bit far for city lodging, but the setting makes up for the distance pretty quickly. Set on a […]
New Cabins on Camano Island
First, the really great news. On Camano Island, just 90 miles from Seattle and not requiring transport by ferry, sits a wonderful new waterfront Washington State Park set to make its debut June 21. And, it features the most charming waterfront cedar cabins. AND, they are one of the cheapest sleeps going! Practical Tips for […]
Kayaking Quadra Island
Have you always wanted to try your hand at kayaking? How about in one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest? Whether you are a total novice in a kayak or an experienced paddler, you’ll love Quadra Island’s Discovery Islands Lodge (250-285-2823), a kayak hostel nestled in the Gulf Islands of B.C. Discovery […]
Destinations and Distractions – British Columbia June Jazz
Now is the time to plan your June getaway in British Columbia – and there are so many fine reasons to do so. Jazz, blues, and fusion, just to name a few! Enjoy plenty of free or low-cost performances while soaking up some Northwest culture. The neatest part is – you can easily take one […]
Let’s Go Camping in Washington! (Maybe…)
If you haven’t booked a getaway for the Memorial Day weekend yet, good luck. You might want to start sorting through the storage closet for your camping gear. Yet with snow levels keeping many popular campgrounds closed into June, finding even a campsite this weekend may pose a bit of a challenge. Here’s a bit […]
