Armchair photo tours: A fall day trip in the Connecticut River Valley with a stop at Gillette Castle

A view of the early fall colors in the Connecticut River Valley near East Haddam Photos by Cheryl Landes The Connecticut River Valley is a beautiful mix of scenery, history, and wildlife. In the fall, the changing colors enhance the experience. I joined some local friends on a day trip through the valley one day … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall day trip in the Connecticut River Valley with a stop at Gillette Castle

Watch the Christmas Ships from the Zidell Yards Drive-in December 16-22

One of the Christmas Ships in a parade on the Columbia River between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) In the summer, the Zidell Yards Drive-in features movies hosted by the Northwest Film Center. For almost a week during the 2020 holiday season, they're opening for a family-friendly event. The Christmas Ships … Continue reading Watch the Christmas Ships from the Zidell Yards Drive-in December 16-22

Armchair photo tours: Damon Pond near Ashby, Massachusetts

Damon Pond near Ashby, Massachusetts Photos by Cheryl Landes Damon Pond in the Willard Brook State Forest is a nice place to stop and take a short break during a drive in northcentral Massachusetts. There's a short walk along the beach and a cute covered pedestrian bridge across Willard Brook. The pedestrian bridge crossing Willow … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Damon Pond near Ashby, Massachusetts

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

Multnomah Falls, Multnomah Falls Lodge, and historic Columbia River Highway reopen today

Multnomah Falls in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge Photos by Cheryl Landes Effective today, Multnomah Falls and Multnomah Falls Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge reopen with restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For the first phase, which is expected to last two weeks, the site will be open to 300 visitors at a time. … Continue reading Multnomah Falls, Multnomah Falls Lodge, and historic Columbia River Highway reopen today

Armchair photo tours: A hike at the Exit Glacier Visitor Center near Seward

The Exit Glacier Visitor Center near Seward, Alaska Photos by Cheryl Landes During the late Pleistocene era, a sheet of ice 2,500 feet thick filled Resurrection Bay. The ice carved a basin in the ocean floor that extends more than 40 miles into the Gulf of Alaska. Exit Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National ParkĀ is … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A hike at the Exit Glacier Visitor Center near Seward

Armchair photo tours: A drive along the Resurrection River from Seward to the Exit Glacier Visitor Center

A view of the mountains and the Resurrection River during the drive from Seward, Alaska, to the Exit Glacier Visitor Center in Kenai Fjords National Park Photos by Cheryl Landes The 12-mile drive along the Resurrection River from Seward to the Exit Glacier Visitor Center is filled with panoramic views of mountains, water, and forests … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A drive along the Resurrection River from Seward to the Exit Glacier Visitor Center

Armchair photo tours: The covered bridges in and near Cottage Grove, Oregon

The Centennial Covered Bridge in downtown Cottage Grove, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes If you're looking for a scenic drive in the southern Willamette Valley, take the 20-mile loop from Cottage Grove to see six covered bridges in the area. Along the way, you'll be treated to views of rivers and creeks, Dorena Lake, farmland, … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The covered bridges in and near Cottage Grove, Oregon