Pineapple Dole Whip

Spokane has some amazing ice cream spots. If you want some epic homemade ice cream and a trip through a nostalgic toy museum, then look no further than Doyle’s Ice Cream. It’s kind of like a twofer for the price of a single scoop. Get the waffle cone…seriously it’s worth it.

If you’re more of a soft serve fan, then it’s honestly hard to beat Dairy Queen. Sure it’s a chain but seeing that there’s a constant line around the building, I don’t think Spokanites mind so much.

Doyle’s Ice Cream

However, if you’re looking for a unique experience AND the best dang frozen treat this side of the Magic Kingdom… yeah that one. Seriously… then look no Further than Dick’s! Again, seriously. I know it sounds weird, Dick’s is the place for a great burger and the best people watching in Spokane. Never would I have considered getting an ice cream cone there. These days, I make special trips just for the golden frozen delicacy that is Pineapple Dole Whip.

I’m not alone. Upon my last visit, I extolled the virtues of this pineapple flavored soft serve with another customer, and he said that he had made a special trip just for the treat. So did I. Dole Whip even has a massive cult-like following.  So much so that you can literally express your love of the whip in an official shirt sleeve. I wear an XL by the way. For a true fan, a special trip isn’t really that big of a chore.

Pineapple Dole Whip gained its fame on the Disney properties. Of course, in the Polynesian resort as well as inside the parks. A pineapple Dole Whip was always a highlight of the trip. I’d wait 45 minutes in line just to get a taste. I was never alone; many-a-fan of the “whip” would make a pilgrimage to the Enchanted Tiki Room just to get soft served. While there are several flavors of Dole Whip, pineapple is the only one that matters.

Imagine my surprise when I went to get my Whammy, no onions, fries and soda only to see the Dole Whip sign. I was shocked. Never before have I gotten away with buying the whip without paying an admission fee and seeing families in matching t-shirts. At Dick’s it just cost me $2.15 for a large cone and instead of people wearing matching shirts, apparently they never bothered to put up the no shirts no service sign at the home of the Whammy.

coffee fest Portland

Are you vegan? Lactose intolerant? No worries. Pineapple dole whip is vegan and Dairy free. Despite that, it’s also amazing.

Now here comes the bad news. Even with the large volume of cones flowing through the order window, the end is nigh. Unfortunately, Dick’s only carries the whip seasonally. With the summer coming to an end, you only have a few weeks left. The manager told me that they would most likely quit selling Dole Whip at the end of August. Until next year that is. I guess that’s the silver lining of this golden treat.

So quick, get to Dick’s and get that soft serve. It’ll melt in the heat so EAT! EAT! EAT!

Couple holding hands

Washington state can offer plenty of opportunities for romance. From visiting Tacoma to visiting Seattle, there is always something new and exciting to discover for everyone. You can explore beautiful mountains, enjoy the coolness of a rainforest, take a walk on the coastline, or visit an island. You may also partake in outdoor activities to round off your perfect romantic holiday.

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A bridge in Portland, OR

If you have decided to make Portland your hometown, congratulations are in order – you made a great choice. No matter what your lifestyle is or what you want it to be in the future, Portland is the right city for you.

It is the city that manages to make a chic, young fashionista, a family of five with toddlers, and a retired teacher feel like they are right where they belong. Being the biggest city in Oregon, Portland has many areas to choose from, and they can vary dramatically from one to another. After a careful review, here is our choice of the best neighborhoods to live in Portland.

Pearl District – modern architecture and fun places for kids

An area where industry morphed into art

This is truly a unique area since, in its past, it used to be made of industrial facilities and warehouses. Over time these robust buildings evolved into respected art establishments, modern business entities, and residences. Warehouses and old plants turned into modern lofts. So if you are an artistic soul with a taste for open-plan living spaces with an industrial feel to them, Pearl District is the finest area to settle in Portland for you. In this area, you can find some of the greatest and most unusual coffee shops in town, as well as restaurants, again boasting this unusual blend of robust industrial architecture and modern trends in interior design.

Kids love it here

This fashion-forward neighborhood is also quite family-friendly. There are lots of imaginative playgrounds for children. The city park located in this area has a signature tidal pool kids are crazy about on those hot summer days. All in all, Pearl District is a neighborhood that appeals to all our senses. It seems to have a way of being unforgettable for anyone that is introduced to it.

Foodies love Mississippi Avenue

An area in Portland with the most diverse offer of restaurants

Speaking of senses, here’s an area that makes an impact, especially if we are talking about taste. In Portland, this part of town is the best place to choose to live for food lovers. If you’re big on eating out and like to sample different cuisines, you will be happy here. Mississippi Avenue has a lot to offer from gluten-free pizza to all-out southern delights and Mexican food. Here the question “Where are we eating tonight?” has an exciting ring to it.

Eccentric stores in this area are truly unique

Another charming characteristic of this neighborhood is its eccentric stores. One of them, for example, is selling lightbulbs. Only lightbulbs, literally. All sorts of them, though. Yet in another one, you can buy the weirdest gifts, such as human or animal bones. Maybe this area wouldn’t be our first choice to recommend to a family with small children, but all others that prefer the night out in town to staying in and that are bored of the usual shopping experience would enjoy living here.

Goose Hollow is the best neighborhood to live in Portland for soccer fans

Soccer fans’ district of choice to live in Portland

First of all, if this is where you choose to live, geese will not be your first neighbors. It is likely your neighbors will be some soccer fans. Prep yourself to take up a revived interest in this sport since Portland is a town in love with soccer. The stadium Providence Park is located in Goose Hollow, with two very popular soccer teams calling it their home. Naturally, this area is packed with all things sports.

A soccer field
Goose Hollow is a soccer-oriented part of town

Vegans will love it here

On the other hand, there is plenty for those not into sports as well. The harmonious marriage between modern apartments and gorgeous historic buildings gives this district its distinct appeal. An impressive array of food choices ranging from high-quality breakfasts to a delightful donut bar, excellent brunches, pizzas, and Thai food, wouldn’t disappoint even the toughest of foodies. Vegans are especially appreciated here, given that Goose Hollow can provide a very satisfactory selection of vegan dishes. So basically, sports fans, this is the right part of Portland for you. Non-sports fans, if you are moving here, you will not be disappointed either, and definitely, you will not be hungry.

No car, no problem in Nob Hill

The best neighborhood to live in Portland if you do not own a car

A place once called the Alphabet District and Northwest Portland, Nob Hill has many things to take pride in. Even though finding parking is not very easy here, walking around this area is pure joy. Many trendy shops have found their place here as well as some amazing eateries. Taking a stroll, you will be able to enjoy the sight of very beautiful Victorian mansions, which are a trademark of this district.

When it comes to public transportation, among other lines, there is Portland Streetcar. It is very effective in getting people to and from work. So, a person not owning a car that loves urban walks will surely find that this is the best area to relocate to in Portland. Also, an interesting perk of this area is an amazing selection of happy hour options when it comes to drinks.

Relax and let the professionals take care of your stuff; start afresh in style

So if you are a person that doesn’t own a car, likes imaginative shops and restaurants, and appreciates a good transportation system, we recommend the following: hire a good residential moving company and rid yourself of the relocation stress, as their expert team can handle everything. Next, select a bar that seems best suited to your mood at the moment. Sit back, relax, and toast to all the wonderful things that are coming – your new life starts here.

A woman having a drink in one of the best neighborhoods to live in Portland

Wonderful mansions and stunning nature in Arlington Heights

Sunset by Taylor Dock Shelter at Boulevard Park Boardwalk in Bellingham Washington

A place out of a story-book

And here is a neighborhood fit for princesses and fairy tale endings – at least we see it that way. Imagine a beautiful house on a hill in Portland, surrounded by wonderful greenery. You can reach it going up a steep and narrow, curvy road, but the effort is worth it. Well, that house must be in Arlington Heights. As opposed to our previously described amazing districts to live in Portland, this one is neither bustling with bars and businesses nor does it have that feel of a large city.

Nature blossoms in Arlington Heights

There are many sanctuaries of nature in this area. One of them is Washington Park, which offers many activities like playgrounds, tennis courts, hiking trails, and the like.

There is also a Forest Park (which is dog friendly), one of the most beautiful parks in the country, and several theme gardens. Although peaceful, you can find several restaurants here which are, nonetheless, of very high quality. Arlington is an upscale neighborhood with expensive houses, stunning views, and amazing nature to admire. A fairy-tale district for many.

Conclusion

Deciding on the best neighborhoods to live in Portland is subject to many factors. But one thing is clear – there is a district in Portland for every type of person. Nevertheless, if you end up in any of the abovementioned, you will hardly be disappointed.

Olympic Mountains

If you’re looking for a stretch of beautiful beach on the Washington coast, find your way to Ocean Shores. With 8 miles of sandy beach to roam, wildlife viewing areas, clamming and fishing beaches, and plenty of family friendly activities, Ocean Shores offers something for everyone.

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A blue “Portland” sign on a building

Portland is the most vibrant city in the state of Oregon. It is known as being one of the most eco-friendly cities. Moreover, the city is home to some of the finest breweries in the state that you can find all around the city! Portland is great for nature lovers due to the high number of parks.

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Houses on a cliff.

Have you ever dreamed of living on the West Coast but could never pick a good city for it? Don’t worry. We can help you find the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest that most people overlook. Yes, there are small, charming cities and towns that you should look at besides the famous Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver.

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A view of Seattle and the iconic white Ferris Wheel

Moving to a new state, especially if you have a family, can be pretty challenging. Even when you narrow down your choices and get to the final two, things don’t tend to get any easier. But you don’t have to go through this alone!

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Two girls exploring interesting getaway ideas in Oregon

Going away for a weekend can often be even more exciting than a long trip to a faraway destination. Weekend getaways are popular among couples who want some excitement after a long work week, families ready for some weekend fun, and groups of friends getting together for an unforgettable time.

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Bellingham Local Goods

Bellingham is home to a plethora of amazing local finds. Surrounded by the waters of the Puget Sound and the foothills of the north cascades, Bellingham’s fertile soil and excellent growing conditions have made the area rich in locally grown food. There is nothing better than buying things like produce, honey, and bread from local farmers and bakers who put their livelihoods into the quality of their products. Spring is the perfect time to locate your farmer’s markets and sign up for a CSA and track down all the best spots to round up your local produce every week. Bellingham Local Goodies are readily available in the spring.

Spring brings flowers, fresh produce, and an awakening of all the local shops and farmer’s markets. It is a great time to reconnect to your local farmers and rediscover all of the local goods that you may have missed over the wintertime. If you are looking to support locals and eat right from Whatcom county, spring is the time to plan out your summer harvest plans.  

Bellingham Saturday Market 

The Bellingham Farmers Market is an excellent way to connect to local goods and vendors from your area. The Saturday market is from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. January- March the market is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. And, every Saturday during the rest of the year. While the Saturday market is open year-round, late spring is an excellent time to see the harvest begin. You will see an excellent selection of local harvest goods from spring to late fall. Such as strawberries, lettuce, kale, root vegetables, and more.  

At the Saturday Market, there are rotating groups of over 35 farmers from Skagit and Whatcom counties. They offer produce, cheese, mushrooms, honey, beef, and other meat products, eggs, flowers, fish, nuts, potted plants, and more. In addition to the range of local farmers, the Saturday market has locally made bread, processed artisan foods, prepared foods, crafters, and more. 

If you are looking for ways to buy most of your groceries locally, you can find everything that you would normally fill your cart with at the farmer’s market. Supporting local farms helps the local economy, supports sustainable small-scale farming, and gives you access to local, organically grown goods. Bellingham Local Goodies are easy to find at the Bellingham Saturday Market.

Beeworks Farms 

Beeworks Farms is a small family-owned, bee farm located in Whatcom County, Washington. Their mission is to keep strong and healthy bees in order to supply a unique range of honey from the backyard of the PNW. All of their honey is raw and unfiltered. Their honey season begins in April every year, and different crops bring different kinds of honey throughout the spring-summer and early fall. 

Their honey season begins with big leaf maple and raspberry in the spring. The summer brings blackberry, thistle, wild rose, sweet pea, numerous herbs, and wildflower honey. In August, at the end of the honey season, they end their season with fireweed honey from bees above 3,500 feet in the Mt. Baker National Forest. Each harvest brings unique flavors. Did you know that eating honey from the local area can actually help mitigate seasonal allergies? 

In addition to honey, Beeworks Farms also makes nectar and supplies honeycomb. If you are ready to taste all of the seasons and harvests of the PNW in a unique way, sampling honey from each specific time of the season is a wondrous experience. 

Joe’s Gardens

Fruit and Veggie stand Bellingham

Joe’s Gardens has been offering produce, vegetable starts, hanging baskets, and more since 1933. Located in Bellingham, Washington, Joe’s is open seasonally from Early March until Fall. Joe’s Gardens supplies Bellingham with excellent, locally grown food from vegetables like kale, carrots, broccoli, and more to fruits like locally harvested raspberries and strawberries. 

Vegetable Starts are available every year from March until May. They have hundreds of herbs, peppers, lettuce and kale varieties, root vegetables, and cole crops like cauliflower and broccoli.

Good’s Nursery and Produce 

Bellingham Flowers

Good’s Nursery and Produce in Bellingham is open March-august with Produce and Nursery items. They offerWashington grown produce, and an assortment of plants from seasonal veggie starts to flowers. During the Holidays, Goods is also open to supply local Christmas Trees. 

Good’s is another local Bellingham business ready to supply all of your local shopping needs. Depending on the month, they source from Washington Farmers and have everything from peaches and zucchini to watermelon and strawberries.

Dandelion 

Are you looking to experience local goods from the comfort of your own home? Dandelion Organic Delivery is a produce delivery service that offers local fruits and veggies from the Whatcom County area straight to your door. Dandelion sources local growers first and prides itself on sustainability and commitment to green practices. 

This seasonal delivery box is similar to a CSA. Every week they deliver you a box of produce from local farmers. They offer a harvest box or you can opt for an all fruits or all vegetable box. The week prior to your box delivery, you can head online and see what’s slated for this week’s delivery. You can also make changes to the types of products you are getting. 

They offer a few different-sized boxes and are ready to cater to your favorite foods and exclude your least favorites. This is a great option for folks who want a bit more flexibility with the same local abundance as a traditional CSA. Dandelion offers many Bellingham local goodies

Bellingham has a wide range of locally sourced Bellingham Local Goodies. The fruits and vegetables that are sold at local Bellingham markets are of top quality. . Instead of traveling hundreds or thousands of miles to wind up on the shelves of your grocery store, they come from just down the road and pass from the farmer’s hand into yours. We are uniquely blessed in the PNW to have bountiful harvests from March through late fall. Other goods, including artisanal bread, locally grown beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and homemade cheese, are all part of the goods offered in the Bellingham area. 

Check back into the Bellingham Clever Neighbor to find more local businesses to support!