This is very good news for local travelers who would prefer to take advantage of flights out of our airport instead of making the drive the Portland or Seattle.
Effective November 15, SeaPort Airlines will have a new schedule of flights serving the North Oregon Coast via the Astoria Warrenton Regional Airport in Warrenton. In order to better accommodate travelers with a destination beyond Portland International Airport, the first flight leaving Astoria will now be departing at 4:25 a.m. This will allow passengers ample time to arrive at SeaPort’s private PDX terminal, board their courtesy airport shuttle to Portland International Airport, and clear security before boarding their connecting flight.
The already-popular middle-of-the-day flight, departing at 10:45 a.m. is still in place, providing the most efficient schedule for those wanting to shop or attend an event in the Portland area. The evening departure, leaving Astoria Warrenton Regional Airport at 6:40 p.m. is still early enough for those wanting to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Portland before beginning their longer journey beyond the Portland area the next morning.
Flights returning to the Astoria Warrenton Regional Airport will be scheduled to depart PDX at 10:00 a.m., 5:50 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. daily. In order to create this new schedule, SeaPort airlines has committed a second, dedicated aircraft.
For booking on line: www.seaportair.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Timberline Anyone?
Timberline lodge is a jewel tucked into the slopes of Oregon's Mount Hood. If you are an Oregonian you already know that. When the snow is flying just about everyone I know makes a run for the mountain and uses the lodge for base camp.
Just before the first heavy snow we decided to do a weekend staying at the lodge which was something we hadn't done before.
We stayed in a basic room decorated with rustic furniture but the bathroom was modern (one can only sacrifice so much). I was very curious about one thing. When I opened the top drawer in the dresser there was supply of ear plugs. I thought that was a little strange until bedtime came around. There is very little insulating one room next to another and the wood floor hallway telegraphs sound like crazy. The ear plugs mystery was solved!
Timberline was built originally as a depression era public works project and everything was done by hand. Over the years the lodge fell into disrepair and it wasn't until a group of private citizens came forward that restoration work was undertaken to bring the lodge back to new condition. That included woodworkers who know how to take rough boards and turn them into works of art and blacksmiths who recreated the heavy ironwork found throughout the lodge.
Dining at Timberline is a treat. The dishes are prepared from fresh northwest ingredients and masterfully presented. I looked forward to each meal.
We had a little bonus on this trip that made it truly special as the snow started to fall the first night as we were relaxing in front of a big window in the lodge bar. There's nothing quite like sipping hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps watching the snow covering the trees and blowing around. It was perfect.
The next morning (after removing the earplugs) we headed for the dining room and a great
breakfast with lightly smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese..classic way to start the day.
Since it was still very early fall we didn't come prepared to ski but took the chair lift anyway for
the amazing view and spent the day playing in the snow.
All in all this was a great getaway and terrific change of scene. If you would like more information on the lodge here's a link: http://www.timberlinelodge.com/
Just before the first heavy snow we decided to do a weekend staying at the lodge which was something we hadn't done before.
We stayed in a basic room decorated with rustic furniture but the bathroom was modern (one can only sacrifice so much). I was very curious about one thing. When I opened the top drawer in the dresser there was supply of ear plugs. I thought that was a little strange until bedtime came around. There is very little insulating one room next to another and the wood floor hallway telegraphs sound like crazy. The ear plugs mystery was solved!
Timberline was built originally as a depression era public works project and everything was done by hand. Over the years the lodge fell into disrepair and it wasn't until a group of private citizens came forward that restoration work was undertaken to bring the lodge back to new condition. That included woodworkers who know how to take rough boards and turn them into works of art and blacksmiths who recreated the heavy ironwork found throughout the lodge.
Dining at Timberline is a treat. The dishes are prepared from fresh northwest ingredients and masterfully presented. I looked forward to each meal.
We had a little bonus on this trip that made it truly special as the snow started to fall the first night as we were relaxing in front of a big window in the lodge bar. There's nothing quite like sipping hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps watching the snow covering the trees and blowing around. It was perfect.
The next morning (after removing the earplugs) we headed for the dining room and a great
breakfast with lightly smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese..classic way to start the day.
Since it was still very early fall we didn't come prepared to ski but took the chair lift anyway for
the amazing view and spent the day playing in the snow.
All in all this was a great getaway and terrific change of scene. If you would like more information on the lodge here's a link: http://www.timberlinelodge.com/
Monday, October 12, 2009
Hawaii deals
This Thanksgiving we are going Hawaiian-Style with a little twist.
A new hotel has just opened on Oahu that offers something quite unusual for Waikiki. Hotel Renew is a modern boutique hotel that features absolutely no Hawaiian decor.
None.
No pastels with gaudy flowers all over the place. No tiki torches. No tiki bar. There isn't a flower lai anywhere on the property.
You may ask yourself: "Doesn't that just come with a trip to the islands?" Normally that's true especially in all the hotels that run up the beach and blocks beyond Waikiki.
Hotel Renew takes a decidedly different approach in creating a modernist view of the Hawaii experience with rooms boasting designer furniture, platform beds, and the all-important flat screen on the wall. It's more like a spa room you might find in an Arizona retreat.
What's more, the price was right!
Hotel renew is located right where the action is so you are easy walking distance to everything that is a "must have" experience like a drink at "Dukes" or a stroll through the International Market, or just walking a block or so and hitting the beach for the day.
Thanksgiving in Hawaii for Two? Less than $1500 for four nights and round-trip airfare and that's not per person. That's total.
Of course we'll be adding on a few things from there like a one day car rental (which is about all you really need on Oahu), and we'll hit a Luau while we are there because those are just plain fun. We will most likely go to Germaine's for that. It's right on the beach and they provide hotel pick up and drop off. The entertainment at Germaine's is more old Hawaiian-style and the food is ONO!
Our next trip to the island will be coming up in April next year with cruise aboard Carnival Spirit. We stop at four islands with over nights on Maui and The Big Island with a day at Kauai then we cruise the Pacific back to Vancouver B.C. We have a group rate for this trip so if you would like to come along contact our travel guys at Sundial Travel and Cruise Center 503-325-4484 and ask for Ruth. tell her you want to take the Cruise with Tom and she'll take care of you.
It's a 12 day adventure on this cruise so plan some extra time.
A new hotel has just opened on Oahu that offers something quite unusual for Waikiki. Hotel Renew is a modern boutique hotel that features absolutely no Hawaiian decor.
None.
No pastels with gaudy flowers all over the place. No tiki torches. No tiki bar. There isn't a flower lai anywhere on the property.
You may ask yourself: "Doesn't that just come with a trip to the islands?" Normally that's true especially in all the hotels that run up the beach and blocks beyond Waikiki.
Hotel Renew takes a decidedly different approach in creating a modernist view of the Hawaii experience with rooms boasting designer furniture, platform beds, and the all-important flat screen on the wall. It's more like a spa room you might find in an Arizona retreat.
What's more, the price was right!
Hotel renew is located right where the action is so you are easy walking distance to everything that is a "must have" experience like a drink at "Dukes" or a stroll through the International Market, or just walking a block or so and hitting the beach for the day.
Thanksgiving in Hawaii for Two? Less than $1500 for four nights and round-trip airfare and that's not per person. That's total.
Of course we'll be adding on a few things from there like a one day car rental (which is about all you really need on Oahu), and we'll hit a Luau while we are there because those are just plain fun. We will most likely go to Germaine's for that. It's right on the beach and they provide hotel pick up and drop off. The entertainment at Germaine's is more old Hawaiian-style and the food is ONO!
Our next trip to the island will be coming up in April next year with cruise aboard Carnival Spirit. We stop at four islands with over nights on Maui and The Big Island with a day at Kauai then we cruise the Pacific back to Vancouver B.C. We have a group rate for this trip so if you would like to come along contact our travel guys at Sundial Travel and Cruise Center 503-325-4484 and ask for Ruth. tell her you want to take the Cruise with Tom and she'll take care of you.
It's a 12 day adventure on this cruise so plan some extra time.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Getaway #2 - Crater Lake National Park
Crater lake comes alive for the summer a little early this year. Lower than normal snow accumulations allowed rangers to open Rim Drive already and the famous boat tours started this week.
Staying at Crater Lake Lodge takes plenty of advance planning because people start booking rooms for the next season as early as they possibly can. It's virtually impossible to get a prime weekend in the summer as a last minute thought.
Crater lake is the result of the biggest volcanic eruption to ever occur in the Continental United States when Mount Mazama exploded some 10,000 years ago. Over the eons that followed the volcano capped itself and began to fill with snow melt. The waters perfectly reflect a blue sky and that color is one of the very remarkable things about it.
Today the lake is known for it's crystal clear waters that allow visitors to view geologic formations at the lake bottom at incredible depths. Rangers give guided tours by boat during the summer months. Getting to the boat dock requires a hike that's just a little over a mile but drops 700 feet. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to hike down and over an hour for most to hike back up after the boat tour. The hike back up the hill is like climbing a set of 70 flights of stairs so it's not for the faint of heart but well worth it for those more hearty as you reach the dock and look up to the peaks of the rim some 2000 feet above.
For those who want a little more adventure you have the option of being dropped off on Wizard Island for a few hours of hiking.
Accommodations include rooms in the historic lodge, motor inn, cabins and camping. Reservations via the park operators website is highly recommended and you need to think a year ahead to get your choice of days but if you are flexible you may be able to book around weekends. I would choose the lodge because of it's appealing rooms and I would book toward the end of the season when children are back in school and the majority of the staff have had some time to work out the kinks that are inevitable in an operation that is only open in the late spring to early fall. There tends to be some turn-over and a learning curve that guests have to deal with otherwise.
Dining in National Park lodges is not what it may have been decades ago. These days great attention is given to providing the diner with a four star experience. Dishes are created to reflect locally available fresh ingredients prepared thoughfully and presented with flair. I remember a day when the only option was the camp cafe grill. That's still there too but since
outside operators began managing the lodges and diningrooms the experience is far more entertaining and and provides an experience one doesn't rush through in the main diningroom.
Crater Lake National Park makes for a great weekend or a week. Either way it's a great place to go and recharge the old batteries.
Staying at Crater Lake Lodge takes plenty of advance planning because people start booking rooms for the next season as early as they possibly can. It's virtually impossible to get a prime weekend in the summer as a last minute thought.
Crater lake is the result of the biggest volcanic eruption to ever occur in the Continental United States when Mount Mazama exploded some 10,000 years ago. Over the eons that followed the volcano capped itself and began to fill with snow melt. The waters perfectly reflect a blue sky and that color is one of the very remarkable things about it.
Today the lake is known for it's crystal clear waters that allow visitors to view geologic formations at the lake bottom at incredible depths. Rangers give guided tours by boat during the summer months. Getting to the boat dock requires a hike that's just a little over a mile but drops 700 feet. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to hike down and over an hour for most to hike back up after the boat tour. The hike back up the hill is like climbing a set of 70 flights of stairs so it's not for the faint of heart but well worth it for those more hearty as you reach the dock and look up to the peaks of the rim some 2000 feet above.
For those who want a little more adventure you have the option of being dropped off on Wizard Island for a few hours of hiking.
Accommodations include rooms in the historic lodge, motor inn, cabins and camping. Reservations via the park operators website is highly recommended and you need to think a year ahead to get your choice of days but if you are flexible you may be able to book around weekends. I would choose the lodge because of it's appealing rooms and I would book toward the end of the season when children are back in school and the majority of the staff have had some time to work out the kinks that are inevitable in an operation that is only open in the late spring to early fall. There tends to be some turn-over and a learning curve that guests have to deal with otherwise.
Dining in National Park lodges is not what it may have been decades ago. These days great attention is given to providing the diner with a four star experience. Dishes are created to reflect locally available fresh ingredients prepared thoughfully and presented with flair. I remember a day when the only option was the camp cafe grill. That's still there too but since
outside operators began managing the lodges and diningrooms the experience is far more entertaining and and provides an experience one doesn't rush through in the main diningroom.
Crater Lake National Park makes for a great weekend or a week. Either way it's a great place to go and recharge the old batteries.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Getaway #1 - Central Oregon
Home Base- Bend
Hotel- The River House ($119 +tax. Full breakfast inc.)
Travel time (from Astoria) 5 hours
Getting There: Hwy 30, connect to I-5 at Longview,connect to I-205, connect to I-84, connect to Hwy 35 at Hood River, connect to Hwy 26 Mt. Hood, connect to Hwy 97 at Madras.
Coming Back: Hwy 97, connect at Tumulo to Hwy 26, connect Hwy 22 to Salem, I-5 at Salem to
217, connect Hwy 26 Tigard. Hwy 26 to Astoria.
---------------------------
Central Oregon is the state's worst-kept secret judging by how many people from here we run into when we are there almost every time. When you live at the beach getting away has to include a complete change in climate. Central Oregon accomplishes just that. The clean, dry air with that hint of juniper and sage is a welcome change for body and soul.
This getaway is as much about the trip as it is the destination so driving makes perfect sense. If you are in a hurry you can fly into Redmond from Astoria with one connection at PDX.
We chose our route based on wanting to arrive within that five hour time frame while still taking in some scenery we enjoy along the way. While staying on I-5 to Salem and then connecting with hwy 22 to Detroit might seem quicker, it's really about the same amount of travel time.
The stretch of I-84 right along the Columbia is an entertaining drive. Exiting at Hood River you take Highway 35 heading up toward Parkdale and then drive over the shoulder of Mt Hood to the point of the Highway 26 junction east of Government Camp. Within a few minutes you find yourself leaving the forest and heading into sagebrush country on the Warm Springs reservation.
There are several temptations to stop along the way. Kahneeta Lodge, the casino, the hot springs and the golf course make this a popular destination. The lodge restaurant serves up a great sunday buffet and you haven't lived until you have fry bread with huckleberry preserves! The addition of the Warm Springs cultural center museum is worth a stop because it tells the story of the confederated tribes from their perspective and does so very well. That's another trip.
As Bend has grown in popularity over the years so have the number and variety of places to stay. Our choice for this quick trip was The River House. The resort is located on Highway 97 just north of the city center.
Our room was clean and nicely appointed with plenty of space. I liked the flat screen TV, free WIFI, and a room fridge with a separate freezer section and a full function microwave. The oak frame bed was interesting but I would have been happier if the bedding were updated to reflect modern tastes. Today hotels at this level usually feature high thread count sheets and duvet covers with a pillow menu so you can specify your preference. The Riverhouse is still stuck in the 80's on this count.
The hotel is currently running a promotion where guests are treated to a full breakfast buffet every morning. Indoor and outdoor pools are featured at this facility.
The River House is built around the river (hence the name) with a design that compliments the environment and is adjacent to a beautiful golf course. Even though the entrance is just off a very busy highway the rooms are located behind a berm that shields guests from traffic noise while creating a mountain lodge feel with heavy structural timbers and landscaping that compliments the natural setting. Staff are friendly, professional and helpful. I appreciated it when housekeeping did not come knocking at our door first thing in the morning.
Great restaurants are not Bend's strong suit. That doesn't mean the selection is poor. Just ordinary. I suppose this may be because people who live there are not food-centered. Coffee yes, fine dining no. One of the latest additions to downtown is a Mc Menamins pub with an attached movie theater that shows first run films. The building was once a catholic school which with a little redesign magic has become an entertaining place to spend a little time.
We have traveled to Bend many times over the years. Each year we take time to hike a section of trail that winds it's way along the Deschutes River. This year we completed the final stretch.
Shopping opportunities have expanded in Bend considerably. Malls including a factory outlet with a newly opened Columbia Sportswear dot the landscape. Trendier shopping is found in the Old Mill District. Once the site of Bend's largest employer, the old lumber mill area has been converted into a shopping district with an uptown design similar to that found at Bridgeport near Tigard and The Streets at Tannasbourne in Hillsboro. The developer reclaimed the old brick saw mill building which now houses the REI co-op which anchors the south end and a Regal 16 movie theater anchors the north. Just across the river the Les Schwab Amphitheater hosts a concert series and music festivals through the summer months.
Hotel- The River House ($119 +tax. Full breakfast inc.)
Travel time (from Astoria) 5 hours
Getting There: Hwy 30, connect to I-5 at Longview,connect to I-205, connect to I-84, connect to Hwy 35 at Hood River, connect to Hwy 26 Mt. Hood, connect to Hwy 97 at Madras.
Coming Back: Hwy 97, connect at Tumulo to Hwy 26, connect Hwy 22 to Salem, I-5 at Salem to
217, connect Hwy 26 Tigard. Hwy 26 to Astoria.
---------------------------
Central Oregon is the state's worst-kept secret judging by how many people from here we run into when we are there almost every time. When you live at the beach getting away has to include a complete change in climate. Central Oregon accomplishes just that. The clean, dry air with that hint of juniper and sage is a welcome change for body and soul.
This getaway is as much about the trip as it is the destination so driving makes perfect sense. If you are in a hurry you can fly into Redmond from Astoria with one connection at PDX.
We chose our route based on wanting to arrive within that five hour time frame while still taking in some scenery we enjoy along the way. While staying on I-5 to Salem and then connecting with hwy 22 to Detroit might seem quicker, it's really about the same amount of travel time.
The stretch of I-84 right along the Columbia is an entertaining drive. Exiting at Hood River you take Highway 35 heading up toward Parkdale and then drive over the shoulder of Mt Hood to the point of the Highway 26 junction east of Government Camp. Within a few minutes you find yourself leaving the forest and heading into sagebrush country on the Warm Springs reservation.
There are several temptations to stop along the way. Kahneeta Lodge, the casino, the hot springs and the golf course make this a popular destination. The lodge restaurant serves up a great sunday buffet and you haven't lived until you have fry bread with huckleberry preserves! The addition of the Warm Springs cultural center museum is worth a stop because it tells the story of the confederated tribes from their perspective and does so very well. That's another trip.
As Bend has grown in popularity over the years so have the number and variety of places to stay. Our choice for this quick trip was The River House. The resort is located on Highway 97 just north of the city center.
Our room was clean and nicely appointed with plenty of space. I liked the flat screen TV, free WIFI, and a room fridge with a separate freezer section and a full function microwave. The oak frame bed was interesting but I would have been happier if the bedding were updated to reflect modern tastes. Today hotels at this level usually feature high thread count sheets and duvet covers with a pillow menu so you can specify your preference. The Riverhouse is still stuck in the 80's on this count.
The hotel is currently running a promotion where guests are treated to a full breakfast buffet every morning. Indoor and outdoor pools are featured at this facility.
The River House is built around the river (hence the name) with a design that compliments the environment and is adjacent to a beautiful golf course. Even though the entrance is just off a very busy highway the rooms are located behind a berm that shields guests from traffic noise while creating a mountain lodge feel with heavy structural timbers and landscaping that compliments the natural setting. Staff are friendly, professional and helpful. I appreciated it when housekeeping did not come knocking at our door first thing in the morning.
Great restaurants are not Bend's strong suit. That doesn't mean the selection is poor. Just ordinary. I suppose this may be because people who live there are not food-centered. Coffee yes, fine dining no. One of the latest additions to downtown is a Mc Menamins pub with an attached movie theater that shows first run films. The building was once a catholic school which with a little redesign magic has become an entertaining place to spend a little time.
We have traveled to Bend many times over the years. Each year we take time to hike a section of trail that winds it's way along the Deschutes River. This year we completed the final stretch.
Shopping opportunities have expanded in Bend considerably. Malls including a factory outlet with a newly opened Columbia Sportswear dot the landscape. Trendier shopping is found in the Old Mill District. Once the site of Bend's largest employer, the old lumber mill area has been converted into a shopping district with an uptown design similar to that found at Bridgeport near Tigard and The Streets at Tannasbourne in Hillsboro. The developer reclaimed the old brick saw mill building which now houses the REI co-op which anchors the south end and a Regal 16 movie theater anchors the north. Just across the river the Les Schwab Amphitheater hosts a concert series and music festivals through the summer months.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The High Desert
Because of it's many choices in accommodations and a wealth of nearby attractions we've selected Bend as our first weekend getaway spot.
Getting there you drive through some of the most scenic places in the state depending on where you start. The drive over the shoulder of Mt. Hood and then down through Warm Springs shows off Oregon's geographic diversity as tall forests turn to rim rock canyons as you climb to high desert altitudes,
It's easy to find exactly the right experience when it comes to where to stay. One of our favorites is The Inn At Seventh Mountain resort. This complex located just a few miles away from central Bend on Century Drive heading out to Mt. Bachelor has just added luxury homes to its collection of condos available. If you are looking for something a little more modest but nice there are a number of mid-level price hotels throughout the area.
A great choice is The River House which is on highway 97 just a few miles north of the city center. This hotel is located on the Deschutes River and features rooms with oak beds, jetted tubs for two, and the river just a few feet from your private patio. The rooms are located far enough from the highway to prevent road noise disrupting your stay. Facilities include a convention center and restaurant and bar. A number of restaurants are also within walking distance.
The Central Oregon experience is all about the outdoors with easily accessible trails through the national forest lands surrounding the city. Nearby Newberry Crater offers you the chance to walk through moon-like lava fields on paved paths. Explore lava tubes, see a petrified forest, climb a mountain of volcanic glass.
A premiere attraction is the High Desert Museum which tells the story of the area through traditional displays and interactive exhibits. Living history is an important part of the experience with outdoor exhibits such as an authentic settlers cabin and a working saw mill.
Sunriver, just a few miles south of Bend, is a well known resort community. If you are feeling adventurous then as you enter Sunriver take the first available left hand turn and head for the high lakes area. Each of the small lakes feature traditional cabins, boat rentals and some even have small diners.
This weekend we're off the take it all in and our next post will include an updated report on what we find.
Getting there you drive through some of the most scenic places in the state depending on where you start. The drive over the shoulder of Mt. Hood and then down through Warm Springs shows off Oregon's geographic diversity as tall forests turn to rim rock canyons as you climb to high desert altitudes,
It's easy to find exactly the right experience when it comes to where to stay. One of our favorites is The Inn At Seventh Mountain resort. This complex located just a few miles away from central Bend on Century Drive heading out to Mt. Bachelor has just added luxury homes to its collection of condos available. If you are looking for something a little more modest but nice there are a number of mid-level price hotels throughout the area.
A great choice is The River House which is on highway 97 just a few miles north of the city center. This hotel is located on the Deschutes River and features rooms with oak beds, jetted tubs for two, and the river just a few feet from your private patio. The rooms are located far enough from the highway to prevent road noise disrupting your stay. Facilities include a convention center and restaurant and bar. A number of restaurants are also within walking distance.
The Central Oregon experience is all about the outdoors with easily accessible trails through the national forest lands surrounding the city. Nearby Newberry Crater offers you the chance to walk through moon-like lava fields on paved paths. Explore lava tubes, see a petrified forest, climb a mountain of volcanic glass.
A premiere attraction is the High Desert Museum which tells the story of the area through traditional displays and interactive exhibits. Living history is an important part of the experience with outdoor exhibits such as an authentic settlers cabin and a working saw mill.
Sunriver, just a few miles south of Bend, is a well known resort community. If you are feeling adventurous then as you enter Sunriver take the first available left hand turn and head for the high lakes area. Each of the small lakes feature traditional cabins, boat rentals and some even have small diners.
This weekend we're off the take it all in and our next post will include an updated report on what we find.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Getting Started
The longest journey starts with the first step.
The goal here is to find 1000 places where you can take off for the weekend or a week. We look for places that run the gamut from quick and affordable to long and luxurious but we limit each trip to no longer than a week. There will be plenty of places for fun weekends too.
These trips are offered in no particular order or ranking. What might be a four star experience to one might be a two star to another. This isn't a rating service. It's a suggestion service.
If you find a post here about a place you've enjoyed (or not) feel free to leave your comments.
Here we go.
This coming weekend we travel from the Coast to visit the high desert country of central Oregon.
The goal here is to find 1000 places where you can take off for the weekend or a week. We look for places that run the gamut from quick and affordable to long and luxurious but we limit each trip to no longer than a week. There will be plenty of places for fun weekends too.
These trips are offered in no particular order or ranking. What might be a four star experience to one might be a two star to another. This isn't a rating service. It's a suggestion service.
If you find a post here about a place you've enjoyed (or not) feel free to leave your comments.
Here we go.
This coming weekend we travel from the Coast to visit the high desert country of central Oregon.
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