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Posts Tagged ‘Oregon’

Biking Vacations, The Best of the West

March 25th, 2009 No comments

If you are looking for great places to go on vacation without spending a ton of money check out some of my favorite riding destinations. Biking vacations always soothe my soul and are a great to actually experience a place. You won’t just be driving through or around these towns. You will get out and experience them. There are lots of great places to ride your bike, these are a few of my favorites in the West.

Black Diamond Coal Mines, WA. Located on the edge of the historical town of Black Diamond, the trails here are an adventure as well. There is no shortage of trees to count and marvel, but the trails also wind through Lake Sawyer, Frog Lake and Ravensdale Creek. Few areas can rival the Pacific Northwest for natural beauty.

Oregon, Hagg Lake. This lake is so beautiful that when you arrive you may think you accidentally stepped onto the backdrop of an old western. The trail is enough that you know you went riding but easy enough so that you can still enjoy your evenings. At 15 miles you may decide to ride it more than once unless you bring the kids along. Either way make sure to jump in the lake to cool off and have fun.

Napa Valley, California. Known for its ability to produce some of the worlds greatest wines, Napa Valley California is also a phenomenal place to ride your bike. The rolling hills of some of the worlds best vineyards provide a relaxing backdrop for easy rides. The Mt St Helena North Peak is one of my favorite easy rides in the world, providing me with the zen feeling that comes with getting lost in some foothills. If you enjoy wine, this place is not to be missed, just make sure you bring your bike and do your drinking after your ride.

Monterey, CA. Ranging from zero to 150 feet above sea level, 17-mile-drive is one of the beautiful rides in the entire country. Starting from Lovers Point in Pacific Grove (be sure to visit the monarch butterflies), the route follows the rugged shoreline on Oceanview Boulevard and Sunset Drive before turning into the gated community of 5,300-acre Pebble Beach.

Kona, HI. Due to a lot of rainfall, this area of Hawaii is especially lush and green. There are so many natural wonders to see in Hawaii it is hard to narrow it down. The trails on this area will include such incredible sights as Hilo Bay, Pepeekeo Scenic Drive, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and Akaka Falls.

I am sure you can tell by now that I love the Western US. There are so many incredible places to visit and to ride your bike. It was hard to narrow it down to just five places to visit. While there are many other places I could recommend, these five are an incredible way to start your discovery of the west. Pack your bag, bring your bike and have an awesome adventure.

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Enjoy a Romantic Getaway at the West Coast’s Best Inns

February 15th, 2009 No comments

It’s that special time of the year when you and your sweetheart can freely share an unforgettable experience to rekindle your romance. The West Coast inns, bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels offer a unique and time-tested recipe for pampering, refreshment and wonderful dining experiences.

For information about the most romantic B&Bs in California and the Pacific Northwest, check out popular travel writer Karen Brown’s website. Full of information about these areas, Karen Brown’s World of Travel offers detailed trip itineraries, maps and listings for hundreds of unique inns in these areas as well as exciting destinations around the world.

Karen Brown’s readers have voted and chosen the following lodging choices as the “Most Romantic” and best “Splendid Splurges” in California and the Pacific Northwest. For a romantic getaway, the following is a good place to begin your search:

The Tickle Pink Inn, located just south of Carmel, an unbelievably beautiful seaside village on California’s Central Coast, was voted “Most Romantic” in California by Karen Brown readersand for good reason. With access to excellent shopping, unique gourmet restaurants and world-class golf courses, this charming inn is loaded with amenities. Near the edge of Big Sur, The Tickle Pink Inn is intimate, private and elegant. Enjoy a luxurious continental breakfast in the early mornings and a fantastic evening reception with classical music playing softly in the background while you taste local wines, fresh fruits and fantastic cheeses. The rooms are well-appointed and present quaint balconies from which to enjoy the seaside view, and most are equipped with wood burning fireplaces as well. The most elegant suites boast whirlpool tubs and the luxurious king beds are graced with Egyptian cotton and down comforters.

The Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the best “Splendid Splurge” in California goes to The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito. Every room has excellent views of the panoramic San Francisco Bay and offers unbelievably plush accommodations. Most of the rooms contain fireplaces and private decks, affording exquisite vistas of the night lights in the city. Enjoy the oversized tubs, flat screen TVs, luxurious linens, soft robes and Bvlgari bath products. Continental breakfasts are fabulous, and the evening wine and cheese reception is not to be missed. The Inn Above Tide also offers the Penthouse Suite with a glass-enclosed whirlpool tub overlooking the bay as well as a romantic fireplace and private deck.

While not as posh as some of the inns listed in this article, the Channel House in Depoe Bay, Oregon, has plenty to offer. The location affords almost total privacy, located right on the edge of the Oregon coast. Many of the guest rooms have a deck with an ocean view hot tub, as well as a fireplace. A continental breakfast buffet is served in a room that affords stunning sea vistas, a perfect start to the day. The staff is happy to help guests plan their daily adventures, offering suggestions for activities and local restaurants. The area is ideal for whale watching and The Whale Center is located within walking distance of the inn. The Channel House was the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for “Most Romantic” lodging in the Pacific Northwest.

The Sooke Harbour House in Canada’s glorious province of British Columbia is a fanciful destination. Located on the Whiffen Spit Beach in the village of Sooke, this boutique hotel offers some truly unique accommodations. Each of the rooms offers a view of mountains, gardens or the sea and all have a fireplace and private balcony or terrace. The dcor is what truly sets this place apart from other coastal inns. For example, the Passion Flower room includes a bed with a headboard that resembles wooden doors opening onto a mural of a garden path. The Kitchen’s Garden room includes a shower surrounded on three sides by stained glass. Original artwork and unique furnishings decorate the other guest rooms, and each has a different theme. The hotel also has a full-service spa and a gourmet restaurant. Sooke Harbour House won the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for best “Splendid Splurge” in the Pacific Northwest.

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How to Get The Best From Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals

September 13th, 2008 No comments
by Ray Lam

When you dream of the coast, I’ll bet money that you’re fantasizing about sandy beaches, the warm sun shining down, and gentle waves washing up between your toes. Everyone tends to do this. But what if I told you about a different kind of coast? The kind that offered a chilly breeze, on and off sunshine, and cold waves crashing into a rocky shore. Yeah, now how does that beach vacation grab you? Are you still interested? Well, if so, then maybe vacation rentals Oregon coast style are up your alley. In my opinion, this is where it’s at.

Oregon Coast vacation rentals can make your holiday quite comfortable and relaxing by offering the advantages you would find at home including your own kitchen and laundry facilities. Other amenities include barbeques, stereo systems, movies, hot tubs, fireplaces and games. You could also find a unit that allows you to bring your pet as well. These types of amenities are not available at all locations so it is important to find this out while doing your research.

Oregon Coast vacation rentals are great holidays for families to bring their children, as there is plenty for the kids to do especially along the beaches. The coast is not all beaches as there are magnificent rocky shorelines featuring crashing waves on the shore. There are magnificent forests that reach right to the coast as well. Some areas along the coast offer great crab and clamming along with fishing.

Vacation rentals in central Oregon allow for stunning views of a different sort as the Cascade Mountains greet you with their awe-inspiring beauty. Hike the numerous nearby trails or bike the shores along the flowing rivers all while taking in the fresh mountain air and spectacular views of the surrounding area. Then at the end of the day, when you are ready to retreat from the outdoors and settle down after an adventurous, tiring day, make your way back to your vacation home where you can fall asleep in front of the television or check up on the day’s happenings around the world on the wireless internet.

Many people take advantage of Oregon Coast vacation rentals to enjoy whale watching. Gray whales spend many months near the coast, especially in the summer and fall months but you can see them year round. Wear appropriate clothing and bring binoculars. Try to have the sun at your back to locate the blows with your eyes then focus in with the binoculars. In addition, calmer weather is much better for whale watching. You do not need to be on the water to see them, as there are many great vantage points along the coast. In the morning, with the sun at your back is best.

Therefore it offers the fun shops, candy stores and restaurants. The nearby aquarium is awesome and ideal for families with children. But, my absolute favorite spot is the Rogue brewery. If you love great beer, this is your spot. Have a seat and try a smoked ale.

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Vacation Rental Homes-Relaxation by the Sea

August 10th, 2008 No comments
by Sara Mendez

Taking a vacation is a time when you can get some well earned rest, relaxation and spend quality time with your loved ones. When deciding to go on vacation there are many things to consider, such as where you want to go, how long and most importantly where you want to stay. Oregon has unlimited options for vacation sites such as Mt Hood, Bend, Sunriver and the beach just to name a few. Deciding where to go is easy but deciding on where to stay and for how long is a whole other matter.

For most people picking a place to stay is easy, stay in a hotel. They are usually easy to find and located in central locations. For instance, staying at Lincoln City, a popular vacation site at the Oregon Beach, there are many hotels to choose from. Some offer ocean views, beach access or breakfasts. But as a smart consumer you should consider what you are getting for your hard earned dollar.

When staying at the beach most people want a hotel with beach access or and ocean view that is affordable. A hotel with a beach from or ocean view can run anywhere from $80.00 a night up to $200.00 a night in Lincoln City. Even if you decide you do not need a beach front or ocean view room, hotels can still range from $50.00 to $100.00 a night. Everyone has different criteria, but I think we can all agree that a hotel needs to be within your selected price range.

Let’s look at what we get for the price. Most hotels try to lure you by offering continental breakfast. Some people think they will save money by having a continental breakfast, unfortunately this is not always the case. Typically a continental breakfast offers donuts, pastries, coffee or juice. Now I don’t know about you but this is not enough breakfast for me. When I am on vacation I want pancakes, waffles, bagels and many options for drinks. If you eat the continental breakfast most likely you will be hungry quickly and you will need to buy more food.

Having a clean and quiet hotel room shouldn’t even be a want, it should be a must have! Let’s examine this advertising a bit. Every hotel I have stayed at, house keeping usually comes around nine in the morning. A quiet room, now how can this be when you can almost always hear people running the halls all hours of the night and you can usually hear your neighbors TV. This is not my idea of a good nights sleep. Then of course check out is usually eleven, so after you have been up most of the night, you need to get up early enough to check out and miss house keeping, so that means your alarm must go off at eight in the morning. I don’t want to feel rushed while on vacation, I am sure you feel the same way especially after you have spent a lot of money on a hotel you think is going to be quiet!

So what is a smart consumer like you to do? Well, the answer is simple, vacation home rentals. At Lincoln City there is a vacation home to fit all budgets. Most homes run from around $100.00 to $250.00 a night depending on your wants and needs. Vacation homes are the best kept secret in vacationing. Most people think they are too much money so they stay in a hotel instead. But is all actuality they are only a little more and the benefits far out weight the extra money! You can bring your own groceries and cook in the comfort of your own home so if you want pancakes you can have pancakes! No more strange muffins and weak coffee. Usually the homes in Lincoln City have ocean views and the beach is only a short walk if not right in back yard. There are no annoying people next door with a loud TV and no children running the hall ways. House keeping simply comes when they see you have gone. Assuring you will all have a nice quiet sleep in a clean home.

Sometimes you need to spend a little in order to have good memories and a fun vacation. No one wants to look back in ten years and remember that vacation as the worst ever! Renting a vacation home can help with that. You need to decide what is most important to you and what criteria needs to be met in order for you to pick that location. Is it saving a few extra dollars worth sacrificing a peaceful, relaxing vacation with your family, the choice is yours but hurry your sanctuary awaits.