mermaidcamp
Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Fine Canine Dining
October 8, 2025
Driving down the 101 we stopped to buy driving gloves in Florence, Oregon. While his dad shopped, Charlie and I took a stroll around the vicinity. The Homegrown sign attracted our attention so we stopped by to see it. As we left Denise, the server, greeted us and lavished attention on Charlie. I inquired about vegan food to learn that many fine options were on offer for us, and also a dog menu was available. The decision to eat lunch was made because I never expected to find a dog menu and thought the chance might never come again.
Our lunch at this nano brewery was superb. We enjoyed a veggie burger and vegan tacos with excellent salad and crispy fries. I drank amber beer, which was a perfect compliment to the food. All dishes were homemade. Charlie enjoyed his meatloaf with gusto. I suggested he slow down to savor it, but he is a dog.
We were joined on the patio by other dog parents. Wouldn’t you know that the dachshund sits at the table munching human menu items? Denise gives outstanding service to humans and dogs. The food was innovative, made with fresh ingredients, and presented artfully. Our lunch at Homegrown Public House Brewery was delicious for all of us. Highly recommended.
Dream Dog Beach
October 5, 2025
In Oregon the beach belongs to the state and cannot be private. Dogs are allowed to go off leash with reasonable behavior expected. Our dog Charlie is a huge fan of beach trips, feeling the need to greet all humans as well as canine visitors. He’s allowed to play with mutually consenting dogs. Today he met a one year old female dog from Texas who made him ecstatic. She is a great athlete who loves running as much as he does. His parents bring him here to run at the beach, all the way from Ft. Worth. She was his dream date.
Boulder Falls Healing Garden
October 3, 2025
In Lebanon, Oregon an exceptionally stunning Japanese garden grows that has been designed for healing. Arranged around a koi pond with fountains and waterfalls are rocks, trees, and floral gardens that provide privacy in serene beauty for those seeking healthier lives. The garden is connected to a hotel and conference center on a medical campus, Best Western Boulder Falls Inn. It’s popular for weddings and other special occasions as well as giving guests who are at the hospital for care a place to heal. It’s a brilliant idea and an unforgettable experience. We spent one night on our way out of Oregon. Enjoying the garden and koi pond was a superb way to begin our journey. The staff is courteous and professional, and the hotel is comfortable and well designed. The garden is what sets it apart from all other hotels. The dog loved it there.
Best Dog Park Ever
October 1, 2025
We are on the road with our dog, looking for a good time. We found it at Minto-Brown Island off leash dog park in Salem, Oregon . I frequent dog parks as a pet sitter so I have visited a wide range of facilities designed for dogs. Never have I seen such an elaborate space for canine contentment. Charlie agrees. This place is the total bomb. Old orchards of apple, walnut, cherry, and chestnuts surround a giant field of grass. Pathways through this forest are part of the off leash privileges. It’s very exciting to the dogs to be free in this setting. He met many fun and friendly people and dogs, who ran with him until he was exhausted.
I cannot recommend this park highly enough. Charlie woofs in hearty agreement.
Kite Festival Fun
September 18, 2025
People and dogs enjoy the kite festival in Long Beach, Washington each year. The event is well organized and highly creative. Worth a visit.
Kimpton Vintage Portland
September 17, 2025
The oldest hotel in Portland, Oregon is known now as Kimpton Vintage. When it opened in 1894 it was called the Imperial Hotel. Its history includes expansion and contraction through changes in ownership. I particularly enjoy the architecture of that period, which was built when the city was riding high. I have stayed in other Kimpton properties, which I admire for the reform and restoration of historic structures. Kimpton Vintage Portland is a shining example of artful design that creates an atmosphere of elegance and hospitality.
We had a wonderful visit in an elegant corner room before a long train journey. The front desk agent, Ben, convinced us to return at the end of our trip. We asked him what was happening on the 9th floor on the balconies. He told us about the jacuzzi suites available, then booked one for us.
This was a perfect grand finale to our trip. The hotel has a daily complimentary wine happy hour with excellent local wines. The convivial lobby event gives guests a cozy way to meet each other. We met a fellow guest who had borrowed the free bike the hotel offers to ride across the bridge to survey the city.
Too many superb options exist for dining within walking distance of the hotel. We only had time to visit a couple old favorites on our stay.
I love staying downtown Portland to experience history in a modern context. I have now found the perfect place to enjoy that. It’s a short walk to the waterfront, my fave place to stroll. Public transportation is super convenient and efficient. Cosmopolitan living at its finest is available for visitors to the Rose City. Dogs are welcome.
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