Liz's Travel News and Views: Santa Fe, Portland Ice Cream and Historic Arizona Inn

Interesting travel and foodie news from across the West.

Travel + Leisure Selects Santa Fe as #3: Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s most eminent travel publications, announced that Santa Fe placed #3 Favorite Town In America with a population under 100,000 in their 2016 America’s Favorite Places survey. This six-month survey asked respondents to submit their favorite place and rate it in over 65 categories including affordability, notable restaurants, and public parks.

The magazine’s editors noted that “not surprisingly” the city ranked near the top of this year’s survey for its art scene, history, restaurants and peaceful atmosphere. They even cited excellence in margaritas although the survey was conducted prior to the highly successful May 5 opening of the new Santa Fe Margarita Trail.

“Santa Fe has over 400 years of history and unique multicultural achievement in art, food, shopping and wellness—all set against one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world,” said Randy Randall, Executive Director of TOURISM Santa Fe. “We’re a small town of only 80,000 people but we have over 400 restaurants, 250 galleries, 14 museums, 1.6 million acres of National Forest and dozens of world class festivals all summer and throughout the year. We’re honored that Travel + Leisure readers recognize that we are called The City Different for many very good reasons.”

Summer is for Ice Cream in Portland: Salt & Straw, the iconic Portland-based, family-run ice cream company known for its artisanal, chef-driven approach to an American classic, will be featuring a series of limited edition seasonal menus at scoop shops in Portland this summer.

The seasonal menus rotate every four weeks and showcase the compelling stories of what is happening in the community. Starting in June, Salt & Straw brings fermentation to the forefront, creatively using sourdough, fish sauce and fermented honey for the flavor-packed fermentation series.

Throughout the month, explore the nuanced flavors that can be achieved through fermentation, beyond just salty and funky.

In July, the summer berry bounty will steal the show, from the marionberry to the blackberry.

Lastly in August, Salt & Straw will work with the community of local farmers and producers on a suite of flavors available in neighborhood scoop shops from green fennel and maple to caramel corn on the cob. Each flavor in the series features fresh, locally grown ingredients, as well as a few from farms working to make fresh produce equitably accessible to all.

Flavors rotate each month and are available locally at Salt & Straw scoop shops, and are also available for national shipping.

Historic Arizona Inn Celebrates 80 Years: The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley, near Phoenix, the onetime home of cowboy artist Lon Megargee, is celebrating its 80^th anniversary this year with renovations and a resort package that tells the story of the property’s historic charm. This quaint hacienda-style property is sure to impress with cozy, remodeled casitas, a new roundabout and 24-hour valet, and a brand-spanking-new resort lobby that features a comfy fireplace.

Rejoice in all that’s old and new at The Hermosa Inn with the 80^th Anniversary package, which celebrates Lon’s innovative spirit as a painter. Kick off the celebration at check-in with a glass of sparkling wine. Later, meander over to the resort’s signature restaurant LON’s with your $80 dining credit and head off-site for a dose of culture with complimentary admission for two to Phoenix Art Museum. Upon your return, settle into bed with an enhanced turndown service that features a nightcap of the “Alonzo 80” signature cocktail. Rates start at $289 per night and are available through Aug. 31

Liz's Travel News and Views: New Western Museum, PDX Clock and Chocolate Lover's Railroad Excursion

Scottsdale Arizona's New Western Museum
From Yosemite Sam to John Wayne, we’ve loved cowboy culture and the characters associated with it for time immemorial. Now, with the Jan. 15 opening of the long-awaited Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, you’ll get the cowboy fix you’ve long desired. This non-profit, story-telling institution is situated in the heart of the “West’s Most Western Town” and showcases the history, present day and future of all 19 states in the American West. 

Explore the museum’s galleries featuring paintings, sculptures, cultural artifacts and interactive exhibits, which illustrate the ever-evolving American West, from cowboys on horseback to historic roads like Route 66. Highlights include pieces by Arizona cowboy artist John Coleman, who’s known for his bronzes; paintings by Montana artist Charles Fitz, whose work chronicles the most famous 19^th century expedition of all, that of Meriwether Lewis of William Clark; and notable pieces from famed artists such as Carl Oscar Borg and Maynard Dixon. 

The two-story, 43,000-square-foot museum will also feature an interactive map of 19 western states near the entryway, the 135-seat Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Theater/Auditorium, an array of Western items and ware, and an open-air courtyard dotted with sculptures. Admission to the museum will be $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and active military, $8 for students and children, and free for children under the age of 5.

Portland Oregon's Visiting Clock
There is more to talk about than the loss of the PDX carpeting. A huge cuckoo clock has found it's temporary home at the Portland Airport.

After traveling to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., the Portland is Happening Now cuckoo clock has come home to roost at Portland International Airport (PDX). The 7,000-pound, 24-foot-tall clock towers in the south atrium and welcomes visitors to this creative, unconventional city — all while giving locals something new to embrace. 

Handcrafted by Nicolas (Nico) Gros, a French sculptor and mechanical designer, with Oregon maple chainsaw-carved by sculptor J. Chester Armstrong, the clock will be at PDX through March 2015. Depicting local spirit and icons such as Mount Hood and Portlandia, the timepiece serves as a reminder of what the city has to offer every hour of every day as part of Travel Portland’s Portland is Happening Now campaign.

Arizona's Verde Canyon Railroad Offers Chocolate Lovers Event

This delectable affair is one of the most popular Verde Canyon Railroad events. It blends the rich flavors of everything sweet with magnificent vistas of raw, unspoiled nature.

The confectionary celebration fills each car with intoxicating scents and tasty chocolate pastries, cakes and luscious hand-dipped delicacies. Fruit, pretzels and marshmallows are ready to be dunked into free-flowing chocolate fountains. Share these mouthwatering desserts while enjoying the delicious scenery of the Verde Canyon viewed from the comfort of a train.

How often do you get to combine two of life’s greatest pleasures – chocolate and riding a train?

Verde Canyon Railroad‘s Chocolate Lovers’ Festival continues to be one of Sedona’s sweetest seasonal celebrations.

Photos Courtesy: Featured Destinations

Liz's Travel News and Views: Spokane Update, Old Fashioned Christmas and Holiday Cheer at Pagosa Hot Springs

Behind the Spokane Convention Center

Skybridge Now Connects New Hotel to Spokane Washington Convention Center
Things are growing for Spokane's Convention Center. The Davenport Grand Hotel was being built earlier this year when I visited this beautiful riverside area. 

This month, the skybridge connecting the Davenport Grand Hotel and the Spokane Convention Center was installed.  Joining the DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center, the Davenport Grand Hotel will be the second connected hotel to the Spokane Convention Center. 

With an expansion project expected to be completed in January 2015, the Spokane Convention Center will total more than 500,000 square feet, including 120,000 square feet of exhibit space and 83,512 square feet of meeting space. The 17-story Davenport Grand Hotel is projected to be completed in summer 2015 and will have 62,500 square feet of meeting space. The 716-room hotel will be joining the Autograph Hotel Collection by Marriott. 

With the addition of the new hotel, a total of 1,100 rooms will be connected to the Convention Center. Additionally, the number of hotel rooms within eight blocks of the Convention Center rises to 3,300.

Christmas at Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington
Friends and families can experience the sights and sounds of the 1840s fur trade Christmas season this Saturday, Dec. 13, at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The celebration is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular admission rates apply: $3 for adults; free for youth 15 and under. For more information, call 360-816-6247 or click here. 

Activities include Christmas caroling by the Madrigal Singers, hands on activities for kids, games of the 1840′s, and culinary demonstrations in the kitchen and in the Blacksmith Shop. Black powder weapon demonstrations are set for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Click here for the full story from the Daily Insider.

Consider Pagosa Springs, Colorado for a winter getaway

Winter Fun at Pagosa Springs in Colorado

What a great idea for a family getaway. Plan your stay at The Springs Resort & Spa and take advantage of their package deals. The resort features steaming natural springs and a luxurious hotel. I had the pleasure of staying there one fall. 

You can soak in their world famous hot springs, explore the beauty of the Rockies and pamper yourself at their Spa.  

Polar Express Package: Take a magical journey to the North Pole... then return to soak in mystical steaming hot springs.  Enjoy hot chocolate and a treat served by your personal chefs, who will also read THE POLAR EXPRESS story on the way to the North Pole to pick up Santa! Sing Christmas carols, while Santa Clause gives each Child a gift! Rates start at $199 for a Family of 4! Train tickets purchased separately: $35/Adults, $12/Children.  Includes: 1- Night Stay at The Springs Resort & Spa. Polar Express Train Tickets - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Jolly Holiday Hot Drinks in the Phoenix Room Lounge: Hot Cocoa, Hot Toddies and more seasonal specials! And, last but not least, 24-Hour Access to 23 Natural Mineral Hot Springs.

Only Available December 12th - 14th, and December 16th - 20th. Use the Promo Code: POLAR

For More Package deals and to book, see the the Email announcement or visit their website. Or call 970-264-4168

Liz's Travel News and Views: Razor Clamming Time, Go Wild in Portland, Sad News About Jackalope

Here are some suggestions for travel and fun in the western U.S. With the leaves turning and storms a churning at the coast, it's a great time to brave the weather and have some outdoor fun.

Go Razor Clamming on Washington's Long Beach Peninsula
I loved being out at night carrying a lantern and joining in the clamming fun. Official Clam Tides will continue all winter long!  Check the State Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the most current information on digs.  There are many scheduled in November and December.  Clamming on the Long Beach Peninsula is incredible, challenging and fun for the whole family.

At Adrift Hotel, they will even help provide you with the ultimate clamming experience.  You can purchase a clamming package when you reserve your room for only $20 dollars extra. The package includes a 3 day license, use of their clam gun, net, and a lantern for the night clammer. Kids are only a $5 add on.

For more information please contact Adrift Hotel at reservations@adrifthotel.com or call  360-642-2311

Go Wild in Portland, Oregon

Readers worldwide have fallen for Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Portlander Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 memoir reached the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list, and was the first selection for Oprah’s Book Club reboot. The story’s film adaptation, set for a December 2014 release, has already earned critical acclaim and Oscar buzz for star Reese Witherspoon. Create your own wild adventure and prep for the premiere with these Portland-area activities.

Danner's Mountain Light Cascade Boot for Women

Buy the boots
Strayed’s well-worn hiking boots are a major plot point­ in Wild — they even grace the book’s front cover. Fans can buy their own retro, red-laced boots at REI, where the author bought (and famously returned) her own shoes 20 years ago. Made in Portland by iconic heritage brand Danner, these boots, which Witherspoon dons in the film, are definitely keepers. Each pair also includes a Mount Hood-themed sew-on patch to decorate your trekking gear. (The boots are also available online.)

Hit the trail
Sure, you could attempt the entire 1,100-mile Pacific Crest Trail like Cheryl Strayed — but Portland offers a handy shortcut. Many of the trail’s best Oregon sections are just a short drive from town, including Mount Hood and the historic Timberline Lodge, the Columbia River Gorge and Cascade Locks, where the Bridge of the Gods provides an emotional ending to Strayed’s journey.

Read the book
Available from Amazon.com

Jackalope as I remember it.

Santa Fe's Jackalope in Transition  
You'll still find some interesting things at Jackalope, a beloved import store on Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe. But the owner is transitioning to a vendor only model. That means some of our favorite employees have gone and the people we enjoyed seeing my no longer be there.

Darby McQuade, too, has moved on. I'll miss seeing McQuade’s on-premise home with 150 white pigeons roosting on the second-floor balcony and his friendly face. He founded Jackalope after beginning his business selling pottery out of the back of his truck on the Santa Fe Plaza.

I remember strolling the grounds, enjoying a visit with the resident donkeys and listening to music played under the huge tree near El Mercado.

While Jackalope will remain, I just can't believe it will have the same spirit. 

Liz's Travel News and Views - Cranberries, The Bachelor, Halloween Happenings

The site of recent filming of The Bachelor TV Show
It's a very romantic spot at La Fonda

Sometimes there are interesting tidbits to share between articles. So I decided to do a little newsy blog entry when I have enough of interest to share:

Santa Fe Bachelor Filming
They're busy filming an episode of  the TV Series, The Bachelor, in Santa Fe New Mexico. Rumor has it that one segment is being filmed on the beautiful terrace at La Fonda overlooking Santa Fe's venerable Cathedral Basilica St. Francis. I've been on that terrace and the adjoining ballroom and think it is a very romantic place. It is filled with flowers and has a tiled fountain.  The series is due to air early next year.

Washington Cranberry Harvest
I recently returned from the Long Beach Peninsula of Washington. Cranberry harvest was in full swing. A relative newcomer to the cranberry farming scene, Starvation Alley Farms, is taking the culinary world by storm with their organic Cranberry for Concoctions. Of the 1700 acres of cranberries in production  on the Long Beach Peninsula Starvation Alley Farms is the first to succeed at achieving the challenging USDA Organic Certification. You'll find their specialty juice at local farmers markets and at some of the finer bars in Portland and Seattle. 

Even dogs enjoy the cranberry harvest on the
Long Beach Peninsula of Washington

I purchased a bottle and have been having a great time mixing it with soda water produced by my home SodaStream home soda maker. It's delicious and healthy.

This is an ideal time to get to the Long Beach Peninsula and see the cranberries being harvested. It's close to the end of the season. More Information.

Halloween Hauntings

Meanwhile, closer to my home you can enjoy some Halloween fun in Portland, Oregon. Offered by Portland Walking Tours, the Beyond Bizarre Ghost Tour (Thursday–Sunday, $9-29) doubles as a Ghost Hunting 101 crash course for prospective paranormal investigators. Guests wield electromagnetic field meters and other ghoul-detecting gear while venturing to the top three haunted places in the city, including the infamous Merchant Hotel. Along the way, certified ghost hunters explain how they distinguish between hoaxes and hauntings, demonstrate paranormal documentation tactics and classify different types of hauntings. The early tour, starting at 7 p.m., is family-friendly, while the more expensive (and scarier) 10 p.m. tour is for adults only. More Information.

Want to enjoy brews with your ghostly apparitions? The Haunted Pub Crawl from BeerQuest PDX (Oct. 10–Nov. 2, $45-49) unites fun-loving specter-seekers on a tour of Old Town Portland. With its cobblestone streets and beautiful 19th-century buildings, this district is steeped in history and is purportedly home to a sizable ghost population. Imbibe up to seven drink samples, including award-winning brews from Old Town Brewing, while experts deliver nonstop doses of goose bumps. More Information.

Meanwhile in Washougal, Washington, just across the river, you can enjoy a brew with your favorite Zombie friends. The Zombie Brewfest  takes place on October 25th at Doomsday Brewing in Washougal. Wear your best Zombie attire.