I love the areas where you can see different cultures blending together. I eschew tourist traps and love to see where and how people really live. Not a shopper, nor a thrill-seeker, I like to explore the history that has shaped how a place really feels.
Seattle: Where are the most photogenic areas in Seattle?
There's a lot of nice architecture in Pioneer Square, but for something bit more unusual, check out Rainier Tower at 1301 5th Ave (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainier_Tower ). I also like the Seattle Asian Art Museum, located... See More
Portland: Good wineries in Portland?
There are lots of good wineries outside of town, but there are also a number of wineries within the city limits as well. I recommend Seven Bridges Winery—I think it was their Resolution wine from Walla Walla that completely blew me away. I believe... See More
Seattle: Must see/do in Seattle for one day?
Check out the Waterfall Garden Park in Pioneer Square for a hidden gem. Grab some lunch nearby (perhaps at Grand Central Bakery just across the way) and eat at the waterfalls! There are lots of lovely old buildings in Pioneer... See More
Seattle: Beautiful scenery & must see/eat places in Seattle & Portland
In Seattle, I really enjoy the view at the top of the Volunteer Park Water Tower. Within the city, there's a nice trail to the Discovery Park West Pt. Lighthouse. Carkeek Park has some nice trails, too.... See More
San Francisco: How to see San Francisco like a local?
I lived in San Francisco 20 years ago, and haven't been back to visit in at least 12 years, but my favorite museum there is the California Palace of the Legion of Honor. It has paintings, sculptures, furniture, clothing, craftwork, and a lovely location... See More
Seattle: Indoor kids' activities in Seattle
The Seattle Aquarium is great for younger kids (we took my 1.5, 3.5, and 6.5 year old kids there all the time when we lived in Seattle). The Pacific Science Center center will be good for slightly older kids, and the Experience... See More
Costa Rica: Places to visit with three kids, ages 9-13
Tortuguero National Park is awesome, but only reachable by boat & plane, I think, so not really driving distance to much of anything, I suspect. Volcán Arenal is a great spot as well—you can often see lava flows at night—and... See More
Costa Rica: Family-friendly hotels on the beach?
We stayed in Jaco at Club Del Mar Resort (website ) and it had a nice pool as well as being right on the beach. Jaco is very much a beach tourism town, but we snagged a room with a kitchenette, found a grocery, made our own... See More
Costa Rica: Best time of year to visit?
The Arenal Volcano National Parka is pretty impressive. We went on a hike and both heard and watched rocks shooting out of the volcano and bouncing down the side of the volcano. At night, from the lodge, you can sometimes see lava flowing down... See More
Costa Rica: East Coast Costa Rica Recommendations
Tortuguero is on the east coast and is completely amazing. We went out on little boats in the mangroves and saw incredible wildlife, including baby caimans swimming in the water, all kinds of birds & insects, and lots of monkeys. Some other folks... See More