McMenamin's Grand Lodge is a former Masonic lodge located in Forest Grove, Oregon. It is a sleepy little town about 45 minutes west of Portland, just north of the Yamhill Valley with all its wineries, and just short of the Coastal Range on Highway 26. As a result, many non-flatlanders overlook its subtle topographic charm. The town itself is home to Pacific University and a properly bifurcated main drag that winds its way through a quaint, small downtown core, passing by a decent Goodwill and a disproportionately high concentration of live theatres. more ›

As 7:30 a.m. rolled around, we were ready for breakfast and tired of slowly following the STP riders through Kent, so we made our way back to I-5 and headed south to the first of two stops that took us away from the bicyclists' course. more ›

Here's something you don't see much anymore, outside of reservation smoke shops: display cases of cigars. Cohibas, Coronas, Partagas. Romeo y Julietas, Macanudos, Rocky Patels. Sure didn't expect to come upon this lineup at the Spar, a traditional lunch counter & pool room much loved in Olympia. more ›