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
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 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
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
Image credit: Clackamas County Scare Fair in Canby, Oregon So many changes in haunted experiences have happened this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's the rundown on what's open and closed this year in and near Portland, Oregon. If you have any information on other experiences not listed here, please post in the comments … Continue reading Which haunted houses and other experiences are open in Oregon in 2020?
Photo by Cheryl Landes Get a close-up look at Clark County's spooky side at a series of virtual haunted walking tours this month. Each tour focuses on different locations, from the county's cemeteries to Officers Row at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington. Here's the full schedule: October 9 – Pat Jollota’s … Continue reading Go on a virtual haunted tour of Clark County, Washington
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 