Books to Inspire Your Travels
Mark Twain: A Life – The life and times of author Mark Twain aka Samuel Clemens. From the Mississippi River, to San Francisco, to global celebrity, Samuel Clemens did it all and observed it all. He became the American voice. Ron Powers’s magnificent biography offers the definitive life of the founding father of our culture. Buy on Amazon.
The Hidden History of New Orleans – The history of New Orleans is one of contrasts-heroes and villains, catastrophe and celebration, sinners and saints. Ryan Starrett and Josh Foreman offer a dose of history that spans the generations that would be hard to believe if it hadn’t happened in New Orleans. Buy on Amazon.
The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables – The book explores L. M. Montgomery’s deep connection to the landscapes of Prince Edward Island that inspired her to write the beloved Anne of Green Gables series. From the Lake of Shining Waters and the Haunted Wood to Lover’s Lane, you’ll be immersed in the real places immortalized in the novels. Buy on Amazon
Legends & Lore of Cape Cod – Ancient Wampanoag legends like Granny Squannit and Princess Scargo are as familiar as tales of pirates and explorers. Author Robin Smith-Johnson shares historic tales of shipwrecks, murders, hauntings, and more from the Cape. Buy on Amazon.
The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered – A major rich portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of the American Revolution, who, at age nineteen, volunteered to fight under George Washington; a biography that looks past the storybook hero who cast aside family and fortune to advance the aims of liberty and justice. Buy on Amazon
American Wilderness: The Hudson River School of Art – More than 40 full-color reproductions of some of their greatest paintings illustrate this historical overview of the Hudson River School of landscape painting and the lives and works of artists who were inspired first by the pastoral Hudson River Valley. Buy on Amazon
Sailing to Freedom: Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad – Much has been written about the overland route for enslaved peoples escaping the antebellum south. The less common route was up the eastern seaboard. Buy on Amazon
The Dedicated Dancer: Annie Taylor, the Woman Who Conquered Niagara Falls in a Barrel – An historical novel about Annie Taylor, the brave woman who was the first person to conquer Niagara Falls. Protected only by a specially designed barrel, Annie survived when numerous other people had not done so. Buy on Amazon
The Jamestown Brides: The Story of England’s “Maids for Virginia” – The story of Jamestown, England’s first real foothold in the New World, was fraught with danger and an extremely high mortality rate. In 1621, fifty-six “young and uncorrupt” women were encouraged to head there. Buy on Amazon
Best Northwest Travel Guides
Columbia Gorge Getaways: 12 Weekend Adventures, from Towns to Trails – The Columbia River Gorge is known for its gorgeous hiking trails with waterfalls and scenic drives. This is a complete visitor’s guide to the Columbia Gorge and its beautiful surrounding areas. Buy on Amazon
Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Seattle – If you’re in the city for a cruise and only visiting Seattle for a short time, here’s a short reference book that shows the Top 10 places to go and sites to see in Seattle. Buy on Amazon
Fodor’s Pacific Northwest – Fodor’s guide to the gorgeous Pacific Northwest is perfect for learning about what there is to see and do in this region that’s unlike anywhere else. Buy on Amazon
Hop in the Saddle: A Guide to Portland’s Craft Beer Scene, by Bike – Beer and biking – is there anything better? Portland is home to a vibrant brew scene, and this guide shows you the best places to sample local craft brews. Buy on Amazon
Food Lovers’ Guide to Seattle – A guide for all things food in Seattle, this book gives you a firsthand look on the best places to eat in the city. Buy on Amazon
Breakfast in Bridgetown – Looking for the best brunch in Portland? This guide will take you through more than 120 restaurants, food carts and hotels for the breakfast scene in Bridgetown. Buy on Amazon
Best Products Made in the Northwest
Columbia Sportswear – Columbia Sportswear began right here in the Pacific Northwest – so if you’re looking for warm winter attire perfect for the region, look no further than Columbia. Buy on Amazon
Pendleton Woolen Mills – Since 1863, Pendleton Woolen mill has been family-owned and operated in the Northwest. Though they’re a local brand, their one-of-a-kind wool has an international reputation. Buy on Amazon
Portland Roasting Company – Known for its unique and enriching flavors, Portland Roasting Company can be found in coffee shops all over the world – why not in your kitchen too? Buy on Amazon
Moonstruck Chocolate – All of Moonstruck’s chocolates are handcrafted right here in Portland. Take a little taste of the city back with you as a delicious souvenir. Buy on Amazon
Made in Oregon – Browse the Made in Oregon shop, where all of its products were of course made right here in Oregon. From nearly 100 different items to choose from you can find the perfect souvenir for everyone back home. Buy on Amazon
What to Pack
Coleman Portable Grill – Just because you’re in the wilderness doesn’t mean you can’t have a hot meal. Take this portable grill with you wherever you go. Buy on Amazon
Osprey Packs Talon 22 Backpack – The Osprey packs are ideal for hiking because they’re lightweight, able to protect your things from stormy weather and won’t give you a sweaty back on those hot summer days. Buy on Amazon
Tailgaterz Magnetic Screen House – From tailgating parties to camping in the woods, this screen house works a for a variety of occasions. With its magnetic doors and easy set-up, you’ll never want to leave as soon as you step inside! Buy on Amazon
Handy Tent Kit – In this tent kit, you’ll find a dustpan, extra stakes and a mallet to keep your tent stable and clean while you enjoy the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. Buy on Amazon
Newdora Waterproof Camping Tent (2-3 Person) – It’s so green and luscious in the Northwest because it rains a lot here. To protect yourself from the elements, use this waterproof camping tent so you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Buy on Amazon
Alki’i Beanie Snow Hat – Keep your ears warm and your head fashionable with this cute snow beanie from Alki’i. Buy on Amazon
Columbia Hiking Shoes – You’ll only get as far as your shoes can take you. These comfortable and thick Columbia hiking shoes are exactly what you need when hiking in the wilderness. Buy on Amazon (Women’s) (Men’s)
The North Face Borealis Backpack – This lightweight backpack by North Face will carry your essentials for both hiking and traveling needs. Buy on Amazon
Timberland 22nd Inch Wheeled Duffle Luggage – Luggage follows you wherever you go – make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle that daily wear-and-tear. Timberland’s wheeled duffle luggages is built tough to handle your next adventure. Buy on Amazon
Bushnell Binoculars – Whether you’re enjoying a river cruise, going hiking, or are otherwise surrounded by nature, you can get an up close view with these quality binoculars. Buy on Amazon
Patagonia Waterproof Jacket – To guard yourself from the Pacific Northwest rain and moisture, you need a protective waterproof jacket no matter what you’re doing outside. Buy on Amazon
Windproof Umbrella – You can be confident that you won’t lose your umbrella during stormy weather with this windproof umbrella. Buy on Amazon
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag – Carry your water bottle and all you’ll need for a day excursion exploring while keeping your hands free and belongings safe. Anti-theft straps, zip closed, and secure. Buy on Amazon
Folding Travel Clock – A little clock that does a lot. Don’t lose track of time while traveling – it tells you the date, time, and temperature as well as being an alarm clock without taking up much room. Buy on Amazon
Books on Northwest History & Culture
Sacajawea – Captured by her enemies, married to a foreigner, and a mother at age sixteen, Sacajawea lived a life of turmoil and change. Then in 1804, this incredible woman met Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and led them on a quest to find the Pacific Ocean. Buy on Amazon
The Journals of Lewis and Clark – The journals of Lewis and Clark offer rich, firsthand descriptions of the landscapes, Native American tribes and wildlife they encountered on their journey toward the Pacific Ocean. Buy on Amazon
Undaunted Courage – Lewis and Clark’s story of exploration, adventure and hardship is one for the ages and a truly classic American tale. Buy on Amazon
Astoria: Astor and Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire – A Tale of Ambition and Survival on the Early American Frontier – A thrilling, true-adventure tale of the 1810 Astor Expedition, an epic, now forgotten, three-year journey to forge an American empire on the Pacific Coast. Buy on Amazon
