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Armchair photo tours: Thanksgiving at the Plimouth Plantation

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The entrance to the Wampanoag village at the Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts Photos by Cheryl Landes The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. Every year, the Plimouth Plantation recreates the experience, which attracts visitors from around the world. The dinner reservation includes a two-day admission to the plantation. We arrived early … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Thanksgiving at the Plimouth Plantation

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site reopens after COVID closure

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The stockade at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site reopened on October 20 after being closed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hours are limited, as are some capacities. The visitor center is open on Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. until … Continue reading Fort Vancouver National Historic Site reopens after COVID closure

Armchair photo tours: A tiny pioneer post office near Mineral, Washington

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The tiny pioneer post office near Mineral, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes A tiny empty building that looks like a weathered shed stands at the side of Mineral Hill Road one mile north of the small town of Mineral, Washington. That might not sound impressive, but this tiny building has a big history. It's considered … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A tiny pioneer post office near Mineral, Washington

The holiday gingerbread masterpieces at the Benson Hotel in Portland

~ Cheryl ~ 1 Comment

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

Oaks Park Roller Rink reopens November 4 in Portland

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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

Take a Halloween tour of Astoria’s underground

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On October 30 and 31, explore the abandoned tunnels and rooms underneath Astoria, Oregon, on a special Halloween-themed tour. These tours are scheduled on October 30 at 6:45 p.m. and October 31 at 12:30 and 2:45 p.m. The tour length is 45 minutes. To make a reservation, call (415) 713-4141. The regular underground tours are … Continue reading Take a Halloween tour of Astoria’s underground

Take a self-guided architectural driving tour in Pasadena

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Photo by Cheryl Landes Pasadena is best known for the Rose Bowl, but most people aren't aware that the city has some of the best preserved architecture in California. Los Angeles Times contributor Sharon Boorstin created a guide to 16 sites, ranging from public buildings to mansions, with brief descriptions and directions. She plotted the … Continue reading Take a self-guided architectural driving tour in Pasadena

Oaks Park in Portland cancels 2020 amusement park season

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The roller coaster at Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon (photo credit: Oaks Park, via Facebook) For the first time in its 115-year history, the amusement park season at Oaks Park in Portland has been cancelled. "We have made repeated efforts to convey to the state government our ability to operate with the same modifications that … Continue reading Oaks Park in Portland cancels 2020 amusement park season

Armchair photo tours: Jumbo the Elephant Memorial in St. Thomas, Ontario

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Photos by Cheryl Landes Jumbo, a 12-foot-tall African elephant weighing seven tons, was captured in Africa and brought to the London Zoological Gardens. In 1882, P.T. Barnum bought Jumbo from the zoo, and he became the biggest star of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. At 9:30 p.m. on September 15, 1885, Jumbo's trainer, Matthew Scott, … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Jumbo the Elephant Memorial in St. Thomas, Ontario