Pining for the Shire? Here are a few places to visit to quell your hobbity cravings in Washington State without visiting Middle Earth (or at least New Zealand).

In Orondo, Washington, near the Columbia River Gorge, there exists a charming hobbit house built into the hillside. We finally got to stay there for a few nights! Here's a review with a brief video, and some things to know before you go there.

I got a lesson in hammock camping from some avid hammock campers. Here's what I found out: what you need as well as some things to consider.

We visited the Nelson Treehouse Company’s B&B Treehouse point, along with a couple of other in-the-tree locations (the Forest House, Free Spirit Spheres, and -- at least in spirit -- the treehouse at Doe Bay) in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s a lowdown on getting high (up in the trees at least) along with a listing of other treehouses in the PNW you can rent.

The Kings' Screen (the choir screen separating the choir from the nave) at York Minster Cathedral features fifteen kings ranging from William the Conqueror to Henry IV. Let's take it king by king! Here's a brief photo guide to the kings from left to right.

I guess the Thule Hullavator is like an elevator, only for your hull (of your kayak). I've used the Hullavator for a few years now -- overall it's a nice piece of gear and lets me schlep my kayak around solo. But it does have a few drawbacks as well. Here's what I think, with a video demo.

If celebrity burials are your thing, the number of Seattle's famous dead denizens does come close to rivaling many larger, and older, cities. But we do have a few here, and they're worth visiting if you like cemeteries. Here's more about where to find the graves of Bruce and Brandon Lee, Jimi Hendrix, and Chief Sealth (Seattle), along with a listing of a few others with a more local claim to fame.

This beautiful mosaic labyrinth sits on a wooded park overlooking the water on Bainbridge Island, WA.

I learned about the Japanese fish-shaped waffles from my daughter who loves Japanese sweets. But when our go-to Seattle taiyaki place disappeared, a search ensued to find out where to get the best taiyaki in Seattle.

The Pacific Northwest is a great place for water sports, but it can be cold. Here are some great tips for choosing a wetsuit for the Pacific Northwest from evo -- a Seattle based outdoor gear retailer.