Neither Brian or I are terribly decisive people. We can go back and forth for hours, even days, over the simplest of things. And there we were at dinnertime, downtown Jacksonville, Oregon. Never before had I seen a small town spanning only two short blocks with so many enticing options.

We chose Bella Union, (okay I chose Bella Union), particularly for its lively and shady back patio we could see through the front windows. A good choice, I must say. The vegetarian pizza was excellent, the wine list was local, and for some wonderful reason, everyone in the restaurant was offered complimentary chocolate mousse and champagne after their meal that night. (Our indecisiveness ended there).

And to think if we’d gone the way Brian was leaning for dinner, we’d have enjoyed a delicious, homestyle Mexican meal on a lovely balcony with top-shelf margaritas at La Fiesta, just down the street.

That’s the thing with Jacksonville. Whatever you choose, you strike gold.

Our two terrific nights in Jacksonville were at the Magnolia Inn ($99 – $139) two blocks from Jacksonville’s undeniably  adorable downtown. Homemade banana bread or cookies appeared mysteriously every afternoon to be nibbled with iced tea out on the veranda.

The inn’s proprietors, Robert and Susan, greeted us as if we were old friends, and filled us in on all there is to know and love about Jacksonville, their adopted hometown. It was this southern hospitality that so enthralled us with the Magnolia Inn– “southern” as in, Southern California. Like many other Jacksonville business owners we met, Robert and Susan made the move to Jacksonville from California after visiting themselves. It took just one visit to fall in love, and one more visit to buy their dream inn.

Jacksonville lies just west of Medford, at the foot of the wild Sikiyous, and is adjacent to one of the hottest emerging wine regions in the West – the Applegate Valley. Almost every type of Northwest outdoor recreation you can imagine is nearby, from rafting the Rogue to hiking in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. In the summer when the Britt Music Festival draws thousands to see acts of great variety in a phenomenal outdoor amphitheater setting (this summer’s lineup includes Harry Connick Jr., The New Pornographers, Jackson Browne and Brandi Carlile, among many others). I could see from my very first stroll down California Street why a vacationer might begin plotting their relocation here.

The Gold Rush found its way into the Pacific Northwest in the 1850s by way of Jacksonville; a mere sliver of history that left an indelible mark on this town. By 1868, there were seven saloons on one block (a gold rush will do that.) One hundred years later, the whole town was named a National Historic Landmark District, which is why a walk through downtown Jacksonville today feels more than a little like stepping back in time. But not totally. Just as a horse-drawn carriage passes with a couple of tourists on honeymoon, you find yourself stepping into a chic boutique.

After two short days, we left wanting more time in this area… a day in Ashland, a chance to try that great tapas restaurant in Medford, another stop at the Rogue Creamery for the best gorgonzola I’ve ever put in my mouth. The truth is, there is tons of great stuff to do in the southwest corner of Oregon, but it’s a super long drive from Seattle. I don’t know when we’ll make it back. (Airfare runs about $200 – $250 Seattle to Medford round trip, a viable option for a couple, perhaps. ) So if you go, I want to hear all about it, hear?

Our stay at the Magnolia Inn was compliments of the Magnolia Inn. Thanks, Robert and Susan, for your great hospitality (and complete collection of Disney movies!)

A couple of tall, frothy IPAs and  a basketful of cajunized tater tots sat atop the weathered red picnic table during the Yardhouse Pub’s happy hour. Our toddler was frolicking nearby in the splendid green grass. Only minutes had lapsed since we’d arrived at the McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, Oregon, just west of Portland, and already our vacation was off to a grand start.

I soon realized we weren’t the only parents who saw fit to take a family vacation to a hotel that houses two brewpubs. The lawn was dotted with playing toddlers.  “This is totally the place to come when you have a two year-old” I overheard a woman tell her husband at the table behind us. At the table in front of us, an infant was asleep in his father’s arms as he (the father) nursed a stout.

It’s not that the Grand Lodge is intentionally kid-friendly, at least not beyond the green grass to play in, the kids’ menus and the high chairs. But the Grand Lodge is parent-friendly, in unexpected ways. It’s the kind of place you can book a night or two and just… stay. The rooms aren’t big and the gender-separate baths are shared (which keeps this place very affordable). And that’s okay, because there’s plenty to do outside of your room. Play a round of Frisbee golf after breakfast, then nap under a big oak tree. After lunch at the outdoor pub, Dad plays outside with junior and Mom gets a facial at the on-site spa (at least, I imagined such a scenario). Choose a different pub or the wine bar for dinner and enjoy some live music while you eat. And the best part? “I don’t have to do any dishes!” my husband happily exclaimed. There’s also a huge stone-lined soaking tub outside, and a movie theater upstairs (they were showing “Date Night” during our stay, and Brian stayed up to watch the late showing after Isaac and I went to bed.)

I’d previously visited other overnight accommodations that are part of the Portland-based McMenamins brewpub and hotel empire, including the Edgefield and Kennedy School. While they’re in line conceptually with the Grand Lodge (McMenamins bought a neat, historic old building and restored it into a unique destination resort of sorts), they’re each a little higher in their rates, and a bit more adult in their atmospheres. The Grand Lodge, for example, has just one no-minors bar, not four. We brought earplugs, and surprisingly didn’t need to use them. The atmosphere was fun and festive (there was live music in the wine bar downstairs, and two weddings on-site when we were there) but I didn’t get the sense that people were there to “party” – you know? The music ended before 10pm, and so did our day, restfully and quietly. My only regret about our short stay at the Grand Lodge is that I didn’t actually get that facial at Ruby’s spa. Fortunately, there’s always a “next time.”

By the way… speculation that the Portland-based brewpub and hotel chain  McMenamins will soon open a hotel in the Seattle area always gets me excited. Remember a few years back when the McMenamins brothers were quite interested in the awesome old Catholic seminary at St. Edwards Park in Kenmore? You know the walls of that old St. Edwards monastery hold secrets, and there are closet skeletons just screaming to come out. Regrettably, NIMBY neighbors shot it down, some proposing the building instead be used to store state archives. (zzzz…..) The most incredible thing about McMenamins’ small crop of unique destination hotels, all in interesting, historic buildings that have been lovingly restored with the utmost care, is that the public gets to experience these places and their history. I’d really love to see a similar destination resort on the Seattle area.

To book your stay at the McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, visit their website or call them at (877) 992-9533. Our room, which included a queen bed with a closet and sink is $89 a night. Shared bath is down the hall, and terry robes, towels and soaps are all provided. Pack earplugs, just in case.

Disclosure note: Our one-night stay at the McMenamins Grand Lodge was complimentary.

I’m a transplant to the Pacific Northwest and I still have quite a bit of exploring to do in this lovely corner of the world. So when I heard from my old Chicago friend, Steve, that he was planning a trip to Portland, I happily invited myself along to experience more of the funky city to the south. (And I admit, enjoy my first “guys’ getaway” in a looooong time.)

There were times when staying at the Jupiter Hotel in Portland’s northeast side that we felt just a little like we’d stepped into a different world. And it had nothing to do with the hotel’s name.

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 posted room rates at the Jupiter run about $110 – $160, and are a tad too steep for what you get. I think a reasonable rate for this hotel would be $75 – $100. And rest assured – 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.

Valentines Day weekend is nearly upon us, and the Presidents Day holiday provides a rare opportunity for a romantic three-day getaway. Which of course means that romantic procrastinators everywhere are scrambling to plan a passion-filled, fun escape for themselves and their sweetheart. Not that I personally know anyone who procrastinates when it comes to Valentines Day. But just in case I do, I’m here to help.

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?

Have you heard of “geotourism?” I first heard the term directly from Sheila Buckmaster, senior editor at National Geographic Traveler magazine, when I served on a panel alongside her in 2007. I remember scribbling the term in my notebook and thinking – that’s what we need in Washington!

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.

WANTED: Puffins on seastacks. Pounding surf. Plenty of hiking trails. Miles of sandy beach. Plentiful local seafood. And the occasional coastal storm that makes you think about buying stock in Gore-Tex.

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.

Even a professional cheap sleeper needs a little glamour every now and again.

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.”