Featured image: The bridge of the original USS Enterprise on display at the Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds exhibit (photo by Cheryl Landes) When Star Trek first aired on NBC in 1966, it received moderate ratings. Over the years, its message of hope for a better world free of war, racism, and politics attracted a … Continue reading Star Trek exhibit boldly explores a half century of final frontier adventures
Colorful Christmas Festival of Lights at the Chapel of Mary at The Grotto in Portland, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes Updated August 10, 2020 Anyone driving on Sandy Boulevard near busy Interstate 205 in Portland can easily miss a beautiful oasis hidden in the woods. This is The Grotto, a 62-acre shrine and botanical garden … Continue reading The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights a retreat from the holiday grind
Featured image: A festive wintry scene in Leavenworth, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) December is a magical time in Leavenworth, Washington. When snow clouds drop fresh powder on the roofs of the Bavarian-style buildings, with the rugged Cascade Mountains as a backdrop, the small town resembles an Alpine village. Add to this one of the … Continue reading Leavenworth’s Bavarian Christmas
Featured image: The sign at the entrance to Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo in Portland (photo by Cheryl Landes) I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest most of my life, but my first trip to Zoo Lights in Portland was last week. Why? I would think about it but forget during the holidays. When I … Continue reading Zoo Lights delight kids of all ages in Portland
I don’t have much information about this one, because I just heard about it from one of my photography groups. Today is the annual Tuba Christmas Concert at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Avenue, in downtown Portland. Hear more than 250 tuba musicians playing holiday favorites in unison from 1:30-3 p.m. The concert is … Continue reading Hundreds of tubas play holiday favorites today in Portland
Green Lake is a beautiful retreat any time of year, but the Pathway of Lights add extra touches. On the second Saturday in December, lighted lanterns line both sides of the 2.8-mile paved trail around the lake north of downtown Seattle. Take a leisurely walk among the lights while listening to carolers and bands from … Continue reading Wander lighted lantern trail, hear holiday music at Green Lake’s Pathway of Lights
Featured image: Mini-trees on display at a previous Providence Festival of Trees in Portland (photo by Cheryl Landes) Updated November 21, 2018 Looking for fresh ideas for decorating your home for Christmas? Get inspired at the Providence Festival of Trees at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland today and tomorrow. More than 100 beautifully decorated … Continue reading Get Christmas decorating ideas, help needy patients at Providence Festival of Trees in Portland
Featured image: Big Horn Brass on stage at Skyview Concert Hall in Vancouver, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) Big Horn Brass, the Northwest’s premiere 15-piece brass and percussion ensemble, returns for a holiday musical journey on the Polar Express Saturday, December 17, at the Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, in Vancouver, Washington. Hear … Continue reading Take a musical trip on the Polar Express with Big Horn Brass December 17 in Vancouver, WA
Featured image: The 5Wits live-action game venue at Patriot Place in Foxboro, Massachusetts (photo by Cheryl Landes) Why simply play a game when you can experience it? Stop an evil corporation from taking over the world. Capture an escaped dragon for a beautiful Medieval princess. Answer a distress call from an abandoned starship in deep … Continue reading 5Wits’ immersive games the ultimate challenge
Featured image: Ballerinas from The Nutcracker on the cover of the 2013-2014 Commonwealth Ballet's program (copyright Commonwealth Ballet Company) My introduction to The Nutcracker came during my first job after graduating college, when I offered to watch a co-worker’s eight-year-old son for an evening. He was interested in ballet, so we went to a performance … Continue reading Commonwealth Ballet’s Nutcracker a fun Christmas tradition
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 