Portland has a reputation as an eco-friendly: when visiting Portland, there’s no need to rent a car! It’s easy to get around by foot, bike, and even boat. Start your journey in Portland’s “living room,” Pioneer Courthouse Square, and head in any direction.

Photo by Ben Amstutz – Flickr

Portland on Foot

Portland is a pedestrian-friendly city with short 200-foot blocks laid out in an easy-to-navigate grid, and crisscrossed by two MAX light rail lines, the Portland Streetcar and bus routes. Explore on your own, or take one of Portland Walking Tours’ guided outings. The Best of Portland tour is a primer of its history, culture and “green” legacy. The Underground Portland tour delves into its sordid history and urban legends. The Beyond Bizarre tour covers local paranormal phenomena. Foodies will love the Epicurean Excursion, Chocolate Decadence, or Flavor Street tours. The latter includes tastings at some of the city’s best food carts.

Photo by k_dellaquila – Flickr

Don’t miss Portland Saturday Market, open Sundays as well. This colossal open-air arts and crafts market at Tom McCall Waterfront Park features one-of-a-kind items made by local artisans. In addition to coffee, pizza, and ice cream, vendors offer a tantalizing array of ethnic foods.

You can shop the Portland Farmers Market every day except Tuesday, but check the website as it moves to different locations throughout the week. Choose from a variety of fresh produce, dairy products, bakery items, nuts, organic meats and seafood, plus other farm products and enjoy live music, demonstrations by local chefs and other special events.

Portland by Bicycle

One thing you notice when visiting Portland is the number of bicycles. The city encourages cycling as an alternate form of transportation. Bring your own, or rent a cycle at a local shop such as 21st Avenue Bicycle or Fat Tire Farm.

One fantastic loop ride encompasses both banks of the Willamette River. A broad, paved pathway extends the entire length of Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the seawall from the Hawthorne Bridge to the Steel Bridge. Cross these bridges to connect with the Eastbank Esplanade which runs parallel on the opposite shore. Highlights of the approximately 4-mile round-trip ride include fountains, public art, a 1,200-foot floating walkway section and spectacular views of the river and downtown skyline.

Photo by AlaskanLibrarian – Flickr

For a more ambitious ride, take the Springwater Corridor starting at SE 4th Ave. and SE Ivon St. The trail follows the Willamette River past Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, through the charming Sellwood neighborhood, then eastward along Johnson Creek. Ride about nine miles to the SE Flavel St. MAX station; then, load your bikes on a Green Line train to return Downtown.

Portland by Boat

Another outstanding way to explore the city is on the water. Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing cruise aboard the Portland Spirit, or book a private, personalized tour on a classic, wooden motorboat with Portland Boat Tours.

If you prefer to go under your own power, rent a kayak or canoe from Portland Kayak Company or Alder Creek Kayak. Both companies are within easy paddling distance of Downtown, Ross Island and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for outstanding city views, and possible sightings of eagles, osprey and herons.

Indoor Attractions

Should inclement weather curtail outdoor activities, visit some of the city’s standout museums. The Portland Art Museum wide-ranging collections include American, Asian, European, Northwest, Indigenous and Modern art, plus graphic arts, photography and traveling exhibits. Tour iconic Pittock Mansion overlooking Downtown, a grand period-furnished historic home built in 1914.

Photo by afagen – Flickr

Food and Drink

Refreshment options are endless in the foodie-haven that is Portland. Experience breakfast at Mother’s Bistro & Bar, or the walk-up Waffle Window. For lunch or dinner try Clyde Common, Meriwether’s, Farm Café, or Pok Pok.

Portland’s thriving food cart scene offers more than 600 vendors serving nearly everything imaginable. Try garlic- and ginger-seasoned chicken with rice and dipping sauce at Nong’s Khao Man Gai, sweet or savory combinations from Perierra Creperie,or a tender, roast porchetta sandwich with arugula and apple slices at The People’s Pig.

Photo by camknows – Flickr

Welcome to Beervana—the self-proclaimed craft beer capital of the world. Sample some local brews at Lucky Labrador Brew Pub, Hair of the Dog, BridgePort Brewing, or ride on over to the Hopworks BikeBar.

After Hours

Evening entertainment options abound with Portland’s many live music venues, theater, dance, opera, and symphony performances. For some wacky adult fun, take in the midnight showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Clinton Street Theater, screened weekly on Saturday night since 1978.

Don’t Miss This

No Portland visit is complete without a pilgrimage to Powell’s City of Books and a sweet treat from Voodoo Doughnut. Insider’s tip; avoid the lines at the Voodoo Doughnut on SW 3rd Avenue by visiting one of their other two locations, or come at night—the stores are open 24 hours.

Photo by SanFranAnnie – Flickr

A trip to Seattle can be fun for the whole family and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Don’t let the rain scare you away! This city offers many attractions and activities that will delight visitors of all ages, and it’s easy to find a variety of affordable tourist destinations and even some free things to enjoy.

Downtown Seattle, Seattle Center and the Seattle Waterfront are rich with entertaining and unique things to see and do. Top attractions are the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, The Olympic Sculpture Park and The Seattle Aquarium.

One of Seattle’s best known landmarks, the Space Needle , was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. The view from the observation deck provides a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city and mountains beyond. A small fee is charged for admission to the deck, but children age three and under get in for free.

Photo via alexfiles – Flickr

After enjoying the view from the Space Needle, a visit to the Pike Place Market is a must. Founded in 1907, the Market provides an astounding array of vendors selling locally grown produce, flowers, fish, meats and handcrafted goods. Be sure to check out Pike Place Fish. The fishmongers here call out patrons’ fish orders, the other team members yell it back, and then the first fishmonger tosses the fish to the counter to be wrapped. Watch out for flying fish!

Photo via jsmags – Flickr

While you’re at the Market, take a side trip to Post Alley, where you’ll find the Gum Wall. As the name implies, the Gum Wall is a brick wall covered in used chewing gum. Theatre patrons in the early 90s were irritated that they had to wait in line for tickets to the Market Theatre, so they stuck gum to the wall and put coins on top. Theater employees removed the gum and coins, but the gum continued to reappear, so they eventually gave up. The wall became a certified tourist attraction in 1999. The Gum Wall is a great photo opportunity, but it’s probably best not to touch anything!

Photo via Loop_oh – Flickr

For a relaxing attraction rich with culture, don’t miss the Olympic Sculpture Park. Overlooking Elliott Bay, the park features permanent and visiting outdoor sculptures and admission is free. Afterwards, take a walk through nearby Myrtle Edwards Park and soak up an amazing view of the water and the Olympic Mountains.

A visit to the Seattle Aquarium will delight children and parents alike. Located right on the waterfront, the aquarium showcases native and exotic fish species, sea mammals, and other ocean inhabitants. Those who enjoy tactile exhibits will love Life on the Edge, a tide pool exhibit that is brimming with sea life to touch and explore. Also not to be missed are the adorable sea otters that are native to the Puget Sound.

Seattle is bursting with dynamic and varied neighborhoods. Lying in the northern part of the city, Ballard is a great neighborhood for families. Start your day strolling through the Ballard Farmers Market. Open year- round on Sundays, the market is known for selling freshly made donuts. After a visit to the Farmers Market, spend the afternoon at Golden Gardens Park. With views of Shilshole Bay, Shilshole Marina and the Olympic Mountains, it’s a great place to relax on the beach or take a hike on the forest trails. All that hiking can lead to a big appetite, so consider heading over to Paseo Restaurant, a Caribbean hidden gem in the Northwest.

Photo via Wonderlane – Flickr

Another excellent Seattle neighborhood is Magnolia. For those in the mood for outdoor endeavors, Magnolia is home to Discovery Park. The park boasts 534 acres of forest trails, meadows, beaches and fantastic views of Puget Sound, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Spend the day hiking, beachcombing and spotting local wildlife. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while enjoying the park’s tranquility.

Photo via |rocket surgery| – Flickr

Woodland Park Zoo, in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood, is an outstanding place to spend the day. From penguins to komodo dragons, this zoo has animals that will amaze visitors both young and old. Seattle has so many amazing attractions and activities that everyone can enjoy.

From local landmarks to public parks, smart travelers can find wonderful things to see and do without spending a small fortune.

From the moment they step off the plane and inhale the warm, sweet air, visitors to Hawaii start to slow down: island life is paradise. Those seeking the ultimate in relaxation should check out the following destinations that offer moments of true serenity.

Photo via SF Brit – Flickr

Waipio Valley – Hawaii

Waipio Valley is majestic – for both its heavenly scenery and place in Hawaiian history as the childhood home of the King Kamehameha I. “The Valley of the Kings” was also the capital for many earlier Hawaiian chiefs.

Adventurous types who hike, take a horseback ride, or tackle a steep road in a 4-wheel drive into the valley are rewarded with a close-up view of its waterfalls, rivers, and black sand beach. However, even getting an overhead via helicopter tour will provide the viewer the magic that Waipio embodies.

Photo via MattSims – Flickr

Lanikai Beach

It’s a little tricky to find. There are no restrooms, shower facilities, lifeguards on duty, concession stands, or even a parking lot. Just what makes Lanikai one of the best beaches in the world?

Maybe it’s the soft white sand, or the clear water that rolls in gentle blue and green waves. Or perhaps it is a sense of privacy in a place that technically has no private beaches. A favorite of locals, Lanikai is sure to make any tourist feel like he or she is privy to a beautiful secret.

Photo via Big Dave Diode – Flickr

Na Pali Coast – Kauai

Rising almost directly out of the ocean, the jagged cliffs of the Na Pali Coast are a towering presence along the shore. These green mountains of the Garden Isle stand watch over a fifteen-mile stretch of coastline and the Kalalau Valley.

Beyond its obvious scenic beauty, the Coast captures Kauai’s soul. Though it is no longer home to any permanent residents, the Na Pali Coast leaves its visitors with the sense of wonder and amazement of all those who visited the island before.

Photo via InSapphoWeTrust – Flickr

Byodo-In Temple

A Temple may seem like an odd stop on a tropical Hawaiian vacation, but Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is not your typical place of rest. Nestled by the slopes of the Ko‘olau Mountain Range, the park and its centerpiece, the Byodo-In Temple, are welcome to people of all faiths.

Before entering the temple, guests should ring the sacred bell and remove their shoes. Hawaii’s Byodo-In is an ideal location for meditation or quiet reflection.

Photo via Drew Avery – Flickr

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden

Built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection, the Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden is the perfect union of form and function. This 400-acre tropical sanctuary houses flora and fauna from around the world, including native plants of Hawaii and Polynesia. Literally meaning “to give peace and protection,” Ho‘omaluhia offers beauty and calm to all who visit.

The best way to experience Ho‘omaluhia is by foot. Guests should wear walking shoes and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy this free attraction. For those who need even more time to breathe in the garden’s lush rainforest setting, camping is allowed with a permit.

Photo via Talie – Flickr

Mauna Kea Observatory

Visitors can trade in their bathing suits for their winter coats, at least for a few hours, when they venture to the Mauna Kea Observatories. Mauna Kea’s arid climate, low cloud cover, and distance from city lights are ideal for stargazing and viewing scenery from above the clouds.

The Visitor Information Station is located 9,200 ft above sea level and offers telescope access and many guided tour options for free! Experienced hikers can hike from the visitors center to the summit.

Photo via Matt McGee – Flickr

Red Sand Beach, Kaihalulu Bay

The famous Road to Hana is filled with scenic gems along the way. Once arriving in Hana, the visual treasure hunt continues with a search for the Red Sand Beach on Kaihalulu Bay. Kaihalulu Bay is surrounded by the cliffs of Ka‘uiki Head, whose iron-rich hill mixes with the sand to give the beach its distinctive hue.

Sunbathers can take advantage of the isolation the beach offers and enjoy the contrast between the electric blue ocean and the colorful shore.

According to the Los Angeles Visitor’s Bureau, the City of Angels attracts between 20 and 25 million overnight visitors per year; sunning on the beautiful beaches, surfing the world-class waves, hiking or skiing the majestic mountains.  And at the center of it all is the entertainment capital of the world: Hollywood.

Hollywood’s place at the center of the television, film and music industries make it the best place to see and even spend some quality time with the world’s most famous faces. Those with the inside scoop are the ones most likely to have a close encounter of the superstar kind.

If the savvy traveler chooses the right place to stay, he or she may have to look no further than their own doorstep to see a film or TV superstar.

Where to Stay:

The Chateau Marmont is the ultimate place to spot celebrities, since it remains a favorite location for meals, business meetings, poolside tanning and short residencies for visiting talent during film shoots.  Its location on the Sunset Strip, a few short steps from Dan Aykroyd’s House of Blues, the famous Laugh Factory, the Roxy and other legendary nightclubs, make the Chateau Marmont the center of celebrity recreation in Los Angeles.  It is also steeped in Hollywood lore, as the place SNL superstar John Belushi died in 1982.  The ghosts of Howard Hughes, Marilyn Monroe, Boris Karloff and Jim Morrison are all said to have made an appearance.

The Sheraton Universal Hotel, in the heart of the Universal Studios complex, is another great place to see celebrities at work and at play.  Whether filming in a Universal soundstage or just taking in the sun at the Sheraton’s classic pool, a stay here puts any celebrity-seeker at the heart of the action.  The staff is friendly and attentive, and the hotel is surrounded by the Studios Tour, the Gibson Amphitheater and Universal CityWalk.

The Beverly HIlton Hotel is another mecca for star-gazers in Hollywood.  Swank dining and shopping, a gorgeous spa and one of the liveliest pools in town make this a favorite spot for the biggest names in show business and pro sports.  In the heart of posh Beverly Hills, the world-famous playground of the super-rich, it’s a popular spot for group meetings and conventions too.

Things to Do:

Once squared away in the Hollywood hideaway of choice, the celebrity-minded visitor might want to plan to spend some time where the rich and famous go to work.

The easiest way to see celebrities is to catch a taping of the top-rated late night program The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno or one of the several other TV shows that are taped in or around Hollywood every day.  Tickets are free (over 18 only) for this great opportunity to see your favorite stars talk about their new movies, TV shows or music releases.

The fun-loving Los Angeles visitor also has a good chance of seeing celebrities at work during the Universal Studios Tour, where superstars can be seen shooting their new films and pranking tour guests between takes!

Places to See:

For great celebrities through the ages, visitors can take a stroll down the famous Hollywood Walk Of Fame, where today’s top stars enjoy ceremonies inducting them alongside the greats of yesteryear.  No dress code for this always-free public attraction.

Waxwork replicas of the great stars of screen, stage, sports and politics from every era are enshrined at the Hollywood Wax Museum, in the center of the action on Hollywood Boulevard.  Combination tickets include entry to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and the Guinness Book of World Records Museum, all family friendly and within walking distance.

To see the stars at rest, there’s no better place than gorgeous Malibu, the beachfront community just north of Santa Monica.  Bring a jacket though, as it gets chilly in the off-seasons and is foggy in the mornings year-round.

Where to Eat: 

Like all of Los Angeles’ residents and visitors, the stars have to eat.  And there are some places in this glamorous city where celebrities love to eat, meet and greet, to see and be seen.

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is known the world over for its fabulous dining and expensive shops.  At any one of the posh eateries you’re likely to see any number of world-class celebrities.

The best of the best in Los Angeles celebrity dining is Spago, owned and operated by the great chef Wolfgang Puck.  In the heart of Beverly Hills, Spago attracts the most powerful and popular visitors from every corner of the globe and made Wolfgang Puck a household name. Dress attire and reservations recommended.

The Western states of California, Nevada, and Utah offer visitors an abundance and variety of hiking options, ranging from scenic destinations to unusual historic wonders. In this edition of The Compass, we found a mix of unique hiking trails that we hope will inspire future travel plans!

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Bumpass Hell Trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Image via jjandames – flickr

Northern California is home to Lassen Volcanic National Park: this park features the remains of Lassen Volcano, which erupted in 1915. The park is full of volcanic formations as well as glacial canyons, pristine lakes, and meadows dotted with wildflowers in the spring.

In the park, visitors can take a 3-mile roundtrip hike known as Bumpass Hell Trail. This mild and scenic trail provides hikers with the opportunity to view many thermally active features, including sulphureous gases, boiling mud pots, and steam plumes.

Tips:

• With a history of eruptions and active magmatic and hydrothermal systems, visitors should heed any warnings from the National Volcano Early Warning System (http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/).
• Hikers should not step off the designated trail as dangerous acidic areas exist that can be harmful.

Mountain View Nature Trail in Great Basin National Park

Image via RickC – flickr

Great Basin National Park borders Utah, but is located in Nevada; the park is famous for rocky glacial formations dotted with pine trees and a variety of developed and primitive campgrounds. Great Basin is also famous for the Lehman Cave, a beautiful marble cave full of stalactites, stalagmites, and other rare formations.

The Mountain View Nature Trail is a guided, leisurely hike of 0.3 paved miles and is generally open year round. It has only a slight change in the initial elevation, providing visitors an opportunity to view the area with ease. Given the close proximity of this trail to Lehman Cave, visitors are recommended to take a cave tour during the same trip.

Tips:

• Campsites in the area operate on first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are advised to find a site early in the day.
• Campers and hikers should be aware of changes in weather (sudden snowstorms or electrical storms).
• When hiking, avoid entering abandoned mines.

Devil’s Garden Trail in Arches National Park

Image via Tony in WA – flickr

Utah is known for its spectacular and numerous National Parks which feature magnificent rock formations and a variety of backcountry hiking. Devil’s Garden Trail in Arches National Park provides visitors with upclose views of red rock sandstone arch formations and balanced rocks.

Aside from scenic hiking, Arches offers numerous mountain bike trails, camping, and backpacking. Nearby Wolfe Ranch features amazing rock engravings thought to be made by Native Americans.

Tips:

• Carry small snacks like bananas and raisins and plenty of water and sports drinks.
• Hikers should be outfitted with proper shoes and carry trekking poles to aid in traversing rocks and uneven terrain.

Death Valley in California

Image via dnhoshor – flickr

Hiking in Death Valley might seem like a dangerous proposition, but the valley comes alive in the winter and early spring (March through October). In early March, the drive into the Park reveals an abundance of yellow wildflowers, narrow canyons, creeks, and sand dunes! The developed hiking trails throughout the park offer a variety of options, ranging from exploring 100 ft high desert sand dunes to walking through colorful polished-marble canyons.

The Little Hebe Crater Trail provides visitors with an opportunity to walk the rim of Ubehebe Crater and to explore several other craters. While in this area of the park, it is recommended to also tour Scotty’s Castle, a magnificent home built by a tycoon who left the East to live in Death Valley. Another favorite hike is the Gower Gulch Loop where hikers can admire narrow canyons and old mines.

Tips:

• Hiking in the early hours of the day is recommended.
• Hikers should stay on marked trails to avoid stepping on living ground cover.
• Do not hike in the canyons during heavy rain.

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Hiking doesn’t always mean climbing mountains; many wonderful hiking destinations exist just to give us a chance to get out in nature and have a good time!

EVENTS:

Death Valley Art Show – March 9-10
The Death Valley Art Show features a variety of arts including painting, jewelry, woodworking, weaving, photography and live music.

Spring Astronomy Night – May 4
Head to the visitors center at Great Basin National Park to view some of the most interesting spring astronomical objects.

Banff Mountain Film Festival – March 11
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, one of the most prestigious mountain festivals in the world, visits Moab, UT in March.

ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS:

The Inn at Furnace Creek
This inn is a desert oasis that consists of an 18-hole golf course, four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, and a spa.

Lehman Caves
The Lehman Caves are beautiful marble caves ornately decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, and over 300 rare shield formations.

Cali Cochitta Bed and Breakfast
One of the first homes built in Moab, Cali Cochitta is a late 1800s victorian, restored and renovated to its original, classic style.

Photo Credits: Flickr, Vincent Lock, V18189

A Primer for Tahoe

By Kimberly Dillon, Desti’s VP of Marketing

• I hate the cold.
• I don’t ski, snowboard, sled, or skate.
• I don’t drive in the snow.
• Did I mention that I hate the snow?

What to do when you are there:

Gambling is legal on the Nevada side of the lake and there are several casinos to choose from. We played at Harvey’s mainly because they had a poker room and the others did not. Harvey’s is a great place to be introduced to the various card games, as they offer low hand bids and they will teach you the rules of the game. Most of the casinos all have clubs and shows for you to round out your evening.

When someone suggested that we go on boat tour in 20 degree weather, I literally thought it was a joke! It wasn’t, and the tour was awesome. The boat is heated and it was a beautifully serene way to see all of Lake Tahoe. It is 3 hours, and once it gets dark you can’t really see anything. If you are into photography, this tour will provide some of the most majestic scenery.

Lodging:

Rather than booking at a corporate hotel, we went with a vacation rental. The rental, which we found on www.homeaway.com, turned out to be a super convenient way to stay in Tahoe, as we had 12 people in our group, tons of snow gear, and 3 dogs. That said, I would have loved a hot shower, turn down service, and the quiet that having your own room would bring.

One of my friends stayed at a new hotel called the Base Camp. Basecamp is hip, modern, and a far cry from the more rustic Tahoe inns. I was super envious of the tent in the room!

Places to Eat:

Considering that all of my clothing was “waterproof,” we were not seeking out fine dining establishments. Instead we looked for casual comfort food. Some of our wins:

Freebird Café – We got the Dirty Chai – a homemade chai with a shot of espresso. The perfect place to fuel up before you hit the slopes.

Riva Grill – Located on the waterfront, which was a great backdrop for a snowstorm, a warm fireplace, and a casual start to our evening. The Happy Hour specials include a $5 wine choice, beer specials, and half price appetizers and pizza. Besides the happy hour, this is an upscale American style restaurant that would be great for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or a business dinner.

Slopes:

Sierra at Tahoe is a medium sized family friendly resort. It is very beginner friendly and I was able to rent my outfit and all of my equipment. For newbies like me, I was sticker shocked on how much snow pants costs!

From a quick scan of the other resorts, they had some of the most affordable snowboard lessons. The beginner lift was right outside the lodge and it’s a short run that’s good for warming up. They have a lot good trails too for both novice and advanced skiers and snowboarders. My friends enjoyed the greens, blues, and blacks scattered across the mountain.

Travel Tip:

Our 3-hour trip turned into a very frustrating 6 hours drive because we did not check the road conditions or the tire chains requirements. Visit the CA DOT website for up-to-date condition of the roads. Also if you forget to buy chains, you can often purchase them at gas stations along the way.

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ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN TAHOE

Vikingsholm Castle
Tahoe City, CA
Built in the 1920’s in beautiful Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm is built with traditional Scandinavian architecture in mind. Guided tours are available in the summer.

Hang Gliding Tahoe
Carson City Airport
Get suited up and get in the air, even without previous flying experience! Their light-sport aircrafts feature hang gliding wings and are powered by a small engine.

Inspiration Point Vista
Tahoe City, CA
Head towards South Tahoe and find one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the area: Inspiration Point is a great starting point for a hike or a great destination for a drive.

EVENTS IN TAHOE

37th Annual Great Ski Race
March 3
9:00am
Race for a good cause! The Great Ski Race is a 30km cross-country ski race for all ages. All proceeds benefit the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team, a non-profit all-volunteer organization.

8th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
March 8, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, doors at 6:00pm
The Sierra Nevada Alliance will be showing several award wining environmental and adventure films.

U.S. Freestyle Championships
March 29-31
This year, Heavenly Resort plays host to the US Freestyle Championships, where team USA will gear up for the 2014 winter Olympics.