We've talked about visiting more of the National Parks in our country and when we looked at the map, we thought... how about Olympia National Park?
So we planned a driving trip from Phoenix northbound and we absolutely loved it!
In 'N Out is a delicious pit-stop whenever we travel through California.
We stopped through a little town called, Kingsburg. We had seen a list of some of the best little small towns in California and we tried to hit a few on this trip.
Kingsburg is a little Swedish town, and a lovely pit stop.
And then, on to Sacramento, the capitol of California, which we had never visited when we lived there. The have on of the International Rose Peace Gardens, and it was lush and beautiful this time of year.
Desi loved it too.
This little bar in Sacramento served some lovely beers and tasty tinned fish too.
Mattie Groves, in downtown Sacramento, very close to the Capitol Building.
We weren't as prepared for cold weather as I would have liked! It was April for goodness' sakes. We were lucky we only ran into a bit of rain and a wee bit of snow headed into Oregon.
But it sure was pretty!
We loved staying in Bend, Oregon where they have...
The Last Blockbuster!!
Along with gorgeous scenery, good food, great beer, and the loveliest, most welcoming people.
We stayed in a McMenamin's property that used to be an old Catholic school & convent.
It was comfortable and quirky and in a great location for wandering around Bend.
We headed to Hood River next and stayed at a waterfront Best Western that had the loveliest views and walking paths. This city was smallish, but very dog-friendly (as was Bend!) and we loved relaxing near the river and enjoying local beer and pleasantries.
Pfriem was a highlight for both beer and food!
Leavenworth, Washington was the darling'est little German city. The people were friendly, the accommodations were SO comfortable, and the beer & food were perfect! I'd pop through this little place again and again, if it was closer.
It is much like Solvang, California in its layout with shops and eateries.
The blossoms were blooming everywhere we went!
I don't remember where this park was, but Yes, I did take a few minutes on the swing!
Brrrr. It was a very chilly trip!
Okay, so completely unexpected and a highlight of the trip was Bainbridge Island,
just across the water from Seattle
Think green and lush, trees and waterways, friendly people, a memorial to the Japanese-American citizens who were sent to camps after Pearl Harbor, and the best fish & chips I've ever had!
This picture does not do it justice!
I was really looking for a driving trip with great scenery and this trip that Jeff planned was
Everything I hoped for and more!
Just right along the side of the road - Pronto Pup Original Corn Dogs!
Along the wharf in Astoria, Oregon.
Along the way ...
Ever seen a cemetery for prize cows?? I have.
Ferndale, California
And a people cemetery - terraced on the side of a hill. So cool.
We continued southbound to Monterey and spent a few days in this lovely seaside city.
Great beer & food, and sunshine with the loveliest of breezes.
Also - $22 hot fudge sundaes at Ghirardelli.
Sorry, Jeff.
And last stop into the Larchmont area of Los Angeles for one of the
BEST Hot Chocolate drinks I have ever ever had.
Check out Max & Helen's, (right down the street from Levain Bakery)
for all the yum.
Until next time...
:) Deb
