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Greenland – Go Now

September 11, 2026

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Location: Greenland

For years we have talked about getting Greenland on our travel plans. It took a while to make it happen. But it finally did. And I am so grateful. I arrived in this place with few expectations – and came away with few disappointments. It is truly unlike anywhere else I have ever been. Gorgeous, fascinating, delicious and otherworldly. If you have ever considered Greenland – Go Now.

Go Now

Greenland is actively working to encourage and broaden tourism. We were very surprised how many group tours we encountered in our visit. The hotels we stayed in were full as were the domestic flights. Summer tourism season in Greenland is May-September. In November 2024 Nuuk opened a brand new international airport. Next month in October 2026 Ilulissat will also open a brand new international airport. The capacity for larger planes and more direct international flights will increase the number of tourists. While many new hotels have been built, infrastructure is still limited. My advice to you is to get here sooner rather than later. Bring your camera but also your patience. Greenland – Go Now.

Our Visit

Our eight day visit to Greenland turned into a ten day visit due to problems with Air Greenland. These flight issues affected many people, not just us. The issues we encountered were not weather related, but often weather can be an issue when flying to or around Greenland. I’ll explain a few more details on this later in this post.

But for now, let me share with you our day by day itinerary and costs and how we planned our trip. We used a company called Greenland Tours. This company helped us layout our trip and booked the hotels and flights for us. But it was not a group tour. We were on our own to find our way to each activity that was booked for us. In hindsight we could have done all of this on our own, but we were unclear how to get started in this remote destination . Using our guide below, you could do it easily yourself to save some money. So time for Greenland Go Now

Getting to Greenland

From June – September, United Airlines flies to Nuuk direct from Newark International. We were traveling one way and our cost $840 USD. Round trip back to Newark is $1130 . Our flight was only half full in early September and it was comfortable and quick – about 4 hours. Currently if you are flying from the USA this is how you enter Greenland. I expect this may change with the opening of the Ilulissat Airport.

If you are flying from Europe, Air Greenland flies a route from Copenhagen year around. This was how we went onward from Nuuk. Price for this flight round trip is $1100 but it changes depending on the day of the week. Our one-way trip was $700

On arrival in Nuuk we were quickly processed through Nuuk passport control and on our way to our hotel. Since our flight was half full, prossessing the EES went quick. This was our first time entering an EES country and it was luckily fast and easy. We stayed at the Hotel Hans Egede, a very nice property in the center of town. On arrival we were very tired and had a quiet evening and early to bed. Daily rate at Hans Egede including breakfast is $257 USD . There are many more hotels available in Nuuk, but you should definitely book early, especially if you are looking for less expensive options.

Nuuk

We woke up still tired but the weather was cool and partly sunny and we wanted to get out and see the town. After an excellent breakfast included with our hotel, we headed out.

The city was founded in 1728 by the Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede when he relocated from the earlier Hope Colony (Haabets Koloni), where he had arrived in 1721. The city proper was founded as the fort of Godt-Haab in 1728 by the royal governor Claus Paarss, when he relocated the missionary and merchant Hans Egede‘s earlier Hope Colony (Haabets Koloni) from Kangeq Island to the mainland. Nuuk sits at the mouth of the second largest fjord system. It is a haven for arctic marine life and birds. In early September daylight was still at about 17 hours.

Nuuk’s current populaion is 20,000 and is the largest town in Greenland.

Nuuk Cathedral and the Colonial Old Town

Kolonihavnen

The most beautiful area of Nuuk is the old Colonial Town, Kolonihavnen. The beautiful old wooden buildings against the lovely bay with small floating icebergs is breathtaking. Our morning walk included visiting the Nuuk Cathedral, built in 1849, the small and overgrown cemetery next to it and the Hans Egede statue overlooking the sea.

Greenland National Museum

If you only do one thing in Nuuk it must be the Greenland National Museum. For such a tiny town, this museum is first class. It’s a great place to start your Greenland journey to understand the land, the culture, the people and the wildlife. We spent two hours here. While visiting the museum don’t miss the Qilakitsoq Mummies – they are bit hidden. The mummies are Inuit peoples buried around 1472. Discovered in 1972, the fur-clad mummies are remarkably preserved. This discovery is one of Greenland and the Arctic’s most significant discoveries to date. Entrance fee $15 USD

City Walk About

After the museum we walked past the Mother of the Sea Sculpture – by design is partially submerged in the sea, more when the tide is high. Continuing we walked to the end of the road to a remarkably beautiful viewpoint. Here we sat and contemplated the view and the vastness of the fjords. A perfect point for iconic Greenland photos.

Where to Eat

Nuuk has many restaurants and it is easy to find some delicious food. We really enjoyed our Danish style lunch at Lolo across the street from our hotel. Also enjoyed Esmeralda for it’s wide and less expensive menu. We had to make a visit to the Brewhouse to say we had had a beer at the furthest north Brewery in the world. Dinner at Sarfalik was expensive. Located at the top floor of our hotel it is touted as the best restaurant in Nuuk. I’m glad we splurged on this unique meal that included caribou, wolf fish, and musk ox.

Hiking

Our plan on the morning of our second day was to climb Quassussuaq, a mountain that rises 450 meters just behind the city. But unfortunately we woke to low clouds and decided the climb would be too difficult in the weather with no views available. Instead we spent the morning walking through and outside of town to enjoy more remarkable views, villages and a view of the brand new airport.

Qooqqut Catch and Eat

On our final afternoon/evening in Nuuk we were so glad we signed up to do this boat trip with fishing. The weather had cleared by afternoon and the seas were calm – much to my relief. We decided to walk to the harbor from the city center, about a mile. On arrival we boarded a water taxi. A total of eleven guests on board, we sailed an hour up into the fjord. Here we stopped near a beautiful waterfall to catch our dinner. Using a unique-to-me fishing system, we dropped the line that was wound around a wooden spool. The line had four different hooks – no bait or lures, just hooks with a little colored plastic. Our goal was to catch either cod or redfish. Well it didn’t take long before we had about 24 fish in the boat – of both kind. After about an hour of this fun activity we headed on to the tiny village of Qooqqut.

On arrival the chef of the remote restaurant met us at the boat and took our catch straight to the kitchen to prepare our dinner. We had about an hour to wander the tiny village, mostly home to summer cabins for rich locals. The views were amazing and so was the dinner with our small group. Everything was perfect and I highly recommend this activity when in Nuuk. Cost was about $200 USD per person.

Cod Soup with Coconut milk was incredible one of about 8 dishes

Deep fried red fish with a sweet and sour sauce was incredible

One of the local summer homes tucked in the hill

Next Stop

It took me most of my visit to Greenland to learn how to spell Ilulissat, the town we headed to after Nuuk. Unfortunately our wonderful evening of fishing and having our dinner prepared for us did not end until after 11pm, and our bus to the airport was coming for us at 5am. It was going to be a very long day as we made our way to Ilulissat. To top it off, we stood in line at the Nuuk Airport for an hour and 40 minutes just to check our bags, due to a staffing issue. But eventually it was up up and away. A round trip flight from Nuuk to Ilulissat on Air Greenland runs $800 and no you cannot drive. Because of the lack of roads in Greenland you will fly or take a boat to most destinations.

Interesting fact – The entire local road network in all of Greenland spans roughly 120 to 150 kilometers total. About half to 90 kilometers featuring paved asphalt. The rest consist of gravel or dirt. Greenland covers a total area of approximately 836,330 square miles (2.17 million square kilometers), making it the world’s largest non-continental island.

Flying is the way to get around Greenland

Arrival

We stayed at the Hotel Arctic, a beautiful property that I am sure we would never have booked if we were making our own arrangements. If you can stay here I recommend it, it is very comfortable and offers a nice breakfast. We also ate in the restaurant for lunch a couple of time, also very nice but expensive. However, the daily cost is $293 – more than our usual choice. Ilulissat has several other hotel options so you should shop around. And there are several more hotels being built. But as I said before, you really need to book in advance.

One note about Hotel Arctic. Although situated looking over Disko Bay on a beautiful bluff, it is a bit out of town. We made the walk to town several times and it took about 30 minutes. There is a frequent city bus that cost around $3 USD or a taxi will run about $6 USD. There are many taxis available.

Danish open face sandwich in the hotel restaurant

Ilulissat

Ilulissat is the reason you come to Greenland – unless you are here for more northern adventures or hiking, Ilulissat and its UNESCO fjord is what it’s all about.

Ilulissat has a rich history spanning over 4,000 years of indigenous Inuit cultures and Danish colonial heritage. The area around Disko Bay and the Ilulissat Icefjord has been inhabited since around 2500 BC. Located two kilometers south of modern Ilulissat, the Sermermiut Valley was a major settlement area for successive Arctic cultures, including the Saqqaq, Dorset, and Thule cultures. For millennia, indigenous communities relied on hunting marine mammals like whales and seals in the ice-filled waters.

The modern town was founded in 1741 by Danish merchant Jacob Severin. As the new Danish trading post grew, residents of Sermermiut gradually relocated to the new town. The last traditional inhabitants left Sermermiut around 1850.

In the 1980s, following the establishment of Greenlandic home rule, the town officially reclaimed its Greenlandic name, Ilulissat, which translates to “Icebergs”. In 2004 the Sermermiut Valley and Iluliassat Icefjord were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the first on in Greenland.

Population is 5000 and it is the third largest town in Greenland.

Iceberg Tour

We were so lucky to have a clear, sunny and cold day to do this tour – one of the best things I have ever done. Of course the bluebird sky helped… We joined Albatros Arctic Tours for this two and a half hour sail on a comfortable boat. The water was like glass on this day, lucky for me and my motion sickness problem.

“The ice in the fjord originates from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, which sits at the bottom of the fjord. It is one of the most active glaciers in the world, producing 10% of all icebergs in Greenland – a fact evidenced by the massive icebergs visible in Disko Bay almost year-round. When the ice calves from the glacier, which is located 70 kilometers deep in the fjord, the ocean is around 1,000 meters deep, allowing the icebergs to float freely out of the fjord. As the icebergs reach the end of the Icefjord, where it opens into Disko Bay, the ocean depth decreases to only a few hundred meters due to a moraine hill at the outlet. Here, the largest icebergs get stuck, unable to pass because of their sheer size. This is what creates the Icefjord: a gathering of colossal icebergs in an area of roughly 10-15 kilometers. ” (credit Albatross Arctic Tours)

Breathtaking might be an overused word…and yet I can’t think of more accurate way to describe this wonderful tour. It was everything I imagined about Greenland. Cost was about $110 USD. Easy to book direct with Albatros Arctic Tours. Over the next several days we did three more tours with Albatros Arctic. I highly recommend them for excellent guides and service.

UNESCO

Next morning the weather made a U-turn and not only did we wake to sleet and wind but also to the entire town without power. Couldn’t even get a cup of coffee! Oh No! Our planned tour today was entirely outside too, so for the first time we dug deep into the bags for all the rain gear. There is a reason full rain gear is recommended when visiting Greenland.

Functioning on zero caffeine and no morning shower, we headed back to Albatross Arctic Tours where we boarded a mini-van for the short drive to Sermermiut & Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO site.

The UNESCO protected site follows a boardwalk through the ancient and abandoned Inuit settlement at Sermermiut. Here we learned about the three distinct cultures that have used this area throughout centuries. At its peak, over 250 Inuit people lived in Sermermiut, and the last inhabitants left the settlement around 1850. At the end of the boardwalk we find the remarkable Nakkaavik – a viewpoint overlooking the Icefjord. This is the same fjord generating the icebergs we enjoyed yesterday on our boat tour. It was remarkable to see it from both distinctive sides. This walking tour was $45 USD.

A different view of the glacier and icebergs than the day before

Ilulissat Icefjord Center.

The UNESCO site is also home to the Ilulissat Icefjord Center. This beautifully designed center opened in 2021. It was not part of our walking tour but we enjoyed it on another day. It is not big, but it is very well done and I recommend it. Cost is about $25USD.

Excellent and educational information about ice and glaciers

Back at our hotel we were thrilled to find the power back on. After a quick hot shower, lots of hot coffee and a hot meal, we headed back to town for another afternoon walk.

Cultural Walking Tour

We met our same guide from Albatross Arctic Tour for a walk through historic Ilulissat. The two hour tour gave us wonderful insight to the history of the native people, and the European settlers who came here. We learned about local culture, local leaders, food and the way of life through history. The tour visits many historic buildings from the early days. We also made a stop at a artists workshop where local Inuit people carve beautiful pieces from the antlers of Caribou. I purchased a small piece to take home. Finally we learned about how fishing is a way of life for many families, through generations. Many sons only go to school through the 8th grade and then begin their fishing careers. Halibut and shrimp are the two most valuable seafood caught in the waters around Ilulissat. Cost for this tour $39 USD

Ilulissat Harbor where the halibut and shrimp boats depart

And What a Difference a Day Makes

Oqaatsut Village

Waking on our third day in Ilulissat we found another brilliant sunny day. In fact on this day the temperature would reach a balmy 58 Fahrenheit before days end. Back to Albatross Arctic Tours we went, where we boarded a boat for a one hour scenic ride. This time our destination was a tiny fishing village called Oqaatsut. Home to only fifty year-around residents, Albatross Arctic Tours runs a small restaurant on the island.

The boat ride was really wonderful and we learned more great history from our captain. On arrival we were greeted and escorted to the cozy restaurant in a historic building. We were served an incredible, fresh and fully local lunch that highlighted the finest of the regions products from land and sea. I decided to splurge on a Greenlandic Coffee. The coffee is purely for tourists, but it’s a fun production made tableside. It includes whiskey, kahlua, coffee, whipped cream, and flaming grand marnier.

After lunch we went on a guided walking tour of the tiny village learning what it’s like to live where there is no running water or flushing toilets. A new school house is under construction for the seven children who live on the island. What an interesting way to live. Cost for this tour was about $220 USD

Our Final Day in Ilulissat

Eqi Glacier

Once again we woke up to a weather change. Low clouds and damp looking sky would eventually become steady rain, but off we went on our final Ilulissat tour. This time it was an all-day trip three and a half hours by boat north to the famous Eqip Sermia Glacier. Known as the calving glacier, it is possible to get very close to the glacier in the fjord by boat. On our visit, we did not see much calving unfortunately, but we did have a chance to see humpback whales.

Of all the things we did in Ilulissat, this was my least favorite and most expensive. Partly do to the rainy weather, but also because it was a nine hour day door to door. It was also very expensive at $380 per person USD. Perhaps on a beautiful sunny day that price would have seemed worth it. Learn more about this tour with Disko Line Tours.

Eqip Sermia known as the calving glacier

Eqip Sermia is expected to dissapear in about 15 years

Air Greenland

Air Greenland has a monopoly on air travel in this country. All domestic commercial flights are on Air Greenland. Our flight from the USA was on United, but our flight onward to Copenhagen was on Air Greenland. It’s not a big airline, and they mostly fly Bombardier prop engine 37 seat planes.

We were warned from our tour company to allow additional days both in New York prior to flying to Greenland and in Copenhagen in case there were weather related delays getting us out of Greenland. Luckily we did that because we lost two days of our three days in Copenhagen. However it was not weather related, and honestly we have not been able to get an explantion as to why our flight from Ililussat was cancelled – starting a chain of events that led to a multi-day delay for our departure.

I travel a lot. And the delay situation was one of the worst we have ever had. Lack of information and staff avialable at the airports to assist us.

All that said, travel is always a gamble. Even more of a gamble when you choose to visit remote destinations like Greenland. Despite what happened with Air Greenland I would still do it all again. Greenland is a remarkable place and I feel very grateful to have seen it while it is still pristine and before the crowds decend. And they will. Greenland is making sure of it with new airports, hotels and a marketing campaign around the world. If you are thinking about Greenland – Go Now.

Expensive

Greenland is expensive. There is no doubt about it. It’s remote, difficult to get to and supplies and food are expensive. For us, it’s a once in a lifetime trip. We know we will never be back to Greenland. So, we bit the bullet and spent the money.

Weather is unpredictable so come prepared

If you are considering Greenland – Go Now. I don’t think the cost will come down anytime soon. But the demand will increase. Below I have laid out the costs – what we paid the tour company to organize this for us, and what each item would have cost had we booked it on our own. It’s a difference of about $1200 USD.

But considering what happened with our flights from Ilulissat and on to Copenhagen, we would have been in big trouble if we had not had Greenland Tours fixing things for us. I’m sure we would not have had a bed. This is the kind of travel you really want to have travel insurance for. We lost about $700 for the hotel in Copenhagen we could not make it to. We have submitted that to our insurance and fingers crossed we will be reimbursed. Insurance isn’t something we always carry, but I am very glad we decided to do it this time.

Our Costs

We paid Greenland Tours to book all our tours, provide us flights and hotel accommodations and transfers from hotels. Only breakfast was included and we paid out of pocket for our other meals. As you can see below, we paid a premium to have them do all this legwork for us. That said, we would have been sleeping in the airport had they not been there to solve the flight and lodging issues for us during the delays. But still…. it’s a big difference. You definitely could do this for less than we did. I hope my honesty about this can help you plan an economical trip to Greenland.

GREENLAND TOURS for two people 8 days (which turned into ten days and which Greenland Tours paid our additional lodging)

$11,787

Here is the Breakdown for Booking it Yourself

Flights

United Airlines Roundtrip from Newark to Nuuk

$1130 or one way as we did $840 per person

Air Greenland from Nuuk to Copenhagen

$1100 or one way as we did $700 per person

Air Greenland Nuuk to Ilulissat round trip

$800 per person

Hotels

Hotel Hans Egede $257 a night

Three night total $775

Hotel Arctic $293 a night

Five nights total $1465

Tours and Entrance Fees to museums and Unesco site

$2090

Estimated Ground Transportation and Taxes

$500

Grand Total

$9510

Greenland – Go Now

Nuuk is very interesting but two days is plenty. You want to spend the majority of your time Ilulissat. Plan this yourself, use this as a guide but do your research. Bring your camera and your patience. But Greenland – Go Now.

Thanks for reading my post Greenland Go Now. See last week’s post New to Me New York. We are always grateful for you pins, comments, shares and support. Thank you.

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North America Travel

New to Me New York

Random and Unexpected

September 4, 2026

Laureen

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Location: New York City USA

I just spent a week in New York City. I think it’s about the 12th time I have visited. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world with an ever changing vibe that never gets old. My son and his wife now live in NYC so I expect I will visit many more times. But for this trip, I tried to find New to Me New York.

Harlem

Staying close to the apartment my son has gave us an opportunity to get to know Harlem a little better. We enjoyed the Renaissance Harlem Hotel with an unexpected beautiful city view. We would definitely stay here again. A perfect New to Me New York find.

In addition to the nice view, the hotel is located strategically on 125th and near to the several main subway lines. Always a bonus in this city. We also enjoyed breakfast and appetizers several times in the restaurant and bar and found everything to be delicious.

One morning we strolled to the world famous Sylvia’s Restaurant, a soul food destination since 1962. Still popular today with both locals and tourists, we enjoyed a giant breakfast of Waffles and Fried Chicken.

Getting to know Harlem a little better also meant attending a free and fabulous outdoor concert at Marcus Garvey Park, part of the SummerStage activities through out the city. SummerStage annually provides free arts and music events at parks all around New York. Put on by the New York Parks Department it’s an amazing summer long lineup of activities. Such a great service to the people of New York.

The northernmost part of Central Park borders Harlem. This wilder, less manicured section of the park is perfect for bird watching. We enjoyed a quiet morning finding some beautiful birds, both new to us and old favorites, all within the beauty of one of the most amazing parks in the world. Did you know the park is 843 acres. Smack in the middle of Manhattan. I love it so much.

On the Water

A few years ago while in the city we did the Circle Line tour, a boat tour of the Hudson and East River. We loved it, but at a price of $45 it seemed a bit expensive. Recently we learned that the city of New York operates a ferry system on the East River, at a cost of only $4.50. On a beautiful, calm and sunny day we rode the ferry from Gracie Mansion (near East 90th) all the way to Wall Street. It’s an hour long ride with outstanding skyline views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. We exited at Wall Street and walked a couple of blocks east where we boarded another ferry (this one free) to Governor’s Island.

Governor’s Island is a new to me New York place, with wonderful history that goes way back to the early days of New York. Today it is a park with amenities, activities and the best free view of the Statue of Liberty around.

The old fort at Governor’s Island with Manhattan in the distance

I highly recommend getting out on a New York City Ferry on your next visit to the city.

Walking

Without really trying, I walked almost 40 miles during my week in New York. Although my recovery continues from Total Knee Replacement in March, my knee held up pretty darn well. New York is a city for walking….even if you are a fan of the subway which we are. Walking to the subway, through the subway and transferring adds a lot of steps. Not to mention up and down the stairs.

A stare down at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

On the one rainy day we had, we walked all around The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and continued, despite the rain, through Central Park and around Midtown.

On another day we took the subway to Lower Manhattan and walked around Chelsea Market, the waterfront and Tribeca. We walked through Chinatown, the Lower East Side and the 9/11 Memorial. Continuing, we visited a new-to-me area known as Alphabet City to peek at hidden tiny parks, which pepper the city tucked between old brownstones and skyscrapers.

We visited Little Island near Chelsea Market for the first time. A unique space built out over the river that offers beautiful views as well as a concert and entertainment venue.

6BC Park hidden in Alphabet City (on 6th between B & C)

Little Island floats out over the Hudson

Walking is the best way to enjoy this amazing city, its history, neighborhoods and views.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is not just a neighborhood of New York, it is a destination all to itself. We always try to visit Brooklyn when in New York. On this visit we went to the New York Transit Museum, a New to Me New York museum in Brooklyn. One of the best museums I have enjoyed this year, I am amazed it doesn’t show up more often on NYC must-do lists. Well organized and presented, the museum is housed inside a former subway station and is home to dozens of historic subway cars. Only $10 to enter ($5 for seniors), we spent a couple of wonderful hours exploring with our son. Highly recommend the New York Transit Museum.

My favorite was the dozens of old subway cars and the history of how it has changed through the years

Broadway

Times Square is my least favorite area of New York, but of course if you want to see a show that’s where you go. On this visit we saw two New to Me New York shows. Operation Mincemeat is a British comedy that was good. Oh Mary is a hilarious and relatively short (only 90 min) spoof about Mary Todd Lincoln.

Operation Mincemeat at the Golden Theater

While in the Times Square area we also visited Bryant Park. This New to Me New York park is gorgeous and very popular with locals. Tables and chairs and a beautiful lawn offer both sun and shady space to enjoy. It’s definitely a new favorite. And I understand it is beautiful at Christmas time too.

Food

Well you can’t talk about New York City without talking about the FOOD! It really is a paradise for foodies, no matter your budget or your palate. You will find it in New York. Each time we come we try to enjoy new places, and on this trip we hit some really good ones. Here is what I recommend;

Chada Restaurant and Bar- located in the West Village, Chada is a highly rated Thai restaurant with both a beautiful interior and beautiful food. Indoor and outdoor seating available. We ate here with our friend Lisa and had an excellent meal.

Khao Soi at Chada. Just like in Chiang Mai.

With our friend Lisa who we met in Bolivia – it’s a small world

Kellari Taverna – located in Times Square this beautiful Greek Restaurant was our choice for a group of seven following the show Oh Mary. Our friend Heather and all our family joined in for one of the best meals I have had this year. Beautiful fresh fish by the pound – we enjoyed Kellari Taverna very much.

The food and service at Kellari Taverna were excellent

Our family and our friend Heather who we last met in Bordeaux. It’s a small world.

Grand Banks Oyster Bar and Restaurant -located on a historic sailing vessel moored on the Hudson River, Grand Banks is having a moment and I really wanted to go. We had a nice dinner with our son and his wife, but the menu is very small and is seafood only. But the views are great and we enjoyed being right on the water.

Bo’s Bagels – located in Harlem, our son took us to Bo’s Bagels for breakfast our first morning in the city. Of course bagels are a New York staple, and can range in price from $5 – $25. I had a wonderful lox and cream cheese bagel for just $7.50. I will definitely visit this place on our next visit to New York.

Golden Unicorn – while in Chinatown we hit this Dim Sum place, a very popular old style restaurant where they bring the dim sum to your table on a cart. Point at whatever looks good and try multiple styles of dumplings and dim sum. Golden Unicorn has been serving in Chinatown since 1989 and the menu has other Chinese specialties as well.

Shelsky’s Smoked Fish Deli – In Brooklyn just a couple blocks from the New York Transit Museum we had another bagel at Shelsky’s. Very authentic deli with a giant selection of sandwiches and bagels. The quality of the fish and bagels were amazing. A hidden gem. You must go.

Gray’s Papaya – having never had a world famous Gray’s Papaya hot dog before, we decided to make the trek while we were in the Upper West Side. A must on a New to Me New York tour. $6 gets you a hot dog with your choice of toppings and a drink. The papaya drink is the most popular. The hot dog is perfect, juicy on the inside but with a snap on the outside. A very New York thing to do.

The last remaining Gray’s Papaya is on the Upper West Side

JG Melon – we took the train from Midtown to the Upper East Side in the pouring rain to find the historic JG Melon bar and restaurant. This tiny, cash-only spot has been operating since 1972 and can often have a long line. We luckily got a table right away (probably thanks to the weather) and enjoyed their $14 Martini (known throughout the city) a cheese burger and a bowl of chili. Perfect on a rainy night…or anytime.

Amelie Bistro and Wine Bar our final night in the city we went to the Upper West Side to check out this tiny French Bistro. The original Amelie is in lower Manhattan, and the new Upper West Side location is tiny and cozy. We had some lovely charcuterie and wine, a fabulous Lyonaise Salad and my husband had a perfect roasted chicken. Wow. So good. A great way to end our visit to this great city.

New to Me New York

We will be back in New York again the week of Thanksgiving…so I will have another chance to explore the random and fantastic places of this incredible city and more New to Me New York. Meanwhile, if you are considering a trip to New York here are a few more posts I have written over the years that might help in your planning;

New York City – The Hidden Gems Tour

Exploring the Neighborhoods of New York City

My Favorite Things in New York City

Thank you for reading my blog post New to Me New York. We now embark on a fantastic itinerary starting with Greenland! I hope you will continue to follow along.

We are always grateful for your comments, pins and shares.

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At Home -- North America Travel

Walla Walla Washington to Hood River Oregon Road Trip

August 14, 2026

Laureen

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Summer was coming to an end. I needed a getaway, after five months of recuperating from total knee replacement. So we packed up the car and headed from our home in Port Orchard Washington across the state to Walla Walla. I hadn’t visited Walla Walla in more than ten years. So it was definitely time. Time for a Walla Walla Washington to Hood River Oregon Road Trip.

Walla Walla Washington to Hood River Oregon Road Trip

Port Orchard to Walla Walla

Driving from our home in Port Orchard on the west side of Washington State, we traveled over Interstate 90 to Ellensburg. Here you leave I-90 to head south to Yakima. The quickest route is along Interstate 82. But we decided to take our time and instead enjoyed the old highway 821 known as Canyon Road. It winds along the Yakima River and through fertile farmland and beautiful canyons. The air was twinged with smoke from wildfires burning across the state on this hot summer day. It made for an eerie pink hue in the sky.

Driving along the Canyon Road from Ellensburg to Yakima

Arriving in the farming community of Yakima it was lunch time. So we headed to the famous local drive-in known as Miner’s. Located in the small town of Union Gap just south of Yakima proper, Miner’s has been serving up GIANT burgers and much more since 1948. It’s an institution in Yakima for both locals and visitors alike. I recommend sharing a burger. Huge and delicious.

Continuing on Interstate 82 south and east through the Tri Cities we hopped on Hwy 12 to continue on into Walla Walla.

History of Walla Walla

The City of Walla Walla, located in Southeastern Washington, is one of the oldest cities in the state. The area surrounding the city, the Walla Walla Valley, has been the scene of a long and diverse history that includes native North Americans, explorers Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809) and William Clark (1770-1838), fur traders, missionaries Marcus (1802-1847) and Narcissa (1808-1847) Whitman, soldiers, gold prospectors, pioneers, and others.

The town of Walla Walla developed around the U.S. military Fort Walla Walla in the late 1850s. It was named and platted in 1859, and incorporated and named the seat of Walla Walla County in 1862. A gold rush in the early 1860s, followed by a growing agricultural industry, made Walla Walla the largest city in Washington Territory by 1880. Since the late nineteenth century, the City of Walla Walla has been the center of a region known for its agricultural products, including wheat, barley, corn, potatoes, asparagus, peas, soft fruit, onions, and grapes. Following the establishment of the Walla Walla Valley as a unique American Viticultural Area in 1984, the city has been at the center of a burgeoning premium wine industry. With a population of 30,900 (as of 2007), Walla Walla is the largest city in Walla Walla County. HistoryLink.org

Walla Walla Today

Today Walla Walla is a beautiful town and a destination for wine lovers and sports enthusiasts. It is also home to some amazing dining options as well as parks, golf, arts and culture.

We only managed to visit three of the region’s more than 130 wineries. So I guess we really will need to visit again. Our first stop was as we came into the city on day one. We stopped at Woodward Canyon just as we were coming into town. This small boutique winery had a quiet little tasting room. We sat outside in the garden and enjoyed the peaceful experience. L’Ecole winery is right next door and also worth a stop, as is Cougar Crest winery just down the way.

Where We Stayed

Continuing on into Walla Walla we arrived at our lodging. Our home for two nights was the Winemaker’s Suite. Not a hotel or exactly a bed and breakfast. Rather the top floor (suite) of a historic Walla Walla home built in 1906, with the homeowner living downstairs. It was so perfectly appointed and comfortable and included a simple continental breakfast of yogurt, fruit, coffee and hard boiled eggs. We ate our breakfast each morning in the beautiful backyard. A perfect location as well for getting to parks and historic downtown Walla Walla.

Winemaker’s Suite included a large bed, bath and a sitting room with television

Beautifully restored historic home close to downtown

Unique touches like this button next to the bed to start the coffee pot

After settling in to our beautiful suite we took a walk through the historic core and made a few purchases before heading to our dinner reservation. I do recommend making reservations. Our dinner at Salted Mill was surprisingly busy on a Monday night. This very popular spot in a former mill was outstanding in both food and service. Highly recommend.

This beet and raspberry cold soup was one of the best things I ever ate.

Ahi Wontons are one of the signature appetizers

Walla Walla Day Two

Temperatures were gonna soar on our second day in Walla Walla, slated to be high 90’s Fahrenheit. That, combined with the continued light smoke in the air, had us considering our options. But we decided to get out early and do some light hiking before it got too hot.

Parks

Just a few blocks from our lodging is the amazing Pioneer Park. This lovely park includes a nice rose garden, dozens of century old trees as well as a very interesting aviary of birds from around the world. Such a surprise. We really enjoyed it.

For a little more exercise we headed to Bennington Lake – a reservoir just outside of town. Temperatures were rising but we did the trail around the lake, about four miles total. It gave us a good workout as well as an opportunity to spot some new-to-us birds.

After all that activity we were ready for lunch and more wine. We had made a reservation ahead of time to do a wine tasting and enjoy lunch at the combined tasting room of Waterbrook Winery and Canoe Ridge Winery. Lunch was delicious on the outdoor patio with a view of the bird estuary. And the wine was also delicious. Back in town we stopped in to admire the historic and beautiful Marcus Whitman Hotel built in 1928 and known as the Grand Dame of the Palouse. Then it was back to our suite for a rest and a shower before dinner.

Beautiful estuary – my husband enjoyed the birds

The final night of our brief visit to Walla Walla we enjoyed another outstanding meal, this time at Hattaway’s on Alder. I recommend a reservation here as well, it is very popular and for good reason. Definitely try the deviled eggs. Everything was delicious and the service was exceptional too.

Walla Walla to Hood River

Waking up in Walla Walla on day three of our road trip the smoke had gotten much heavier as fires in Spokane about 120 miles away were taking a terrible toll. After breakfast we began the 180 mile drive to Hood River Oregon along the Columbia River Gorge.

Our original plan was to hike up the butte at Crow Butte State Park. But the combination of heat and smoke had us thinking otherwise. We did stop at Crow Butte, a lovely US Army Corps of Engineers park right on the river. Instead of a strenuous hike we enjoyed a short walk.

We decided not to walk all the way up the butte

Instead enjoyed an easy walk with some interpretive history along the way

Plan B – we headed instead back downriver to visit Maryhill Winery. A beautiful spot overlooking the river, we enjoyed a wine flight and a small cup of soup to hold us until dinner.

History of Hood River

The area was inhabited by Native Americans when the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through on October 29, 1805. Here they found a camp site called “Waucoma,” or “place of big trees.” The camp was located near what became known as the Dog River and its confluence with the Columbia River. Later, Mrs. Nathaniel (Mary) Coe, a well-known pioneer resident of the valley, objected to the name Dog River and succeeded in changing the name to Hood River. The name Hood River appears on a map as early as 1856. Originally a part of Wasco County, Hood River County gained its political separation on June 23, 1908, and its boundaries have remained unchanged to the present time.

Nathaniel and Mary Coe were the original owners of a 319-acre government land grant bordered on the east by (what is now) Front Street, on the north by the Columbia River, on the west by Thirteenth Street, and on the south by May Street. In 1854 the Nathaniel Coe family filed a land claim on acreage now part of the City of Hood River. They were soon followed by the William Jenkins family and the Benson family. Coe was one of the first to plant fruit trees in the Hood River Valley.

Apple orchards flourished in this rich valley from 1890 to 1920, and Hood River became famous for its apples. In 1919 many apple trees were struck by a killing freeze. Farmers replaced the apple trees with pear trees, and now Hood River county leads the world in Anjou Pear production. City of Hood River

Crossing the river from Washington to Hood River Oregon the smoke was so thick it was eerie

Hood River Today

With a population of 8500, the small town of Hood River packs a big punch. With a historic downtown as well as a new, beautifully designed waterfront pedestrian friendly area the town has a lot to offer. Windsurfing, fishing, sailing, golf and enjoying the bounty of the agricultural region – Hood River is a hidden gem less than an hour from Portland.

Where We Stayed

Our reason for coming to Hood River was to stay at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa. I had admired this property from the freeway as I drove by on several occasions and always wanted to visit. The hotel, built by lumber baron Simon Benson in 1921 in its heyday attracted international visitors and Hollywood types.

Alas the property today could use a little TLC. Rooms were comfortable and staff was great but only the front garden is cared for and everything else around the property was dead or nearly. That was disappointing. As was the cleanliness of the outside bar area – much in need of a pressure washer.

The hotel sits on top of the Wau Gwin Gwin Falls

Unique to the hotel is the original century old elevator, operated with a hand crank by hotel staff. Being on the third floor we needed the elevator several times, and you need to wait for the front desk staff to come take you up or down.

Inside the 100 year old elevator operated by staff

After settling in to our room we headed out to visit some of the area’s multiple microbreweries. Hood River is home to the more famous Full Sail Ale and Hood River Brewing. But we chose to visit a lesser known microbrew pub called Double Mountain. A very cute spot with great beer and service in the heart of the historic town.

For dinner we headed to the new waterfront area and a microbrewery and restaurant called pFriem Family Brewers. Once again amazing service, and delicious food and beer. It had been a great day.

This watermelon and feta salad was incredible

Hood River Day Two

Very smoky. The worst yet. Smoke blowing in from wildfires in both Washington and Oregon. We decided to proceed as planned and bail if needed.

On the recommendation of a friend, we headed to River Daze Cafe for breakfast. Arne had Avocado Toast and I had a giant Bacon Waffle. Wow. Too much food. But yummy. To work off that meal we took a stroll along the riverfront walk. The air was so still, unusual for Hood River, and the smoke was hanging low.

Next we headed to Hood River Golf Club, where we had made a tee time in advance for nine holes. We enjoyed our game, but noticed how thirsty the smoky air was making us. It was hot too, pushing 90 by the time we finished.

That’s me in the smoky haze trying to golf

Before heading back to the hotel we made a brief stop at Packer Orchards, a wonderful local farm stand and bakery. So many delicious things to choose from. We stocked up on a few items to take home. But now it was time to head back to the hotel and take a break from the smoky skies.

For dinner we stayed at the hotel, booking ahead at their fine dining restaurant Simon’s. Nice view of the river, and the restaurant was surprisingly busy. I tried one of their signature dishes, the French Onion Soup, as well as steamed clams, while Arne had one of his favorites, Osso Bucco.

Smoke was clearing and the view improved

Hood River to Port Orchard

Waking up on day five to improving smoke levels, and lots of sunshine trying to burn through the haze. We headed out early, needing to get home for an appointment, and expecting the drive to take about four hours. Traffic was good, and we took the time to enjoy the Historic Hwy 30 also known as the Columbia River Scenic Highway. The old highway runs along the river and under the historic Bridge of the Gods. Continuing it ascends over the mountain. Along this route is the famous (and usually crowded) Multnomah Falls, as well as several other incredible waterfalls and vistas to enjoy.

Due to its popularity, Multnomah Falls now requires a timed entry ticket so plan ahead because it is worth it – one of Oregon’s top sites. We have visited Multnomah before, so on this day we decided to check one of the other falls, Bridal Veil. This stop along the historic highway offers a short hike to the falls, as well as several scenic viewpoints of the river.

Incredible geology everywhere you look along the Columbia River Gorge

Before returning to the freeway and making the trip home, we stopped for a brief photo opportunity at the Vista House, the highest point on historic Hwy 30. I marveled at the steep ascent and descent to this lookout, having ridden my bike up this mountain about a decade ago. That experience called Ride Around Washington is to this day, one of my favorite things I ever did. Life-changing six days across the beautiful State of Washington. Read about that amazing experience here.

Today from Vista House looking at the Columbia River

Almost exactly 11 years earlier in the same spot

Walla Walla Washington to Hood River Oregon Road Trip

We came, we saw, we enjoyed. We also drank wine and had some amazing dining experiences. This brief little getaway put wind back in our sails as we returned home ready to tackle our final two weeks before embarking again on international travel. After five months of recuperating, I am ready.

Thank you for reading my post Walla Walla Washington to Hood River Oregon Road Trip. Next week I will share our upcoming itinerary for 103 Days of Travel. It’s time to go!

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Time to Plan New England in the Fall

July 31, 2026

Laureen

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It’s not too early to start to plan your fall visit to beautiful New England for the fall foliage. In fact, you definitely need to secure your details now. I really enjoyed our visit to four states for leaf peeping, incredible food, hiking and fabulous hospitality. With the popularity of fall in the Northeastern USA on the rise, it’s time to plan New England in the Fall 2026.

A hard but gorgeous hike in New Hampshire – Frankenstein Cliffs

(This post was updated in July 2026).

My Favorites

In October 2025 we visited New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Upstate New York. Each was beautiful, sunny and a perfect picture postcard of fall. There are many, many places to stay and eat, as well as things to do. But for the purposes of this post, I will share the things we enjoyed and recommend. I will also share some fabulous photos – I took thousands of photos!!

Something amazing at every turn in New Hampshire

New Hampshire

We had such a great time in New Hampshire. Even though we arrived a few days past peak of color (changes annually – see this handy guide here) but we were NOT disappointed. We had fantastic weather and the colors were still mind-blowing. Our time was spent in the Conway area which is insanely popular. I highly recommend planning your visit for a weekday or two, not on a weekend. We gave up trying to do anything on a Saturday because of the crowds, and came back on Sunday and Monday to see the sights. Luckily we had the time to do that.

Mount Washington Resort is open for non guests to visit

Don’t miss Franconia Notch State Park (especially the Flume and the Basin Cascade Pools), Kancamagus Highway, Artists Point, Bretton Woods Gondola, Arethusa Falls- Frankenstein Cliffs and Mount Washington Resort. Learn more at Visit New Hampshire.

We stayed in the small town of Glen about 15 minutes from Conway. We loved The Covered Bridge House Bed and Breakfast. The hosts were amazing, the breakfasts were delicious and the riverside location was peaceful. I would definitely stay here again.

Perfect accommodations at The Covered Bridge House Bed and Breakfast

The property includes this historic covered bridge which houses a gift shop

The best food we had in New Hampshire was at the nearby White Mountain Cider Company. Reservations are a must, and book early during this very busy time of year. It is a very special place, small and quaint and the food and service were outstanding.

Highly recommend the White Mountain Cider Company

Fall is in the air at the White Mountain Cider Company

Vermont

The color in Vermont was also fabulous, and the area we stayed near Lake Champlain was rural and peaceful. Before arriving in our rural destination we spent several hours in Stowe. We enjoyed the old town, did some shopping and picture taking. Then we rode the gondola at the Stowe ski resort to enjoy the expansive view and finished with a wonderful late lunch at The Alpine Hall in the ski village. The short, free gondola ride from the main gondola over to the ski village was a bonus!

We really enjoyed this gondola and the view from the Stowe Mountain Resort

After settling into our Inn we took several long drives to enjoy the bucolic region, walked along Lake Champlain in the small town of Saint Albans, and mostly just relaxed. Our accommodations at The Inn at Buck Hollow were more rustic than New Hampshire, but still comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious.

Inn at Buck Hollow Farm sits on 400 acres

Don’t miss: Cold Hollow Cider Mill, the towns of Stowe and Woodstock, The Vermont Country Store in Rockingham, and Saint Albans. Learn more at Visit Vermont

New York

Two places in New York State really made an impression on us, and I would return to both.

Lake Placid

It’s hard to believe this tiny town managed to hold two Olympic Games (1932 and 1980) but it did. We enjoyed a short visit to this colorful place with the peaceful lake. We had an outstanding breakfast at The Breakfast Club and did some shopping in the small town. Definitely worth a visit.

Cold Spring / Beacon

Our visit to Cold Spring and Beacon was to attend a wedding so we had limited time for sightseeing. However this small town was a perfect little package. Multiple amazing restaurants, lots of unique and eclectic shops, beautiful fall color and a fantastic location right on the Hudson River.

Because of the wedding we did not have time to see many sights, but highly recommended is Mount Beacon for hiking, Bannerman Island for history and the tour of West Point (which is right across the Hudson). Learn more at visit New York.

View of Hudson River from Boscobel House in Beacon

We highly recommend Cold Spring Depot for lunch. For dinner we enjoyed the Hudson House River Inn and had a fantastic meal with our family at Cathryn’s Italian Tuscan Grill.

Maine

We are lucky to have friends in Maine and we enjoy visiting them (see Ogunquit Maine – My Favorite Things). But we had never been to Maine in the fall. We were not disappointed. Sunny and cool and sometimes windy, we enjoyed visiting Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farms for a burst of fall color, some bird watching and history too.

Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a great place to walk

Historic farm at Wells Reserve at Laudholm

We visited Kennebunkport town, somewhere we had not been before. This historic port city (home to the Bush Family) is full of fabulous shops and restaurants and can be very busy on a weekend. We had a marvelous lunch (lobster roll of course) at The Boathouse right on the harbor.

Lots of shops on the seaside in Kennebunkport

Love Lobster in Maine and this Lobster Roll at The Boathouse in Kennebunkport did not disappoint.

We drove about 45 min north to Portland Maine. Maine’s largest city is home to about 70,000. Over the past decade Portland has emerged from a sometimes grimy port city to a fresh and thriving tourist destination, while keeping its fishing and lobster roots. There are many wonderful shops to peruse, beautiful views and museums too. And food…so many restaurants. We had a marvelous dinner at Solo Italiano right near the port.

Exceptional Drinks and Food at Solo Italiano in Portland Maine

Time to Plan New England in the Fall

We planned our road trip for fall color about 8 months in advance. Starting in New Hampshire, crossed over to Vermont, looped down to New York and back up to Maine. We had our own car since we were on a larger road trip, but you could easily do a similar itinerary flying into any of the NYC Airports, Boston or Portland.

There is much more you could consider when you decide to find Time to Plan New England in the Fall. MUCH more. But for us, our visit was everything we had hoped for and we would definitely go again.

Thanks for reading my post Time to Plan New England in the Fall. Happy Fall Y’all! Nothing like basking in the reds and golds of fall before winter descends.

Historic Boscobel House on the Hudson River in Beacon NY

This is our sixth and final post of cross USA road trip we did in September and October 2025. See the other posts; Yellowstone National Park USA, One Day in Chicago Illinois, Cleveland Ohio Two Museums Not to Miss, Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Fun Roadside Attractions Cross Country Interstate 90.

Lots of fall color in beautiful Ogunquit Maine

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See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ballard Washington.

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Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ballard Washington

July 24, 2026

Laureen

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Location: Ballard Washington

Only a few decades ago, sleepy Ballard was the butt of all Scandinavian jokes. A Seattle neighborhood of working class families descended from working class immigrants, Ballard was solid, if a bit rough around the edges. Times have changed and and here is one more Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ballard Washington.

(This post was updated in July 2026)

Sleepy No More

I sure wish I had bought a house in Ballard back then. I’d be a millionaire today. Today, Ballard is hip. A cool place to be for young singles and families….without losing that solid working class vibe. Still home to much of the Seattle area fishing fleet, the history of fishing and shipbuilding runs deep in this community.

Shilshole Bay Ballard — View from Sunset Park

What a difference a few decades make. Ballard is blooming and is now not only home to the magnificent Nordic Heritage Museum (opened in 2018), it is also a culinary Mecca – home to dozens and dozens of highly rated restaurants, some difficult to get a reservation for. Ballard, sleepy no more. I love a lot of my home state, and Ballard is one of my favorite places among those.

One of the PNW Trolls at the Nordic Heritage Museum. Learn more about the Trolls here.

It’s Time to Rediscover Ballard, Washington

A day in Ballard is a pleasant idea….but even better why not a weekend or several days? There is so much to do here, without ever actually going into downtown Seattle. Beautiful Ballard. We want you to give it the time it deserves, so we share with you a wide variety of our favorite Ballard finds…everything from parks to beaches, coffee to fish, and hiking to vintage. Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ballard Washington.

Our Recommendations to Get You Started

It’s a long, long list but we hope these recommendations will give you a variety of reasons to visit Ballard and it’s surrounding neighborhoods.

Where to Stay

If you can make your visit more than a day, we recommend the beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Ballard, The Hotel Ballard. It’s exceptional and will make your visit to Ballard exceptional. We have also stayed in a few Airbnb’s in Ballard, and our favorite of those is this darling Guest Suite in a quiet neighborhood.

Tiny but perfectly appointed with a nice outdoor space too. See the link for this
Ballard Airbnb Hideway

Let’s Eat!

It’s impossible to list all the delicious and innovative dining options in Ballard…so I am offering up a few of my old favs as well as some new to me options!

Stoneburner Restaurant Ballard — Stoneburner is my fav

Stoneburner – always popular and delicious,Stoneburner is a must when in Ballard. Reservations are definitely recommended.

Walrus and the Carpenter Ballard — Oysters at The Walrus and the Carpenter

The Walrus and the Carpenter a long time standout in Seattle, and one of the best places for oysters and seafood. Great space too. Reservations are recommended.

Little Woody's Ballard — Salmon Burger from Lil Woody’s

Lil Woody’s – It’s not hard to find a good burger in Seattle, and locals flock to Dicks. But right here in Lil Ballard I would always choose Lil Woody’s.

El Moose – authentic, funky and delicious, a perfect menu of Mexican traditional food right in the heart of Ballard.

Mean Sandwich – this sandwich shop is so Ballard. Popular, delicious and a bit whacky you gotta come in and try a sandwich when in Ballard.

Frankie and Jos on a summer day can’t be beat

Frankie and Jos – is a plant based ice cream shop that uses coconut milk instead of dairy. And it is oh so delicious with unique and fun flavors.

Arashi Ramen – teeny little hole in the wall but worth the wait if it’s crowded for one of their delicious bowls of Ramen.

And More Food Options…

Biscuit and Bean – we recently discovered this delicious coffee and biscuit spot and it is a perfect lazy breakfast location or a quick coffee too.

Sabine Mediteranian We recently enjoyed a wonderful meal at Sabine for the first time. Lots of small plate options as well as flatbreads and entre plates. We will be back for sure.

Cafe Umbria – we just recently were introduced to Cafe Umbria by our son, this is his go-to coffee spot in Ballard. It’s easy to see why. Great coffee, service and ambiance.

Un Bien – messy and delicious you must try a sandwich from Un Bien. Two locations in Ballard.

Walk up order and outdoor seating at Un Bien

Get Outside

For such a compact neighborhood of Seattle, Ballard is blessed with an abundance of parks, and a visit to beautiful Ballard wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one of Ballard’s parks. This is a list of our favorites.

Discovery Park – definitely one of Seattle’s greatest treasures, a visit to Discovery Park is an absolute must.

Leif Erickson Statue Ballard — Leif Erickson and my own little Vikings at Shilshole Marina

Shilshole Marina – Nothing like the walk along the path near Shilshole on a summer day.

Golden Gardens – Dare I say this is Seattle’s favorite park? A very special spot no matter what time of year. Make a visit to Golden Gardens.

Going through the locks on my son’s sailboat

The Ballard Locks – this is one of the most fascinating places in Seattle, and always worth a visit. Going through the locks on a boat is cool, but it’s just as cool to enjoy it from the shore, and learn from the interpretive signage. Don’t miss it.

Lunch at Point Shilshole with a sandwich from Un Bien

Point Shilshole – often called Seattle’s prettiest beach, Point Shilshole is a bit of a hidden gems for getting in the water, watching birds, and enjoying the view.

So Many Things To Do

And so many more things to discover in Ballard;

Ballard Farmers Market — The Ballard Farmer’s Market on Sundays

National Nordic Heritage Museum opened in 2018 this remarkable museum is a must when visiting Ballard. Nordic roots run deep throughout the greater Pacific Northwest and this museum tells the story. It also is a remarkable work of architecture. Make this a priority.

Learn the Nordic history of the PNW at the National Nordic Heritage Museum

The Ballard Farmers Market a year ’round farmers market is nearly unheard of in the Pacific Northwest, but for the past 26 years the Ballard Farmers Market has been open every Sunday. It is a wonderful place for fresh produce, crafts and lunch as well as fun people watching. Don’t miss it.

The streets close every Sunday for the Ballard Farmers Market

Fresh and local at the Sunday Ballard Farmers Market

Bakke Coffee Museum a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum showcases the evolution of coffee culture through an impressive collection of espresso machines, grinders, and brewing artifacts. Walk-ins welcome Sundays from 12-4 or other days by appointment. See website for more.

Ballard Reuse is a treasure trove of constantly changing inventory of vintage and eclectic items for any use. Take a stroll and be insprired.

You never know what you will find at Ballard Reuse

Further Afield

As long as you are here definitely spend as much time as possible at any or all of these wonderful attractions only a few minutes from Ballard. Enjoy the Woodland Park Zoo, Funky Freemont and Green Lake just to name a few.

Woodland Park Zoo Lowland Gorilla — Woodland Park Zoo

Are You Convinced?

Have I convinced you that it’s time to rediscover Ballard Washington? I have spent a lot of time there over the last seven years, because my adult son calls it home. If he had never moved there, I would never have rediscovered Ballard myself…and I’m so glad I did. I still have a lot to see in Beautiful Ballard…so I’ll see you there.

This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Seattle

Thank you for reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ballard Washington. Learn more about Ballard at Visit Ballard. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Narrows Park Gig Harbor.

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Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Narrows Park Gig Harbor

July 17, 2026

Laureen

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I love this park. It truly is a hidden gem. I used to come here to eat my lunch alone when I was working. It was a quiet place I could breath away from the chaos. And I still come here. So if you need a quiet place to breath, let me tell you about this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Narrows Park Gig Harbor.

Bagel Sandwich on a beautiful day at Narrows Park

History

For years I referred to this park as Doc Weathers Park, although that was never the official name. But for some reason that was how I was introduced to it. The history of this park is really fascinating. Here is how it is described from the PenMet Parks website;

Narrows Park’s 36 acres include mature forest, and 1,315 feet of saltwater beach, and is the result of the combination of several parcels owned by several different families over the years.

In 1889, Section 33, including Narrows Park, was owned by W.S. Ladd. In 1915, the north portion of Narrows Park was owned by J.A. Hosher. In 1924, N.M. Lawson owned the southern portion after it served as part of a U.S. Military Reservation. In 1951, Doc Weathers owned a 36-acre parcel in the south portion, and built the main residence in 1961. He also owned several hundred surrounding acres including the site of the Tacoma Narrows Airport.

Doc Weathers’ wife, Lucille, inherited the 36-acre parcel in 1985 from his estate. Fred and Grace Gemmel inherited the property in 1992 from Lucille’s estate. In 1994, the Gemmels gifted the property to the Lutheran Church Foundation in St Louis, Missouri. The Trust for Public Land acquired the property from the Lutheran Church Foundation in 1996 in anticipation of selling it to Pierce County.

Pierce County acquired the property in 1996 for $2.5 million through the use of Pierce County Conservation Futures funds and a Washington State IAC (later RCO) federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. The road, parking, and viewing areas were developed in 2005 as a component of the third Tacoma Narrows Bridge construction.

Beautiful forest greets you as you decend to the park

In 2011, Pierce County transferred the property to the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District which now owns, operates, and maintains the park. Eagle Scout projects have added picnic tables and other amenities.

Still a Hidden Gem

Although each time I visit there are more people, it really is still a hidden gem. The park is a great place to have a picnic. I used to bring my Dad here for lunch when he was suffering from Alzheimer disease. It is easy access and he liked to look at the beautiful view of the Narrows Bridge.

It’s a great place to walk and beach comb at low tide. Photographers love it for the spectacular full view of the bridges as well as lots of bird life and marine traffic.

If you can brave the chilly water, it’s a great place to wade on a sunny day

Tacoma Narrows Bridges

When the third Tacoma Narrows Bridge was under construction I enjoyed my quiet getaways to this park to watch the bridge literally rise out of the water. This week marks 19 years since the opening of bridge number three. Although often referred to as the “new” bridge or the second bridge, the bridge is the third to span the narrows. Learn more Tacoma Narrows Bridge history here.

Bridge two (1950) and three (2007) side by side

Galloping Gertie” was the nickname given to the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Opening on July 1, 1940, it was the third-longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. Famous for swaying and twisting violently in the wind, the bridge collapsed on November 7, 1940.

The second Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which replaced the collapsed “Galloping Gertie”, officially opened to traffic on October 14, 1950

Following increased traffic congestion, a third, parallel suspension bridge was later built alongside it and opened on July 16, 2007. And Narrows Park is the best place to view it.

That’s me at the Grand Opening Celebration of the third Tacoma Narrows Bridge
July 16, 2007

Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Narrows Park Gig Harbor

So I’ve let you in on my little secret. A small, quiet park with big beautiful views – Narrows Park in Gig Harbor. Another true Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Narrows Park Gig Harbor. Find the park here.

Thank you for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Narrows Park Gig Harbor. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Quincy Square Bremerton.

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Hidden Gems of the PNW – Quincy Square Bremerton

July 10, 2026

Laureen

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Quincy Square is a newly opened gathering space in the heart of downtown Bremerton, where I spent my childhood. Bremerton, like many downtown areas has struggled recently to stay viable. But Quincy Square is making a difference. Here is my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Quincy Square Bremerton.

Honoring the Legend Quincy Jones

Beautiful Mural honoring Quincy Jones and his music

Quincy Square was created to celebrate community, culture, and the legacy of legendary music producer and composer Quincy Jones. Located along 4th Street in the heart of Bremerton, the pedestrian-friendly plaza was designed as a cultural hub. Residents and visitors can gather for concerts, festivals, art displays, and community events. Jones spent part of his youth in Bremerton and often credits the city as the place where he discovered his passion for music. (Quincy Square)

Many interactive things to do for young and old alike

Challenges of Revitalization

The development of Quincy Square transformed a section of downtown into an inviting public space featuring a permanent bandstand, public art installations, interpretive displays, seating areas, and music-inspired design elements. Envisioned as a key component of Bremerton’s Creative District, providing a central location for cultural programming and helping to strengthen connections between local businesses, artists, and community organizations. Public artworks, including a bronze sculpture and murals honoring Quincy Jones and others, contribute to the square’s unique identity.

Historic Roxy Theater anchors Quincy Square

Events

Recently Bremerton did an outstanding job using the space to gather the community for the FIFA World Cup games. Quincy Square was home to the Kitsap Fan Zone, with an opening ceremony concert from Mike Herrara of MXPX, another locally raised musician. My family and I really enjoyed this event, the concert and the soccer on the giant screen. It was free, family friendly and fun to see how the community embraced it.

Mike Herrara performs at the World Cup Fan Zone opening event

The permanent stage features numerous events through the year

Enjoying a microbrew at Dog Days Brewing in Quincy Square

Community

By combining public art, music, and community engagement, Quincy Square has become a symbol of downtown Bremerton’s revitalization and a welcoming destination that celebrates the city’s diverse cultural heritage. The square honors numerous Black leaders from Bremerton, trailblazers for equality in the region. Quincy Square is about community both past and future and shines as an example of what can happen when people come together.

Honoring some of Bremerton’s legends and Black leaders

Learn more about events in downtown Bremerton here. Bremerton is located on the Kitsap Peninsula, a one hour ride on the Washington State Ferry from Seattle, or a 30 min ride on the Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry from Seattle. Thirty minutes from Tacoma via Hwy 16.

Hidden Gems of the PNW – Quincy Square Bremerton

Thank you for reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Quincy Square Bremerton. I hope you will visit soon. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest Bainbridge Island.

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Island Life -- North America Travel

Hidden Gems of the PNW – Bainbridge Island

See It Again or For the First Time

July 3, 2026

Laureen

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Location: Bainbridge Island Washington USA

A thirty-minute ferry ride from Seattle, or a thirty-minute drive from Bremerton, Beautiful Bainbridge Island Washington is a bit of a secret. Let me tell you about Hidden Gems of the PNW – Bainbridge Island.

Note – this article was updated in July 2026

Home to 25,000 full-time residents, the island is one of several that call the Puget Sound home, and is one of the most populated. Only ten miles long and five miles wide, Bainbridge is connected to the Kitsap Peninsula by a bridge over Agate Pass and to Seattle and King County by Washington State Ferry.

History of Beautiful Bainbridge Island Washington

For thousands of years the island was home to the Suquamish people who lived in nine separate villages around the island. The Vancouver expedition visited the island in 1792 and the Wilkes expedition in 1841. It was Wilkes who named the island after Commodore William Bainbridge.

In 1855 the Suquamish relinquished their claim to the island to the US government in exchange for reservation and fishing rights at Port Madison.

Japanese immigrants made their way to the island starting in 1888 and began much of the agriculture of the island, some of which remains today. But the Japanese were removed to internment camps during WWII…many never returned. A very beautiful Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is located just outside of the town of Winslow.

In 1991 the entire island was named the City of Bainbridge Island.

A Perfect Day Trip

Spending more than one day on beautiful Bainbridge Island Washington would be amazing, but if you only can get here for a day trip there is plenty you can do. We offer up some suggestions below. If you are walking from the ferry the village of Winslow has much to offer. And if you have a car there is even more to see and do further afield. Here are our suggestions:

Close to the Ferry

Marina and Ferry Terminal with Seattle Skyline in the distance

If you are driving, parking is usually available either on the main street called Winslow Way or on one of the side streets. But if you are walking from the ferry it’s a short five minute walk to the area known as Winslow.

SHOPPING

The Winslow area offers a wonderful variety of shops and restaurants including clothing and outdoor wear, jewelry and decorative finds, wine and tea and more. Two of my favorite shops are the incomparable Eagle Harbor Books and Town & Country Market. On my most recent trip I discovered Bainbridge Apothecary and Tea Shop and Danger a fabulous little gift shop.. I loved it!

DINING

You will never go hungry on Bainbridge Island. So many wonderful places to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We recently tried two new restaurants on Bainbridge, Sweetwater Tavern (in the former location of Marche) and Proper Fish for their outstanding fish and chips. We also love Cafe Hitchcock. Streamliner Diner is great for breakfast, Blackbird Bakery has the best lemon blueberry scones and San Carlos is one of the best Mexican/Southwest Restaurants in the state of Washington.

WATERFRONT TRAIL

It’s not a long walk but the Bainbridge Waterfront Trail is a beautiful walk along both a paved path and a raised boardwalk. Definitely worth a few minutes of your time to enjoy the wind and salt in your hair, the thousands of masts and to hear the horn of the ferry in the distance.

MUSEUMS

The Bainbridge Historical Museum is worth a visit to learn the fascinating history of the island and it’s people. Learn more about it here.

We were extremely surprised and impressed with the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. What a revelation to find such an outstanding museum in this small town. And it was FREE!! We spent about an hour here, enjoying both the permanent and temporary exhibits as well as marveling at the beautiful architecture of the building. A must visit when on the island. Learn more here.

Further Afield

Beautiful Bainbridge Island Washington is home to many, many parks including the beautiful Fay Bainbridge waterfront park and camp ground. See a full list of parks here. With a vehicle we also recommend;

JAPANESE AMERICAN EXCLUSION MEMORIAL – mentioned above

GRAND FOREST PARK – an astonishing variety of trails offered in this park located in the forested interior of the island. A beautiful spot.

BLOEDEL RESERVE – not to be missed. This 150 acre reserve is located on the historic property of Virginia and Prentice Bloedel. Today the spectacular gardens are astonishing to say the least and open to the public by tickets available online. Adults $20. Worth every penny.

Bloedel Reserve

LYNNWOOD CENTER – is a small neighborhood village with a handful of shops and restaurant worth a drive to enjoy. We recommend The Treehouse Cafe.

BAINBRIDGE BREWING – always in search of microbrew, we found it on Bainbridge. Bainbridge Brewing has it’s brewing headquarters and a tasting room on the interior of island and also has a tasting room in Winslow.

PIA THE PEACEKEEPER – one of several Thomas Dambo trolls in the Pacific Northwest (see the full list here) Is a darling 18 foot tall troll easily accessible and definitely worth a visit.

FAYE BAINBRIDGE PARK – spectacular views with picnic, camping and walking trails this is a not to miss park on the island.

Hidden Gems of the PNW – Bainbridge Island

Worth a day or a weekend, beautiful Bainbridge Island Washington will sooth your senses – forest bathe in the green forests, inhale the salty air from the multiple waterfront locations, relax. Experience a friendly neighborhood island of socially active residents who make nature, art and sustainability a priority on their island. Take it down a notch on beautiful Bainbridge Island Washington. I’ll see you there.

See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Foothills Trail here.

This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Bainbridge Island.

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At Home -- North America Travel

Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Foothills Trail

June 26, 2026

Laureen

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Location: Pierce County Washington USA

The incredible 22 mile Foothills Trail is a Pierce County secret and one of my favorite hidden gems. Cyclists, walkers, runners, and people of all ages enjoy this beautiful paved trail in South Pierce County. Let’s talk about Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Foothills Trail.

The new bridge connecting South Prairie to Buckley and Enumclaw

History

In the late 1800’s the Northern Pacific Railway laid the first tracks to access rich coal and sandstone resources at the base of the Cascades. This corridor was critical to early settlement and connecting Tacoma to Ellensburg. In 1982 Burlington Northern abandoned the tracks and shortly thereafter the Foothills Trail Coalition was formed by local citizens.

Pierce County formerly adopted the trail project in 1990 and has continued to make improvements to the trail that begins in Puyallup. Until 2024 the trail ended at South Prairie. But in 2024 the Buckley Bridge was completed connecting the Pierce County trail to Enumclaw in King County.

One of My Favorite Paved Trails

For many years this trail was a favorite of mine as a cyclist. It is well maintained, has multiple parking and restroom facilities throughout the 22 miles, and has stunning nature and Mount Rainier views. You will see birds, and other wildlife as well as wildflowers and forests. Although I am currently not cycling, the Foothills Trail is also a great place to run, walk your dog, stroll with the family or just picnic along the Carbon River. Walkers should consider parking in Orting (check out their Saturday Farmers Market) where the Rainier views are the best. About a one mile walk from the Orting Railroad Depot you will come to the beautiful raging Carbon River.

The Foothills Trail is a 12-foot wide non-motorized asphalt trail / linear park suitable for bicycles, walking, in-line skates, and wheelchairs. It also has a soft shoulder path for equestrians.

The view of Mount Rainier from the Puyallup end of the trail

Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Foothills Trail

There are plans to continue the trail east from Enumclaw. Additional plans will hopefully come to fruition to continue the trail from Puyallup to connect with the Interurban Trail in Auburn and Kent. This could create a wonderful cycling corridor for commuters in the future. A perfect fit for the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Thank you or reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Foothills Trail. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater. We are always grateful for your shares and pins and comments. Thank you.

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Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater

June 19, 2026

Laureen

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One of the most remarkable and beloved hidden gems on the Kitsap Peninsula, the Kitsap Forest Theater is worth a drive from anyway in the Pacific Northwest. It’s time to visit for the first time or come back again. If you grew up in this area like I did, you probably came as a child. Let me remind you about this amazing Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater.

Beautiful setting for an open air theater

History

The Kitsap Forest Theater, tucked within a 460-acre Rhododendron Preserve in Bremerton, WA, is one of the oldest nonprofit community theater groups in the nation. Founded in 1923 by The Mountaineers club, it is famous for its open-air stage, terraced forest seating, and natural forest spotlights

Key Milestones in its History

1916: Early mountaineers began performing short plays and pantomimes. Actors moved from clearing to clearing with the audience trailing behind.
1923: The Mountaineers Players officially formed with a rehearsed production of Robin of Sherwood. This launched a tradition of unbroken spring performances that continues to this day.
1926: Designed by William C. Darling, the permanent outdoor amphitheater was built. The venue is heavily intertwined with the surrounding nature; the “roof” is the open sky, the wings are made of cedar bark and moss, and natural light filters through the tree canopy.
1928-1930s: The troupe exploded in popularity following acclaimed productions like Alice in Wonderland, prompting the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to request special public showings.
1943-1946: The only interruption in the theater’s history occurred during World War II, when productions were temporarily suspended.
2007: The theater expanded its schedule to include a summer production alongside its traditional spring show, allowing more families to enjoy the venue.
Today: Now operating under The Mountaineers Players, the organization puts on several major family-friendly musical productions each season. Patrons reach the stage by embarking on a scenic, quarter-mile hike through the woods.

I remember my family enjoying Brigadoon when I was a kid. And then I brought my kids to see Sound of Music and more when they were young.

Frozen

The opening show for the 2026 season was Frozen. I spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon with my sister, my nieces and my great nieces enjoying an outstanding production. The little girls in our party loved the show and they knew all the songs.

It’s a quarter mile walk from the parking lot to the amphitheater

Frozen set and special effects were amazing

Watching a quality production, surrounded by forests with the open sky above is a treat in itself. But there is so much more. Exceptional performances by volunteer actors, fun and colorful sets, and outstanding costumes and special effects. Each of these things making the production well worth the ticket price of $22 for adults.

After more than 100 years, the Kitsap Forest Theater is one of the oldest non-profit community theaters in the nation. The dedication and commitment it takes to keep this quality theater going is amazing. You really should check it out.

What’s Next?

Frozen’s run ended on June 14th. But the fun continues through the summer with two more great shows so you should get your tickets soon. Coming up;

Oliver (another one of my favorites) will run July 25, 26, August 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16; 2026 – 2:00 pm

Miss Holmes will run September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20; 2026 – 2:00 pm

Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater

It’s time to make a trip to Kitsap Forest Theater…for the first time or to reminisce from your childhood. Advance tickets are available online. A great non-profit, family friendly, nature loving arts organization right in your own backyard. See it again, or for the very first time.

The acoustics in the forest were surprisingly good

Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Old Town Bellevue here. Come back next week for more fun and fabulous Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest.

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