The William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas
A visit to the William J. Clinton Presidential Center is worth a trip to Little Rock, Arkansas. This archive of the 42nd President’s two terms is full of interesting exhibits. Plus, you can sit at the Resolute Desk in a life-size replica of the Oval Office exactly as it looked during Clinton’s tenure.
Friendly, Fun Food Trucks of Mercer Island
Mercer Island has three “permanent” food trucks and a varying selection at its Summer Farmer’s Market. Come here for outstanding Mexican food that transports you to Jalisco & Hidalgo, for Halal sandwiches, for Thai dishes and the best meatballs west of New York.
Downtown Bellevue Shopping: 9 Hard-to-Find Stores Worth Visiting
Online shopping has disrupted the traditional experience of patronizing brick and mortar stores. The city of Bellevue is bucking this trend. Explore three distinctly different zones: Bellevue Square Mall, The Shops at the Bravern, and Old Bellevue, and discover why retailers choose Bellevue when opening their first US store, or their only Pacific Northwest shop.
https://www.visitbellevue.com/blog/post/downtown-bellevue-shopping-stores/
Get Cracking at Crab Week in Bellevue
Four times a year, the City of Bellevue hosts a week + of events focusing on a seasonal, local food. From August 14 - 23 it’s Crab Week. Here’s your chance to taste Dungeness Crab in all kinds of creative presentations. Get cracking in Bellevue, WA.
Cody Yellowstone – Natural Beauty and American History
Yellowstone is famous for its bubbling mud pots and geysers, waterfalls, landscape and an abundance of wild animals. Cody Yellowstone, Wyoming is only 52 miles from the park’s East Gate, a perfect base for exploring Wyoming’s natural beauty and history.
Take the Boeing Everett Factory Tour & Explore Mukilteo
For a true Pacific Northwest experience, take a morning tour at Boeing’s Future of Flight, have lunch in Mukilteo, experience history at Lighthouse Park, and relax on the beach.
Wow Weekend Guests with these Waterfront Activities
Sooner or later, you’ll get the call. “I’m coming to Seattle, would love to see you.” Whether it’s your favorite niece or a college friend you haven’t seen in decades, you’ll find yourself hosting out of town guests who know little about our region and are eager for you to act as tour guide. What to do?
48 Hours in Bellevue with Kids: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Summer Itinerary
Summer in Bellevue is so glorious that locals prefer traveling at other times of the year, and stick around for June, July, and August’s long sunny days. Here’s my personal guide to help you plan 48 hours or more in a city brimming with possibilities.
https://www.visitbellevuewa.com/blog/post/48-hours-in-bellevue-with-kids/
Flavour, Fun, and History in Windsor Essex
Published on Visit Windsor Essex’s website:
Just across the river from Detroit, MI, Windsor-Essex, Canada has it all - flavour, fun, and history await. Visit its vineyards, breweries, fine and casual dining restaurants, restored mansions, homesteads, gambling casinos, and gorgeous scenery.
https://www.visitwindsoressex.com/blog/flavour-fun-and-history-in-windsor-essex/
Asian Markets – from Strip Malls to Mega Stores
Food connects us to our past - tastes we grew up with, and acquired tastes accumulated through travel and other life experiences. This story explores the proliferation of Asian food markets from little Mom & Pops to mega stores like Vancouver, BC-based T&T which now has a store in Bellevue, WA.
Wine, Whiskey, and Walks in Woodinville
Woodinville Washington is your destination for more than just its famed summer concert series. Discover its history, walking trails, wine districts and tasting rooms, a charming tavern and a whiskey distillery.
Sheep Shearing Festival at Kelsey Creek Farm
Kelsey Creek Farm, a 150-acre oasis in the middle of bustling Bellevue, Washington is open and free to the public 365 days/year. Its annual Sheep Shearing Festival on April 25th is a chance to witness a farming tradition and meet all the resident animals.
Eastside Explorations on the Crosslake Connection
On March 28, 2026, history was made. For the first time anywhere in the world, a light rail train crossed a floating bridge, connecting Redmond and Bellevue, cities on the east side of Lake Washington, to Seattle on the west side of the lake. Take a ride with me and discover some of the fun things to do along the way.
Inspiration at the Flower & Garden Festival
The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is the second largest festival of its kind in the US. Named Best Flower Festival by USA Today, it’s a delight. Discover the show’s highlights, plus the photographs of Mercer Islander David Fishman.
Coal Creek Natural Area History Hike: Walk Through Nature and Bellevue’s Coal Mining Past
Published on Visit Bellevue’s website:
A walk under the canopy of the lush second-growth forest in Coal Creek, in Bellevue, WA is guaranteed to satisfy your soul. You’re also walking through history - this site was home to Washington’s first major industry: coal mining. Take a well-marked trail or sign up for a guided tour of my favorite park.
A Skip-Gen Vacation to Remember
Getting it just right for a winter skip-gen vacation in Germany with seven and ten year-old granddaughters.
https://www.mi-reporter.com/2026/02/23/a-skip-gen-vacation-to-remember-meanderings-by-mindy-stern/
Travel Through History and the World at Island Books
A visit to Island Books on Mercer Island is always an adventure.
Experience Three Continents over Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner in Bellevue, WA
After sampling cuisines from two other continents, I wanted to complete my global culinary tour of Bellevue, WA, which ranks as one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world. Join me as we begin our international travels with breakfast in Belgium, lunch in Vietnam and dinner in Peru.
Hurry Down to Hood River
A shoulder season visit to Hood River, OR brings unexpected delights.
https://www.mi-reporter.com/life/hurry-down-to-hood-river-oregon-meanderings-by-mindy-stern/
Shoulder Season in The Dalles, Oregon
History, nature, art, wine, food trucks, and more await in The Dalles, Oregon
https://www.mi-reporter.com/life/shoulder-season-in-the-dalles-oregon-meanderings-by-mindy-stern