Monday, September 24, 2007

Calamity Jane's Hamburger Parlour -- Sandy, OR

Business Name: Calamity Jane's Hamburger Parlour
Business Type: Hamburgers, sandwiches, restaurant
Address: 42015 SE Highway 26
City: Sandy
State: OR
Zip: 97055
Phone: (503) 668-7817
Web Address: Unknown
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: We stopped off at Calamity Jane's on our way from Bend to Portland via Mt Hood. The restaurant had gotten a good review from our guidebook, which we found was completely justified. Service was great and the burgers, chosen from a lengthy list of possible variations, were superb. My Texas burger had homemade guacamole. There were also non-burger items on the menu such as salads, but you're definitely wasting an opportunity if you pass up a hamburger on a visit to Calamity Jane's

Tillamook Air Museum -- Tillamook, OR

Business Name: Tillamook Air Museum
Business Type: aviation, aircraft museum
Address: 6030 Hangar Rd.
City: Tillamook
State: OR
Zip: 97141
Phone: 503-842-1130
Web Address: www.tillamookair.com
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: My wife and I visited the Tillamook Air Museum one afternoon after visiting the Tillamook Creamery. The Air Museum was well worth the time. It's housed in a WWII blimp hangar, which is amazing because over 1,000 feet long and almost 200 feet high and made of wood. The existing hangar and another that burned in the early '90s were part of the Tillamook Naval Air Station during the War and until 1948. The Museum has a great collection of mostly warbirds ranging from an F-14 fighter to a TH-57 training helicopter (which I probably flew in Navy flight training). I thought the best part of the collection was the assortment of WWII aircraft in flying condition, and the displays also recounted the history of the particular planes on display. Helpful and knowledgeable volunteers are available to explain the history and role of each exhibit. I love an air museum, but this was one of the very best I've visited!

Country Charm Acres -- La Center, WA

Business Name: Country Charm Acres
Business Type: berry jams and spreads
Address: 4010 NE 397th Circle
City: La Center
State: WA
Zip: 98269
Phone: 360-263-2982
Web Address: www.grandmacandysjams.com
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: We purchased a jar of Black Cap & Marionberry spread at the Astoria City Market and have truly enjoyed it. Not too sweet and in fact, sweetened with white grape juice, the spread is much tastier than the usual spreads we find in the grocery store.

Josephson's Specialty Seafood -- Astoria, OR

Business Name: Josephson's Specialty Seafood
Business Type: seafood market and smokehouse
Address: 106 Marine Dr.
City: Astoria
State: OR
Zip: 97103
Phone: 800-772-FISH (3474)
Web Address: www.josephsons.com
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: I picked up a can of garlic pepper salmon to take home, and it turned out to be the best canned salmon I've ever had. We stopped in at Josephson's right after we'd had lunch someplace else, which was unfortunate because I found out that you can have sandwiches and bagels filled with the different varieties of fish they have on display in the store. We're going back!

Baked Alaska Restaurant -- Astoria, OR

Business Name: Baked Alaska
Business Type: restaurant
Address: #1 12th St.
City: Astoria
State: OR
Zip: 97103
Phone: 503.325.7414
Web Address: www.bakedak.com
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: My wife and I called for take out, and we ordered a salad topped with grilled Copper River salmon and another topped with NY Steak. Both were outstanding! Unfortunately, the staff forgot to include our clam chowder in our order, and I had to make a return trip to get it. They were very apologetic and packed a double portion for us. The clam chowder was worth the trip and was the best I've had in years. My wife also had a berry cobbler with ice cream that was very good and too large for her to finish. Next trip to Astoria will require a visit to Baked Alaska!

Friday, September 21, 2007

20th Century Technology Museum -- Wharton, TX

Business Name: 20th Century Technology Museum
Business Type: museum, attraction
Address: P.O. Box 868
City: Wharton
State: TX
Zip: 77488
Phone: 979-282-8810
Web Address: www.20thcenturytech.com
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: I spent a very pleasant hour touring the museum, which has a diverse collection of exhibits in such fields as aviation, computers, electronics, housewares, and games. Art and Sharon, the owners, made me feel very welcome, and they guided me through the displays with a description of the history of each item The human-powered ornithopter, which is a flapping wing aircraft, was especially interesting because it was designed and built by a farmer from SE Texas. It was never flown successfully, but it was novel enough to be awarded a US patent. The Museum is a great reason to visit Wharton!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Silver Salmon Grille -- Astoria, OR


Business Name: Silver Salmon Grille
Business Type: restaurant
Address: 1105 Commercial
City: Astoria
State: OR
Zip: 97103
Phone: 503-338-6640
Web Address: http://www.silversalmongrille.com/
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: My wife and I tried the Silver Salmon Grille on the advice of the hotel staff and we were so impressed that we came back for a second dinner the next night. On both occasions we both had the Dungeness Crab and Provelone Cakes, which are served with a roasted red pepper and chive garlic cream. The crab cakes were also served for us with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables. On the first night we started with the Dungeness Crab and Bay Shrimp Dip, which was wonderful, but we discovered that we needed to save room for the main course. The Crab and Provelone Cakes were "to die for" and there were three large cakes in each serving so the other items on the plate, as great as they were, received secondary treatment. The Silver Salmon also has an extensive wine list and service was highly professional. We are definitely returning here on our next trip to Astoria. Highly recommended!!

Sisters Bakery -- Sisters, OR

Business Name: Sisters Bakery
Business Type: homemade doughnuts, pastries, fresh bread, bagels, expresso
Address: 251 East Cascade
City: Sisters
State: OR
Zip: 97759
Phone: 541-549-0361
Web Address: Unknown
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: We stopped in for a doughnut and coffee and we were quality and generous size of the doughnuts. I had a sour cream doughnut and my wife had a cinnamon twist doughnut and they were both wonderful. The doughnuts were so large that we decided to skip lunch two hours later. Service was swift, the Bakery has some seating, and prices were very reasonable. Highly recommended!

Cannery Pier Hotel -- Astoria, OR


Business Name: Cannery Pier Hotel
Business Type: Hotel
Address: No 10 Basin Street
City: Astoria
State: OR
Zip: 97103
Phone: 503-325-4996
Web Address: http://www.cannerypierhotel.com/
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: My wife and I stayed at the Cannery Pier Hotel for three days in early September. We enjoyed every minute of it. The staff was dedicated to providing superior service. They suggested great places to eat in Astoria and the Hotel even provides transportation into town using two beautifully restored antique cars. Wine and appetizers were served at 5 PM and fresh-baked cookies were served for the guests returning to the Hotel later in the evening. My wife had a facial and massage at the Hotel that she rated as superb, and I used the well-equipped exercise room to try to work off all the wonderful food consumed during this vacation. The rooms were fantastic with breathtaking views of the Columbia River -- we enjoyed watching the big ships and fishing boats sail past our balcony and seeing the sea lions and flocks of birds fishing in the waters just off the Hotel. The picture was taken from our room balcony. We had a great time during our Oregon vacation, but the Cannery Pier Hotel is definitely a place we want to revisit. Most strongly recommended.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Bohemian Rhapsody -- Wharton, TX

Business Name: Bohemian Rhapsody
Business Type: antiques, collectibles
Address: 134 W. Milam
City: Wharton
State: TX
Zip: 77488
Phone: 979-532-5577
Web Address: Unknown
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: We've purchased a desk, a side table, and some roping spurs recently at Bohemian Rhapsody and all were good values. The owners are very helpful and the large collection of furniture, accessories, and collectibles were attractively displayed. Some antique stores have a cluttered look, but not this one. If Michelle doesn't have something you're looking for she'll try to find it for you.

Franklin Furniture -- Wharton, TX

Business Name: Franklin Furniture
Business Type: furniture, mattresses
Address: P.O. Box 710
City: Wharton
State: TX
Zip: 77488
Phone: (979) 532-2631
Web Address: www.franklinfurnitureco.com
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: Since moving to Wharton, my wife and I have purchased two Lazboy chairs and a new mattress and pillows from Gordon. The folks at Franklin Furniture provide you with plenty of time to try all of the chairs and mattresses to ensure that the items you select are comfortable for you. They were able to answer all of our questions and prices were very reasonable. Delivery and setup were also first class.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Afton Equine Clinic -- Crozet, VA

Business Name: Afton Equine Clinic
Business Type: equine veterinarian
Address: 5080 Halycon Dr
City: Crozet
State: VA
Zip: 22932
Phone: (434) 823-1550
Web Address: Unknown
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: Lisa has taken care of my horses for more than ten years and I've always been impressed with her professionalism, expertise, and knowledge. She's treated them for serious founder, cuts, lameness, moon blindness, thyroid deficiency, etc., and I credit Lisa with the their recovery from all of these problems. Lisa is a vet you can trust to provide the best care for your horse.

Horseshoe Flats Campground -- Scottsville, VA

Business Name: Horseshoe Flats Campground
Business Type: RV & tent campground, camping
Address: 125 Snowden Rd
City: Scottsville
State: VA
Zip: 24590
Phone: (434) 286-4401
Web Address: Unknown
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: My wife and I have RV camped with Peggy and Richard four or five times and they were all very enjoyable experiences. Peggy greets all of her visitors with flowers and a hug, and the campground is very well maintained and located just across the James River from Scottsville. There are several good float trips that end right at the campground take out point. If you want to eat at a nice restaurant, there are a couple of them in Scottsville less than five minutes away.

Barnett Roofing -- Palmyra, VA

Business Name: Barnett Roofing
Business Type: roofer
Address: Rt 2, Box 1344
City: Palmyra
State: VA
Zip: 22963
Phone: (434) 589-3066
Web Address: Unknown
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: Mr. Barnett has repaired leaks in my roof several times. The first time, the roof vents installed by the builder developed leaks and Mr. Barnett replaced the vents with a much better type. The second time, a leak developed around a skylight. Again, Mr. Barnett responded quickly and his repairs fixed the problem. If you want a roofer who will do a high quality job at a reasonable price, you could do no better than Barnett Roofing.

Carroll's Gun Shop -- Wharton, TX

Business Name: Carroll's Gun Shop
Business Type: guns, knives, hunting & shooting supplies
Address: 123 Carroll Rd
City: Wharton
State: TX
Zip: 77488
Phone: (979) 532-3175
Web Address: www.carrollsgunshop.com
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: I took the TX concealed handgun training at Carroll's and it was extremely well run and informative. The range portion of the class was well organized and conducted with safety in mind. I've also purchase a shotgun and various supplies here. The staff at Carroll's are professional, very knowledgeable, and motivated to provide excellent customer service.

Wayne Cycle Shop, Inc. -- Waynesboro, VA

Business Name: Wayne Cycle Shop, Inc.
Business Type: motorcycles, scooters, ATVs
Address: 183 Eastside Highway
City: Waynseboro
State: VA
Zip: 22980
Phone: (540) 943-1111
Web Address: www.waynecycle.com
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: I bought a Honda Reflex scooter at Wayne Cycle four years ago and was very pleased with the sales team and with the service after the sale. Mike, the service manager, and his techs truly care about the safety of their customers. One time he cautioned me to check my tire pressures more often when his techs found my scooters tires were low during routine maintenance. The tire pressure wasn't part of his check and he didn't have to mention it to me, but he did and I avoided a mishap by paying more attention to my tires.

Johansen House -- Wharton, TX

Business Name: Johansen House
Business Type: B&B, bed & breakfast inn
Address: 415 Avenue A
City: Wharton
State: TX
Zip: 77488
Phone: (979) 532-8988
Web Address: Unknown
Rust Reviews Listing: Not available
Comments: My wife and I have stayed at Johansen House a number of times while visiting Wharton. Royce and Retha are welcoming innkeepers and their hospitality, combined with Royce's rosemary biscuits in the morning, make this B&B a very special place.