You see, hipness has eluded us of late. Somewhere in between the disposable diapers and humming along to our daily dose of Thomas the Tank Engine, we just lost it. And we were all too starkly reminded of this fact the second we pulled into the parking lot of the Jupiter Hotel. I turned to my husband, who was behind the wheel of our 1987 Volvo station wagon with the “Baby on Board” sign on the back window, and I said, “Um, honey. We’re not this cool.”

The Jupiter is a remodeled, suped-up TravelLodge in a close-in urban area in the northeast. At first it reminded me of another hipped-up travellodge we’d stayed at in L.A. on Hollywood Blvd a few years back called The Vibe. Fortunately in the end the Jupiter is a far better accommodation on many levels. (Don’t stay at The Vibe in L.A. unless you are 22 years old. Or wish you were.)

Upon close inspection, the Jupiter exhibits some fraying around the edges, but decent modern decor and unique touches really help it along so you don’t really notice or mind. To be clear, though, the Jupiter is not quite on the same level of “niceness” as, say, the Hotel Modera or even the Ace Hotel, which offer rooms in the same price range this time of year.

Folks come here for the cool vibe, live music at the Doug Fir Lounge connected to the hotel, and the party atmosphere. As far as I could tell, everyone was having a really great time. And despite the fact that we’re a family with a small child, and prefer to hit the sack somewhere around 9pm, so were we.

There are elements of this hipster-laden, boutique hotel that were surprisingly kid-friendly. Take your hotel room door, for example. They’ve painted it with chalkboard paint, and provide several fresh sticks of colorful chalk so that you may have at it. Sure, some patrons undoubtedly use the chalkboard medium for scoring their drinking games or composing haiku. My 16-month used it to draw lines. Lots and lots of lines.

There’s more. As a budget traveler, room service is typically not even in my vocabulary. The Jupiter offers really affordable room service from the Doug Fir restaurant next door, and the menu is fabulously complete with kid-friendly items like grilled cheese and root beer floats. This came in handy our second night there when a cranky baby and pouring rain outside combined to make stepping out for dinner a seemingly impossible task. Plus, Vacation was on the tube, and it had just started.

One joy of waking up at the Jupiter is the promise of strong, freshly-brewed Stumptown coffee available in the lobby. This beats in-room, flavorless coffee-in-a-bag any day. Both mornings we stayed here, this first cup was quickly followed by a second over a delicious breakfast at the adjacent Doug Fir restaurant, where every meal (including our first night’s dinner) was a total hit. Their corner booth makes a terrific spot for people-watching.  (Aside–my people-watching notes from this booth include two observations: (1) Morrissey’s haircut is back in fashion, and (2) if you like a bloody mary with your eggs over easy in the a.m., you’ll be free of judgment at the Doug Fir.)

One last family tip: request a room away from the lounge when you book your room. We were on an upper floor, well away from the lounge, and were never kept awake by the noise or parties as I’d feared we would be. Still, this can be an issue for some of the rooms, so earplugs are provided on the nightstand (along with a condom, btw.) We have white noise on our iPod and there’s an iPod plugin on the nightstand, another convenience that could come in handy with the kiddos.

The room rates at the Jupiter run about $110 – $160, and are too steep for what you get. I think a reasonable rate for this hotel would be $75 – $100. There are ways you can secure a better rate. One is their advance pay option–reserve and pay 21 days in advance of your stay and get 15% off. (The downside is your reservation is non-refundable.) Booking your room through Priceline will also shave about $20 off the rate quoted on the hotel’s website. And, in the unlikely scenario you find yourself in the vicinity of the Jupiter in the middle of the night with nowhere to stay, you can check into a room after midnight and pay $59 (provided rooms are available, of course).

Info: (503) 230-9200 or check out their website.

Note: We were charged the discounted “media rate” the two nights we stayed at this hotel.

First, check out my self-proclaimed sappiest post ever from last year, Recipe for a Romantic Getaway – Five Key Ingredients. Then, choose your romantic destination below from my nine Northwest favorites. And don’t forget to send me a thank you postcard! Oh, and can someone please forward this post to my husband? Thanks

Victoria (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: Honeymooners flock here for good reason–fabulous parks and museums, charming neighborhoods, high tea, cozy restaurants, and flower gardens that bloom all year long. All of this in a postcard-perfect city that hugs a charming harbor and faces the gorgeous snow-capped Olympic Mountains.

Where to stay: Romantic bed and breakfast are the lodging of choice in Victoria. Carberry Gardens is one of the best, and it’s affordable (for Victoria). The B&B is housed in a beautifully-restored 1907 heritage home near Craigdarroch Castle and Antique Row. $100 – $175 Canadian. Contact: www.carberrygardens.com or 1.877.595.8906.

Mount Adams (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Snow! Trout Lake makes a great base for cross-country ski trips from SnoParks on the Mount Adams Ranger District, and an easy getaway for folks in Portland and the Columbia Gorge.

Where to stay: Enjoy truly warm hospitality and wake up to a delicious breakfast of huckleberry pancakes at Kelly’s Trout Creek Bed and Breakfast, where the recent economic downturn has lowered rates to $50 – $70 a night. Your dip in the hot tub beside a roaring creek will relieve tired muscles from your excursion. Contact: (509) 395-2769 or www.kellysbnb.com.

Lasqueti Island (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: This is where eco-conscious romantics can really get away from it all. In fact, just getting to the Gulf Island of Lasqueti (foot passenger ferry only) is part of the fun. The island’s 400 self-sufficient residents live simply and sustainably, from growing their own food to chopping their own wood. Lasqueti lies about 50 miles northwest of Vancouver in the Strait of Georgia.

Where to stay: Snuggle up in the simple, new cabin at Squitty Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast where the ocean view is amazing, the wood-fired sauna is hot and your ecological footprint is low. $110 Canadian. Contact: 250.333.8566 or visit their website.

Willamette Valley Wine Country (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: This lush valley of green, rolling hills dotted with oak trees hosts patchwork vineyards that produce wonderful wines like pinot noir and pinot gris. You’ll also find lots of hazelnuts, fresh fruit, and charming farms. Take a romantic hike in the nearby Coast Range. Small towns like McMinville and Dundee are great for antique shopping and have surprisingly excellent restaurants, many featuring Northwest seasonal cuisine and serving local wines.

Where to stay: There’s no place like Gahr Farm, situated on a 350-acre conservation farm and forest, which is managed as a native plant and wildlife reserve. Accommodations are two private, charming guest cottages, one that is built to be “green” (and is, in fact, painted green) and uses low-energy. $80 – $115. Contact: www.gahrfarm.com or 503.472.6960.

Methow Valley (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Recreation lovers will swoon over the plethora of outdoor pursuits to enjoy together, from hiking trails to cross-country skiing to river rafting.

Where to stay: A bed and breakfast just one block from Twisp’s main street, the Methow Valley Inn has modest-size rooms that are well-kept and nicely detailed. $89 – $119. Contact: (509) 997-2253 or www.methowvalleyinn.com.

Olympic Coast (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Ponder the longevity of the rainforest’s ancient trees. Explore seastacks and count seastars as you stroll hand-in-hand on the scenic coast of Olympic National Park. It’s a wild coastline framed by mossy, wet rainforest– need I say more?

Where to stay: Indulge in warm hospitality and a fantastic breakfast delivered to your room at the Misty Valley Inn near Forks. $95 – $130. Contact www.mistyvalleyinn.com or 1.877.374.9389

Crater Lake (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: Sheer proximity to the deepest lake in the U.S. is sure to deepen your love. Snow is also deep and generous here for great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Where to stay: West of Crater Lake is the Union Creek Resort, where simple cabins set in the Rogue River National Forest provide a cozy, rustic backdrop to your romantic getaway. Some cabins have full kitchens, or eat at the cafe at the lodge. $54 – $130 Contact: www.unioncreekoregon.com or 1.866.560.3565.

Central Coast (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: The Central Coast boasts dramatic seaside bluffs of basalt looming over beaches and tidepools waiting to be explored. And when it comes to making out, there is no soundtrack more romantic than the pounding Oregon surf against these bluffs.

Where to stay: Ocean Haven in Yachats is perched on a particularly scenic stretch of coastline. Big corner windows give way to panoramic ocean views. Beach blankets and walking sticks are provided for your beach ramblings, and comfortable beds, a beautiful tiled shower, and a well-stocked library of nature books await you upon your return— all lovely touches that make Ocean Haven an extra special place to stay. $95 – $165. Contact: www.oceanhaven.com or 541.547.3583

Sunshine Coast (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: One of the most stunningly scenic coastlines in the Northwest draws lovers to the Sunshine Coast’s sheltered bays fringed with fir-scented forests. Plus, the 100-mile coastline enjoys more sunny days than anywhere else in western British Columbia.

Where to stay: For the best view from a hot tub anywhere, you must book the beautiful suite at the Starfish Studio Bed and Breakfast in Sechelt. $115 – $149 Canadian. Contact: www.starfishstudiobb.com or 604.885.7112.

Now, it’s your turn! What’s your favorite romantic destination in the Northwest, and where should we sleep when we go there?

Geotourism is defined as a form of travel that aims to sustain or enhance the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents. In fact, the term was first coined by National Geographic, and they remain a strong proponent of this concept today. And thanks to their new partnership with Experience Washington and Travel Oregon, geotourism has arrived in the Central Cascades!

Check it out at www.thecentralcascades.com. There you’ll find an interactive map guide to the 446 “geotourism locations” throughout the Central Cascades region. Each location fits into one of seven themes that help to define the character of the Central Cascades. Explore archaeological sites, scenic trails, wineries, wildlife habitats, places to eat and drink, lodging and agricultural sites. You’ll also find a downloadable map that looks beautiful but is not terribly useful on the computer screen – if you want one of the geotourism maps to take with you on your travels, order one to be sent to you (it’s $5 for shipping).

The sheer amount of fun things to do and experience on this map is mind-blowing, and all of the geotourism locations were nominated by Central cascades residents and visitors. I was particularly excited to see a favorite hiking destination of mine, the Goat Rocks Wilderness, featured as a geotourism location in Washington; I nominated it for consideration back when this project was just getting off the ground.

Scanning the list of 43 lodgings on the map, I couldn’t help but wonder what makes a lodging geotouristic? Which kinds of lodgings enhance the geographical character of the Central Cascades–its environment, culture and heritage? Places like Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort ($75/night) in Carson, WA, where the mineral water from nearby springs is thought to have healing properties.

Or the Cowboy Tree Inn in Silver Lake, OR ($75 / night) where 30 oz sirloin steaks remind you that you’re staying at what was historically the halfway point on a popular cattle trail.

In Wolf Creek, Oregon is the Wolf Creek Inn ($75 – $105), a place I’ve been eager to check out for this blog. Opened in 1883, Wolf Creek Inn is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the Pacific Northwest. A neat little fact I learned from the geotourism map is that Jack London completed his novel Valley of the Moon while staying at the Wolf Creek Inn. According to the geotourism map,”it was an important stop on the 16-day stagecoach journey from San Francisco to Portland, and the Wolf Creek Inn has housed practically every important person found in the Northwest during the early history of Oregon, include Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable, Carol Lombard and Orson Welles, looking for refuge.” As of this writing, the link to the Wolf Creek Inn’s website on the geotourism map is incorrect; the correct url is www.historicwolfcreekinn.com.

More geotourism fun at www.thecentralcascades.com.

This blog post was adapted from my original post on the Central Cascades Geotourism project that appeared on The Signpost Blog at Washington Trails Association.

Got a good guess where to find all of these?

The Oregon Coast is an awesome destination for romance or fun pretty much any time of the year. It’s offerings are as varied as they are wonderful. (Where else can you tour a cheese factory and spot a migrating gray whale in the same day?) Dozens of towns line the coastline from north to south, and each one has its own personality. Tucked in between are state parks and other natural areas to explore. And when it comes to lodging there are options for every budget, from the $40 state park yurt to funky beachfront motels to luxury oceanside suites.

My sister Lesley heads to the Oregon Coast once a year for a romantic getaway with her boyfriend, and has written about her trips there before (see My Oregon Coast Yurt Adventure). This year they wanted a great place to celebrate their anniversary and de-stress after a year full of house-hunting, moving, and music recording, but they didn’t have a ton of money budgeted for their 3-day trip – just $100 per day for lodging and food. Their only requirements? Waterfront and a kitchenette so they could cook their own meals.

“We found everything we were looking for in Lincoln City at the Nantucket Inn.” Lesley told me. “Go to their website and click on ‘Special Rates’  and you will see ‘rent two nights, get another night for a penny.’  We ended up only spending $263.01 total for our three nights there.”

What made this place a good value?  “The location, hands-down, both for the convenience of Lincoln City (we got Thai takeout one night) and the vast ocean view from our place, just steps away from the beach. The decor is dated (think overstuffed couches) and there were lots of shells and pastel colors. But our suite was extremely comfortable and completely clean. The gas fireplace kept us toasty warm, and there was a jacuzzi bathtub to relax in.  We loved having a full kitchen to cook our meals– it really helped us save money.”

Lesley regretted not bringing an eyemask, though. “There’s a hotel a few houses down that has a spotlight shining on the beach at night, which kept our bedroom a little too lit for me at night.”

Lincoln City is famous for kite-flying on its beaches,  and it also boasts the oldest covered bridge in the state of Oregon. Not far up or down the coast are many superb outdoor recreation and sightseeing locales. “We spent one sunny day driving down to Yachats and back, pulling off at many of the numerous waysides to explore the beach, including the  amazing Devil’s Churn. We visited our favorite area down there – the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – and enjoyed a wonderful walk along the rocky shore and up through the forest to viewpoints,” Lesley told me. “A pretty harsh storm kept us indoors the next day, but we had a great vantage point!”

“Any visitor to the Oregon Coast in winter should be prepared for storms,” she shared. “Bring warm layers and raingear, and be ready to call it a day and stay indoors if the storm gets severe.”

Maybe that’s why so many Oregon coast accommodations stock the rooms with board games, good books, and DVDs!

Thanks for sharing your great cheap sleeps find, Lesley! If you have a cheap sleep experience you want to share with our readers, please drop me an email.

The thing is, I could get used to this! Ever since my family spent a recent night at Portland’s Hotel Modera downtown, I have daydreamed about moving in!

For starters, the rooms are beautiful. I love the color palette – soft oranges and maroons with dark wood and crisp white linens. The lines are modern, but the mood is warm. Bold and engaging artwork hangs throughout the hotel, from the lobby to the guest rooms. And the best part is, none of this high style comes at the expense of comfort. Atop the beds sit several of the best down pillows in the world and comforters to match.  Spa robes await you in the closet, and an IPod deck sits beside the bed.

So, I know what you’re thinking. “Why am I reading about this luxury hotel on Northwest Cheapsleeps??” It’s unusual to find such luxurious accommodations for under $150 a night, and a total treat when you do. The Hotel Modera is simply a great value.

Why the deal? My guess is the recession continues to take its toll on local tourism. Rooms at the Modera weren’t this affordable just one year ago when it first opened its modern glass doors. I’ll bet if the economy and tourism start to tick upwards, so will the room rates. The time to go and treat yourself to a stay here is now, when you can snag a room like ours for as low as $89 a night.

We had a king bed room on the fifth floor, with a territorial view of the patio gardens in the courtyard. The huge window brought the outside in, but the drapery could give instant privacy. When we arrived, I was feeling tired and a bit cranky from a day full of shopping and toddler-chasing. My first task was to decide how best to unwind – an hour surfing on the flat-screen TV or in the marble-tiled bath? I opted for the bath, along with a glass of pinot noir made in the Willamette Valley just upriver. It was heaven.

One downside to the Modera is that valet parking is $20 a night.  My suggestion is to skip the car altogether and enjoy Portland via its awesome transit system. But if you have to drive, you’ll find a better overnight rate at a nearby lot.

One more thing. I’ve suddenly discovered the joys of bellhop service when traveling with kids; another thing I could get used to!  The Modera was a fine to stay with a toddler, from the convenience of the mini-fridge tucked away behind a cabinet door to the location, just on the edge of Portland’s walkable downtown and a short train ride away from Washington Park and the zoo.

Info: www.hotelmodera.com / 503.484.1084

Note: Our stay was complimentary the night we stayed at this hotel because we were “media.”

Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we take a weekend trip down to Portland to do nothing but shop. (Okay, and drink coffee.) We hit thrift stores, the Pearl, art and crafts fairs (for which PDX is an epicenter), bookstores, and antique malls. And of course you know why. (Ahem, no sales tax, cough cough.)

And this year, we’re staying downtown!

In fact, I’ve simply got to share with you a lodging deal downtown PDX that is quite possibly too good to pass up. And I’ve got to type fast, because as of this writing, you have exactly four short days to take advantage of it. And you won’t find this if I don’t tell you about it. So, here it is.

The ultra-modern Hotel Modera is offering a Stay, Shop, Save special package for just $119 a night. Yes, that is $119 a night, which is a bargain for a hotel that first came to my attention as luxury digs starting at $198 a night. And as part of the package, you get free parking, a bottle on wine, Oregon hazelnuts, bottled water, an eco-friendly shopping bag, and discounts from various downtown retailers.

You must book your stay by November 15, but your actual stay can be up to the end of May 2010. Your reservation must be made directly to 1-877-484-1084 or click here and type SAVE (all caps) in the promotional code space when you click the drop-down under Special Rates.

See you in Portland!

Pictured: A spacious king room at Portland’s Hotel Modera.

Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest is pretty close to paradise for the geothermal-inclined. Here are a few fun overnight destinations for natural hotspring-dipping:

Breitenbush Hot Springs Breitenbush retreat center is a worker-owned co-op community on 154 acres of wildlife sanctuary in the Willamette National Forest of the Oregon Cascades. They offer relaxing pools, yoga, meditation, hiking trails, and more. It is simple and rustic, but not uncomfortable. Take a tour of their website to get a feel for whether or not this place is for you. Lodging ranges from dormitory-style to cabins with private baths, and rates are $61 – $115 per person, which includes all meals (organic, vegetarian) and 24-hour access to the hot springs. Bring your own bedding, towels and toiletries, and leave pets and laptops at home. Reservations required. Contact: www.breitenbush.com, office@breitenbush.com, or 503.854.3320.

Lehman Hot Springs It’s one of Oregon’s oldest hot springs resorts, enveloped in green by the  Umatilla National Forest. Lehman offers variety, both in its lodging choices (from nice lodge rooms to RV spots) and pool temperatures, so there is more or less something for everyone here. Rates range from $12 for camping to $95 double occupancy for a lodge room or small cabin. Contact: www.lehmanhotsprings.com, info@lehmanhotsprings.com, or 541-427-3015.

Carson Hot Spring Resort On the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge is this no-frills hot springs resort where a little money goes a long way. The towels aren’t particularly generous or fluffy, but the water is hot and the soaking tubs are private.  The massages and wraps are a steal. A king-bed room here is just $75, double occupancy. Contact: www.carsonhotspringresort.com, carsonhs@hotmail.com, or 1-800-607-3678.

Pssst… if Carson Hot Spring Resort  just isn’t your thing, the nearby luxurious Bonneville Hot Springs Resort has rooms starting at $179 a night.

So, where’s your favorite Northwest hot spring?

Photo: Breitenbush hot spring pool by Sparkle Glowplug.

Oregon

This weekend (October 16 – 18) is Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, a classic fall festival that takes place right on the waterfront overlooking the Columbia River. Sample local apples, microbrews, wine, cider and artisan cheeses. Browse booths filled with local art and crafts. Enjoy live music and plenty of games and activities for the whole family.

Where to stay? Check out our Columbia Gorge cheap sleeps picks.

Like the spooky stuff? Get hands-on at “Fields of Fear“–A Halloween Experience Unlike Any Other! at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro. It’s a 30-minute live performance, complete with strobe effects, loud noises, and terrifying situations, and the audience participates (note you will be required to walk for the entire length of the performance.) Runs October 21 – 31. Tickets here or call 503-516-4840.

Want to know where to spot golden aspen and fiery vine maple? Keep up with the Oregon Fall Foliage Blog, or call the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 800.547.5445 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Washington

Don a dirndl and grab your beer stein! There’s still one weekend remaining of Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest, the next best thing to being in Munich (October 16 – 17). Live it up with live music, authentic German food, arts and crafts, Bavarian clothing, and activities for the whole family.

Staying overnight? In a town with few budget options, the affordable Mrs. Anderson’s Guest House stands out for its warm hospitality and Victorian charm. Located in the heart of downtown, its nine rooms (starting at $39) are decorated with turn-of-the-century antiques, quilts, and vintage clothing. Buffet breakfast included.

Get lost in a maze of maize near Olympia. The Rutledge Corn Maze is one of the most haunted corn mazes you’ll find, and there are acres of pumpkins to boot! Bring your sweetie and a thermos of hot cider for a romantic ride in a horse drawn wagon to the pumpkin patch, and pick out a pumpkin together. Kids will love having their faces painted, joining a carving contest, and guessing the weight of the magic pumpkin. Weekends through October 31 in Tumwater (click for directions).

Make a weekend of it with an overnight stay in Olympia at the Fertile Ground Guest House ($110) where beautifully-furnished rooms in a 1908 craftsman offer comfort and tranquility. Breakfast (included) from the organic garden is healthy and delicious.

British Columbia

It’s all about getting spooked in Vancouver this fall. If you were a fan of the Vancouver Museum‘s annual Haunted Trolley Tours, you will be disappointed to hear they canned it. This year, though, they’re going even darker. In the spirit of Ravishing Beasts, their soon-to-open feature exhibit, the museum is hosting a Halloween-inspired event on the evening of October 30 that includes music and a cash bar, guided tours of the exhibit, and a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Psycho, the film that left an indelible mark on the practice of taxidermy. Buy tickets in advance here.

All aboard! It’s  the Stanley Park Ghost Train, through November 1 from 6 to 10 pm nightly. Share your train ride with zombies and witches. Kid’s activities include face painting, a shadow puppet theatre, and the always-popular Children’s Haunted Farmyard and its spooky animals.

Make it a weekend trip with one of our suggested Vancouver cheap sleeps.

Photos: Shaded pumpkin by sarahbest. Apple picking by Bryan Danger Wheeler.