Sunset Magazine: Fifty Under $150
Where do you turn for travel inspiration? I’m an unabashed fan of Sunset magazine, and find many trip ideas while browsing through my archive of dog-eared Sunsets. However, it’s not typically the best source for lodgings. While flipping through the new May issue over coffee with my sister the other day, we came across a […]
Acres of Green in Eugene
Growing up, I always wanted to live in a college town. The quintessential college town of my childhood was Madison, Wisconsin, with wonderful city parks, real espresso (this was 1990, people), vibrant street scenes, great college radio and rampant campus activism. As a midwesterner, I loved Madison. And now as a Northwesterner, I love Eugene. […]
Tasting the Umpqua
Down in the valley, where the green grass grows, there are over a dozen small, family-owned wineries whose creations range from spicy Syrahs to deep-noted Pinot Noirs. Oregon’s Umpqua Valley wine region is not just one valley, but comprises several small valleys and undulating hills. It’s drier than the Willamette to the north, and cooler […]
7 Reasons to take an Oregon Road Trip
This weekend, we’re leaving for a weeklong road trip through western Oregon. Not only are we over the moon about the very idea of an actual vacation, I’m particularly excited about experiencing some of the awesomeness that western Oregon has to offer. On my twitter, I’ve been tweeting the top seven reasons I’m looking forward […]
Get Thee to the Modera
Even a professional cheap sleeper needs a little glamour every now and again. The thing is, I could get used to this! Ever since my family spent a recent night at Portland’s Hotel Modera downtown, I have daydreamed about moving in! For starters, the rooms are beautiful. I love the color palette – soft oranges […]
A Spa in the Woods: Dip into Northwest Hot Springs
It’s hard to believe, but fall and winter are the quiet season at Northwest natural hot springs. Even when the temperature outside is chilly, these pools are nice and hot. After a day of brisk autumn hiking in the Northwest backcountry I can think of few things more satisfying than dipping into a steaming vat of […]
Autumn Cheap Sleeps
I’ve saved some vacation days. I hope you have, too. Because really–this is when the fun begins. The crowds have dwindled, and the weather is still perfectly pleasant. Many great places to stay in the Pacific Northwest that are cost-prohibitive in the tourist-heavy summer months drop their rates after Labor Day. Looking ahead a little, […]
It’s Tulip Time!
April is next week! Behold, Tulipa gesneriana. Tulips are fortunate to have many fine associations, such as early Spring and Easter. You’ve likely started to see them for sale at your local farmer’s market. They earned a black mark in history, however, when they were popularized during Tulip mania in Holland in the 1630s, resulting […]
GETAWAY: Spring on Saltspring Island
It’s very important to have that favorite place. What kind of favorite place is that, you ask? It’s that place you daydream of quitting your job and moving to someday. You may visit this place only once a year, but still you feel like you’ve truly come home each time you visit. And yet, a […]
Biking in Oregon Wine Country
Pinot noir and bicycling go together like bread and butter. If you don’t believe me, you’ll just have to try it for yourself! If you have a bike and a free summer weekend, head to the Willamette Valley south of Portland and tour wine country by bicycle. You have two choices to ride through the […]
