The Benson Hotel’s 2020 holiday events move online

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

The holiday gingerbread masterpieces at the Benson Hotel in Portland

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

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

Get a jump start on your Halloween celebration tonight by listening to ghost stories in a 1930s-40s style radio show

Image by Gerhard G. from Pixabay Listen to folk tales, memories, and personal accounts of hauntings from supernatural to political at "Spectral Transmissions" tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific time. "Spectral Transmissions" is designed in the style of a 1930s-40s radio show, except it integrates video and multimedia. Mike Palmieri and Donal Mosher, well-known Northwest storyeellers … Continue reading Get a jump start on your Halloween celebration tonight by listening to ghost stories in a 1930s-40s style radio show

Which haunted houses and other experiences are open in Oregon in 2020?

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?

Experience Halloween in a new way at the Oaks Park Haunted Drive-Thru in Portland

Are you wondering how you can enjoy spine-tingling thrills this year with COVID-19 putting a grip on walks through haunted houses and other creepy events? Well, fear no more. A new type of experience is open at Oaks Park in Portland, and you can watch it from the comfort of your car. Here's how it … Continue reading Experience Halloween in a new way at the Oaks Park Haunted Drive-Thru in Portland

Peacock Lane residents cancel 2020 holiday light display in Portland

A holiday light display on Peacock Lane in Portland, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) For more than 75 years, residents of Peacock Lane in Portland, Oregon, have decorated their homes and yards with colorful Christmas lights and displays for the public to enjoy. That has changed this year because of COVID-19. "Due to regulations regarding … Continue reading Peacock Lane residents cancel 2020 holiday light display in Portland

Pugs on parade at Oregon Humane Society’s Pugtoberfest in October

Do you have a pug or pug mix? Dress up your friend, take a picture, and enter it in the Oregon Humane Society's Costume Contest by Monday, October 5. The Humane Society will select 100 entries to be featured in a video for the Parade of Pugs, part of Pugtoberfest 2020. The parade includes the … Continue reading Pugs on parade at Oregon Humane Society’s Pugtoberfest in October

Chef in Your Garden tells stories through crafted food

Photo by Cheryl Landes For 17 years, Chef in My Garden brought people together to support Growing Gardens' mission of using "the experience of growing food in schools, backyards and correctional facilities to cultivate healthy, equitable communities." During this annual dinner, top local chefs created delicious multi-course meals served in a beautiful home garden in … Continue reading Chef in Your Garden tells stories through crafted food