US Highway 26 starts near Astoria, Oregon, and wanders through both countryside and cities, including Portland and Boise. The route traverses a historic native trail through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, as well as parts of the Oregon Trail, finally reaching Interstate 80 in Nebraska. Somewhere in the middle of Oregon, Route 26 passes through the tiny town of … [Read more...] about Tiger Town Brewing — Surprising kicks on Route 26
Pacific Northwest
High desert delight — 10 great things to do in Bend Oregon
The landscape of Oregon crosses quite a spectrum — from the mystical stacks of rock smashed by frothy Pacific Ocean waves to the open range of dry desert in Eastern Oregon. At the heart of it all, in Central Oregon, is the bustling town of Bend. Wake up to the smells of juniper and sage dancing through the air while gazing at snow covered peaks, all from the sandy bank of the … [Read more...] about High desert delight — 10 great things to do in Bend Oregon
7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles
The pandemic has been pretty good to mileage balances with airline plans, especially if you use a loyalty credit card and have still been spending money on Amazon during the pandemic. While it might still be too soon to cash in six figures of points — and many exotic locations are still not available — there are several ways to whet your travel appetite and gently dip your toes … [Read more...] about 7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles
Pacific Bonsai Museum — the beautiful twisted balance of nature
Not far away from Seattle, along the busy Interstate 5 corridor, is a peaceful 22-acres of land wedged between two frantic freeways. The location is on the historic campus of forest-products giant Weyerhaeuser, long known for their iconic vegetation-covered building that seems to flow with the contour of the evergreen space. Just as the quiet corporate building seems to blend … [Read more...] about Pacific Bonsai Museum — the beautiful twisted balance of nature
Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden — a colorful velvety hidden jewel
There is something so comforting about a rhododendron in bloom — as if to say “Welcome to the Pacific Northwest.” The queen of Washington State forests grows freely in the wild (Deception Pass State Park and Point Defiance Park are just two examples) as well as quintessentially included in virtually every botanical garden in the area. It makes sense that a few miles down the … [Read more...] about Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden — a colorful velvety hidden jewel
