A Drive Into Central Oregon

While I've been to Portland, OR a few times, I had yet to venture into the beauty of Central Oregon.  In the summer of 2011, I had the chance to visit some old friends that recently moved there after a visit in Portland.  The beauty of the northwest US is alive and well in the people, the natural beauty, and the food.

Portland, OR
When talking to people, Portland can be hard to explain for those that haven't experienced it.  Even harder for those that have never been to the west coast.  My best explanation to a Californian (like myself) would be to take equal parts San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and the western side of Lake Tahoe, mix them all up, throw in some cool weather, and out comes Portland, OR.  While this may seem like an insult to some Oregonians, I can assure you, it is a huge complement given that these are three of my favorite places ever.  To have them mixed into one spot is fantastic.

Voo Doo Doughnut's "Maple Bacon
Bar" & the "Oh Captain My Captain"

Portland isn't just a mix of mountain folk and hippies (though they aren't missing).  You get entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and regular business types too.  My favorites would have to be the restaurateurs though.  Big surprise, since I love food.  Some of the most interesting stuff comes out of Portland, from food trucks, to classy meals, good beer, and doughnuts.  My quest to hit all the shops from Travel Channel's "Doughnut Paradise" continued in Portland with Voo Doo Doughnut, now with two locations.  While I've only been to the original spot, I noticed it got an upgrade on this latest visit.  I think they needed to accommodate all the visitors, and they're queue works a lot better now.  It's cash only there, so make sure you have some on hand for their standard, raised doughnuts or one of their other deliciously devious doughnuts like my favorite, the Maple Bacon Bar.

Steel Bridge, Portland, OR

Portland is more than food though.  Set along the Willamette River (right near the Columbia), it is a city of gorgeous bridges and sights as well. I've found that this city recharges my west coast battery just as well as the three California locales that I feel mix together to make this place.





Central Oregon
Departing Portland early on a Monday morning, I meandered my way to Bend over several hours.  Had I driven straight without stopping, the trip could take around 3-4 hours, mine lasted about twice that.  Between stops for random photos, breakfast, and just taking time to enjoy the gorgeous, wild wonder of this part of the country, the time was well spent.

Boone's Ferry Crossing

My first stop was just off Highway 5, south of Portland along the Willamette River to photograph the Boone's Ferry Crossing railroad bridge above a little mooring area in Aurora, OR.  The bridge caught my eye from the highway and I took the next exit, wandering little roads until I found the mooring spot.  The serenety of the river as well as the beauty of the aged bridge just captivated me, and the quietness of the little docking area set my mind at ease.

Shirley May's Kitchen

I soon headed east towards the forests and ranges of central Oregon along Highway 20.  While skipping along in my rental car, I passed an old A&W burger boy in front of a little roadside diner called Shirley May's.  I hadn't eaten and ventured in.  I was greeted by, what appeared to be someone's great-aunt's living/dining room area.  Knick-knacks and tchochkes filled the walls, part of the lunch counter, and the shelves throughout the establishment.  Locals sat at tables, looking at me warily, but friendly as they ate what I could only discern as pancakes, though the seemed to be more like hubcaps for a semi-truck by the size of them. I took a seat at the bar, perused the cash only menu, and settled on an order of biscuits and gravy.  What I was provided with for around $5 (to include my coffee) was a MOUNTAIN of food that I couldn't finish.  Not that it wasn't delicious, it was just so much.  I should have known to order the half plate when I saw the pancakes.

Fly fishing south of Foster Lake

Back on the road with a full stomach, I soon found myself in Sweet Home, OR.  Yes, that is the actual name of a city.  I took the name as a place to wander and set my photographic eye on things.  The man-made Foster Lake provided me with some gorgeous photos of fisherman and beautiful waterscapes.  I also stopped in at a little roadside market to pick up some wine and cigars as gifts to my soon to be gracious hosts in Bend.  There is nothing grand about this little town, except the beauty in the scenery and the freshness of the air.

Mountain crossroads west of
the Willamette National Forest

Further east along Hwy 20, I encountered the grandeur of the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests.  This is what I expected from the "Great Northwest".  Between the beautifully treelined mountainscapes and snowcapped mountains in August, I realized how much I missed the western US' natural treasures.  I smiled to myself the whole way through as I stopped randomly at campgrounds, scenic overlooks, and even at small spaces along the road to admire and photograph things that have barely changed in thousands of years.  I drove through towns like Sisters, OR, that could have been the setting for an 80's B-level comedic ski comedy, but it was the genuine thing.  The shops had the look of a western town, but were not constructed to just "look" like that.  They had the feel of the real thing.

Snow peaked Mt. Washington

Trout River Campground,
Willamette Natl. Forest

Bend, OR
The next town over was my destination for the day: Bend, OR.  One of my oldest and best friends recently moved his family there and they were kind enough to house this nomadic citizen for a couple evenings and take time out of their week to show me the beauty of Bend.  The downtown area was filled with walkers and is a much slower pace than an East Coast like NY or even DC.  I had to remember my West Coast roots and slow down while walking through town.  People smiled as they walked by, the sun was shining, a slight breeze flittered by, and I could breathe.  It was nice.

The people themselves were much less "granola" than I expected for a mountain town in Oregon.  Instead they were relaxed, yet entrepenurial 30-somethings that were more outdoorsy than crunchy.  I was impressed by the number of micro-breweries in town (more than a handful), and loved that many offered brew-pub options (FOOD!).  My friend and his fam took me to McMenamins Old St. Francis School for appetizers, dinner, and beer sampling.  It did not dissapoint.  My one shout out (besides the fantasticly large beer sampler) was for the Cajun Tater Tots... they're like warm, crispy BBQ potato chip flavored tastiness.

Tumalo Falls, Bend, OR

My short trip to Bend was highlighted with a visit to Tumalo Falls, a gorgeous waterfall fed by the Deschutes River.  I've always been in love with rivers and waterfalls.  I think my time camping in the Sierras as a child contributes to this.  Their power and beauty captivates me.  A short quarter mile hike up to a scenic outlook from the parking area is nothing to scoff at.  Make sure you take water and don't push your lungs a this higher altitude if you live closer to sea level (like I do).

Deschutes River, Bend, OR

The remainder of my trip was spotted with a visit to the Bendistillery (some of the best gin and vodka I've ever tasted), a hike along the Deschutes, and more great food and company at my friends' home.  I definitely see another visit in the future to this hidden gem of a city.



More photos from Oregon can be found here.

People: The True New Orleans

New Orleans Resident

When I used to think of New Orleans, a few things came to mind: Mardi Gras, drinking on Bourbon Street, debauchery, gumbo, and flood/hurricane damage.  While on a work trip in March of 2009, I had the opportunity to spend a long day in the Big Easy and experience what I wanted to.  What I found during my wanderings of the streets and sounds of this old port town was that it wasn’t restaurants, parties, or even the restored buildings that give New Orleans its true character; it is the people that do.

Sugar Covered Beignets

As I stated, I was in the area for work, so my day started with a peer.  Our first stop was at Café Du Monde, just off Jackson Square; the only touristy stop that I made.  I had to stop for the doughy, sugary goodness that I had seen on Travel Channel’s Doughnut Paradise. We found a seat rather quickly (surprisingly due to the crowd), and my coworker ordered for us. You see, he and the majority of the wait staff are both Vietnamese.  As he explained on the drive in, many Vietnamese people came to New Orleans during the early and mid 70’s because of their experience in fishing and shrimping.   The port town offered many opportunities for them to work and make a run at the American dream. He was able to order for us in Vietnamese, and that got us very quick service.  I would highly recommend visiting this establishment for the beignet and café au lait.  Regardless of how you take your coffee, just drink it their way.  It complements the pastries in a way that is music in your mouth: sweet, strong, and just beautiful.

High(?) Wire Violinist

Mid Air Spin from a Dragon Master

Cowboy Guarded Smoke Break

We wandered less than a block southwest along Decatur from the café to an outdoor ampitheatre attached to the French Quarter Visitor’s Center.  A huge crowd was gathering to watch a few young gentlemen from Dragon Master Showcase put on a street gymnastics performance that blew me away.  They mixed humor, showmanship, and pure athleticism into a crowd pleasing show for all ages.

Meschiya Lake & Band

From here, my compatriot from work and I went our own ways.  I wandered the streets to find a mix of sights and sounds I could never have imagined.  It was like vaudeville had never died; it has only moved to the streets of New Orleans to thrive and live peacefully among the artists and shopkeepers of the city.  My favorite of the day was this Zydeco Jazz style band performing on the street behind St. Louis Cathedral. A tattooed, pierced, and slightly hipster looking group of rag tag musicians had such a full sound in the open air that it made me feel just happy.  They were fronted by Miss Meschiya Lake; a petite woman with a voice that could fill the souls of the masses of New Orleans.  I will definitely seek them out if ever down there again. More photos of their street performance can be found at this link.  

Trombone Soloist

Balloon Artist

After purchasing a CD in thanks for letting me take their photos (I HIGHLY recommend tipping or purchasing things from street performers if you’re going to take their photos; it’s only fair), I continued along my way. The rest of the afternoon I found various other bands, musicians, and even a group of skateboarders using planters for their thrills. By the time dark rolled around, I had taken hundreds of photos, listened to some amazing music, and ate some great local food. All provided by the heart, soul, and lifeblood of New Orleans: its people.

Heavy Brass Sounds

Musical Couple

Amateur New Orleans Skater

If you'd like to see more photos from this day in New Orleans, please visit the following link: http://bit.ly/BDP-NewOrleans.

Hagerstown, MD and the Quad State Area: Just Holding On

Picture from Quad State Tourism I-81

In February of 2011, I was planning on attending my company's annual ski trip in Pennsylvania.  While plans for that fell through, I had already paid for a hotel nearby in Hagerstown, MD and found that I needed a long weekend away from work and my normal routine.  This area is also known as the "Quad State" area because of the proximity of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia.

I drove up on an unusually warm Thursday afternoon in winter to check in to my accomodations at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. The hotel had an old school feel about it with large comfortable rooms, though it was generally new or perhaps recently remodeled.  The staff checking me in looked at me funny, almost as if I didn't belong, or maybe it was because there was a stamp collecting convention scheduled for the next day and they thought I was a part of it.  Regardless, they were still friendly.  The hotel itself isn't far from some retail outlets and across the highway from a mall, but I wasn't in the mood for a retail weekend.  I needed to explore and immerse.

In my room, I connected to the free wireless internet and did some searching for a place to go for dinner that was more "local" than the Olive Garden across the street.  I found a place that looked interesting and mapped out some directions.  I got in the car and drove through what I can only assume is the downtown area of Hagerstown to get there.  Despite numerous highways intersecting in the city, the downtown area almost seemed like an area that was barely hanging on: old buildings (some boarded up), a few businesses, and hardly anyone walking the sidewalks.

The Corner Pub, Hagerstown, MD

I found the Corner Pub on (yes, you guessed it) the corner of E. Mulberry and Baltimore streets. Parking was easy to find across the street, and I wandered in past the patrons outside enjoying a smoke.  Inside was exactly what I was looking for: a quaint dive with plenty of regulars.  A seat was found back in the corner with a view of the bar, the front door as well as the pool table area.  There was a local business having a happy hour get together around the pool table, and I swear I could pick out each of the Dunder Mifflin employee personalities as they caroused together.  The staff behind the bar knew their regulars and took care of them, but they didn't forget the outsiders either. The waitress helping me had teased hair, a friendly smile, and was on top of thing even though she was at the end of her shift. As for the drinks, I was impressed with not only the amount and variety of craft beers, but the selection of single malt Scotch and Irish whiskeys available too.  Their menu seemed like simple pub grub, and when the food arrived, it was quite delicious.  I would have liked to sample one of the 21 year old single malts, but I did want to get back to the hotel safely and without incident.

Back at the hotel, I enjoyed a cigar outside on the mild winter evening, listening to two other tobacco types talk in the distance about a variety of topics mostly centering around women at their office and some car troubles.  I eavesdropped for a while, then headed inside to the restaurant attached to the hotel.  There I found the lounge portion of the Fireside Restaurant and Lounge for my nightcap.  There were both locals and hotel guests sitting at the bar and small tables, and I found a place at the bar to make my order.  The older gentleman tending orders was friendly and snarky (much appreciated since I'm generally the same way).  We exchanged pleasantries and I ordered myself a double bourbon (which was poured as at least a triple).  I left a hefty tip for the big pour and headed up to my room for the evening.

Firehouse in Martinsburg, WV

I awoke the next day to enjoy a decent (and complimentary) continental breakfast spread in the hotel restaurant.  I was still hungry for something else though.  The drive through the lonely town the previous night left me yearning to see more of what the area had to offer.  I hopped in the car and just started going. I found myself first in Martinsburg, WV.  It's another small town hanging on, but there the locals looked at me like I was invading their personal space.  Even from across the street.  It was odd, but I needed to take photos there.  After snapping a few up and down the main drag, I got back in my car and headed out.

I continued south along Route 11 through shut down retail areas and past dilapidated homes and buildings.  I realized that while we all have rough times, there are always people out there doing worse.  Living as close to the city as I do, I hate to admit that I sometimes forget how rough it is in some of the rural parts of the country.

The Grove Restaurant, Clear Brook (?), VA

While I watched the scenery move past me, I caught view of a sign stating I had just entered the Commonwealth of Virginia.  What?!?  That quad state thing was no joke.  Soon after I passed a run-down diner that used to be.  Pulling a quick couple of U-turns, I stopped and explored this shut-down relic in what I think is the north side of a town called Clear Brook.  Old buildings and structures like this always call to me when I'm out taking pictures.  I imagine what stories they hold from when they were open and since they've closed.  Around the back, windows were broken and I could see in.  Lights with bulbs still in them hung from the ceiling, the restroom still had a toilet installed, but the ground was covered in dirt.  In the storage entrance through the back a newer child's bicycle was leaning against a wall with flat tires.  How did it get there? Were there drifters that frequented the spot for a free roof, or perhaps teens there to drink (evidence of the empty beer bottles strewn about)?  Who knows.  Only my imagination could make up the story at this point.

Waffle House Coffee Cups

I was a little tired from driving and hungry as well, so I headed back north along 11 to see what I could find.  I wound up at a Waffle House back in Hagerstown.  It wasn't anything special, but was nice to sit in a booth, have some waffles for lunch with bacon and hash-browns (scattered and smothered with Casa de Waffle salsa on top).  Oh, don't forget the coffee either.  There's something so comforting about a visit to the Waffle House for me.  The predictably diner'ish food, the no-nonsense service, even down to the regulars and wait staff giving each other a hard-time about one thing or another.  You'll find this in any of their establishments across the country.

After lunch, I was wiped.  I headed back to my hotel for a nap and some relaxation.  After an hours sleep, I edited some photos and didn't feel like going anywhere else.  The hotel was quite comfortable and I wound up ordering room service.  The size of the burger was insane and overall quite filling and tasty.  After a couple months of busy days at work and busy nights and weekend with school at the time, just relaxing with my email off was perfect.  I did wind up wanting something sweet a couple hours later, and the dessert menu/vending machine wasn't going to cut it.

Waffle Cones at Superior Ice Cream

Back online, I found something that might suffice, and I headed a couple miles down the road to pick up some ice cream.  Within a small neighborhood in Hagerstown I found the Superior Ice Cream & Snack Bar.  The little place was a bit hard to find in the dark, but I got there.  Once inside, the bright glow of fluorescent lights hit me almost as hard as the sweet smell of hand dipped ice cream and fresh waffle cones. It brought a smile to my face remembering other little shops I'd been to similar to this. An older couple was enjoying dessert in the corner while two younger women discussed their love lives at a table in the middle of the shop.  None of them really paid me any attention as I ordered my sundae to go and hustled back to my room to enjoy it before drifting off to sleep.

The next morning I awoke early and enjoyed the complimentary breakfast again before checking out.  I loaded my back into the trunk and easily merged onto the highway back home.  These major highways crisscrossing our United States are convenient, but sometimes they help travelers conveniently miss a small town.  A small town that may need your patronage to hang on...

A Saturday in Old Town, Alexandria, VA

Alexandria Courthouse

While I do travel throughout the US, I thought my first post should be about my jumping off point.  I’ve lived in the DC area for about 5 years now, the past 3+ in Alexandria, VA.  Tourists roam freely in the streets from spring to late autumn.  There are a plethora of options along and off King St. (the main drag) for dining, shopping, and lodging.  You can even travel along it for free on the year-round trolley that runs from the waterfront to the King Street Metro station.  Boutique hotels can be found off and on King St.  Recently, I had some family stay at the Hotel Monaco across the street from market square, and thoroughly enjoyed their stay. 

Whether you're staying for a week, weekend, or just in for the day, a Saturday in Old Town starts early.  The Saturday Farmers' Market kicks off at 5:30 AM (yes, that early), and runs until 10:30.  You'll find a variety of seasonal vegetables, meats, and breads along with crafts, herbs, and various flora for sale by regular vendors.  If you have access to a kitchen, I highly recommend picking up some of the quality meats from the Lamb's Quarter.  The sage sausage is just heavenly.  

A View Near Founders Park

For morning eats, you can pick up breakfast snacks and coffee at stands at the market, or head over to The Columbia Firehouse on St. Asaph St offers a great weekend brunch at a fair price.  They have a wide variety from Greek yogurt with granola, to seared diver scallops.  The chicken and waffles isn't a bad choice, or if you're hungry I'd recommend the steak and eggs.

After breakfast, you might want to walk off some calories.  Depending on the season, afternoons can get really warm.  Take a stroll along the waterfront early to avoid the heat and larger crowds.  You can sit on a bench and watch the boats float by, or head north along the Potomac through Founder's and Oronoco Bay Parks.  At Founder's Park they have some neat markers explaining some of Alexandria's history as well.

Glass Harp Street Performer

Since you're up that way, give Bilbo Baggins a try for lunch.  Had I not been exploring Old Town by foot, I never would have found this little gem.  You can get some fresh, quality ingredients.  I LOVE their burger on an English muffin, and their global beer selection is quite eclectic.  If you're in a pizza mood, the personal pizzas will hit the spot for a good lunch too.


After all that eating and walking, you might need to relax a bit.  Head on over to the Grape & Bean on South Royal St. near King.  They're an independently owned, gourmet wine bar and coffee shop.  I thoroughly enjoy their coffees, and the staff is quite knowledgeable in their vino selection.  They have a couple tables outside, and a cozy bar area to chat and hang out.  If you take your coffee to go, have a rest at Waterfront Park just a couple blocks away.  It's a little more secluded than the waterfront area itself and almost feels like an escape from the bustle.

Live music at Murphy's

For your evening, go with the luck of the Irish.  Old Town offers a few Irish style pubs, depending on your tastes: Fraternity, Traditional (not that I've been to Ireland, just seems like it), and Upscale.  If you're up for the Fraternity style, head over to Pat Troy's on N. Pitt St (just north of King) where they have live music Wednesday through Sunday nights (make sure to check their entertainment calendar for changes).  Probably my favorite bar in Old Town, is Murphy's on King and Washington.  The fish and chips is fantastic, the wait staff handles the large crowd very well, and the entertainment (just about nightly) is always tops.  You get call back music and a great drinking crowd.  Get there early if you want a seat for the entertainment though.  If you want to go a little more upscale for your Irish evening, head over to Daniel O'Connell's on King near the river.  I love how the chef prepares their seafood, so keep an eye out for the specials or go for the pan seared tuna loin.

After your dinner at any of the Irish spots, you can move to the bar, or explore more through old town for the rest of your evening.  After a long Saturday like that, you may just want to call it a night.  Thanks for reading!