Local Faves
WillieEverlearn
Posts: 87 Member
Well, since this is regional, let's talk about what you like about your little piece of where you live here in the PNW (or where you used to live, or where you want to live, or whatever). It could be a favorite spot, a favorite activity, a favorite restaurant, a favorite event, whatever--just something that you're excited to tell other people about when they come through your area.
I've only been in Spokane for a year (moved from Montana), so I have a bit of an "outsider" perspective. As events go, I have to say Bloomsday is my favorite community event. What can be more fun than running 12k with 50,000 of your closest friends? Bonus: when you get to the top of "Doomsday Hill," a giant 10-foot buzzard is there to greet you. Why? Because he can.
I'm also drawn to the odd, out of the way, and inane. As such, I'm kind of a fan of the Milk Bottle restaurant here in Spokane, which is a hamburger joint shaped like a giant milk bottle. Used to be a dairy, I'm told. Recently had a fire, but I believe it's going to be back up and running.
In Riverfront Park, which is really quite nice, people seem to like the Sky Ride, the Carousel, the Red Wagon and such. I, myself, am kinda partial to the garbage eating goat sculpture. Got a piece of trash? Punch the button behind the goat, hold your trash up to his mouth, and watch the trash get sucked up by the goat. Okay, so it's just a vacuum, and I really wish the goat made munching sounds or some such, but hey. It was designed in 1974, for the World's Fair. And I just think it's fun that someone dreamed up. A Statue. That Eats Garbage.
I've only been in Spokane for a year (moved from Montana), so I have a bit of an "outsider" perspective. As events go, I have to say Bloomsday is my favorite community event. What can be more fun than running 12k with 50,000 of your closest friends? Bonus: when you get to the top of "Doomsday Hill," a giant 10-foot buzzard is there to greet you. Why? Because he can.
I'm also drawn to the odd, out of the way, and inane. As such, I'm kind of a fan of the Milk Bottle restaurant here in Spokane, which is a hamburger joint shaped like a giant milk bottle. Used to be a dairy, I'm told. Recently had a fire, but I believe it's going to be back up and running.
In Riverfront Park, which is really quite nice, people seem to like the Sky Ride, the Carousel, the Red Wagon and such. I, myself, am kinda partial to the garbage eating goat sculpture. Got a piece of trash? Punch the button behind the goat, hold your trash up to his mouth, and watch the trash get sucked up by the goat. Okay, so it's just a vacuum, and I really wish the goat made munching sounds or some such, but hey. It was designed in 1974, for the World's Fair. And I just think it's fun that someone dreamed up. A Statue. That Eats Garbage.
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Many people who come to visit Portland do the obligatory Multnomah Falls trip out to the Gorge. Of course it's beautiful, but there is something a little lacking when you arrive to find busloads of tour groups there taking rolls and rolls of film. Wow - I just realized that's a completely dated reference.
I like to send people on one of my favorite hikes in the Gorge - Latourel Falls. It's a 2+ mile loop. It's a bit closer than Multnomah Falls. And it's spectacular. There is generally more uphill than I like, but something about knowing that the whole loop is only 2 miles keeps me pushing forward and upward. Besides, the ability to enjoy some pancakes before or after a hike like this makes it all worth it!
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well obviously, one of the best Portland-famous places is Voodoo doughnuts!!! Anyone else see the shout out to Voodoo on the last episode of "Grimm" ?0
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One of my favorite things about living in Pacific Northwest is our annual trip to Orcas Island. I used to entertain the idea of trying to retire there some day, but I'm not sure it would seem as special if we were there 24/7.0
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@Jennloella - I must admit I've never been to Voodoo. But I've always coveted their maple bacon donut--next time I'm in PDX, I'm there for sure.
@ PJilly - I was on Orcas Island this summer for...mmm...four nights I think. Stayed at the appropriately-named "Inn on Orcas Island" bed and breakfast. Had a blueberry bread pudding for breakfast one day that may be one of the most divine things I've eaten.
@ phocid - Did the Multnomah Falls (and the whole falls drive) many years ago. Hiked to the overlook at the top and loved it. I'll need to check out your suggested falls.0 -
@Jennloella - I must admit I've never been to Voodoo. But I've always coveted their maple bacon donut--next time I'm in PDX, I'm there for sure.
Oh yeah, maple bacon bars from Voodoo donuts are great! Good thing I live 200+ miles from Portland.0 -
Yes, I totally saw the Voodoo Donuts!!
My daughters and I have gone there several times. I have a friend from California that everytime he visits I have tried to get him there, but something always happens to prevent it, or we run out of time. They were closed for remodelling once when we went.... And as he was needing to catch the bus back to Cali, there wasn't time to run to the other location on the east side.
mmm...bacon....0 -
Any hike in the olympics!!! Went to the top of Mt Townsend this summer and wow, what a feelling!!!! and totally worth the mileage on my feet.
a shout out to the WTA (Washington Trails Association) if your looking for hike ideas with descriptions mileage directions etc they have a GREAT resource online for free. If you love it think about donating, $40 gets you a yearly membership that comes with a magazine subscription all about our awesome state www.wta.org
okay infomercial complete 0 -
well obviously, one of the best Portland-famous places is Voodoo doughnuts!!! Anyone else see the shout out to Voodoo on the last episode of "Grimm" ?
OMG YES!!! I was so excited.
My favorite places in the PNW:
Bob's Java Jive here in Tacoma- Divey little bar that serves just beer and wine. The interior looks like Grandma's attic on acid. It's one of my favorite places on the planet. The bartender is one of my dearest friends, it's where I met my bf 10 years ago as drunken college students (It only took us 8 years to figure out we should be together and an additional 1 for him to pull his head out of his *kitten*)
Point Defiance- running 5 mile drive, dinking around at the zoo, hanging out at Owen's Beach, kayaking the point... doesn't matter. I love the place
And a shout out to the fam: I love Lake Quinault. My family owns a little restaurant in Amanda Park (the internet cafe) and I love spending time up there playing out at Klalaloch, fishing with my cousins on Lake Quinault, hiking the trails etc... If you're ever out there in the summer stop at the internet cafe in Amanda Park and get your greasy spoon fix. My aunt makes a mean latte'. 0 -
it's where I met my bf 10 years ago as drunken college students (It only took us 8 years to figure out we should be together and an additional 1 for him to pull his head out of his *kitten*)
:laugh: :laugh:0 -
I don't think there is anything specific about Spokane that I love. I just love being in the NW - within hours of the mountains, oceans, and the most beautiful scenery in the country (in my opinion).0
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I like the beautiful columbia Georga, enjoy hiking there.
Beacon Rock is awsome, I don't have to be mountain climber and I can still go up high.0 -
I don't think there is anything specific about Spokane that I love. I just love being in the NW - within hours of the mountains, oceans, and the most beautiful scenery in the country (in my opinion).
Agree with you about living in the PNW - "within hours of the mountains, oceans, and the most beautiful scenery in the country!" So true!0 -
Now I am really excited to get up there! I am originally (pre-army) from the panhandle of Texas, hiking the plains is just not the same! I can't wait to have beautiful places to hike!0
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It is beautiful country. After 12 years on the prairies I can say coming back to BCs green lush growing nature is about the best thing. Coming in a close second are the vast number of beaches to visit all year round. Third is the urban culture and vastly different neighbourhoods. I am looking forward to boating around the gulf Islands next summer, I'm sure that will top the list next year.
All together it almost makes up for all the rain and how much more expensive it is here in Vancouver BC. There are somethings about Prairie life that are better too.0 -
Point Defiance- running 5 mile drive, dinking around at the zoo, hanging out at Owen's Beach, kayaking the point... doesn't matter. I love the place
Pt. Defiance is one of my favorite places in the whole world - it's so pretty and so much to do! I am actually donig the 5 Mile Drive Thanksgiving morning - should be cold, rainy and beautiful!0 -
If you like hiking and love some beautiful waterfalls, then I would say go to Silver Creek Falls. Just outside of Silverton Or. I also love the Octoberfest in Mt. Angel (where I grew up). Now that I live in the beautiful Rogue Valley, there are so many fun things to do, that I can't pick a favorite. We like to camp and fish at Lake of the Woods, Willow Lake and a few spots along the Rogue River. Jacksonville is fun to visit any time with the little shops, and lots of ghost stories. White City (where I currently live) has a wonderful military museum!! Come check out Southern Oregon if you get a chance!!0
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I've heard this waterfall is amazing, but we haven't made it there yet. My husband's family is in Woodburn - they have a family picnic every year in Mt. Angel at the Park. Maybe we'll get there this year.0
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The Olympic National Forest-- too many awesome hikes, hot springs, camping, etc. I was partially raised in Port Angeles, so it really resonates with me!
Powell's-- I love reading and learning, and it's a nice leg workout depending on how long you are there and which floor you end up on!
Burgerville-- okay, I'm vegan but love that Burgerville is health conscious, earth conscious, and just freakin' awesome!
Portland Saturday Market- so huge, so many awesome local artists/crafters!
Lewisville State Park (it's really close to where I grew up near Battle Ground, Wa) perfect place for long walks, sunbathing, swimming in the river, photoshooting (I'm a photographer), running, tennis courts, etc. It's beautiful!
Last but not least, I spend far too much time when I'm home at SweetPea vegan bakery and FoodFight! vegan grocery (both at the vegan mini-mall 12th & Stark Portland Oregon).0 -
I really need to get down to Portland again and check out all their awesome vegan-friendly places!Last but not least, I spend far too much time when I'm home at SweetPea vegan bakery and FoodFight! vegan grocery (both at the vegan mini-mall 12th & Stark Portland Oregon).0 -
I LOVE all of those things about Spokane!!! I love the Santa that comes through my neighborhood handing out candy canes on a truck with fire trucks leading the way, I love canoeing down the river, seeing a moose in my backyard one year, that it stays light up hear till 10 o'clock in the summer, I LOVE the snow, Hoopfest, all the wonderful parks/trails all within Spokane, Manito Park, & Green Bluff in the fall!!!!!!!! What can I say, I love it here!Well, since this is regional, let's talk about what you like about your little piece of where you live here in the PNW (or where you used to live, or where you want to live, or whatever). It could be a favorite spot, a favorite activity, a favorite restaurant, a favorite event, whatever--just something that you're excited to tell other people about when they come through your area.
I've only been in Spokane for a year (moved from Montana), so I have a bit of an "outsider" perspective. As events go, I have to say Bloomsday is my favorite community event. What can be more fun than running 12k with 50,000 of your closest friends? Bonus: when you get to the top of "Doomsday Hill," a giant 10-foot buzzard is there to greet you. Why? Because he can.
I'm also drawn to the odd, out of the way, and inane. As such, I'm kind of a fan of the Milk Bottle restaurant here in Spokane, which is a hamburger joint shaped like a giant milk bottle. Used to be a dairy, I'm told. Recently had a fire, but I believe it's going to be back up and running.
In Riverfront Park, which is really quite nice, people seem to like the Sky Ride, the Carousel, the Red Wagon and such. I, myself, am kinda partial to the garbage eating goat sculpture. Got a piece of trash? Punch the button behind the goat, hold your trash up to his mouth, and watch the trash get sucked up by the goat. Okay, so it's just a vacuum, and I really wish the goat made munching sounds or some such, but hey. It was designed in 1974, for the World's Fair. And I just think it's fun that someone dreamed up. A Statue. That Eats Garbage.0 -
I love being able to drive for 15 minutes and be in the mountain, or walk 10 minutes and be at the beach! I love the endless trails, the Seawall, the Grouse Grind (ok, love/hate). I love that it's beautiful and safe. Fresh fish, weekend farmer's markets, delicious coffee, Savary Island Pie Company (special treat!). I love that I can get in my car and be in the USA in 30 mins (road trip!) , or be at the ferry terminal in West Vancouver in 20 minutes and start Island hopping.... I could go on and on. I lived in Montreal for 4 years for university, and LOVED it there, but I was always happy to come home to my ocean/mountain paradise. Rain and all!0
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Lummi Island. My grandma lives there so it's been the scene of most of my good memories growing up. Absoloutely beautiful.0
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Undertown Coffee in Port Townsend is awesome! Port Angeles, the whole Olympic Pen. My boyfriend and I did a hike out to Neah Bay and Second and third Beach a few months ago. My favorite place in WA. 0
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Having lived in both Washington (Bremerton/Silverdale area on the peninsula) and now in the Portland area, I absolutely love the NW. I love how green it is and the combination of mountains and trees. I even love the rain. That said, I think my favorite spot in WA is Olympic National Park but I also love Pt. Townsend. Down here, it's probably Silver Falls, the Columbia River Gorge and all the giant cedar trees I have in my own back yard! I wasn't born here, but I'll NEVER leave0
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Grew up in spokane, totally remember that goat at riverfront park! Down in Portland now, I do miss the four seasons. Here we have day and wet lol0
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I just moved here (Oak Harbor, WA) from Pittsburgh, PA so I love EVERYTHING from the Mountains, to living right on the water. So far, I love Mt. Baker, and Nooksack Falls. Being from PA you don't see too many mountains unless you travel far out. I love the PNW in the short time I've been here. Absolutely beautiful!0
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The scenery!
This picture was taken right on my front porch!
*edit: oops, sorry about it being so big. I'm not sure how to resize a picture! If you right click into a new tab you can see the full picture 0 -
mmmm......Voodoo Donuts bacon maple bars.0
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bought this AWESOME book at Costco a while ago, still see it there- Weird Washington - cool stuff and stops to see...
one of my fav things in our area (Spokane), is Green Bluff- going to get your pumpkins for Halloween - picking out a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch - my kid spent a long time trekking out there in the rain picking out his perfect pumpkin last year (he was 2) and he loved every minute of it! Then having corn on the cob, fresh from a BBQ grill - and Pumpkin Doughnuts!!! YUM! or fresh apples with a bit of caramel on them - his own little "apple sundae"
also, love Multnomah falls, and Depoe Bay, and Tillamook Cheese Factory - Seaside, OR, and Astoria - some of our fav places to take a few days off! Newport OR, Lincoln City - I don't care if they're tourist traps, I still love 'em!
and - of course Leavenworth, WA - how can you NOT love it?!
and my first kiss with hubby at.......Zip's on Division in Spokane.0 -
Anywhere on or around Mt. Rainier. The views from the hiking trails up there are breath taking.
Zippys burgers in White Center ..... Mmmmmmmm0
This discussion has been closed.