Mount Rainier, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) The sledding runs, known as the Snowplay Area, opened at Mount Rainier National Park on January 10 for the season. The Snowplay Area is the only designated sledding area and the safest place to go sledding at Mount Rainier National Park. The area is suitable for children, and … Continue reading Sledding area open at Mount Rainier
The Under the Radar Festival in New York City has grown into a popular platform for new theater during the past 17 years. It supports artists from diverse backgrounds who are redefining the art of theater and is often a launching pad for their careers. This year's festival moved online due to the COVID pandemic. … Continue reading Stream 2021 Under the Radar Festival for free
Mount Hood in the Oregon Cascades (photo by Cheryl Landes) Mount Hood Meadows and Timberline Ski Area, east of Portland, Oregon, are closed Tuesday, January 12, due to heavy rain and wind. Both ski areas plan to reopen on January 13, weather conditions permitting. Check for updates at these websites:skihood.comtimberlinelodge.com
Photos by Cheryl Landes Explore sculptures, tunnels, thrones, tunnels, slides, fountains, and other objects handmade from thousands of icicles at Ice Castles. The event is held in four cities in the U.S.: Dillon, Colorado; North Woodstock, New Hampshire; Midway, Utah; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Ice Castles in Colorado and Utah are open already, and the … Continue reading Ice Castles opening January 14 in North Woodstock, New Hampshire
A forest near the Cape Horn viewpoint on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge (photo by Cheryl Landes) If you're longing for a long walk in a forest to hear the soothing sounds of the breeze and the birds but can't leave home, there's a new website that brings the forest to you. … Continue reading Need an escape to nature but can’t leave home? Tune into the sounds of a forest.
The giant globe at the Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston, Massachusetts Editor's note: The Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine was cancelled in 2020 due to safety concerns from COVID-19. While it's uncertain yet whether the festival can return this year, I'm posting photos from a … Continue reading Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston, Massachusetts
Floating the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon (photo credits: Arizona State University and Smart Sparrow) Arizona State University and Smart Sparrow have teamed up to create free immersive tours of the Grand Canyon that you can enjoy from wherever you are. The three tours provide close-up, 360-degree views of the Grand Canyon, its history, … Continue reading Take a virtual tour of the Grand Canyon
Decorations on one of the Christmas trees inside Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut Photos by Cheryl Landes In November and December, volunteers decorate the Gillette Castle inside and out for the holidays. The 24-room mansion overlooking the Connecticut River Valley resembles a medieval-style castle. It's the former home of William Gillette (1853-1937), an actor … Continue reading Christmas at the Gillette Castle
A view of the town square from a previous Village of Lights in Leavenworth, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) The Bavarian Ice Fest and fireworks in January is a favorite after-holiday celebration in the beautiful town of Leavenworth, in Central Washington. Sadly, the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce cancelled the 2021 event because of safety concerns … Continue reading Leavenworth Chamber cancels Bavarian Ice Fest, but Village of Lights shines on
A pair of swans at the entrance to WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle Photos by Cheryl Landes The Woodland Park Zoo's new WildLanterns exhibit has been a hit this year. When I bought a ticket shortly after the event opened on November 13, they were selling fast. I checked again tonight, and … Continue reading WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo delights all ages
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 