It was a chilly night and we had just enjoyed a show at the funky Fremont Arts Abbey when we spotted the Via Tribunali in Seattle, Washington. The sign was glowing just across the street. It was late; but, we had just gotten in touch with our inner hunger and, thankfully, they were still open. […]
Star Noodle in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii has me goin’ all double negative. Let me explain. You cannot go to Star Noodle. There. I said it. My 8th-grade grammar teacher would not even be able to not be pleased. “There’s a great noodle restaurant we should go to while we’re here,” Husband said. “Oh, okay,” I […]
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-see for anyone who is visiting Hawaii for the first time. Let me start by saying skip breakfast or eat a light snack in the morning because they have a big buffet at the end of your day. The buffet at the end of your day at the center […]
Juneau Alaska on Princess Cruise Line. You guys, I did it. I’ve always wanted to zip line. So, you know, why not zip line for the first time in the wild Alaskan trees while 135 feet in the air? This was my first ride in a Unimog. This is also my first time writing the […]
Ketchikan Alaska on Princess Cruise Line After leaving Seattle, we looked forward to our first stop which was Ketchikan, Alaska. It was a pretty mighty feeling pulling up to the docks in our floating hotel. It felt like we could see the entire town. I think, other than ziplining in Juneau (I can’t believe I […]
Skagway Alaska on Princess Cruise Line. Just a fun little peek inside the Princess Cruise Line dining rooms and the menu items you can look forward to enjoying. To be honest, I only really loved a few dishes; but, I’m pickier than most when it comes to dining. On the other hand, the art of […]
Duke’s Restaurant at Waikiki Beach in Oahu Hawaii saved me. Normally, being a curious culinary researcher, I would spend a lot of time looking for the best restaurants when I travel. But on this particular trip to Oahu, I was more excited to enjoy the sites, relax, and not worry at all about where we […]
Cedardale Orchards Fresh Cider in Mount Vernon, Washington is the best cider I’ve ever had. Whether you’re tiptoeing through the tulips in La Conner, browsing antique stores in Mount Vernon, or checking out the cheese in Bow, you just gotta. You must. I mean there is no other choice than to stop at Cedardale Orchards […]
If the quality of your experiences are as important to you as the quality of your eats, you gotta check out Nutty’s Junk Yard Grill in Arlington, Washington. They have lots of scrumptious burgers to choose from… and the shakes? Oh, momma. And there are so many fun decorations to keep you entertained while you wait […]
I first discovered Rhodes River Ranch in Oso, Washington on a cold, cozy night. I was in the mood for a great burger and I was not disappointed. Lovely menu, stunning setting, and a full bar. This called for a replay. I’ve been many times now and I have had a great experience every single […]
Along with visiting the Dole Plantation and the Polynesian Cultural Center, Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay in Oahu, Hawaii is a must. You can ride a bus here but ours was so packed, if I could go back in time, I’d rent a little car instead. The park also has shuttles which you can learn about […]
Disney’s Aulani Resort in Oahu, Hawaii. we saved Disney’s Aulani Resort for last on our Hawaiian adventure. I saved a few bucks by booking an Airbnb for the first half of our trip. Why? So we could splurge on the second half. Disney’s Aulani Resort It’s sooooo pretty. The pools are unbelievable. The beach they […]
Many, many, many years ago I visited the International Market Place on Oahu with my friend. We held parrots. I remember it being a very Hawaiian version of our Pike Place Market in Seattle. There were Hawaiian natives everywhere painting nails, offering photo ops, and selling beautiful jewelry for reasonable prices. I couldn’t wait to […]
I’m not completely sure what I expected from the Dole Plantation; but, I knew I had to go. And I’m so glad we did. Dole Plantation Dole Whips I was hesitant to get a Dole Whip because the last time I had one at Disneyland, it was somewhat tasteless and loaded with frothy air. But at the Dole […]
My grandmother had a beautiful rose garden. I’ve always loved roses because they remind me of grandma. I called my dad one day to get the scoop on grandma’s garden years after she had passed away. “Oh, no.” he said, “That wasn’t grandma’s rose garden, that was grandpa’s. In fact, she was always mad over […]
If a place impresses me, I will post it for you. If not, I will just simply move on and wish them the best. In other words, you won’t actually find reviews at The Old Hen, just recommendations of places that wow me enough to share them. But, if someone forced me to choose the wowiest […]
When I arrived in Portland for one of my visits, my dear friends had given me a gift of Pizzicato Pizza. I judge a pizza by its crust… then its sauce… then the cheese… then the other toppings. As my friends predicted, I was pleased. And, although I am pretty much held together by gluten, […]
Re Feather Your Nest in Mount Vernon, Washington is one of those stores you never forget. With big business making its way through our towns, it is so important for us to shop at places like Re-Feather Your Nest. I for one, don’t mind if I do. It’s is connected to the Calico Cupboard Old […]
We were on a hunt for food trucks in Portland, Oregon. “Oooo a police car. What’s going on?” I asked my friend, a Portlandia resident. “Oh, see that car over there with cameras on top?” “They’re filming Grimm. Happens a lot.” “Oh, I should get pictures! Dotter will be so excited.” I said like a dork. […]
Calico Cupboard Old Town Cafe and Bakery is in Mount Vernon, Washington. Mount Vernon is lovely for oh so many reasons. Mount Vernon has everything you’d expect in a reviving old downtown district with nearby seafood and tulips, all in the middle of beautiful farmland. While you are visiting, you can enjoy the fruits of […]
Screen Door Restaurant in Portland, Oregon hosts one of the best cocktails I’ve had. Screen Door stands out because it’s so charming. It’s surrounded by cozy homes and small businesses. For the record, it’s worth checking out the housing nearby just so you can hang out here during happy hour. As in many foodie cities, […]
Visiting the Museum of Flight was a delayed arrival for this Seattle girl. I’m not sure why it never piqued my interest. I guess I thought, It’s just a few airplanes, what’s the biggie deal? Boy, was I wrong. Really, really wrong. So much history. And, if you’re anything like me, you didn’t pay attention in history […]
One must visit Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store near Portland in Milwaukie, Oregon if you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes foodie world. The building alone is simply gorgeous. But the inside holds the real treasures. You can take a factory tour. Shop for grains. And there are many gluten-free options. And don’t forget the bakery […]
I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe If you are feeling especially truffle-y, you must head over to the Pearl District and walk very slowly and meaningfully through Moonstruck. Just in case you needed some delights while in Portland… you’re welcome. Each little mouse so perfectly crafted. Chocolate labs… the […]
Besaw’s in Portland, Oregon is a most perfect place for connecting over good eats. As you can see, I am not alone. The atmosphere is warm, happening, and hipster. And the food? Well, I’ll let the food… …speak… …for… …itself. If you know me, you know I love checking out the lights. These outdoor porch […]
Pix Patisserie in Portland, Oregon. Of all the places I have visited in Portland (so far), this one is the most Portlandish. (See what I did there?) Pix Patisserie When we drove up to this little place, I thought, “Oh. Barbecue.” But it was late & I had eaten dinner. Snacks. And everything a foodie visiting […]
Oprah featured Salt & Straw Ice Cream in Portland, Oregon in her magazine. Therefore you need to go. No, really, you do. But not because Oprah says so. Go because it’s one of the original funky flavor ice cream shops. Honey lavender… but we’re just getting started. In a line. That goes down the block. And […]
Leaky Roof Gastro Pub in Portland, Oregon gave me one of my most memorable meals in Portlandia so far. I lost the name of this little pub for a long time and was mortified I would not be able to ever share it with you. Even more mortifying, I would not be able to find […]
Is a movie theater even a movie theater anymore without recliners and a bar? Okay, maybe so, but I’m a fan so I barely remember the uncomfortable seats and ginless movies theaters of yesteryear. Contrary to the movies you see here, Living Room Theaters actually places the hottest new flicks so no worries. This Portland […]
“We’re goin’ to Slappy Cakes.” my Portland guide announced. After we arrived, it took no time at all for me to realize why we were at Slappy Cakes. Cool, foodie vibe. Fry your own pancakes on a tabletop griddle? Uh, yes, please! Orange you glad you’re at Slappy Cakes? You get your choice of pancake flavors. […]
I was brought to The Grotto by a friend. The donation fee is minimal to enter. Everything in busybody me repelled entering The Grotto when I first arrived. This was simply due to the pain I was going through at the time. Within minutes, my soul replied with, “Thank you.” Right now The Grotto is holding […]
It would be a sin for me to not mention the modern classic Voodoo Doughnuts. What sets Voodoo apart is the creativity of flavors and all the crazy. I mean, people get married here. Doughnuts + Marriage = True Gluten-Filled Love. There is always a line. I stepped inside to get this picture. The line […]
The Snoqualmie Valley is a fascinating northwest wonderland but I must admit that I did not fully realize all the amazing things to see, do, and, perhaps most importantly, taste – that is, until I opened a B&B (now closed). One of the most frequently asked questions I received as an innkeeper was, “Where’s the best […]
I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve got friends in organic places. And by organic, I mean Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. Jan Marie Johnson with a Pike Place fruit stand presenter. I might be a biased Seattle girl, but I really love Seattle Bites Food Tours. The owners, Mark & Jan Marie, are my dear […]
It was a lovely day to have a first day of the fair. The only place you can buy an ice cream cone from the Washington Dairy Association right next to the stinky cow barns. The Washington State Fair to be exact. There are so many things to see and do and eat. They always […]
Dawn’s Candy and Cake in Lynnwood, Washington. Every once and a while you happen upon something you never needed to know but are oh so glad you found out. I am still grieving the closure of Paper Zone. I’ll never forget when I discovered this crazy, amazing paper supply store. I would never settle for […]
Outstanding in the Field Dinner Event at Full Circle Farms. The other day I was outstanding in a field. Well, we did a lot more than stand in a field, actually. We toured a farm, met new friends, had an outstanding meal from one of Seattle’s top chefs, and enjoyed wine. Lots of lovely wine. […]
Behind the Scenes With the Best B&B on Evening Magazine. It all started with our window washer. I asked him… okay, I begged him to come clean the best B&B windows and he rearranged his schedule just for my top-secret shenanigans. His payment may have involved freshly baked scones. After all, it was an emergency. I decided I couldn’t be on […]
Evening Magazine Visits The Old Hen Bed & Breakfast. We had some very special visitors this week at The Old Hen Bed & Breakfast. We invited some of our previous guests over for brunch. Oh, and King 5 Evening Magazine happened to stop by too. We’re being featured on Evening Magazine because we are a […]
If you like to see old castles, you will like to see the Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria BC. Here’s the CliffsNotes’ version of the castle history. Once upon a time, there was a rich guy. He decided to build a castle. Once upon a time, there was an architect. He decided to say yes to […]
While visiting Victoria in the month of March, we decided to play summer and take a walk around The Fairmont Empress and Victoria’s Inner Harbour. A couple of the beautiful landmarks that you cannot miss are the… British Columbia Parliament Buildings (free guided tours available) and… The Fairmont Empress. The Inner Harbour – where one […]
Oak Bay Marina in Victoria BC, Canada. After we decided to take our trip to Victoria BC, I hopped on the internet to get some questions answered about the touristy places to visit. After some research, I learned that the Crystal Garden, Fable Cottage and the Royal London Wax Museum are all gone. Yep, feeling […]
Downtown Victoria BC, Canada. This week I took a little trip with Dotter to Victoria BC. The last time I had been to Victoria was when I was still teasing my algebra teacher about his excessive sneezing so I was excited to see how things had changed in thirty years. First stop: Downtown Victoria. One […]
Once and a while one needs to escape the inn and take in a new old view at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. Yeah, like that. We love to go to Pike Place Market. We take pictures for no reason at all. And I always try to find a place I haven’t ever been […]
