Whenever I travel around this great state of ours, I always try to find a good place to stay that isn’t a Holiday Inn Express or a Comfort/Quality/Sleep Inn. In fact, my preference is to patronize either a local B&B or an historic property that’s been converted into a hotel (see my posts on the Shelburne Inn, the Olympic Club, and the Marcus Whitman). So, on a recent trip to
July 4, 2023, was a fantastically radiant day in sunny Spokane, Washington. It was also a day off of work, and just happened to be the day before my 20th wedding anniversary. I decided to introduce my beautiful bride to some of my wonderful childhood memories by taking her on an adventure down the Little Spokane River. It was especially nice since the kids were staying with the grandparents for
I recently had the opportunity to visit Lopez Island in San Juan County. If you have the chance, do stop by the Lopez Island Historical Museum in Lopez Village. You can learn all about the story of the Lopezians (including how to pronounce that word…”low-PEE-shuns”) and see pictures from the island’s past – including this one of their first ferry terminal. One word of advice, however. Despite an eternity as
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There are dozens of things to see and do on the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway in southwest Washington (see here and here for just a few examples), but surely one of the most unique lies just outside a tiny berg called Knappton on the bank of the Columbia River. If you head west from Knappton Cove you might spot a rusty barge parked in a shallow bay called Hungry Harbor. There is
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.
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
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.
We’ve all seen those grainy, black and white films of immigrants packed shoulder to shoulder on steamships pouring into America in the early 1900s. You can see them pass the Statue of Liberty and watch as they file out of the ships and into the long lines awaiting them before they are permitted entry into the United States. But we often overlook the fact that scenes like this were taking
Thanks to my work with Scenic Washington, I was invited to be a presenter at their annual retreat in Winthrop. Since I haven’t been to Winthrop since I was about seven, I jumped at the chance to not only see the Methow Valley again but to help some of Washington’s tourism partners recognize the value in history, heritage and culture. The drive from Lacey to Winthrop is a long one, but
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is inviting you to their annual fundraiser, Vintage Washington! As you may already know, I’m on the board of directors for this great organization and can personally attest to its passion for Washington State history. Vintage Washington is a festive evening of spirits tasting at Seattle’s historic Stimson-Green Mansion. Back by popular demand this year is Copperworks Distilling Company, offering tastings of premium vodka and gin. Bid