You might not know this, but Spokane has an epic pizza scene. If you’re a fan of a beautiful crust, savory sauces and toppings that seem to have been placed by God almighty himself then a trip to Spokane is absolutely the destination for you.
Browsing Category
Food
The Best and Complete Guide to Ocean Shores, WA
The city of Ocean Shores, on the coast of Washington state is a quaint, friendly small town that needed a complete guide to the city and all activities, restaurants, events and more. We took on the task of compiling all our our favorite things to do in Ocean Shores and more! This is the best guide regarding Ocean Shores and covers; activities, kid zones, events, restaurants, coffee & treats, birding, shoreline, after hours, oyhut bay, shopping, hotels, airbnb’s, camping and a ton more. For quick access to a section, click on one of the category links below. And if you have any feedback or updates to our list, please let us know!
Section Categories for Quick Access
Activities
Kid Zone
Events
Restaurants
Coffee & Treats
Birding
Shoreline
After Hours
Oyhut Bay
Shopping
Hotels
AirBnb's
Camping
Other
Credits
Activities in Ocean Shores
GOLF
Driving range at Ocean Shores Golf Course courtesy of hwcdn.net
Ocean Shores Golf Course
500 Canal Dr NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.3357
http://oceanshoresgolf.com/
Ocean Shores has many outstanding options for the avid golfer, including a wide variety courses and plenty of tee times to fit your schedule. Plan to play a new course during your stay in Ocean Shores and take advantage of the incredible deals on tee times available through GolfNow. If golf is your thing, Ocean Shores is a great place to get in some golf time.
Pacific Paradise
767 Minard Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.9537
https://www.pacificparadisepark.com
Championship golf… with a putter! This is the largest miniature golf course on the Washington Coast, with 36 holes of fun for the whole family—day and night. Putt over the bridge, through a lighthouse, and around rocks and boulders. Both sand and water hazards await you for the ultimate game-time challenge.
RATES
18 Holes – $11
36 Holes – $15
BIKING
Electric Beach Bike Rentals
172 W Chance a La Mer NW | Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.593.7441
https://www.electricbeachbikerentals.com/
Read a great review on TripAdvisor here
One of the best things to do in Ocean Shores is biking around town, as the area is very bike-friendly. You can bring your own bike if you have one or rent them from several different companies. We especially like renting because they’ve got the great electric bikes that really give you the extra power you need when getting through the soft sand and out to the more compact sand near the water.
FLY KITES
Ocean Shores Kites
172 W Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.4103
http://www.oceanshoreskites.com/
Ocean Shores Kites is our go-to kites store. Not only do they have super unique kites, but about every trick kite you can imagine. We especially love their knowledge of kites and the options for those on a tight budget. Kids kites are a must in ocean shores. Even the big kids love seeing a kite fly on the shores.
Amanda Moore was impressed by the customer service in her review here.
Cloud Nine Sportswear & Kites
201 W Chance A La Mer Ave. Ocean Shores WA 98569
360.289.2221
PADDLE BOARDING
Ocean Shores Boat House
952 Point Brown Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360-289-0487
https://www.osboathouse.com/
The Ocean Shores Boat House is a Veteran Owned Business. Rent Duffy Electric 21’ Cruiser boats, Sea Eagle 385FT kayaks, Sea Eagle NN14 stand-up paddleboards, and the Explorer I hydro bike. Choose the equipment you wish to explore the 23 miles of fresh waterways – the hidden gem of Ocean Shores. All watercraft are eco-friendly and made in the U.S.A.
Debbie Snidarich in her review on Google described how she had a blast on the waterways. My daughter and I had a blast on the hydrobikes! The owners were so helpful and friendly and made sure we knew how to use them and gave us whistles and a map to see where we were going.
Surfing
North Coast Surf Inc
73 Point Brown Ave NW Unit A, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
(360) 289-0651
https://www.northcoastsurfshopwa.com/
Believe it or not, surfing is a big thing in Ocean Shores and Westport. And every surf town needs a surf shop, and Ocean Shores is no different. They have just about everything you need for surf and skate, as well as clothing, swimwear, sunglasses, sandals, jewelry, and of coarse, stickers. Staying for the day or weekend? They have board and wetsuit rentals for a fun beach day.
Joe Falk in his review on Google said, “Got a lesson from Aaron this morning and the whole experience was epic from putting the wet suit on to catching that wave near the end of my lesson. “
Kid Zone in Ocean Shores
Arcade
Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center
767 Minard Avenue NW Ocean Shores WA 98569
Email: info@pacificparadisepark.com
360.289.9537
https://www.pacificparadisepark.com/
Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
*Hours subject to change without notice
https://www.instagram.com/pacificparadisepark/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CW83EbmDcK3/
Pacific Paradise is an amusement park and mini-golf course in Ocean Shores, Washington. Their focus is on family-friendly fun and their newly designed and recently updated grounds have something for everyone. It’s really amazingly well done for this small town. The wide variety of activities at Pacific Paradise are top notch for any big city!
One visitor named Gynene Lane on Facebook said, “My family came from out of town and we all went and played 18 holes of golf. It was so nice! Except for a few careless people discarding their masks, it was clean and well manicured. The granddaughters rode the water rides, and we played arcades. Wonderful afternoon!!”
Bowling
Ocean Shores bowling
Shores Bowl
125 W. Chance Ala Mer Ave. Ocean Shores WA 98569
360.289.9356
Email: obshaver8@hotmail.com
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 01:00 AM
https://www.facebook.com/shoresbowlwa/
Shores Bowl is a fun and friendly place to spend the afternoon or evening with family and friends. Food, drinks, games and parties all under one roof!
Luecinda Soriano-Churape (Cinder) left a review on Google and said, “We went on our last night of vacation. It was Saturday night. They were pretty full and it was probably close to 10pm. Every worker we encountered felt nice, talkative, and welcoming. We love the atmosphere of this town. I loved the small arcade and we spent an equal amount of time playing there too. We bowled two games also with one game with the night glow lights on. It was so fun.”
The continuation of this guide is a work in progress as of 9/7/22.
Events
Sand & Sawdust
Celtic Festival
Restaurants
American Food
Asian
Mexican
Seafood,
Coffee
Coffee stands
roasters
local retailers
Birding
Trails
Areas
- Species
Shoreline
– Vehicles, Campfires, Beachcombing, Clam Digging
After Hours
Pubs, Bars, Nightlife
Oyhut
Outside activities, shopping, restaurants, events, lodging
Shopping
Clothes, Food
Hotels
Budget
Family Friendly
Pools
Cleanliness
Pricing
Airbnb’s
Beachfront
Canal Front
Luxury
Budget
Family Friendly
Camping
Campgrounds
RV Parks
State Parks
Private campgrounds
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.
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.
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!
Many food hedonists would agree with the statement that you experience the place only after trying the local cuisine. Idaho will be a real treat for such food enthusiasts who love to explore up-and-coming star chefs. While everyone’s familiar with the fantastic Seattle dining experience, the Gem State culinary scene is way less known. Yet, it is home to many restaurants that could satisfy anyone’s taste. Whether you prefer steakhouses, Italian diners, wineries, or pizza and burgers, you will not go hungry in Idaho. Still, having some guidelines is an excellent place to start, especially if you’re new to the area. To help you taste the best culinary delights Northwest can offer, we’ve created a Foodie’s guide to Idaho’s culinary scene.
Visiting Boise in the winter months offers a plethora of activities to choose from. Whether you are wanting to brave the frigid slopes of one of the nearby ski resorts or would rather stay warm in a gorgeous natural hot spring, Boise offers something for everyone.
Bogus Basin
Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin offers easy access to countless winter activities. The main attraction is the ski hill which offers 2,600 acres of terrain, 80 runs, and 10 lifts. If flying down a mountain is a little extreme for your taste, they also offer cross-country skiing, winter tubing, and snowshoeing. Bogus Basin is also home to Idaho’s only mountain coaster, where riders can fly down 4,330 feet weaving in and out of trees and experience the mountain like never before.
Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden
If you’re visiting during the month of December, the Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss event for the whole family. Every night during December that Idaho Botanical Garden lights up with over 550,000 lights across its 14 acres of land. Along with the amazing visual experience, there are food trucks, live music, and fun events and activities for the kids. Winter Garden aGlow is one of the botanical garden’s biggest fundraisers of the year, so not only will you receive a memorable experience, but you will also be helping the garden provide a wonderful service to the local community.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley is an extremely popular ski-resort town about 3 hours northeast of Boise that offers skiing, fine dining, and an exciting nightlife. Bald Mountain is what brings most winter tourists up to the town. If you enjoy beautiful views, you’ll find plenty in Sun Valley, but the one you can’t miss is at the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge located at the top of Bald Mountain. At 8,800 feet you can see forever, and if you time it right you can see the mountains turn from white to a combination of a breathtaking pink and blue at sunset, just make sure you call ahead because you do need a reservation.
Along with the mountain, Sun Valley has a laundry list of other winter activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and ice sculptures. Once you have gotten your fair share of outdoor time, you’ll need to warm up inside with a hearty meal and a drink of your choice. There’s plenty of options to choose from, but some of our favorites include Sawtooth Brewery, Lefty’s Bar & Grill, and The Roundhouse.
Hot Springs
It’s difficult to find yourself anywhere in Idaho without being close to a hot spring. There are dozens of springs within a couple of hours of Boise, here’s a great guide that lists most of the ones available to the public.
If you’re looking for a hot spring experience that has a resort feel to it with built-out pools and some amenities such as bathrooms, food and drink, and on-site parking, we’d recommend Goldfork Hot Springs near McCall or The Springs at Idaho City. Both locations are easy to access while still getting all the benefits of a natural hot spring.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to experience a more “natural” hot spring experience you can’t go wrong with Kirkham Hot Springs or Trail Creek Hot Springs. Both require a small but relatively steep hike down to the pools, but the scenery and experience is well worth it if you can make the trek.
McCall
Another lovely mountain town about 2 ½ hours north of Boise is McCall. With many of the same characteristics as Sun Valley, McCall offers all the typical mountain activities in a beautiful city built right next to Payette Lake.
Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort are both within a short drive from McCall and have some of the best ski terrains in the Northwest.
In late January to early February McCall hosts their annual Winter Carnival which is a favorite among locals and tourists. One of the main attractions is the ice sculpture contest, where amateurs and professionals compete for $1,000+ prizes for the best sculpture. There are upwards of 100 sculptures each year so just walking through town is an event in and of itself.
The supporting events are just as fun, with activities such as a dog sled challenge, chef collaborative dinner, mardi gras parade, and snowshoe golf.
Looking for more things to do while you are in Boise? Check out our other guides here.
Charles Knowles from Meridian Idaho, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The fall months are some of the best times to visit Boise. Tree’s all around the city start to change, turning the city from a giant green patch to a kaleidoscope of red, pink, yellow, and orange. The weather is also quite pleasant in the fall months, nestled right between the 100 degree days of summer and the freezing, windy days of winter. Along with the city’s natural beauty, there are a number of exciting events going on during these months that are sure to please.
Spirit of Boise – Hot Air Balloon Festival
Probably the most popular fall event, as well as one of the most picturesque, is the Spirit of Boise hot air balloon festival. It is a 5-day event that usually takes place the first week of September. They do a wonderful job offering different types of events for the whole family.
It typically starts with a kid’s day where kids can take a “tethered ride” where they can experience a hot air balloon ride while still being roped to the ground, giving parents slightly less anxiety about watching their child float away. Later in the week, they have multiple flights where 20+ balloons take to the skies and float over the city and neighboring areas. On Friday night they have the Nightglow Spectacular, where they inflate all the balloons after dark and put on a light show along with music, drinks, and other fun events.
Treefort Music Festival
If music is more your thing, the Treefort Music Festival is a great opportunity to see not only great artists from Boise and the Inland Northwest, but the festival attracts big names from across the country as well. Previous years have featured artists such as Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, and Lizzo. If none of those appeals to you, there are over 100 shows every year, so you’re bound to find something that fits your taste. It’s typically a five-day event in the heart of downtown that features beer gardens, comedy shows, and plenty of food trucks to explore.
Boise Farmers Market
Every Saturday local farmers, artists, business owners, and chefs set up downtown for the Boise Farmers Market. Located in the heart of downtown, the farmers market is a great place to start your Saturday even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything. You will get the chance to see unique works of art by local artists, local and international cuisine, and tons of options for organic vegetables, beef, and fish.
Boise State Football Games
Even though Boise isn’t home to a major sports team, they still have one of the most exciting teams in college football. The Boise State Broncos rose to prominence in the early 2000s and have made it to a bowl game every year since 1999. The team is fun to watch and the environment is electric for a sports fan. Along with the great food and company at the tailgate, the stadium includes the famous “smurf turf” which was the first non-green playing field in college football history.
Boise Restaurant Week
If you consider yourself a “foodie”, or just enjoy a great meal in a fun environment, you can’t miss the Dine Out Downtown – Boise Restaurant Week. Dozens of restaurants participate in this event which includes special menus, deals on food and drinks, and fun events put on by each restaurant. Usually, this is held around the last week of October or the first of November. If you’re wanting to double down on your Boise food experience, there is also the Boise Grilled Cheese and Beer Festival held right before restaurant week.
Harvest Festivals
Few things get people more excited about fall than harvest festivals, and the Boise area has plenty of them. With pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, along with numerous other activities there is fun for the whole family at any of these festivals. There are numerous festivals throughout the fall, including in Eagle, Garden City, Caldwell, Emmett, and Kuna.
Boo at the Zoo
If you’re visiting around Halloween the Boise Zoo hosts an annual Boo at the Zoo event for children and families. The event usually consists of costume contests, prize giveaways, trick or treating, face painting, and games for all ages.
If you’re in town earlier in the month you can still experience the Zoo with a Halloween twist. Every weekend in October they have Spooktacular Evenings from 6-9 PM. They call it a “merry-not-scary” event that is suitable for all ages. The Zoo will be lit up with Halloween displays and will also have activities and special entertainment every night.
Visiting Boise during a different time of the year or want to check out more of what the city has to offer, check out our other recommendations here.
Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You can’t go very far in Boise without stumbling upon a unique and delicious restaurant. From fun, trendy food trucks, to fine dining, to foreign cuisine, you will be sure to find something that you will enjoy and be coming back for more.
Boise Fry Co.
Where better to start than with a restaurant that shares the name of the city and features the vegetable that Idaho is famous for, potatoes! Unlike most burger restaurants where the fries are a compliment to the burger, Boise Fry Co. puts the fries on center stage.
With 6 different kinds of potatoes to choose from, including purple potatoes, as well as 5 different styles of cut, you can mix and match to find your dream fry. It doesn’t stop there! No fry is complete without proper dipping sauce, and Boise Fry Co. didn’t skimp on this section of the menu either. Featuring sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy fry sauce, blueberry ketchup, chipotle, sweet mustard, marshmallow, and regular ketchup, you have plenty of options for what you’re going to dunk your fry into. Even though they say “Burgers On The Side” they still give you plenty of delicious options, such as a bison burger, turkey burger, and a beef/mushroom combination burger.
Bittercreek Alehouse
If you’re looking for a place to have a beer and a delicious lunch or dinner you should try out Bittercreek Alehouse. Located on 8th St. nestled in amongst dozens of other great restaurants, Bittercreek still stands out and has been a favorite for locals for quite some time. They offer your typical pub fare but with a twist. They don’t just have fries, they have polenta fries, and you can turn your fries or polenta fries into poutine for just a bit more. You’ll probably have trouble deciding which entree to select with options such as inside-out grilled cheese, lamb burger, and a smoked trout salad. If you’re looking for high quality food and atmosphere that consistently delivers, look no further than Bittercreek.
Lemon Tree Co.
Sandwiches are their specialty, but they provide wonderful compliments of soup and salad that makes Lemon Tree Co. one of the best places for lunch in Boise. Unique options such as the PB & JJB (jam, jalapenos, and bacon), sausage and pear, and Massaman Curry Bahn Mi highlight the sandwich section, but there are plenty of other options if none of those are speaking to you. They offer a wide range of salad options but you’d be missing out if you didn’t get a cup of the creamy tomato-basil soup to dunk your sandwich in. Take a look at their sandwiches here to see what you could be having for lunch today!
Paddles Up Poke
Trying to find good, raw seafood in Idaho can be somewhat tricky, but Paddles Up Poke has absolutely nailed it. Unlike traditional sushi, a “Poke Bowl” is typically made up of rice, raw fish, and traditional sushi toppings like ginger, seaweed salad, and cucumber. Paddles Up has been voted “Best poke, best lunch, and best caterer” in Boise since 2017, not too shabby for opening their doors in 2016. They offer an extensive range of seafood, toppings, and sauces such as the “piranha sauce” to let you make your bowl your own. Not a seafood fan? They even offer chicken for those who prefer that option.
Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine
Kibrom’s offers authentic Ethiopian dishes that are as fun to eat as they are delicious.
Most dishes are served injera a spongy flatbread that is used to grab the meat and veggies that come with the meal. They have tons of combinations of ingredients, including beef, lamb, chicken, lentils, kale, potatoes, and cabbage, all simmered in their delicious sauces.
Tango’s Empanadas
This Argentina treasure comes in an unassuming package. Located on the bench, you could easily miss Tango’s if you’re not looking out for it. As you could imagine from the name, Empanadas are the focal point of the menu. These delicious fried turnover come with a number of fillings, all of them delicious. They offer 22 savory empanadas, including beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegetarian, even mac and cheese. To match the savory empanadas they also have 22 dessert empanadas for those with a sweet tooth.
Alavita
Alavita is an italian restaurant that does things the right way. Fresh, handmade pasta, locally sourced ingredients, and an attention to detail that makes every dish feel special. They offer some interesting dishes such as black ravioli and squid ink bucatini, but where Alavita really shines is the quality of their ingredients and the talent of their staff. It’s something you need to experience to truly understand, so give them a try!
Bombay Grill
If you’re looking to fill up at lunch time, and possibly not go back to work, Bombay Grill is a wonderful place to check out. With a fairly priced lunch buffet, you can dig into all your favorite Indian dishes such as butter chicken, saag, curry, and tikka masala. Served with fresh, buttery-garlic naan that makes you never want to leave, Bombay Grill is truly one of the best places in Boise to visit.
Curious about great food in other cities? Check out our other articles at cleverneighbor.com
Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and vanilla ice cream – the trifecta of traditional fall desserts. For years these simplistic concoctions have been warming hearts and filling eager bellies.
Fall in the Pacific Northwest is a time where you don’t yet have to worry about your summer body and can indulge in autumnal treats with vigor. But what’s the best way to celebrate and get in the spirit of the season?
Check out these great local recipes to get a taste of the best of autumn.
Tips for Great Fall Desserts
Many fall desserts highlight pumpkin, spices, and nuts. To take any recipe to the next level, consider toasting your nuts in the oven before you use them.
Another great tip is to make sure you don’t overmix any muffin batter you make. If you want them to be nicely moist, ensure all of the lumps are smoothed out and then immediately pour it into the pan.
Finally, to ensure your desserts are the best they can be, make sure you use fresh spices. If you have anything that is more than five years old, it should be thrown away.
1. Triple Berry Crisp
Autumn is a great time for berries since many of them are in season such as blackberries, cranberries, elderberries, huckleberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Not only will they be fresh and delicious, but berries are also packed with antioxidants and nutrients your body need to thrive.
To make this great recipe you will need the following.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh blackberries
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh raspberries
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 cups of rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups of butter
Directions
First, preset your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, rinse and wash your berries and select the best ones, setting them aside in your large bowl to be combined later.
In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar as well as butter that has been cut up into small squares to make a crumbly batter.
Once you combine your mixture, spread half of it evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan and cover it with your fresh berries before spreading the other half on top of the berries.
Bake it for about thirty to forty minutes, or until the top is a nice golden brown. That’s it! For an extra special touch, consider using fall flowers as a nice, natural garnish.
2. Almost Tortuga Rum Cake
The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain that can be a real bummer. But with a little rum cake, you’re sure to put a smile on some faces. Harken back to the Carribean while feeling right at home with this tasty treat.
Ingredients
Basic Cake Mix
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter – cut up into small squares
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Cake
- 1/2 cup walnuts – finely chopped
- 1 3 and a 1/2 ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup of Hawaiian-style run
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Rum Soaking Glaze
- 1/2 cup butter – you would regret substituting
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of Hawaiian-style rum
Directions
Basic Cake Mix
Combine your mix ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Your butter pieces should mix in with the other ingredients to form a gravel-like mixture that can be stored for three months in a refrigerator – though we recommend that you make it fresh.
For the Cake
Before doing anything else you should set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then take out a large bundt pan (12 cups) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This is an extremely important part of the process since your cake will come out upside down, so use care.
Next, get out your basic cake mix, pudding mix, milk, eggs, rum, oil, and vanilla extract and combine it in a large bowl on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure you scrape down the bowl as you go to ensure that all of your ingredients mix until the batter is smooth.
Now fill the bundt pan, pouring your batter on top of your nuts.
Bake the cake for about 55 minutes, or until it looks fully golden brown in color and your tester stick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before glazing it.
Rum Soaking Glaze
In a saucepan, combine your butter, water, and sugar and bring it to a boil before turning down the temperature to maintain a summer. Continue to cook the mixture until it seems like all of the sugar is dissolved and you have created a thick syrup.
Now, remove the mixture from the heat and add the rum before pouring it while still hot on top of your cake. Pour a little bit at a time allowing the cake to soak it in. It will seem like a lot of syrup but just take your time and keep adding it until none is left.
3. Butternut Pudding
For something unique, your friends are bound to love, consider making a butternut pudding. This Rachel Ray recipe is quick and easy.
Ingredients
- 2 10-ounce packages of frozen butternut squash puree
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- whipped cream
Directions
Start by thawing out your butternut puree and preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, blend together your squash, eggs, and syrup, before pouring it into a baking dish. (8×8 works best).
Place the entire dish inside a roasting pan and add boiling water around the dish to create a bath. Then, bake the pudding for an hour and top it with cream.
More Great Tips for Having the Best Time in the Pacific Northwest
These Pacific northwestern fall desserts are fan favorites that will impress even your most decerning of friends. It’s almost as fun as making desserts that celebrate your favorite sports team.
For more tips and tricks to make the most of your fall season, check out these clever posts.
Last year, Bellingham was named the 73rd best city to live in within the entire United States. This college town is known for its picturesque views, strong education system, and phenomenal arts and music scene. But, one of the best reasons to live in this city? All the amazing food options you have to choose from. Which is great if you are looking for breakfast in Bellingham!
And since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you are going to want to know about some of these hidden treasures and hot spots before you visit or move there. Scroll down to learn more about eight awesome places to eat breakfast in Bellingham.
1. Start Your Day Sunnyside Up: At the Little Cheerful Cafe
The Little Cheerful Cafe is an egg-lovers’ breakfast paradise. They have pretty much created every egg-based meal that any person can picture.
With fun combination names like the Yuppie Scram, a mix of cheddar, corn, pico, avocado, and sour cream, and the veggie-filled Kinky Linky: this Bellingham breakfast spot will satiate your need for breakfast proteins. Besides their scrambles, they also serve omelets and an Eggs Benedict that melts in your mouth.
If you are more of a carb-lover for breakfast, fear not. Little Cheerful Cafe has pancake options that parallel Yogurtology in the abundance of toppings they offer.
And what is breakfast without hash browns? Miss Little Cheerful’s hashbrowns are by themselves worth a stop in.
2. The Old Dog Who has Perfected New Tricks: Old Town Cafe
If you are in town for one of Bellingham’s notorious marathons or are just craving brunch, look no further than the Old Town Cafe. The Old Town Cafe has been a long time hot spot for locals.
And when you see their menu options, it only makes sense. It is a cornucopia for a variety of palettes. They have an array of things to choose from for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free pancakes, and a variety of the usual breakfast suspects.
What makes Old Town Cafe a cut above the rest is their commitment to the community. They try to make all their food, including the pastries, on site. They use as many local, natural, and organic products as possible.
With serving up sides like black beans and freshly made corn tortillas for breakfast, it is a safe bet the owners are regulars at the local farmer’s market.
3. Your Breakfast BFF: Sunnyland’s HomeSkillet
The cliche goes, good things come in small packages. This saying is most certainly true of Sunnyland’s HomeSkillet.
The kitchen is only 100 square feet with one cook (Kirby White, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Tina). But their website says they serve about 200 meals a day, which include the 600 pounds of hand-sliced potatoes they use on a weekly basis.
The restaurant can only seat 48 people at a time in its eight table layout. In turn, it is a great place to hop in and cozy up to locals or your new neighbors.
The restaurant’s menu changes often. But some of the Sunnyland’s HomeSkillet staples you have to try are their chicken fried steak and pulled pork tater tot hash.
4. The King’s Breakfast in Bellingham: Diamond Jim’s Grill
Diamond Jim’s Grill sits in Bellingham’s Fountain District. This is a newer location for them, but it is just as popular, if not more, than their old spot on North State Street.
When you hop into this Bellingham breakfast spot: be prepared to loosen your belt, or just come ready in elastic-waisted pants. One of the reasons Jim’s is so big for locals is because of their enormous portions.
Every pancake they place on your table has a ten-inch circumference. They serve mountain-sized omelets, scrambles, and Benedicts as well.
But it isn’t only portion sizes that keep bringing you back to this diamond. Diamond Jim’s Grill offers a variety of gluten-free options for people’s dietary needs. And they also give you a variety of spices and sauces to dress your meal up to your heart’s content.
5. The Coffee Lover’s Delight: Harris Avenue Cafe
Connected to Bellingham’s staple coffee shop, Tony’s Coffee & Espresso, inside a terminal building that dates back over 130 years ago, is the charming breakfast spot: Harris Avenue Cafe.
Harris Avenue Cafe, much like so many breakfast places in Bellingham, has a variety of choices for all types of eaters. The menu provides locally grown and made meats, produce, and bread. But on top of being locally sourced, it has plenty of option for vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike.
Come in for the coffee, and stay for the melt in your mouth french toast and comforting bites of oatmeal.
6. The Secret Gem: Skylark’s Hidden Cafe
Don’t fret: Skylark’s Hidden Cafe is not a difficult spot to locate. Yes, you do have to take a cobblestone winding path to its door, but its entrance is easily seen by the naked eye.
The trek up the cobblestone path is always one worth taking. No matter what time of day you go, expect your senses to be delighted.
The breakfast at Skylark’s is always a fabulous affair. They have the usual pancake, egg, toast, french toast spread of most breakfast places. But if one dares to expand their culinary exploits, maybe try the Mediterranean frittata or locally sourced organic granola.
No matter what you decide on at Skylark’s, rest assured. You will enjoy every bite.
7. Getting a Bite in a Hurry: Mount Bakery Cafe
If you are a person in a hurry Bellingham, whether it be for their annual Oktoberfest, or perchance, you are staying for business at one of the beautiful local hotels: you still have time to indulge in local cuisine on a tight schedule.
One of the best places to indulge on a delicious and quick bite is the Mount Bakery Cafe. Their menu offers countless mouthwatering pastries, as well as the traditional breakfast choices with supreme mastery.
The best part? They have take out and sit down options, so that you can eat on your time.
8. Breakfast on a Budget: Avenue Bread & Cafe
Breakfast food, just like everything else in America, is steadily rising in cost. If you are visiting Bellingham on a strict budget, look no further than Avenue Bread and Cafe.
Avenue Bread and Cafe is famous for one thing: their sandwiches. Their sandwiches offer an array of gourmet cheeses, deli meats, egg recipes, and freshly baked bread. The cost? $5.
Avenue Bread & Cafe is all the taste with no sacrifice for your wallet.
Dining in the Bellingham Daylight
Having breakfast in Bellingham is a delight? It is worth setting your alarm clock to get out of bed for.
However, no matter what time of day it is, this city has so many amazing restaurants to choose from, and an amazing beer scene as well!
Have questions or comments about anything and everything Bellingham, Washington? Please feel free to join our e-community!
Are you looking for good food?
If you’re in the Bellingham, WA area, then you need to check out the many restaurants this place has to offer.
As it is quickly becoming known for its food scene, Bellingham is the place to be if you like to eat. But, with so many choices, it can be difficult to narrow your decision down to one place.
From doughnuts and bakeries to pubs and fine dining, you’ll find it all spread throughout this fine city. All you have to do is know where to look.
Whether you’re a foodie looking for the next best restaurant in town or you’re visiting and want to know where to eat, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re discussing where to find some of the most famous restaurants in Bellingham WA. Keep reading to learn more.
Famous Restaurants in Bellingham WA
The Bellingham food scene is growing due to the recent population growth in Bellingham. This means more treats and goodies just around every corner.
Here is a list of restaurants that the locals of Bellingham frequent often enough that maybe you should give them a try, too.
Mount Bakery
Stop into one of two locations to find your favorite baked goods at Mount Bakery. The downtown location offers breakfast and lunch as well as a host of other baked treats.
Try ‘Bellingham’s Best Eggs Benedict’ or ‘Lemon Curd Crepes’ topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream. If croissants and muffins are more your style, they’ve got some of that, too!
Old World Deli
The Old World Deli has a wide array of meats and cheeses, on display, that you may choose from for lunch or dinner. You can even get hot sandwiches in the evenings on Thursday through Sunday, complemented by specialty meat and cheese plates.
Otherwise, you’ll find a quaint menu with soups and salads which you can enjoy dining in or taking out.
Don’t forget to stock the pantry while you’re there. The restaurant also carries spices, olive oil, and pasta for you to take home.
Boundary Bay Brewery
There are seven beers on tap specifically assigned for house brews, and a variety of other rotating taps for specialty and seasonal beers,
If you don’t come for the beer, then come for the food. Boundary Bay Brewery serves up a mean New York Steak served with seasonal vegetables and Yukon mashed potatoes.
If you’d prefer to sample something a little cheesier, try the Macaroni and Cheese made with four kinds of cheese that include Fontina and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Temple Bar
The Temple Bar has been voted to have the best happy hour in Bellingham for a warm and friendly atmosphere. Snack to your heart’s content on a variety of pleasures from smaller plates that include sweet treats or roasted sweet peppers or even braised short ribs.
D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano
If you want high-quality Italian cuisine, look no further than D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano. There is a broad menu of dishes to satisfy your craving highlighted in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Boomer’s Drive-In
Boomer’s Drive-In has been around since 1989 and has been voted time and again to have Bellingham’s best burger. Perhaps it’s the TLC they put into their food which includes the freshest local ingredients.
Grab a milkshake and a burger — you will not be disappointed.
Home Skillet
This restaurant serves up a good all American breakfast and other menu items. It’s a small restaurant which means you may have to wait a little while to get in, but it’s well worth it for the taste and the price.
Try a homemade cinnamon roll or french toast with pulled pork tater tot hash.
The Fork at Agate Bay
You can find more contemporary American cuisine at the Fork at Agate Bay. You’ll find classic dishes all with a creative spin. Rest assured, too, that the ingredients are all locally sourced and include organic and free range for seasonal menu items.
The environment here is casual and inviting, so you can enjoy your fire-bread with shrimp or stuffed chicken. It’s also important to mention that this restaurant offers a vegetarian menu.
Anthonys at Squalicum
For a real taste of the Pacific Northwest, you absolutely must try Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor.
They offer private dining, reservations, and casual dining options, not to mention their signature ‘to go’ bars for quick and easy access to your seafood. You’ll enjoy terrific views of the San Juan Islands as you dine in the traditional seafaring atmosphere at the Harbor location.
Harbor Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill
For a more traditional spin on steak and seafood, try Harbor Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill. This restaurant is part of the Anthony’s family.
Bellingham Aslan Brewing Company
Aslan Brewing Company is more than just great beer. They have an extensive menu that includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. All of their beer is certified organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Check out their calendar of events page to find out when the best times for beer tasting are.
El Gitano
El Gitano has been serving the community since 1983 and continues to provide excellent Mexican cuisine at fair menu prices. Stop in Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 9:30 pm and until 10:30 pm on the weekends. They even have karaoke from 9 pm to 1:30 am on Friday and Saturday.
Try their famous quesadillas or go for something more hearty like a fajita dish. Whatever your taste, El Gitano has a bite for you.
Scotty Browns Barkley Village
At Scotty Browns Barkley Village, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that continues to reinvent itself. There are three locations in Barkley Village, Bellevue, and BLI Airport. Stop in for the social hour from 3-6 on Monday through Friday.
Mallard Ice Cream
When lunch or dinner is over and it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s no better place to go than Mallard Ice Cream. They hand process local and organic ingredients using the ice and salt method to deliver mouth-watering ice cream treats at their downtown location.
Try more traditional flavors like super chocolate or get funky and try their famous olive oil ice cream. They have dairy free options, too!
Final Thoughts
Bellingham restaurants serve a different taste for everyone in your party, from an intimate date night to a large family get together. You can be sure you’ll find something within your budget, too.
The best restaurants in Bellingham are right at your fingertips and you shouldn’t miss out on this fine cuisine. And searching for restaurants in Bellingham WA just got easier. Join us to find exclusive news about events, activities, and specials in your neighborhood.