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Three Huge State Fairs Happening Over Labor Day Weekend

State Fair season is now upon us, and that means that fried everything is probably only a short ride away from where you call home. Some states have already done their thing while others are still busy planning events for later this year, but there are several states getting ready to go for Labor Day Weekend. If you’re looking to overindulge on rides, foods, and fun here’s a couple spots to do it during the holiday weekend:

· Minnesota State Fair:
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has been holding state fairs since 1859, so it’s pretty clear that Minnesota is good at doing the fair thing. This year’s events start today and run through September 5 in Saint Paul. Tickets to the festivities are usually $12 for adults and $10 for the little ones, but there are a few days where you might be able to save a few bucks on admission.

Interactive guides in the form of the Food Finder and Fun Finder are available to help you plan your visit, so if you’re looking for that special food vendor—there’s over 300—or something fun to do they’ve got you covered. Of course there’s even iPhone and Android apps as well, so you can take your map to go when you hit the fairgrounds. There’s plenty of free entertainment too, but if you want to upgrade to a Grandstand show we’re recommending Weezer on September 3—$35—or Train and Maroon 5 on September 5—$37.

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Train Travel / Portland Travel / Amtrak / PDX / Train Stations / Oregon Travel / → All Tags

Train Stations That Still Got It: Portland, Oregon's Union Station

In yet another argument for improving the rail network of the USA, we turn to the impressive Union Station in the Chinatown section of Portland, Oregon. Even if you aren't arriving by the Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight or Empire Builder trains and you flew in to this here town, the station is worth a visit for its historical and architectural significance (not to mention that sweet Romanesque clock tower).

As you can see in the above image, the stations is undergoing something of a refurbishment. Sadly, this won't be to add more train services—oh how we'd love to see some hi-speed trains making stops here—but to add housing in places where railroad track used to be.

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Portland Travel / Bicycling / Bike Travel / Airports / AIrport News / Sports Travel / PDX / Oregon Travel / → All Tags

Talk About an Airport That Knows Its Demographic...

What's the first thing you think about when you think Portland, Oregon? Is it Mt. Hood? Maybe it's clean, crisp Pacific Northwest air or coffee snobs. For many however, Portland is a bicycling haven, a dreamworld where bike lanes are spacious and chatting up a stranger with talk of U-locks isn't lame at all.

From the moment a travelers arrives at Portland International Airport—more popularly referred to by its airport code PDX—the biped influence is immediate. Signs lead arriving passengers down to baggage claim, to the oversized luggage claim area and finally out to a sea of airport bike racks, complete with a bike assembly area.

This surprise amenity isn't necessarily just for Portland locals, who've traced elsewhere with their bikes. It's for tourists too, who head out this way with their trusty 10-speeds to test the environment.

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Drinking Travel / Oregon Travel / Sake Travel / Booze Travel / Portland Travel / → All Tags

Skip the Beer and Head for Oregon's Own Saké Brewery

If you missed out on those awesome fares to Tokyo not too long ago—we told you that you should have clicked “book now”—you can always get a taste of Japan a little closer to home. There’s plenty of places to tour breweries or wineries here at home, but there’s only a few spots where you can visit a place that makes their very own saké.

Not too far from Portland, Oregon, SakéOne is making some of the best spirits in the state—and just maybe some of the best stuff you’ll find anywhere. Whether you like it hot or cold it’s still worth a visit to learn all about the way that the tasty treat has been made for centuries. They’ve got a bunch of different brands as well, from the more traditional Momokawa styles to the trendy infused flavors in their Moonstone varieties.

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Water Parks / Theme Park Travel / Theme Parks / Swimming / Oregon Travel / 747 / Boeing / Airplanes / Airplane News / → All Tags

Last One on the Boeing 747's Waterslide is a Rotten Egg!

The summer vacation season is right around the corner, and that means a trip to the local water park is in order for many families around the country. However, this year we’re suggesting a little bit of a road trip to hit up one of the most unique water worlds, and best of all, it’s educational too!

Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark is attempting to live up to its promise as the country’s only aviation-themed water park when it opens up this summer. There’s ten different waterslides planned for the park, along with a wave pool that holds just shy of 100,000 gallons. It’s located right next to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon—not too far from Portland—so we’re totally jealous of any kids that are lucky enough to visit on a field trip.

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Portland Field Trip / Shopping Travel / Lucky Magazine / Portland Travel / Oregon Travel / → All Tags

The Portland Report: Vintage Clutter at Flutter

A recent trip to Portland opened our eyes (and wallets) to some of the greenest city's great finds. This week, Sedona Fitzgerald will take you on a little field trip to "The City of Roses" for some of her favorite picks.

Like every city that hipsters inhabit, Portland is no stranger to vintage shops. We stopped into tons of vintage stores during our visit and were surprised with low prices and some great finds. One in particular made us wish we were locals: Flutter. Perched on N.Mississippi Flutter bills itself as "a delightful disarray of found objects and clutter" but the "clutter" we found inside was the cool kind you'd like artfully placed all over your house...

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Portland Field Trip / Art Travel / Shopping Travel / Lucky Magazine / Portland Travel / Oregon Travel / → All Tags

The Portland Report: Art and Retail Therapy at Land

A recent trip to Portland opened our eyes (and wallets) to some of the greenest city's great finds. This week, Sedona Fitzgerald will take you on a little field trip to "The City of Roses" for some of her favorite picks.

We finally took a break from stuffing our faces during our recent visit to Portland to scope out some impressive local art. The city was full of cool galleries, but one we'd recommend is Land on N.Mississippi. It's a two story set-up with a gallery (upstairs) and retail space (downstairs) with a laid back vibe and intimate setting.

What did we see upstairs that we loved? What's coming up at Land? Keep reading...

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Food Travel / Oregon Travel / Tours / Lists / Best-Factory-Tours-Map / Factory Tours / → All Tags

Tour the Birthplace of Moose Munch at the Harry and David Factory

We’ve already let you know about where Teddy Bears come to life this holiday season, but now we’re moving onto something a little tastier. Sure it might not be filled with all chocolate and candy, but nothing says we’re kind of friends like getting someone a fruit basket. The local florist is always an option for an overpriced bundle of bruised apples and oranges, but no one does it as well as Harry and David.

We’re just kidding about being strictly H&D people; we appreciate all sorts of presents, so this holiday season we’re suggesting that you take a peak at where all those truffles, cookies, and Moose Munch get their start. Harry and David offers factory tours four times a day during the week, and even though they're cranking out the baskets at full speed, they’ll gladly show you around this month.

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Portland Field Trip / Portland Restaurants / Food Travel / Oregon Travel / → All Tags

The Portland Report: Food & Wine's Best New Chef Cooks at Castagna

A recent trip to Portland opened our eyes (and wallets) to some of the greenest city's great finds. This week, Sedona Fitzgerald will take you on a little field trip to "The City of Roses" for some of her favorite picks. Warning: this will make your stomach growl.

While we were in Portland we took a break from the city's numerous food carts and treated ourselves to an amazing meal at local foodie fave Castagna Restaurant. We'd recommend you do the same.

Castagna is helmed by culinary wunderkind chef Matt Lightner and it shows. All of 29, Matt returned from Europe last year and brought a new, innovative presentation to the restaurant and the menu.

What to order? Keep reading for menu picks...

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Portland Field Trip / Portland Travel / Ice Cream Travel / Food Travel / Oregon Travel / → All Tags

The Portland Report: Small-Batch Ice Cream at Ruby Jewel Scoops

A recent trip to Portland opened our eyes (and wallets) to some of the greenest city's great finds. This week, Sedona Fitzgerald will take you on a little field trip to "The City of Roses" for some of her favorite picks. Warning: this will make your stomach growl.

Our peek around Portland continues today with more amazing eats. After brunch at Tasty n Sons you'll be full, but not too full for locally-inspired ice cream we're sure. Take the ten minute walk over to N. Mississippi Avenue from North Williams and stroll on in to Ruby Jewel Scoops where you'll meet your diet's kryptonite.

Gracing the freezers of celebs including Goldie Hawn, LeAnn Rimes and Diane Sawyer, Ruby Jewel's famous ice cream sandwiches made their debut at the Portland Farmers Market back in 2004, but this scoop shop (the brand's only retail location) just opened in July. What to expect? Keep reading...

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Portland Field Trip / Portland Travel / Brunch / Food Travel / Oregon Travel / Portland Restaurants / → All Tags

The Portland Report: Tapas-Style Brunch at Tasty n Sons

A recent trip to Portland opened our eyes (and wallets) to some of the greenest city's great finds. This week, Sedona Fitzgerald will take you on a little field trip to "The City of Roses" for some of her favorite picks. Warning: this will make your stomach growl.

First up, Tasty n Sons, an insanely delicious brunch spot on the burgeoning N. Williams strip. We'll disclose that we're usually not big on the large-group shared brunch (small bites of tiny passed plates won't cure our hangover!), but at Tasty n Sons it's done right. What to share off the menu? Read on...

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Beer Travel / Drinking Travel / Brunch / Beer Festivals / Festival Travel / Events / Oregon Travel / Washington Travel / Florida Travel / → All Tags

Three of the Best Holiday Beer Festivals to Warm You Up This Season

Sure holiday stress can create the need for a drink or three, but there’s no need to make your selection from the convenience store’s offerings. The holiday season has brewers on the top of their game as they craft plenty of hops, malt, and seasonal spices into winter warmers in all varieties. Here’s our picks for three festivals from which to take a sip or two.

· Seattle's 2010 Winter Beer Fest:
The Washington Beer Commission is ready to pop the top off many bottles of holiday suds in just a couple weeks, as the 2010 Winter Beer Fest comes to Hale's Palladium in Seattle on December 10 and 11. Expect plenty of winter flavors and seasonal selections from over 30 Washington breweries. If you visit be sure to save us a sip of the Hot Chocolate Ale from Airways Brewing—it features cocoa nibs, spices, and a little ancho chile.

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