Image credit: State Fair Park in Yakima, Washington Explore a new light display from the comfort and safety of your car this holiday season in the Yakima Valley. From now until Sunday, December 6, State Fair Park glitters with 12 displays and 20 miles of lights illumating the park's buildings and trees, along with other … Continue reading State Fair Park in Yakima hosts first drive-through Holiday Light Fest
The holiday tree at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle (photo by Cheryl Landes) Update, November 28, 2020: Watch the video of the tree lighting at the Downtown Seattle Association's Facebook page. At 5 p.m. Pacific time today, watch the lighting of the holiday tree in front of Westlake Center, the Seattle Star (formerly the Macy's … Continue reading Stream the holiday tree lighting at Westlake Park in Seattle
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
The Yakima Area Arboretum in Yakima, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Every year, the Yakima Area Arboretum hosts a tour of some of the most beautiful gardens in or near the city. That changed this year because of safety concerns from COVID-19. Instead, the arboretum created five video tours and posted them to its YouTube … Continue reading Take a video tour of some beautiful gardens in the Yakima area
Photo by Cheryl Landes The Yakima Visitor Information Center in Yakima, Washington, has reopened after being closed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. In addition to providing information to people visiting the area, the center has a large gift shop with items made in the … Continue reading Yakima Visitor Information Center reopens
An ocean view from Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) Entry fees to all open Washington State Parks are free on Veterans Day, November 11, and the day after Thanksgiving, November 27. These are the last two days in 2020 when Washington State Parks will have free admission days. For … Continue reading Visit any open Washington State Park for free two days in November
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
Mineral Lake, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes On a beautiful day, there's nothing better than just stopping to enjoy the view. Doing absolutely nothing is a good way to recharge at a time when we need it the most. During a weekend day drive on a road we'd never followed, we discovered such a place … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Enjoying the view at Mineral Lake, Washington
Image by Natasha G from Pixabay Celebrate the Native American culture at a virtual powwow on Wednesday, November 4, at 5-8 p.m. Pacific time. This free event is hosted by the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) in Portland, Oregon. Register at this Eventbrite page.
The 2019 gingerbread display, Portland's Union Station, in the lobby of the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) So much has changed in our lives since the lockdowns started from the COVID-19 pandemic in March, and now how we celebrate the biggest holidays of the year will be affected. Organizations have found … Continue reading The Benson Hotel’s 2020 holiday events move online
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 