0701, 2019

Visiting Walla Walla’s Historic Marcus Whitman Hotel

Washington Our Home
January 7, 2019
Destinations, Eastern Washington, History, Podcast
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1323

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Visitors to eastern Washington often find themselves drawn to the rich viticultural tasting opportunities found in Walla Walla wine country. There are literally dozens of wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars dotting the historic downtown area. It’s a superb example of a rural agricultural community that has revitalized its downtown core through business and tourism development. And the best place to stay in Walla Walla, by far, is the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Your fearless field guide Erich Ebel escorts you through the historic halls and into the palatial parlor on this exclusive Washington Our Home tour.

0911, 2018

Discovering the creatures of the Northwest Trek trails

Washington Our Home
November 9, 2018
Destinations, Family, Recreation, Western Washington, Wildlife
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2080

We learn about the history of the land, speak with naturalists about the newest hands-on learning area, and take a tram ride through the wilderness. But there are dozens more animals and attractions worth checking out along the park’s myriad trails and pathways.

2108, 2018

Columbia Gorge Overlook and the Wanapum Indian Tribe

Until recent times, the Wanapum Indians inhabited the banks of the Columbia River in Washington State from Beverly Gap to Pasco, about 75 miles south. The Wanapums were a very religious and peaceful people, living on venison, berries, roots, and fish…expertly caught using nets, spears and woven willow traps. Yet today, the Wanapums are virtually extinct. What happened to the tribe that once numbered in the thousands, and what’s left of their culture?

2507, 2018

Washington’s “Cemetery Lady” dies at 84

Cemetery reading is not an easy task. Maggie Rail got her start in cemetery reading in her mid-sixties when she met Bud Engelhart who had completed a few cemeteries himself. At first, she exclaimed, “There is no way you will see me out in a cemetery doing that!” Then she would go on to do exactly that for about 20 years.

2106, 2018

Get back to nature at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Washington Our Home
June 21, 2018
Destinations, Family, History, Mt. Rainier, Western Washington, Wildlife
0
2524

This story begins in the majestically-forested foothills near Mount Rainier. Dr. David and Connie Hellyer purchased land there in 1937, and lived on it for over 40 years. In 1971, the Hellyers donated their land to the Tacoma Metropolitan Parks District, with the explicit intent to create a conservation habitat that the public could enjoy. After four years of diligent fundraising and planning, Northwest Trek officially opened its doors on July 17, 1975.

1005, 2018

Firearms training at Abernathy Creek

The video game, Oregon Trail, was an educational masterpiece of activity and learning, and one of the most successful early entries into the early world of computer gaming. I remember spending hours trying (usually unsuccessfully) to reach the state just south of the one in which I grew up. And one of the key skills needed to reach the Columbia River was hunting. Love them or hate them, firearms are a

1404, 2018

The deadliest bridge collapse in Washington State history

On Wednesday, January 3rd, 1923, Cowlitz County Commissioner-elect Benjamin Barr sat in the back seat of his vehicle, when his driver – Arleigh Millard – felt an unsettling shudder through the springs in his seat. Miller glanced nervously at Barr through the rear-view mirror, unable to move the vehicle forward. The pair were stuck atop the Allen Street Bridge here in Kelso, Washington, when seconds later it all came

2410, 2017

Visiting the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla

Washington Our Home
October 24, 2017
Destinations, Eastern Washington, History
0
2089

Steeped in history, the Marcus Whitman was originally built in 1927 and it was intended to be the biggest and best hotel in the area. Nearly a hundred years later, it’s not far off the mark.

0707, 2017

Fort Cascades in Skamania County

Washington Our Home
July 7, 2017
Destinations, Family, Hikes, History, Military, Western Washington
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2283

Nestled just a stone’s throw beneath the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington lies an unassuming National Historic Site filled with stories worth telling. On a recent work trip to the south end of Skamania County, I stumbled upon this great heritage destination. If you’re looking to escape a bustling city without traveling too far into the void of central Washington, Skamania County is an excellent

2506, 2017

Vacation destination… Moses Lake?

Washington Our Home
June 25, 2017
Central Washington, Destinations, Family, History, Recreation, Seattle Mariners
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2913

Not only is Moses Lake a great vacation destination, but it’s loaded with history as well. Let’s begin with the most obvious question…who is Moses Lake named for? The answer is not who you might think.