Category: Review

hiking, pnw, Review, travel

The Ultimate Family Stop After Exploring the Gorge ~ Thunder Island Brewing Co

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Mountain View from the patio

Looking for the perfect post-hike stop in the Columbia River Gorge? Thunder Island Brewing Co in Cascade Locks offers Mountain View’s, craft beer brewed with adventure in mind, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re coming off the trails near Bridge of the Gods or just exploring the Gorge with your kids, this spot is the ideal place to unwind, refuel, and take in those incredible river views.

Brewery is on the first floor


This is one of our favorite stops when we are hiking in the Columbia Gorge area. The restaurant/ Brewery is beautiful and who can resist a staircase that reminds you of Dog Mountain? Love it!

Always the more difficult ! Love this reference to Dog Mountain



They offer a great mix of food .. burgers to tofu ! We were pleased with the many choices and having such a large group it really was great we could all order something we liked.


Thunder Mountain Brewery Co perfectly captures what we love most about the Pacific Northwest: community, craftsmanship, and the great outdoors. Whether you’re winding down after a family hike or planning your next mountain adventure, this cozy brewery is the perfect place to raise a glass to good trails and great company.

Restaurant is upstairs .. view down to brewery
coffee, pnw, Review, travel

Roost Café & Bakery: A Cozy Coffee & Bakery Gem in Pullman, Washington

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Nestled in the historic BellTower building in downtown Pullman, Roost Café & Bakery blends a neighborhood feel with honest, carefully made food and coffee. The café’s large windows, warm wood tones, and friendly staff make it an inviting spot whether you’re on a quick coffee run or lingering with a laptop to work or study.

A few things we really loved about Roost was the many house-made elements they offered: syrups, pastries, and rotating seasonal flavors. Their attention to simple, fresh ingredients is what keeps locals coming back.

Roost Café & Bakery is more than a quick pit stop — it’s a warm, community-minded cafe that captures the best of Pullman’s small-town charm. Whether you’re grabbing a breakfast sandwich or lingering over a latte, Roost gives you a little taste of PNW hospitality.

     

   

pnw, Review, travel

Village Books and Paper Dreams Bookstore ~Fairhaven ,Wa

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Village Books and Paper Dreams Bookstore in Fairhaven located in Bellingham,Wa, is a great place to visit and grab an espresso ,visit with a friend and pick up a new book.
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They offer new and used books as well as stationary,cards and lots of fun gifts for the book lover in your life.


The cafe is a great place to meet with a friend in a cozy setting with a living wall . Such a fun atmosphere!

Hotel, pnw, Review, travel

Hotel Leavenworth ~ Cascade Mountain Lodging

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Hotel Leavenworth is the perfect place to soak in some relaxation vibes . We planned to stay here after hiking in the Cascade Mountain Range and it was such a blessing! It is on the Main Street in Leavenworth , has parking that is included, and is convenient to so many restaurants! One of our favs .. Gustav’s , is located directly across the street.


The hotel could be described modern ski lodge . We loved the common area in the hallway between rooms. There were places to read or grab a drink and just hang out.


The room was so spacious! We had a jet tub in the room ,but in a seperate area, a huge walk in space to unload our gear , and a beautiful sitting area with a fireplace. It was the perfect room after a long day of hiking.Check out our full video tour of our room below ⬇️


There is also a beautiful patio area that was one of our favorite places to hang out.


And if that’s not enough reasons to stay here , they also offer a romance package with wine, flowers and chocolate so perfect for a getaway ❤️

Book, coffee, Review, travel

The Sword and Shovel Coffeehouse & Bookstore

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The Sword and Shovel Coffeehouse & Bookstore in Moscow , ID is one of my top 10 Bookstores in all of the United States .

It is the New Saint Andrew’s College bookstore and is beautifully appointed. You can find just about any book from literature to law, natural sciences, theology, and rhetoric.



They offer a stunning study area that makes you feel like you just stepped off the streets of London into a cozy bookstore and you can imagine Lewis and Tolkien in deep conversation in the cozy space.


One reviewer says it best.. Walking into Sword & Shovel feels like stepping into a storybook — one where warmth, wisdom, and wonder come together under one roof. This coffee house bookstore isn’t just a place to grab a cup of perfectly brewed coffee or pick up a thought-provoking book — it’s a haven for the soul.-Michael

Check out our video of this amazing Bookstore & Coffeehouse ⬇️

history, pnw, Review, travel

Charm of Historic Fairhaven ~Bellingham , Wa

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Visiting Fairhaven feels like you have just stepped into a hallmark movie. Unique shops and twinkle lights everywhere pulls you into the magic of this beautiful town.
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With its charm also comes history .Fairhaven was settled in 1853, and started out as a booming manufacturing hub , it has since been designated as a National Historic District.


It is also host to the annual Ski to Sea race which takes place on Memorial Day weekend. The Ski to Sea race is accompanied by the Historic Fairhaven Festival, a street festival in Fairhaven to celebrate participants completing the relay race.

If you find yourself in Washington State , this is definitely a stop to add to your itinerary⭐️

pnw, reading, Review, travel

Powell’s city of Books ~Bookstore

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Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland has just about any kind of book you are looking for. There are so many floors of books! You could stay there for a whole day and still want to go back the next day to see more.
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Located in downtown Portland ,the store pretty much fills up a city block . That’s kinda cool to think about….a city block of multiple floors of books. Wow! A book lovers dream.
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So grab your list of books you are looking for and go.. you are sure to mark a few off your list .If you have been there , let me know what you love in the comments ⭐️

Book, reading, Review

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah ~ Book Review

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Are you ready to read a book you can’t put down? Kristin Hannah The Nightingale is it!
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This historical fiction follows two very different sisters throughout their lives. Both sisters navigate their worlds very differently as they grapple with WW2 and the Nazi occupation of France and as they soon learn they are stronger than they could have ever imagined.
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There are a few parts of the book that were extremely difficult to read so please be aware of that if you are sensitive. They are short but important to the story. I’m glad my friends encouraged me to finish it and skip over the one section because it was so worth it!
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Kristin did a great job of really developing each sisters story and following them in their journey of healing as a family , fighting for others even when it meant they had to let go and bringing it all together in the end.Such a good book!!

coffee, family adventures, hiking, Review, travel

Espresso Chalet

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Espresso Chalet has one of the best views of Mount Index . It was the perfect stop to grab coffee after hiking Wallace Falls & Heybrook Lookout. Both hikes are within a few miles of each other with the Espresso Chalet between them. Look for the Bigfoot and you will know you are there.


We ordered our drinks and then went to soak in some more Mountain views… amazing! Perfect place to stretch your legs and grab some drinks or snacks before heading home .


A fun fact : this was an official location from the movie Harry and the Hendersons … anyone remember that movie?

Check out our reel below ⬇️

coffee, pnw, Review, travel

Unique Starbucks in Bavarian Town of Leavenworth ~ Review

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One of our favorite @starbucks is in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth . The decor is a modern ski lodge vibe which we absolutely loved!

Looking out the window you can easily access Aasgard without the grueling workout or magic portal 😉


If you’re wanting a fun weekend adventure , Leavenworth is a great place to explore. Hike, shop , eat , and enjoy feeling like you traveled to a different country. Grab your favorite book and grab coffee as you soak it all in at this unique Starbucks.