The Corwin Castle, one of the previous annual holiday gingerbread masterpieces displayed in the lobby of the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes Every year since 1971, the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland has displayed a snowy scene in its lobby with a large building made from gingerbread to celebrate the holidays. … Continue reading The holiday gingerbread masterpieces at the Benson Hotel in Portland
Fall colors at the Tanwax Country Chapel near Eatonville, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes On a clear, sunny day in Western Washington, the cliche, "breathtaking views", is definitely appropriate. Add some fall color, and these views are mind-blowing. Recently during a drive along Washington State Route 7 south of Olympia, we found one such view … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall view of Mount Rainier from the Tanwax Country Chapel viewpoint
The sign to The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut Photos by Cheryl Landes In the fall, Connecticut is well-known for its beautiful fall colors and a spooky experience like no other. It's time to beware in Bristol. The foggy entrance to Lake Compounce during The Haunted Graveyard That's because the ghosts, vampires, … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce
Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay Oaks Park Roller Rink in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood closed when Oregon went on lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year, but that will change soon. On Wednesday, November 4, the rink reopens with limited operations five days a week. The new hours are:Wednesday-Friday, 2:30-4:30 p.m., 5-7 p.m., and … Continue reading Oaks Park Roller Rink reopens November 4 in Portland
One of the two entrances to the Rutledge Corn Maze in Olympia, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes If you're looking for a good outdoor challenge that's family friendly, check out the Rutledge Corn Maze in Olympia, Washington. The design crosses two separate mazes, and you can't cross from one maze to the other. Each maze … Continue reading Challenge yourself at the Rutledge Corn Maze in Olympia
Image by Gerhard G. from Pixabay Listen to folk tales, memories, and personal accounts of hauntings from supernatural to political at "Spectral Transmissions" tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific time. "Spectral Transmissions" is designed in the style of a 1930s-40s radio show, except it integrates video and multimedia. Mike Palmieri and Donal Mosher, well-known Northwest storyeellers … Continue reading Get a jump start on your Halloween celebration tonight by listening to ghost stories in a 1930s-40s style radio show
Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay Are you on the West Coast or in Western Canada and want to find a variety of freaky, fun, frightful experiences for Halloween? Launch the Northwest Haunters Association website and click or tap the Haunt Map button at the top of the page. The map shows haunted houses and … Continue reading Find lots of Halloween experiences on the West Coast and in Western Canada on one map
Image by SzaboJanos from Pixabay Camp out in your living room or backyard for some scary good fun on Friday, October 30, at the Great Washington Camp-in Spooktacular. Here's how it works: Set up a tent with a haunted theme in your living room or backyard.Dress in your favorite Halloween costume.Snuggle under a blanket or … Continue reading Get ready for the Night of the Haunted Tent on October 30
An antique truck decorated for fall at the Pomeroy Farm in Yacolt, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) Pomeroy Farm's famous pumpkin people and scenes are back this year, but because of the COVID pandemic, the setup is different. Instead of seeing your favorites on a stroll through the farm, you can see them during a … Continue reading Take a drive on Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm
The corn maze at Vancouver Pumpkin Patch in Vancouver, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) If you're looking for a fun, challenging outdoor activity this fall, check out these corn mazes at farms in Southwest Washington. Some farms have other fun activities, along with fresh produce for sale or U-pick pumpkin patches. Bi-Zi Farms Launch a … Continue reading Get lost in these corn mazes in Southwest Washington
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 