Susan Stephens

From outdoor adventures to scenic campgrounds, this road trip from Las Vegas will take you to some of the best-hidden gems the desert has to offer
Near the lively cities of Las Vegas and Los Angeles is one of the most breathtaking areas in North America—the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks. The Mojave and Colorado Deserts offer a unique glimpse into the diverse ecosystems that shape this land.
From touring the second-highest dam in the country to explorin...

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Looking to travel solo in Portland, Oregon? This guide is for you — and I’ll start with an anecdote from my life here.
Standing in line for coffee one morning, I noticed the straitlaced gentleman ahead of me was not a regular. When he approached the barista to place his order, I heard him say, “Forgive me, but I’m from out of town. What’s with all of...

Just north of Portland on an island that sits in the middle of the Columbia River (which, incidentally, empties into the Pacific Ocean), Sauvie Island is a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Full of farms, cornfields, and beaches, here is where the city folk enjoys the quiet life. The main attraction is no doubt the pumpkin patch. Every September and October, gaggles of kids with their parents in tow come to Sauvie Island to experience probably the best pumpkin patch, corn ...

You may have heard the phrase, “when you stop learning, you stop living.” Well, it’s true. As we get older, our brains need stimulation in order to keep in tip top shape, and nothing is better than learning a new musical instrument.
When it comes to learning music, the violin is a gorgeous instrument – and not just for classical music aficionados. You will find the violin in classical, folk, country, and even rock music. It’s a very versatile string instrument, and small enough to carry aroun...

For a little taste of the unknown, on the fringe of society, and definitely unique, a visit to these grassroots communities will leave you enthralled. Slab City, East Jesus, and Salvation Mountain are all within a couple of miles of each other. Each area is unique, yet they are bonded together by some unseen force that relies on a sense of togetherness, artistic and spiritual expression, and pure, unadulterated free existence.
The people here are friendly, eclectic, and on the outer edges of ...

With more than 600 food carts and counting, Portland leaves other food truck-heavy U.S. cities in the dust. The carts are clustered together in pods and are run by trained chefs who whip up exquisite creations that are easy on the wallet. However, with so many options, it can be overwhelming for newbies. To get started, these are Portland's top food carts.
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Matt's BBQ
Address
4233 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 503-504-0870
Web Visit website
Conside...

I was a ghostwriter for Nils' gorgeous photography website and blog. He has traveled to many remote and exotic locations, and I have helped him with the prose to help bring his genius images to life.

In an effort to bring you some new voices on Ottsworld, here is a guest post from a fellow blogger and Portland Oregon resident Susan Stephens. She had laid out a perfect weekend itinerary for her home town of Portland! All opinions and experiences expressed here are hers. –Sherry
Portland, Oregon is a collection of diverse neighborhoods, each with their own ‘small town’ feel. These neighborhoods together weave a tapestry of everything that a big city offers. Portland has plenty of culture an...

The following is a guest post from Susan Stephens, check out her bio at the end.
The cascade loop in Washington will bring you back to basics. You will gain a new appreciation for “leaving the grid”, for putting away your phone and just being in the moment. Out in the Pacific Northwest wilderness, the untouchable beauty of the Cascades will inspire you to rely on your own instincts to lead the way.
The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway is a 440-mile driving loop that traverses the North Cascade Mount...

Have you ever camped in a rainforest? How about in the high desert? Or better yet, within yards of the largest body of water on the planet? You can experience all three right here (and then some) in Washington State. Camping in Washington State is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in the Pacific Northwest, with some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.
If I could offer only one piece of advice when planning a camping trip in Washington State, it’s to reserve your spot...