Best of 2014

Out with the old, in with the new. My favorite posts from 2014 and the 5 most popular.

Happy New Year!  I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things after the arrival of Baby Brigitte, although it might be a while before I can really stick to a schedule.   So I’m kicking off 2015, with  quick look back at 2014.  It was  good year, especially the first 6 months, before my pregnancy really started to slow me down.  So here is a look at the best of 2014:   The 5 most popular posts and my 5 favorites.

2014 Most Popular Posts:

1. 25 Things To Do In Portland:  It is not surprising that this has become my most popular post of all time.  It’s a great little list that I’ll continue to update.
2. Space Ship on Sauvie Island:  Surprisingly, this was my most popular post for the last couple years until my previous post went up.  I guess a lot of people are googling about space ships.
3. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House:  This is a real Portland gem that I’ve been going since I was in high school.  A very “Keep Portland Weird” kind of place, but the photos in this post do not do it justice, in 2015 I vow to get back there with a better camera.
4. Multnomah Whiskey Library:  Currently, the most popular bar in PDX and for good reason.  You really need to brave the lines and check it out.
5. 5 Unique Portland Dates to Impress Your Lover: A fun little list I made for Valentine’s Day last year. I think there’s something for everyone.

My Favorite Posts of 2014

1. Sylvia Beach Hotel: A literary themed hotel on Oregon Coast.  Each room is designed for a famous author, everyone from Mark Twain and Agatha Christie, to JK Rowling and Dr. Seuss.  I think the ocean view library alone makes it worth the stay.  Perfect place for winter storm watching.
2. “Heavenly” Perogies:  Posts like this are what I wish my entire blog could be like, true hidden gems. This place is weird and delicious.
3. The Oregon Caves: Wow!  One of Oregon’s natural wonders.  I’m surprised this didn’t make the Travel Oregon campaign.  This national monument is quite a long drive off the main highway in Southern Oregon but worth it for the 90-minute tour through a huge cave network.  Keep your eyes on this place, the state just approved the funding for a big expansion project.
4. Tunnel Falls: I finally did one of the most famous hikes in Oregon. It’s long but it’s worth the trek.  Beware, the trail is not for the faint of heart.
5. The Artist’s Way Series:  Last January I started the Artist’s Way, a 12-week course on creativity, and wrote about the experience in weekly installments.  It’s not my usual content for this space, but I had a great time and got a lot of positive feedback about the series.

2014 was a great year, but I’m even more excited for 2015.  I have big plans brewing in my head, can’t wait to kick them off along with this new chapter of my life: motherhood.  Happy New Year!