We spent an exhausting weekend in Vancouver with some extended family 20-somethings for a Pokemon Go event.They ran us ragged, with over 15,000 steps the first day, and 12,000 steps the following half day.
We were early adopters to the game, which was released on July 6, 2016. I started on August 5th of that year, and Tony started a week later. We did it as a way of connecting with the kids in our extended family, and we continue to do now. It's great exercise getting out and discovering your community, and the gamification is fun. We're currently talking about doing another community event.
Vancouver is a great city, and it's been awhile since we've stayed overnight. So many great restaurants and things going on make me think a return visit - without Pokemon activities - is overdue.
We took Amtrak to Vancouver, a great travel experience, far less stressful than driving and the lines and the border crossing, and about the same time (with less stress) as flying. If you haven't taken a train ride in a while, consider it the next time you have a short trip.
Till next time,
Mary Jo & Tony
Have You Read:
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Friendcation: 12 Fun Destinations & Tips for a Vacation with Friends
Friendcations, vacations taken with close friends who share accommodations, meals, and much of the daily experience, offer a powerful way to deepen social bonds through extended, meaningful time spent together. And hey – it’s a lot of fun, too! We’ve got some tips to help you start planning a friendcation, along with 12 choices that we think are perfect friendcation destinations.
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Halloween Traditions From Around the World
As fall sets in and nights grow longer, different cultures embrace the eerie Halloween season in their own distinct ways. While we’re familiar with costumes, candy, and haunted houses, there are other ways to celebrate the season. So let’s take a look at some fall traditions, adding a delightful twist to this spooky season, with these Halloween traditions from around the world.
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Newport Mansions: The Summer Palaces of the Gilded Age
Originally a quiet port and community, Newport underwent seismic change when America’s wealthiest families—names like Vanderbilt, Astor, and Berwind—descended in the late 1800s. Their arrival marked a new era of conspicuous consumption, with fortunes amassed through railroads, coal, and banking funding decadent “summer cottages.”
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Here's what else is going on:
Traveling: Haywood, North Carolina
I've been to the big city destinations in North Carolina, but have a trip scheduled to a more rural area (and one that was heavily hit by Hurrican Helene a few years back). We'll be holding our annual SATW Convention there in 2026, and this is a scouting site visit to learn more about the area and the story potential for our writers and travel creators. The fall foliage colors should be great.
Reading: Magpie Oracle of Sense and Serendipity by Ciara Blume
"A spellbinding tale of healing, chosen family, and the magic that lives in both grand gestures and small moments. It also features a sentient bookshop, literary squirrels, travel via portals and the neverending quest for the perfect wedge of cheese."
This is the third (and last) book in a cozy fantasy series written by a dear friend. I downloaded the book to read during our time in Vancouver, but didn't really have a chance to pick it up. Starting it today.
Learn more about the book here.
I'm doing well in my reading challenge, having read 103 books so far this year. Not all of them were for the reading challenge, obviously, but I've checked off all but one of the prompts - a book set in or about Tukiye. I've got a list of titles to choose from, but I've had a bunch of books on hold at the library that are finally available, so I keep putting this one off. I'm going to need to decide and dig into one soon.
Take a look at the prompts selected for our 2025 Travel Reading List challenge. This is our 8th year running the challenge, and I'm excited about our selections. If you're interested in reading, you can sign up for the reading challenge monthly newsletter here. Or join our spoiler-free Facebook group here.
Watching: Mariner Baseball (Root Sports)
We've been enjoying Mariner baseball as they continued an incredible winning streak that moved them in October baseball, first clinching a playoff spot, then the AL West Division win, and then securing a first round bye. This will be tops of our watch list for awhile as - fingers crossed - they play deep into October.
Listening: The Summer Girl by Jenny Blackhurst (audiobook)
A psychological thriller set on Martha's Vineyard, with a dual timeline that's drawn me in. I started listening to it on the train coming home from Vancouver, and I'll be queueing it up while doing household chores this week.
Availabe on Audible.
Heads in Beds: The Douglas (Vancouver, B.C.)
This hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is a real standout in a city that's full of great standout hotels. It's located in the Parq Vancouver entertainment resort (which includes the JW Marriott and the Parq Casino, with BC Place right next door.
The hotel is themed around nature (the Douglas is the name comes from the Douglas Fir trees found in the area), and rife with local art. From the beverages offered at check in, to the Douglas old fashioned in the room, service is impeccable. We had dinner at The Victor, the steakhoue on property, and were very happy with the choice.
This is not a casino property like in Las Vegas. It's one corner of an entire entertainment destination, and both secluded and upscale.
Given the favorable exchange rate, we enjoyed the splurge, along with a generous food and beverage credit.
Interested in booking the Douglas? If you're a DIYer, you can find info here
Or, if you'd prefer to work directly with us for your travel booking, taking advantage of the many value-added perks we can help with at this hotel, get in touch via our dedicated booking email (most services at no fee).
In the Glass: Tinto Pesquera 2018 Reserva (Tempranillo)
Black fruit aroma with notees of smoke, spices, licorice, and coffee. Full and creamy, lingering on the palate. It received a 96 Wine Enthusiast rating and 92 from Wine Spectator.
We served it with a ribeye steak and roasted potatoes. I think it would also pair well with braised shortribs, or maybe even a rich beef stew.
Price: We received this bottle as a gift, I'd estimate price around $60.
Travel Product: Laundry Detergent Sheets
One way I've helped to master over-packing is by doing a little laundry on the road. Underwear, socks, t-shirts, and even some dresses, can be washed in a sink or tub, then hung to dry. I often plan what I'm wearing each day based on when I'm going to do a sink of laundry (because no one wants to be doing laundry every day). My sweet spot seems to be on a 3-day rotation.
These Earth Breeze Eco Sheets take up no room in your luggage, making it both an easy and effective way to do laundry on the road, whether you have a full laundry available, or are using a hotel or cruise shiip bathroom. And they work just fine at home in your regular washer as well. #earthbreezepartner
More info here.
Travel Deals: Silversea
For a limited time, enjoy exclusive savings of up to 40% on over 500 voyages across select categories — combinable with current offers. Sail in all-inclusive luxury to uncover worldwide destinations. Reserve your suite by November 10, 2025, to secure this offer with reduced deposits starting at 15%. Get in touch and let us help you book your Silversea cruise.
4946 SW 329th Way, Federal Way, WA 98023
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