Voodoo Doughnuts

Posted on November 4, 2010 by TKGilb

Voodoo Doughnut. Portland, OR. Photo: KGilb.

Voodoo Doughnut. Portland, OR. Photo: KGilb.

Halloween is over for another year. The trick-or-treaters have come and gone. The decorations have all been torn down. The costumes stowed away in the back of the closet. Anyone out there feeling a little blue? Maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a visit to Voodoo Doughnut.

Voodoo Doughnut is a Portland icon. Since opening its doors in 2003, this quirky, irreverent doughnut shop has developed quite a reputation. People now come from all over the country to sample its wares.

Their signature doughnut is –what else–a Voodoo Doll! A chocolate-covered figure, with raspberry jam filling (for blood) and a pretzel stick plunged through its heart (instead of a pin). But their most famous creation, by far, is the Bacon Maple Bar. A classic in the world of doughnuts elevated to new heights by the addition of two salty, crunchy strips of bacon. That’s right, bacon!

Another crowd pleaser is the Memphis Mafia–a huge, golden brown, glazed fritter topped with banana chunks and cinnamon sugar, drizzled in chocolate frosting and peanut butter, and then sprinkled with peanuts and chocolate chips.

And let’s not forget the Texas Challenge–a glazed doughnut the size of six regularly sized doughnuts. The challenge? Eat this monster in 80 seconds or less, and the doughnut is free!

Fortunately, everything at Voodoo Doughnut is made with zero-trans-fat oil. That helps a little, at least with the guilty conscience. There’s also a selection of Vegan goodies. And for the not-so-adventurous, they do offer more traditional fare, like an old-fashioned cake doughnut or Bavarian Cream. Prices range from 95 cents to just under $5. For a quick peek at what’s available, please check their menu.

There are currently two Voodoo Doughnut shops in the Portland area. Both are open 24/7, except on holidays. The original shop is located at 22 SW 3rd Avenue, in the heart of Portland’s “Old Town” district. The cramped interior is pink, the decor is funky voodoo, and the music is loud. But be warned! There is no inside seating, so be prepared to grab it and go.

Special Note: Don’t be surprised to find a long line of people waiting to get in. This is a very popular place. And transactions are Cash Only! (although there is an ATM machine on site) Enjoy!

Posted in Food and Drink | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Voodoo Doughnuts

Starvation Heights

Posted on October 29, 2010 by TKGilb

Starvation Heights by Pacific NW author Gregg Olsen. Cover: Three Rivers Press.

Starvation Heights by Pacific NW author Gregg Olsen. Cover: Three Rivers Press.

Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without a scary story to share. So here’s one I would like to share with all of you. It’s called Starvation Heights and was written by Pacific NW author Gregg Olsen. What makes this story all the scarier is that the characters, the plot, and the setting are all true. There really was a “Starvation Heights.”

It was an idyllic setting for murder. A 40 acre estate tucked away in the woods outside of Ollala, WA, on the Kitsap Peninsula. The property was purchased in the early part of the 1900’s by Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard, a “certified” fasting specialist, and her husband. She promptly named it Wilderness Heights.

Dr. Hazzard was a strong-willed woman, relentless and unyielding. Merciless, some would call her. She wanted the site for a world-class Sanatorium where her followers could rest, rejuvenate, and restore their bodies to perfect health. Instead, Wilderness Heights became a nightmare asylum where inpatients were quickly reduced to walking skeletons by her bizarre, unorthodox treatment.

Her followers fasted for weeks, sometimes months, under her care. Subjected to daily enemas, they subsisted on only small amounts of tomato and asparagus juice. Over 40 people died of starvation. And each time, the wealth and property of the deceased was “willed” to Dr. Hazzard, so her valuable work could continue.

Among Dr. Hazzard’s victims were two gullible young women from Britain. Dorothea and Claire Williamson were sisters who shared a large fortune and a fascination for fad diets. They arrived at the Sanatorium in the spring of 1911. Less than a month later, Claire was gone. At the time of her death, she weighed less than 50 pounds.

“After the autopsy, Claire’s diamond rings were slipped from her emaciated fingers and put into Linda Hazzard’s jewelry box. Her gowns found their way into the doctor’s wardrobe. The victim’s gold fillings and crowns were pulled from her teeth and sold to a local dentist.” Quote provided by author.

Her older sister, Dora, was rescued days later (near death) by British Consul C. E. Lucien Agassiz. Though the locals had been talking about the strange goings-on up at “Starvation Heights” for some time, it was Agassiz’s anger and outrage that finally sparked an official investigation.

Starvation Heights tells the true story of Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard and her many victims, with special emphasis on the ordeal suffered by Dorothea and Claire Williamson. It’s a tale guaranteed to curl your toes.

New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen has written eight nonfiction books and four novels. He currently lives and writes in Olalla, WA.

**Special Note: For news, reviews, and profiles of other Pacific NW authors, please check out my column on the Portland Examiner.

Posted in Local Authors | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Starvation Heights

Pumpkin Funland at Rasmussen Farm

Posted on October 21, 2010 by TKGilb

Pumpkin patch at Rasmussen Farm. Hood River, OR. Photo: KGilb.

Pumpkin patch at Rasmussen Farm. Hood River, OR. Photo: KGilb.

Okay, I admit it! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. So when I heard of something called the Pumpkin Funland at the Rasmussen Farm in Hood River, OR, I had to go. What a treat! This is one of those annual fall festivals that is truly good for all ages, from the young to the young-at-heart.

Pumpkins, of course, have always been a big part of Halloween. And if you can pick your very own pumpkin out of the patch, what could be more fun? The Rasmussen Farm has one of the biggest pumpkin patches I’ve ever seen. But that’s not all. There’s a lot more fun to be had here than just picking out a pumpkin.

How about trying your hand at some pumpkin bowling? “No special shoes required.” Or checking out a world of characters–both real and fictional–that are crafted from pumpkins, gourds, squash, and other veggies? Characters such as Amelia Earhardt, Bigfoot, and the entire Peanuts cast as they wait for . . . who else, The Great Pumpkin!

The corn in the corn maze was at least 8-10 feet tall, very effective at blocking out the outside world. So we saw lots of kids and quite a few adults, too, having a great time “getting lost” in the maze. There was also a Halloween Hut covered in sheaves of corn–a “not too scary” fun house for the younger kids. Though we did see a couple of toddlers who absolutely would not go inside without Mom or Dad close behind them.

Last stop, the Farm Store. We browsed bins full of apples, pears, squash, gourds, hot peppers, and veggies such as kraut cabbage and cauliflower. Prepackaged gift boxes were on the shelf ready to go, as well as decorative fall flowers and jugs of apple cider. There was also a tasting booth where you could sample area-made jams, jellies, mustards, and a variety of honey. Like Pumpkin Honey!

For more images of this year’s festivities, please check the Rasmussen Farm Photo Album.

Pumpkin Funland is open to the public seven days a week, from 9am to 6pm. Everyone is welcome except family pets. So please leave your puppies at home. Admission is free and this venue is wheelchair accessible.

The Rasmussen Farm is located about 6 miles south of Hood River, OR. From Portland, take I-84 east to Hood River Exit 64, then drive south on Highway 35 about 5.5 miles to Fir Mountain Road. Turn left and continue on for about 2/3 mile. Turn right on Thomsen Road and drive for another 1/3 mile. The Rasmussen Farm is on the right.

Posted in Festivals & Events | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Pumpkin Funland at Rasmussen Farm

Pumpkin Funland II

Posted on October 20, 2010 by TKGilb
One of the many fun displays at Rasmussen Farm's Pumpkin Funland. Photo: KGilb

One of the many fun displays at Rasmussen Farm's Pumpkin Funland. Photo: KGilb

Posted in Festivals & Events | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Pumpkin Funland II

A Historic Walk Through the Alphabet District

Posted on October 19, 2010 by TKGilb

One of the many beautiful old houses found in Portland's Alphabet District. Photo: KGilb.

One of the many beautiful old houses found in Portland's Alphabet District. Photo: KGilb.

The Alphabet District, so called because its cross streets were named in alphabetical order, is one of Portland’s oldest neighborhoods. Better known to locals as Portland’s Nob Hill or simply Northwest Portland, the district was planned and developed in 1865 by seafaring Captain John Heard Couch. (pronounced Kooch) It quickly became a favorite with many of the city’s founding families who built lavish homes here in the latter part of the 1800’s.

Today, the Alphabet District is a bustling urban neighborhood. But unlike many historic districts lost to “progress” and the wrecking ball, this one survived almost completely intact. Those lavish homes built in the late 1800’s are still here. Though some have been converted to other uses–retail shops or professional offices–many are still single family dwellings.

So while the bright autumn sunshine lasts, I urge you to come to NW Portland and take a walk back in history. The Alphabet District has an incredible number of beautiful old houses, fully restored, which have been designated historic landmarks. Architectural styles range from Victorian and Tudor “mansions” to classic Craftsman homes. So you can wander for blocks along these tree-lined streets and never get tired of the landscape.

And at the end of your walk, be sure and stop by the Moonstruck Cafe’ for a cup of hot chocolate! They’re located at 526 NW 23rd Avenue. The perfect end to your autumn outing.

The Alphabet District is located just off I-405, west and a little north of Portland’s downtown business district. This historic neighborhood is bounded on the north and south by NW Marshall Street and West Burnside, and on the east and west by NW 17th and NW 24th Avenues.

Special Note: Northwest Portland’s two main thoroughfares–NW 21st and NW 23rd Avenues–are lined with an eclectic mix of trendy shops, boutiques, salons, local markets, coffee shops, and restaurants. Parking is problematic, but it’s still a great place for shopping, dining, people watching, or just hanging out with friends.

Posted in Historic Site | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on A Historic Walk Through the Alphabet District

Outdoor Sculpture Court

Posted on October 6, 2010 by TKGilb

Evan H. Roberts Memorial Sculpture Mall. Portland, OR. Photo: KGilb.

Evan H. Roberts Memorial Sculpture Mall. Portland, OR. Photo: KGilb.

Portland, Oregon, is a city that loves art! It’s hard to wander anywhere in the downtown area without running into a statue, sculpture, or memorial of some kind. What’s your preference? Wildlife? Historical figures? Classic Greco-Roman? Abstract or Modern Art? You’re sure to find something here that will pique your interest–either down the block or around the next corner.

For those who don’t have time to take a Public Art Walking Tour of the city, you might want to check out the Evan H. Roberts Memorial Sculpture Mall. It’s easily found on the east side of the Portland Art Museum, just outside the doors of the Museum Shop. There are about a dozen sculptures on display by some of the Pacific NW’s most prominent artists.

In the photo above (L-R): Garden Gate by Mel Katz. Madrina by Mark Calderon. Composition by Michihiro Kosuge. And at the top of the tall stone pillar on the right, Mistral No. 2 by Frederic Littman.

The Evan H. Roberts Memorial Sculpture Mall is located at 1219 SW Park Avenue in Portland, OR. Hours mirror those of the Portland Art Museum. Admission is free. For those who want to linger in the courtyard, there are a few bistro-style tables and chairs available. The perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on a brisk autumn day!

Posted in Public Art | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Outdoor Sculpture Court

View from Otter Crest

Posted on October 1, 2010 by TKGilb

Fog hugs the shoreline south of Otter Crest Scenic Viewpoint. Oregon Coast. Photo: KGilb

Fog hugs the shoreline south of Otter Crest Scenic Viewpoint. Oregon Coast. Photo: KGilb

We took a day trip recently to the Oregon Coast and made a point of stopping at the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint. It was a beautiful autumn day with blue skies and lots of sunshine, and the view was spectacular! The sun’s rays were bouncing off the waves like crazy–and land, sea, and sky seemed to stretch out forever.

Hard to believe that this rugged promontory was originally named Cape Foulweather by British explorer, Captain James Cook. But during the winter, it’s not uncommon for fierce storms to blow in off the Pacific here with winds up to 100 mph.

The scenic viewpoint at Otter Crest stands at the top of a cliff 500 feet above sea level. On a clear day, you can watch an endless succession of white-capped waves roll in to crash against the shoreline. There’s also a good view of the Devil’s Punchbowl area and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse far to the south.

Looking for wildlife? You can often spot clusters of sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks below, as well as flocks of sea birds like gulls, pelicans, and cormorants. And whales, can’t forget them! Otter Crest is a popular whale watching site along the Oregon Coast.

The Look-Out Observatory and Gift Shop stands adjacent to the parking lot. Privately owned, it features a variety of items for sale: Myrtlewood, seashells, nautical items like miniature lighthouses, wood carvings, jewelry, etc. There’s also a small wine tasting room toward the back. Bonus feature: The walls of the gift shop are peppered with windows so you can still marvel at the views even while shopping.

The Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint is located between Depoe Bay and Otter Rock on the Oregon Coast. From Highway 101, halfway between MP131 and MP132, turn off onto the Otter Crest Loop Access Road. Follow the signs to the parking lot, and prepare to be dazzled!

Special Note: There are no public restrooms at this location. The nearest facilities are in Depoe Bay or one mile south at the Devil’s Punchbowl.

Posted in Great Outdoors | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on View from Otter Crest

Oregon Film Museum

Posted on September 22, 2010 by TKGilb

Oregon Film Museum in downtown Astoria. Housed in the old Clatsop County Jail. Photo: KGilb.

Oregon Film Museum in downtown Astoria. Housed in the old Clatsop County Jail. Photo: KGilb.

The Fisherman’s Bride was the first feature film made in Oregon. The year was 1908. Since then, nearly 300 movies have been made “on location” throughout the state. Why? Oregon has a wealth of natural and urban settings to accommodate almost any filmmaker, regardless of the project.

Recognize these titles? Paint Your Wagon, Five Easy Pieces, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Animal House, The Shining, Short Circuit, Kindergarten Cop, Maverick, Free Willy, Mr. Holland’s Opus, The Ring, Twilight, and the Road? They were all made, at least partially, in the State of Oregon.

With all this filmmaking going on, it’s surprising to learn that the Oregon Film Museum in Astoria, OR, is a fairly recent addition to the landscape. The OFM held its Grand Opening on June 4, 2010, in order to take advantage of the city’s 25th Anniversary Celebration of The Goonies, a 1985 movie filmed in and around Astoria.

The museum kicked off its first seaon with a special collection of “Goonies” memorabilia. Housed in the old Clatsop County Jail–itself a setting in the movie–The Goonies exhibit has been a big draw. 4400 film fans visited the museum in its first two months, nearly half the attendence goal (10,000) set for the year.

Look for exciting changes in the coming months as exhibits are expanded to include props and memorabilia from many of the 300 movies filmed in Oregon. The museum also plans to include a special interactive exhibit with professional movie cameras and partial sets where visitors can don the role of director and edit their own film clips.

And for those of you who aren’t huge fans of filmmaking? Where else can you wander through a building that was actually a working jail from 1914 to 1976?

The Oregon Film Museum was established by the Clatsop County Historical Society. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, it’s located at 732 Duane Street in downtown Astoria, OR. Admission: $4 for adults, $2 for kids (ages 6-17). Ample parking out front.

Posted in Historic Site, Museums | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Cemetery at Saint Martin’s Abbey

Posted on September 17, 2010 by TKGilb

Cemetery at Saint Martin's Abbey in Lacey, WA. Side view. Photo: KGil

Cemetery at Saint Martin's Abbey in Lacey, WA. Side view. Photo: KGilb

I have a fondness for old cemeteries that some people might find odd. Not a morbid or ghoulish fascination, but something more akin to my love of antiques and big old houses. Like snowflakes, no two are ever the same.

The cemetery at Saint Martin’s Abbey is nestled in the midst of a thick stand of towering pine trees. Two angels guard the entrance. The stone wall surrounding the site is weathered and moss-grown. Likewise, the grave stones themselves which are uniformly placed in neat rows on either side of a center aisle made of red bricks. It’s so quiet here; you’d never guess there’s a bustling college campus just over the hill.

Saint Martin’s Abbey was established in the early 1890’s when the Benedictines of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville MN sent Fr William Eversmann, O.S.B., to be pastor of the newly formed Holy Rosary parish. By 1895, they had sent enough monks to found a new monastery and school on a 300 acre parcel of land just 50 miles south of Seattle. Saint Martin’s College (later university) was built on the site in 1895, followed by the cemetery just a few years later.

The first to be buried in the cemetery at Saint Martin’s Abbey was Br Edward Karge on March 14, 1904. He has since been joined by nearly 100 of his brethren.

Saint Martin’s Abbey is located at 5300 Pacific Avenue SE in Lacey, WA.

Posted in Historic Site | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Cemetery at Saint Martin’s Abbey II

Posted on September 17, 2010 by TKGilb
Angel Gate at Saint Martin's Abbey cemetery. Lacey, WA. Photo: KGilb

Angel Gate at Saint Martin's Abbey cemetery. Lacey, WA. Photo: KGilb

Posted in Historic Site | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Cemetery at Saint Martin’s Abbey II