AAA Via - July/August 2026

JULY + AUGUST 2026

WHERE TO PLAY IN THE WATER

AAA TRAVEL DEALS AND DISCOVERIES DAY CRUISES IN OREGON & IDAHO THE AAA MAGAZINE

YOUR ULTIMATE WINE TASTING ADVENTURE

Tucked between rolling farmland, lush vineyards and scenic countryside, Mt. Hood Territory offers a wine-tasting experience that blends breathtaking views with incredible vintages. From family-run estates to innovative urban wineries, this wine region just outside Portland, Oregon, is a mustvisit for both casual sippers and super seasoned connoisseurs.

But are you ready for the best-kept secret of Mt. Hood Territory’s wine scene? It is the relaxed and intimate atmosphere of the wineries. Unlike the busier wine regions, here you’ll find fewer crowds, more personalized experiences and plenty of space to take in the stunning surroundings.

Many of the area’s wineries are family-owned, offering warm hospitality and the chance to chat directly with winemakers about their craft as you enjoy a glass.

A visit to Tumwater Vineyard offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and refined elegance. Situated near Pete’s Mountain, it’s an idyllic spot to enjoy a glass of estate-grown pinot noir while gazing at their pond and vineyard-lined hills. Down the road, Campbell Lane Winery carries on a family legacy with delicious smallbatch wines.

Located just outside Oregon City, Christopher Bridge Wines offers a warm, inviting tasting experience, and King’s Raven Winery showcases over 75 years of family farming and a deep commitment to winemaking.

Wooden Shoe Vineyards provides a unique experience, combining wine tasting with their renowned tulip farm. Nearby, Hanson Vineyards is a small, family-run winery where guests can enjoy a laid-back tasting of estate-grown wines in a peaceful countryside setting.

Beyond the wine, the experience in Mt. Hood Territory is about connection — with the winemakers, the land and the local communities.

Whether you’re exploring the scenic backroads or stopping at a charming tasting room, every glass tells a story of passion and the art of winemaking.

REVERENCE

FOR JAPAN

Follow

13 | SMART TRAVEL

Find summertime travel tips and deals, plus get guidance on vehicle and fire safety.

21 | ON THE ROAD

Explore the season at festivals, art exhibits and sporting events throughout Oregon and Idaho.

26 | ROAD TRIP

Make a splash at the Pacific Northwest’s standout lakes, rivers and water parks.

29 | WEEKENDER Cody, Wyoming

Saddle up to experience an authentic cowboy town still alive with the spirit of the Wild West.

34 | GETAWAY Day Cruises

Embrace the wonders of Idaho, Oregon and Washington from the deck of a boat.

40 | DISCOVER Marquee Travel

Plan your next trip around live music, whether at destination residencies or to follow touring shows.

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TRAVEL TOGETHER

Summer is here and millions of Americans are ready to enjoy a vacation. My family and I recently took an amazing trip to the Oregon Coast. It was a great reminder of how important it is to slow down from time to time to recharge and refocus with the people who matter most. Life is even more meaningful when we connect with loved ones, capture unforgettable moments and visit—or revisit—exciting destinations. During times of uncertainty, being budget-conscious is especially important. Wherever your next adventure takes you, I hope you’ll reach out to one of my AAA Travel colleagues for assistance, an exclusive AAA member benefit. Our friendly team can help you book an incredible getaway. With expert advice to streamline the planning process and access to our trusted network of AAA travel partners, you’ll discover unique dining and entertainment options, premium excursions and experiences—all at an amazing value. To get in touch with an agent near you, call (800) 529-3222 or visit AAA.com/travel.

Another easy way to stretch your travel budget is with the right credit card. Did you know that the AAA Visa Signature® credit card offers great cash back rewards on all kinds of purchases, including gas and groceries, without any annual or foreign transaction fee? Your AAA travel agent can share more information with you. No matter where you roam, peace of mind is a priority. That’s why we’ve partnered with Experian to offer AAA members identity theft protection. Visit AAA.com/idtheft to enroll in the complimentary Essential monitoring service or to select enhanced for a small monthly fee. Are you currently planning a road trip? While we’re always Here for You with our world-famous emergency road service, you can get a pre-trip inspection from one of our many AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. They may be able to resolve a maintenance or repair issue long before your journey begins. For Approved Auto Repair locations near you, please visit AAA.com/autorepair

We can also check your vehicle’s battery and replace it if necessary. Visit AAA.com/battery for an appointment. Even with careful planning and preparation, there is always the possibility of an unexpected setback. Does your home and auto insurance properly protect your family and possessions, including boats, toy haulers and RVs? Please reach out to a AAA insurance agent for a no-obligation insurance quote by calling (866) 222-7868.

My wife Missi and I are looking forward to meeting many of you on the 2026 AAA President’s Cruise to Northern Europe and the Baltic in July. AAA members are at the heart of our organization, and we look forward to sharing this adventure with you.

Where are your travel plans taking you, and how can we help? Email me at President@AAAOregonIdaho.com or write to me at 600 SW Market St., Portland, OR 97201 or 7155 W. Denton St., Boise ID 83704.

Your fellow AAA Member,

Tim Morgan, President and CEO

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OREGON

Astoria 303 11th St.

Beaverton 8555 SW Apple Way

Bend 20350 Empire Ave.

Clackamas 10365 SE Sunnyside Rd.

Coos Bay 1705 Ocean Blvd. SE Corvallis 1836 NW Ninth St., Ste. 110

Eugene 983 Willagillespie Rd.

Grants Pass 1563 NE F St.

Hillsboro 7300 NE Butler St.

Lake Oswego 6 Centerpointe Dr.

Medford 1777 E. Barnett Rd.

Pendleton 248 SW Dorion Ave.

Portland 600 SW Market St.

Roseburg 3019 NW Stewart Pkwy.

Salem 2909 Ryan Dr. SE

Springfield/Gateway 939 Harlow Rd.

IDAHO

Boise 7155 W. Denton St.

Idaho Falls 3418 S. 25th East

Meridian 2310 E. Overland Rd., Ste. 110

Nampa 16453 N. Marketplace Blvd.

Pocatello 1000 Pocatello Creek Rd., Ste. E5

SMART TRAVEL

THE PORTLAND CLASSIC RETURNS

One of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated golf tournaments returns this summer as The Standard Portland Classic tees off at Columbia Edgewater Country Club August 13 through 16. Set near the scenic Columbia River, the historic Portland course provides a classic Northwest backdrop for four days of LPGA Tour competition featuring many of the world’s top women in golf. Since debuting in 1972, The Standard Portland Classic has become one of the longest-running, non-major tournaments on the LPGA Tour, and a favorite summer tradition for fans across the region. AAA members receive 50% savings on daily tickets, making it easier to experience world-class competition up close. Learn more at AAA.com/PortlandClassic.

SAVINGS |

SHADES FOR SUNNY DAYS

Protect your eyes in style this season with exclusive savings from LensCrafters. AAA members receive 30% off select standard sunglasses from designer brands—plus discounts on prescription frames and lenses—making it easier to stay comfortable during long days outdoors or while cruising the roads. Need prescription glasses? Browse offers at AAA.com/LensCrafters.

FUEL UP FOR SUMMER

Summer adventures start at the pump, with a full tank of gas. AAA members save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up after signing up with Shell Fuel Rewards®, plus 5 cents per gallon savings every day afterwards. Whether heading to the coast, the mountains or a weekend getaway, those savings can add up quickly over the course of a road trip. Start saving at AAA.com/Shell

SPEED UP CAR RENTALS

Skip the counter and spend more time on the road with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. Members can head directly to their vehicle at select locations, or choose a car from the Gold Choice™ area at no additional cost, while spending less time in line. AAA members also enjoy exclusive rental discounts and opportunities to earn points toward future upgrades and free rental days. Sign up at AAA.com/HertzGold.

CAR BATTERY WARNING SIGNS

High temperatures can take a toll on vehicle batteries during the summer. Common warning signs include slow engine starts, dim headlights, struggling electronics and a sulfur-like smell similar to rotten eggs. Drivers should also watch for cracked or swollen battery cases caused by overheating. Since most batteries last between three and five years, routine testing can help prevent an unexpected breakdown. Schedule a battery inspection at AAA.com/battery.

ORGANIZED TRAVEL MADE EASY

The Talus Portable Seat Caddy helps keep road trip essentials neatly contained with movable dividers, mesh storage pockets, and a secure seatbelt strap to prevent sliding during travel. Designed for families, commuters and frequent travelers alike, it offers a simple way to reduce backseat clutter before the next adventure. Find it at local AAA Service Centers or visit AAA.com/locations.

READY FOR THE ROAD

Worn tread can reduce fuel efficiency and even put your tires at risk of a blowout. Before setting out on summer drives, make sure your tires are prepared for the miles ahead. AAA members save $10 on select “better” or “best” tire brands at Discount Tire, along with complimentary tire inspections, repairs and rebalancing services. Learn more at AAA.com/DiscountTire.

PREPARE FOR WILDFIRE SEASON

Wildfire season across Oregon and Idaho often stretches from late spring through early fall, with drier conditions of a low precipitation year—such as this year—increasing the risk. Creating defensible space around your home, preparing emergency kits and developing a family evacuation plan are important ways to stay ready in case of disaster. AAA is here to help: Discover planning resources and guidance to help prepare you before smoke and fire threats intensify. Visit AAA.com/wildfire

OUTSMART PORCH PIRATES

Online shopping is convenient, but unattended deliveries can attract unwanted visitors. Take steps to protect your packages: Motion-activated doorbell cameras and visible security systems can help deter theft and send alerts when deliveries arrive. Track updates from shipping carriers to help reduce the amount of time packages sit outside. If you expect to be away, ask a trusted neighbor to collect deliveries or use a secure lockbox. Find more home-monitoring solutions at AAA.com/smarthome.

DISCOUNTED TIMBERS

Soccer fans can experience the energy of Portland Timbers home matches with exclusive savings for AAA Oregon/Idaho members. From chants echoing across the stadium to celebrations after every goal, the experience of match day at Providence Park delivers an electric atmosphere. Explore ticket offers at AAA.com/Timbers.

AWARENESS |

HOLIDAY SAFETY

Backyard barbecues and fireworks are staples of Independence Day celebrations. Follow a few safety tips for peace of mind going into the holiday:

• Keep grills outdoors only.

• Never leave flames unattended.

• Cook food in small batches to avoid grease flareups that result from overcrowded grates.

• Before lighting fireworks, check local regulations and weather conditions, especially during periods of extreme heat and drought.

• Soak used fireworks in water for at least 20 minutes before disposal.

• Keep pets inside. Fireworks cause anxiety, and animals are safer away from busy celebrations.

AAA has your safety top of mind, and July is an excellent time to review your homeowner's coverage with a AAA Insurance Agent at AAA.com/insurance

SUMMER FUN SAVINGS

From lazy rivers to water slides, water parks nationwide provide cool ways to beat summer heat and are accessible with savings from AAA Tickets. Member-exclusive pricing is available at destinations featuring wave pools, kid-friendly attractions and thrill rides for all ages. Explore participating parks and offers at AAA.com/waterparks.

BASEBALL FOR LESS

Catch baseball season in Oregon and Idaho for less with discounts on Hillsboro Hops and Boise Hawks home games. AAA members save 10% on Hops tickets in sections 101 through 104, and save 40% or more on Hawks' home games on Wednesday nights. Learn more or buy tickets at AAA.com/Hops and AAA.com/BoiseHawks.com.

with

&

base rate, minimum 5 days. Discounts apply to Pay Later base rate Taxes, fees, & options excluded. Promotion Code 211950 and AAA CDP# 177 must Canada, & Puerto Rico Age, fees may apply in the event of reservation modification, early / late vehicle return or if not returning vehicle to renting location.

pickups through 12/31/2026. Subject to availability,

for identification.

PUERTO RICO, BAHAMAS & THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Island Escapes and Caribbean Sun

Sail aboard the Sun Princess cruise ship on a seven-day Caribbean voyage featuring stops in Puerto Rico, Celebration Key in the Bahamas and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. Between island visits, enjoy onboard dining, entertainment and relaxing sea days designed for unwinding under the sun. From $549 per person. See AAA.com/viatravel.

GRAND EASTERN CANADA

Historic Cities and Coastal Charm by Rail

Travel through Eastern Canada on an 11-day rail adventure connecting Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and the seaside town of Halifax. Highlights include a day trip to thundering Niagara Falls, Frenchinfluenced architecture in Quebec City and scenic overnight train travel through Canada’s eastern landscapes.

From $1,819 per person.

FINEST OF HAWAII

Volcanoes, Culture and Tropical Landscapes

Discover the natural beauty and cultural traditions of Hawaii on a 10-day guided journey through Oahu, Kona and beyond. Visit Pearl Harbor memorial sites, experience local traditions at Kona Salt Farm, and explore the dramatic terrain of Volcanoes National Park and the black sands of Punalu’u Beach Park.

From $4,325 per person.

LONDON TO TROMSØ

Finding the Northern Lights

Journey north on a 13-day voyage through Arctic Norway, where winter skies may reveal the mesmerizing colors of the aurora borealis.

Experience Sami cultural traditions, dog sledding adventures, reindeer herding and the striking modern architecture of Arctic Cathedral rising above Norway's majestic fjords.

From $7,499 per person.

NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM

Spring Blooms Along Europe’s Waterways

Cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium during tulip season, peak time for Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia Brussels, aboard an AmaWaterways river voyage. Fill days with canals, historic towns, local markets and colorful gardens. Immerse in the charm and traditions of the region at the height of spring.

From $3,979 per person.

RIVERBEND PARK, BEND, OREGON

ON THE ROAD

A PEAK CHALLENGE

At the Hoodoo Challenge: Run to the Top event in Sisters, Oregon, high-elevation views and forested trails welcome more than seasoned endurance athletes. Celebrating its 10th year on July 25, the course is accessible to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with half marathon and 5K options for both competitive participants and those with more relaxed goals, including youth. The longer course climbs scenic terrain to Potato Hill, while the shorter route still delivers rewarding views without the steeper elevation gain. Adding to its appeal, participants receive a 2-for-1 Hoodoo Ski Area lift ticket, and proceeds support local youth and families in need through the Sisters Kiwanis Club. Winners of both races will receive a free 2026-27 season pass to Hoodoo Ski Area. See sisterskiwanis.org.

SOUNDS BY THE LAKE

Held on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho, the annual Festival at Sandpoint summer concert series runs July 30 through August 9. Hosted at War Memorial Field, the general admission venue offers lawn or grandstand seating, and a lineup of a mix of touring and legacy acts. This year includes Andy Grammer, Portugal. The Man, and Rick Springfield, alongside orchestral and community performances. Food vendors and local drinks round out the experience, inviting guests to settle in and linger. With more than 40 years of history, the nonprofit event also supports local music education programs and offers a no-cost instrument library so music stays accessible to everyone. See festivalatsandpoint.com.

IDENTITY THROUGH A LENS

The Boise Art Museum continues to run “Here We Have Idaho: Belonging” through August 23. The photography exhibit by Idaho-based artists Sofía Jaramillo and Ceci Richardson-Salvador explores identity and connection to place. Jaramillo’s portraits challenge the history of

Eurocentric ski culture in the West, reimagining who belongs in outdoor spaces, while Richardson-Salvador layers photographs of rivers and landscapes with embroidery, fishing line and topographic maps to create immersive installations. See boiseartmuseum.org

CELEBRATION |

CULTURAL REVELRY

For the 41st year, the Oregon Asian Celebration held on July 18 in Eugene, Oregon, brings together communities in Lane County and beyond to honor Asian cultural heritage. Find traditional music, dance and martial arts performances alongside a large marketplace and food vendors, plus hands-on activities such as origami, calligraphy and taiko drumming. Poetry readings and heritage exhibits highlight the diversity of Asian and Asian American communities in Oregon and beyond. See asiancelebration.org

CULTURE |

THE RODEO REIGNS

PERFORMANCE | SYMPHONIC SOUNDS

Located near Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, the Sun Valley Music Festival’s summer season runs July 27 to August 20, with free performances in an open-air pavilion. Featuring musicians like Orion Weiss and Alexander Malofeev, the program spans orchestral classics to contemporary works, all set against cool evenings and scenic views. See svmusicfestival.org

TRADITION |

From July 30 through August 1, Preston, Idaho, lights up with That Famous Preston Night Rodeo. Established in 1934 as the first rodeo held at night, the rodeo brings together regional and national competitors every summer. The competition begins nightly at 8:30, and includes bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. A parade opens the main events, and a carnival, sidewalk sale, and golf tournament draw in the entire community. See prestonrodeo.com

A COASTAL CLASSIC

Garibaldi Days arrive at Tillamook Bay in Oregon from July 24 through 26. The community celebration features a parade along Highway 101, live music and traditions rooted in the town’s maritime history. Visitors can explore the classic car show, enjoy coastal eats and witness the Water Ball Competition, where volunteer fire departments face off with high-powered hoses. The celebration includes a fireworks show over the waterfront. See portofgaribaldi.org

SOAR INTO Summer

Where to play when the temperature rises

WRITTEN BY KATIE HENRY

When summer temperatures rise, a cool escape is a road trip away. From floating through downtown Boise to plunging down slides on a Boeing 747 in McMinnville, water is at the heart of the season. The best part: You don’t have to go far to find it. These standout spots offer refreshing ways to play, relax and explore across the Northwest.

Lakes & Rivers

PAYETTE LAKE | McCall, Idaho

Clear water and mountain views make this a go-to spot for kayaking, paddleboarding or relaxing on the shore. Find boat rentals at Mile High Marina and human-powered watercraft at McCall Sports.

WALLOWA LAKE | Joseph, Oregon

Framed by the Wallowas, this alpine lake offers boating, swimming and the steepest tram ride in North America to the summit of Mount Howard.

DESCHUTES RIVER | Bend, Oregon

Choose your pace: a gentle float through town or navigating the mini-rapids at Bend Whitewater Park. For a more adventurous whitewater experience, join an outfitter for a trip through the Class-III Big Eddy rapid.

BOISE RIVER | Boise, Idaho

Simple, social and refreshing, this river float is accompanied by views of wildlife before entering the city proper. The six-mile journey offers a few chances to zip down Class-II rapids. After exiting in town, shuttle back to your car for effortless access.

Parks

WAHOOZ FAMILY FUN ZONE AND ROARING SPRINGS | Meridian, Idaho

The Northwest’s largest waterpark, Roaring Springs features high-speed slides, an interactive play structure, wave pool and lazy river. Next door, Wahooz adds indoor attractions and go-karts—an easy way to make it a full-day outing.

WINGS AND WAVES WATERPARK | McMinnville, Oregon

This aviation-themed indoor water park is a destination in itself, with seven slides, including four launching from the fuselage of a Boeing 747. Pair waterplay with a visit to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum to see aircraft, including the iconic Spruce Goose.

ESTHER SIMPLOT PARK | Boise, Idaho

Part of the Boise River Greenbelt, the 55-acre park features various ponds ideal for fishing, swimming and wading, plus a sandy beach and wetlands to explore.

Buffalo Bill’s CODY, WYOMING

Wonders of the Wild West at Yellowstone's doorstep

WRITTEN BY MELANIE HAIKEN

Strolling down Main Street in Cody, Wyoming, past bustling saloons and imposing 19th-century brick storefronts, it’s impossible not to feel the town’s Wild West history still very much alive underfoot. And no wonder—Cody was the vision of legendary showman William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who brought the world of thundering hooves, twirling lassos, bucking broncos and dusty shootouts to audiences across the country in his traveling tent shows.

This year, Cody celebrates the 130th anniversary of its founding, paying tribute to this larger-than-life figure who worked as a Pony Express rider, gold prospector, trapper, cavalry scout and stagecoach driver. A man of contradictions and surprises, documented history tells tales of how Buffalo Bill befriended Queen Victoria and other royalty, championed the rights of women and

people of color, and took on the building of a massive dam—at the time the tallest in the world—to bring water to the namesake town. He even turned his hand to journalism, launching the town’s newspaper, the Cody Enterprise, still in publication today.

HISTORY |

Visitors can explore Cody’s frontier history and the life and times of its founder at the Smithsonian-affiliated Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a complex of five Western history collections including the Whitney Western Art Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum and the Plains Indian Museum—where Lakota and Cheyenne beadwork, blankets and feather headdresses are stunning in their intricacy. Artifacts like Buffalo Bill’s bright yellow Deadwood stagecoach and buffalo fur-trimmed suede coat, Sitting Bull’s beaded pouch, and Annie Oakley’s saddle engraved with her name bring these legendary figures to life.

All summer, festivities will center around the 130th anniversary, with a celebration for Independence Day featuring fireworks, music and more. You’ll find rowdy country rockers and champion bluegrass flatpicking at the Cody Cattle Company, and a medley of performers at the Colonel Venue & Cigar Lounge, from locals to big names.

PLAY |

Unlike most Western hamlets, which grew up around railway stops, river crossings and other landmarks, Cody was created with visitors in mind. In this small town, find quirky museums and galleries throughout the highly walkable downtown, among them the accurately named Dug Up Gun Museum, which showcases rusty shotguns, rifles, knives and other paraphernalia unearthed around the area. The By Western Hands Museum & Gallery showcases contemporary artisans continuing the Western craft traditions exemplified by Thomas Molesworth's Shoshone Furniture Company. Find Western-themed inspiration for the inner cowhand at Custom Cowboy Shop and Mercury Leather Works, where the fine craftsmanship extends to cowhide backpacks and luggage, titanium buckles, bespoke boots and concho-bedecked saddles. Don’t miss the saloon and Hole-in-the-Wall cabin, where the real-life Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid allegedly went, among the 28 historic buildings rescued

from abandonment and preserved in Old Trail Town, where the plank sidewalks and packed-earth main street seem to await the next stagecoach.

Outside of Cody, the historic Sayles building in the town of Meeteetse houses several small museums including the Belden, home to the Charles Belden Museum of Western Photography that displays images captured by rancher Charles Belden of the traditional “cowboy” life. In nearby Powell, the Homesteader Museum documents the hardscrabble lives of early settlers, while the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center provides a memorial inside the sprawling internment camp, which at its peak imprisoned more than 10,000 Japanese Americans.

Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West shows served as the inspiration for professional rodeo as we know it today. Visitors can experience contemporary events at the Cody Nite Rodeo, which runs seven days a week from June through August. The lively pageant, which showcases bronc riding, steer riding, bull riding and barrel racing, pauses for an even more dramatic display of talent when as many as 900 of the country’s top rodeo champions gather to compete in the spectacular Cody Stampede Rodeo, June 30 to July 4, with payouts of as much as $400,000. Come June 30 for Xtreme Bulls, a nail-biting showdown between the country’s top bull riders.

For those looking to get into the action, the Cody Wild West Riverfest (August 7 to 9) hits the tumbling waters of the Shoshone River with kayak, paddleboard and raft races, along with a free concert in Cody City Park.

INDULGE |

For traditional Western steakhouse fare, don a Stetson and try Rocky Mountain oysters fried in cornmeal batter, fried green tomatoes and bison burgers at Proud Cut Saloon. But options go well beyond the expected. Start the day with fresh cinnamon rolls and fluffy pancakes at Our Place Cafe, a local favorite for breakfast. For lunch, grab an Italian sandwich featuring thinly sliced ham, Genoa salami and mortadella on slices of fresh focaccia at Sitti’s Table, known for luring even Guy Fieri to taste the fresh hummus. Cap a day of adventures with pappardelle in creamy lobster sauce, wagyu sliders, crab cakes or pork belly tacos at The Blanca Tatanka in the newly revamped Scout Inn. Bistro vibes prevail and signature cocktails feature local artisanal spirits and mixers like habanero bitters and Wyoming-made dragonfly ginger beer.

Stay or shop in the Victorian opulence of the Irma Hotel, named for Buffalo Bill’s daughter—who is said to haunt the establishment, sharing the halls with three

other purported ghosts, including the great showman himself. The Wild West Emporium on the ground floor carries the hand-tooled and embroidered creations of the Tres Outlaws Boot Company, which have adorned the feet of dozens of actors, musicians and celebrities including Johnny Cash, Steven Spielberg, Joni Mitchell and Tom Cruise. Dining on the porch of The Irma Hotel provides a front row seat for a reenactment of Wild West gunfight, complete with shrieking dance hall girls, which takes over the street every night but Sundays at 6 p.m. From its imposing brick exterior to its lush courtyard and airy plant-filled conservatory, the Chamberlin Inn encloses you in secluded elegance right in the heart of town. More music, from country to jazz, is on offer in the Spirits Lounge, though you may be tempted to curl up in the sunroom or library with a good book.

For a more outdoorsy lodging option, settle into a one- or two-room log cabin at the Bill Cody Ranch, where campfires flicker at night, fly fishing abounds and the ranch’s 72 horses are ready to saddle up for a trail ride anytime. UXU Ranch adds whitewater rafting to a roster of activities including trail rides and excursions into Yellowstone National Park.

EXPLORE |

It’s a surreal experience to walk across the Buffalo Bill Dam, look down to the Shoshone River in the canyon below, and realize that this was the tallest dam in the world at the time of its construction in 1910. The Visitor’s Center features a documentary and exhibits that detail the ambitious feat of engineering and construction.

Cody’s townsite was chosen for its proximity to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park, 52 miles up the Buffalo Bill Highway, and it’s a low-key experience to enter through the less-traveled East Gate. From there it’s a straight line to highlights such as Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, the burbling fumaroles of Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

At day’s end, linger in the grasslands of the Wapiti Valley to watch for moose, bighorn sheep and grizzlies seeking out their evening meal.

CRUISE Control

Day-long trips capture the spirit of the Pacific Northwest

WRITTEN BY ERIN DEINZER

One of the many advantages of living in—or traveling through—the Pacific Northwest is its abundance of waterfront access. Lakes, rivers, oceans, sounds. They’re all here, which makes it remarkably easy to sail past evergreen shorelines, spot local marine wildlife or simply enjoy some nautical sightseeing.

Because not everyone has the time, budget or inclination to set off on a multiday trip, day cruises are the perfect solution for enjoying time out on the water without the hassle of packing for a lengthy voyage or having to dig deep into your travel allowance. These noteworthy options let you “seas” the day in less than 24 hours.

San Juan Cruises

BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON |

San Juan Cruises operates two boats that transport you through Puget Sound’s scenic San Juan archipelago bound for the town of Friday Harbor. Board the passenger-only ferries on the mainland in Bellingham and enjoy a narrated tour during the seven-hour, roundtrip voyage. Along the way, the ship’s captain will introduce you to local wildlife such as resident orca pods, playful harbor seals and immense sea lions, while providing insights into the islands’ geography and its four main islands—Orcas, Shaw, Lopez and San Juan—including the fact that San Juan county has more shoreline than any other in the United States.

The ferry docks on San Juan Island near the heart of town at Spring Street and allows three hours on land to grab lunch, peruse galleries and shops, rent

mopeds or bikes, visit The Whale Museum, or just sit along the shoreline and watch as private boats and the Washington State ferries come and go. See whales.com.

Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge

CASCADE LOCKS, OREGON |

Built in Hood River, the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge was constructed as a replica of those that plied the Columbia River in the 1800s. At 145 feet long, it’s propelled by a large paddle wheel mounted at the stern (rear) of the ship and holds just shy of 600 passengers. Because sternwheelers are specifically designed for river navigation, it’s the ideal vessel for trips to view the Bonneville Dam and Columbia Gorge.

On back-to-back tours, you can experience locking (when the boat enters an airtight chamber that acts as an elevator to move from one water level to another) and breathtaking views of the gorge by staying aboard for successive expeditions—roughly one hour each way and free of charge after initial admission. Once aboard the sternwheeler, you can take the West Loop Tour which passes underneath the iconic Bridge of the Gods to spot seals and osprey, then to the top of the hydroelectric Bonneville Dam. The massive structure,

which generates power to almost a million homes in Oregon and Washington, also features enormous fish ladders to help migrating salmon make their way to their spawning grounds. Afterwards, stay onboard for the subsequent journey with panoramic views of the Columbia Gorge, renowned for its lush forests, soaring cliffs and variety of waterfalls, including the majestic Multnomah Falls. See sternwheeler.com.

Portland River Tours

PORTLAND, OREGON |

Spend the day on the water with a customized experience run by Portland River Tours, which offers a variety of options that can take a group of two to 18 passengers aboard a luxury pontoon boat built for casual comfort on the Willamette River.

Cruises begin at Willamette Park and cover roughly 18 miles roundtrip, with sights from historical cityscapes to Portland's bridges and floating homes. Wildlife and nature tours—where sea lions, beavers and more can be spotted—are a top choice, but the most popular are those to Willamette Falls, the second-largest waterfall by volume in the United States. See portlandrivertours.com.

TIP: Portland Spirit offers two full-day cruises to Astoria—one in May and one in October—where you’ll leave the Columbia River to explore Oregon’s forested coastal range. Retracing a portion of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, you’ll likely be kept company by tugboats and ocean freighters. The journey includes meals and historic narration.

Bookings are popular and always sell out quickly, so book early. See portlandspirit.com.

Beamer’s Hells Canyon Tours

CLARKSTON, WASHINGTON |

Since 1919, the United States Postal Service has been delivering mail to residents on the banks of the Snake River. Every Wednesday from May through September, you can ride with a postal agent on a jet boat, working along the river to deliver mail to homes and ranches.

You can still experience the thrill of riding on a jet boat propelled through the Hells Canyon wilderness any other day of the week—without the mail stops. Manned and narrated by U.S. Coast Guard-certified boat captains, these tours traverse the deepest river-carved chasm in the country. And though you’ll be passing through several sets of rapids, there’s also a chance for mellower activities on land, including a self-guided walking tour of the Kirkwood Historic Ranch and its museum, which offers a look into early 1900s life in the canyon. See hellscanyontours.com.

Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO |

Many people dream of taking a European river cruise on the Rhine or Danube, but there’s a stunning option closer to home. Head to northern Idaho to hop aboard a double-decker boat and set sail on a six-hour journey across Lake Coeur d’Alene and along the St. Joe River.

With an elevation of 2,129 feet at its mouth, the St. Joe is considered to be one of the highest navigable rivers in the world. After it flows 140 miles through the Idaho Panhandle, it drops into Lake Coeur d’Alene. Often referred to as the Lake Tahoe of Idaho due to its vivid blue color and high-quality water, surrounding thick pine forests and dramatic scenery, the lake provides a setting for many luxurious lakefront properties. As the cruise follows along its route, learn about the natural history of the area that includes resident wildlife like osprey and eagles.

See cdacruises.com.

Erin Deinzer is a freelance journalist and travel writer whose most recent adventures have taken her to Idaho, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.

Marquee TRAVEL

When the concert is the destination

WRITTEN BY MERYL PEARLSTEIN

There’s a buzz in the air—fans comparing notes on how they scored tickets, where they’re staying, and what they’re planning around the show. I know the feeling. I’ve traveled to seven different cities to see my favorite performers, and I’ve built entire itineraries around a single night of music.

This is marquee travel. Often called “gig tripping,” it flips the usual order of travel planning. In this case, the performance comes first and the destination follows. In essence, the concert informs the destination.

WHY TRAVEL FOR MUSIC |

For decades, following musicians from city to city was mostly the domain of devoted jamband subcultures. Think the “tapers” at Grateful Dead concerts, Phish heads or Dave Matthews Band groupies. Now, traveling for live music extends well beyond those circles. It’s become mainstream to choose the artist first and then decide where to go and what to do.

After years of cancellations and delays, with some musicians also taking time off to regroup, live music carries renewed appeal. Social media reinforces it, turning concerts into shared experiences people don’t want to miss. With some acts, there’s urgency to buy tickets. The proliferation of farewell tours has made that explicit. The Who’s “The Song Is Over,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell,” Journey’s “Final Frontier,” and Elton

John’s five-year “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” all signal that this may be the last opportunity to see these artists perform live.

Even when a tour isn’t labeled as a farewell, there’s a “last chance” awareness around legacy performers. I made a point of traveling to six cities to see Cher, Aerosmith and The Rolling Stones—not because they were officially retiring, but because artists in their 70s or even 80s don’t tour indefinitely. The window is narrower. Willie Nelson’s “Outlaw Music Festival Tour” remains a marvel that won’t last forever—he’s 93.

Access plays a role as well. With tickets now sold across multiple platforms, it’s often more practical to see artists like Taylor Swift or Beyoncé away from home. Availability and pricing can also confer bragging rights when scoring hard-to-get tickets.

THE WHAT AND WHERE OF MARQUEE TRAVEL |

Marquee travel can take several forms. It might mean choosing a single tour stop or selecting several cities to create a personal mini-tour.

It can also mean traveling to a destination where an artist is performing on repeated dates, taking advantage of a residency—a series of concerts in one venue over an extended period. For some groups, like Tedeschi Trucks Band and Dark Star Orchestra, shows feature new sets

each night, further heightening the experience. With tour and residency schedules published in advance, planning becomes easier. In each case, the performance drives the decision.

Las Vegas built the residency model, from Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Elvis Presley and Celine Dion to recent runs by Bruno Mars, Adele and Rod Stewart. New entertainment spaces like the Sphere—the city’s immersive high-definition venue—raise the stakes, reframing shows as destinations headlined by artists such as U2, Phish, Dead & Company and Eagles. Residencies from Kenny Chesney, Metallica and Backstreet Boys are scheduled for the remainder of 2026. Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ BleauLive follows suit with extended appearances by Billy Idol and Marc Anthony in its summer concert series.

Elsewhere, Harry Styles’ upcoming 30-show run at Madison Square Garden has turned New York City into a high-demand destination for fans. It’s his only North American stop after a three-year absence. Multi-night schedules and limited-city tours from artists like BTS and Lady Gaga do the same, concentrating fans in one place to see performers largely absent from the tour circuit.

As destinations turn concerts into tourism drivers, the experience for fans extends well beyond the show itself. Las Vegas launched Bruno Mars’ “Romantic Tour” residency with a parade and even a street naming, turning the kickoff into a citywide event. Hotels now entice fans with artist-specific swag, transportation arrangements and other perks, recognizing their role in the gig-tripping experience.

HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN |

Planning marquee travel comes down to a few key considerations. Start with the artist. Publications like Rolling Stone and Relix are reliable sources for music news. Each offers a website and newsletter to keep you updated on live performances.

Sign up for music-tracking platforms like Bandsintown, Spotify, Pollstar and Ticketmaster, where you can follow artists and monitor tour dates. Consider joining artist fan clubs—easily found online—to follow tour announcements, presales and packages that bundle tickets with hotel stays.

Then choose the city. If tickets are scarce or expensive in one city, look at other tour stops. Pick a place you’ve always wanted to visit. Build the trip around the date and location. Add time for artist activations, restaurants and nearby experiences.

Book your accommodations early. Reserve refundable hotel rooms as soon as tour dates are announced, and before tickets go on sale when possible. Make it a true marquee experience by seeking out hotels that capture the moment with themed packages and perks.

Do your homework. Ticket prices can vary by city. Weigh the options and pick a destination that fits your budget and schedule, and adds another dimension to the trip. What starts as a concert becomes an entire itinerary.

GO Local

Across the Pacific Northwest, outdoor venues pair unforgettable performances with stunning scenery and easy weekend escapes. These five destinations prove that great music is closer than you think.

• Britt Music & Arts Festival | Jacksonville, Oregon Concerts, dance and film surrounded by nature.

• Hayden Homes Amphitheater | Bend, Oregon Touring musicians perform atop a riverfront stage.

• The Gorge Amphitheatre | George, Washington A bucket-list show destination with iconic views.

• Outlaw Field | Boise, Idaho Intimate concerts in the Idaho Botanical Garden.

• McMenamins Edgefield | Troutdale, Oregon

Concerts on the lawn of a historic estate. Book a room to stay overnight after the show.

Meryl Pearlstein has never met a live show she wouldn’t travel for. She writes for outlets including Go World Travel Magazine, Gayot and Food Wine Travel, she covers the intersection of travel, culture, dining and the occasional encore.

Reverence FOR JAPAN

Crafting travel poetry in Tohoku

WRITTEN BY CRAI BOWER

Rain bends the cedar’s branch, exposes the spider’s web and pings off 350-year-old, hand-carved stones as we begin our 2,446-step ascent toward Mount Haguro. My jōe, traditional “pure cloth” I’ve donned as part of the Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage, saturates as swiftly as the adjacent Haraigawa River has swollen in deference to the downfall. But who am I to whinge? The Yamabushi, a mountain monk who leads our party, pays the rain no mind, skipping lightly up each glistening step in equal defiance of the slick surface and his octogenarian age. Head bowed, I follow.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS |

I traveled to Tōhoku, Japan, on Honshu’s northern peninsula, to hike, paddle and explore a lightly visited region best known for taking the brunt of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011. I hadn’t anticipated that within 90 minutes by bullet train from Tokyo vast swaths of wilderness would dominate this landscape. Dewa Sanzan, a spiritual journey of renewal to mounts Haguro, Gassan and Yudono, begins with a morning cleansing ritual in the shukubo, or temple monastery house, where I had dined on shojin ryori, traditional mountain vegetables, and slept the previous night. I then pass through the red Zuishin Gate and descend toward the forest floor, level out beside the river, pass the

1,000-year-old Grandfather Cedar, and pause to admire the five-story pagoda, a 600-year-old wood structure puzzled together without a single nail.

The climb begins sharply, then shallows out somewhat at a monument and grove in honor of Bashō, Japan’s greatest haiku poet, who followed this pilgrimage in 1689—the highlight of my entire visit. I’ve loved the non-rhyming, 5-7-5 syllabic, nature-infused form of haiku since middle school. I once wrote a college midterm for my Nature and Philosophy class entirely in haiku, and I read Bashō most mornings while sipping tea in my plant-enveloped studio, followed by journal writing—a prework ritual I’ve maintained for decades. My workspace cannot compare to the teahouse that is 1,000 steep steps on, where we perch to sip sencha tea as a vista unfurls, composed of forest, mountain and sky. Bashō ascended Mount Haguro during his 156-day, 1,491-mile Narrow Road to the Deep North sojourn. I reach the Dewa Sanza Shrine, board a shuttle and travel to Mount Yudono where I slither down a slick brae, navigate the Bonji River’s shallows and step, then stagger, beneath a powerful waterfall—the finale to my spiritual (and, as it turns out, physical) cleanse.

AWAKE IN NATURE |

This integration of natural elements draws me back to Japanese culture again and again. Whether enshrouded within a cedar forest, paddling above a submerged tree line during the spring melt or slipping into onsen—natural

hot springs—to soak after a 10-mile gravel bike ride, universal reverence for the environment never wavers.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail (MCT) is the latest example of Japan’s efforts to expand access to wilderness. The name itself—Michinoku translates to “the end of the road”—speaks to Tohoku’s historical remoteness. The MCT opened in 2019, a key component of the area’s post-tsunami recovery. Like a sumo wrestler who refuses to budge in the face of an intimidating foe, the trail runs along the Pacific Ocean for more than 600 miles, a fantastic alternative to hiking Japan’s heavily touristed Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo routes.

Most visitors plan a day trip on the MCT, though I meet a few through-hikers traveling the entire 637-mile length while staying in ryokan, traditional inns that often offer affordable meals and, as importantly, onsen. Settling into these glorious geothermal spring-fed soaking tubs after one or many days on the trail is simply sublime, an opportunity to soothe one’s bones and further unclutter one’s brain.

SPIRITUAL GRATITUDE |

We begin our next day bowing and clapping—a sign of Shinto respect—at the Kabushima Shrine, located at the Tanesashi Coastline trailhead. We step onto the shoreline path bordered by late-blooming sea asters and endemic Hachinohe tohiren, two of the astounding 650 plant species awaiting discovery. A mellow path rises within a copse of century-old kuromatsu, or black pines. We reappear above Osuka Beach, a 1.4-mile span where our gait famously agitates the friction between quartz and sand to compose an audible, if off-key, aria.

It may be my close reading of Bashō—who wandered incessantly, often calling on hermits who’d, for decades, traveled no farther than a few footfalls from their sylvan huts—but Japan draws me into the musings of hermetic life like nowhere I’ve traveled. I attribute this current recluse fantasy to the lone matsu that clings to the jagged igneous outcroppings, the trunk’s haggard posture in compromise to the unforgiving gale. Gazing from a tabletop perch upon

these solitary stewards, I question what in the wider world compels me to depart, ever.

Of course I rise, step gingerly down, rejoin my small group, and shuttle to the Kitayamazaki Cliffs, where we descend a narrow trail to isolated coves linked by a series of tunnels that lead to a mosaic of rocky beaches from scramble-worthy stones to smooth gravel. The arduous climb out reveals glorious views of the cerulean coves below and, beyond, the Pacific horizon.

I’m thrilled to get a paddle in my hand on our final day, after two days spent hiking along the shore. We kayak away from Jodogahama Beach, where white rhyolite rock forms a dragon’s back and tail that protects the inlet.

for these past days giving thanks to the flowers farewell

I lay my paddle across the bow, lean back to face the sun, and recall Bashō once more.

Crai S. Bower chases wildlife, trails and travel stories around the world. His award-winning writing and images appear annually in dozens of publications.

PLAN A TRIP

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In the Columbia River Gorge , Hood River layers outdoor adventure, orchardlined farmstands, memorable dining, and boutiques with a pace that invites lingering.

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Where luxury meets the outdoors. Golf, zip lines, and mountain views at Southern Oregon’s premier resort.

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