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PURELY NORTHWEST »

Grab and Go

Think you can’t get a souvenir worth taking home from a vending machine? Think again. From mini tarot readings to “spirit animal” mystery bags, the Venderia dispenses Portland kitsch that is all that and a bag of chips (without said bag of chips). A brainchild of Taylor Valdés, the quirky vending machines can be found in some of Portland’s bars and other establishments, including Beulahland, Wedgehead, The Zipper, Paymaster Lounge and the Waypost. Make an outing of it for your visiting group and take home some fun memories. vendingmagic.com ADDED ATTRACTION »

Going Up

This past winter, Whistler Blackcomb unveiled its new Blackcomb Gondola. Running from the Upper Village to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain, the new gondola is the world’s first three-gondola connection—delivering passengers to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola—and is the first fully sheltered route up Blackcomb year-round. It rises more than 2 miles from bottom to top. The 10-person Doppelmayr lift carries 184 cabins and can transport 4,000 people per hour. whistler.com

FLASHBACK »

B&B RETREAT IN BEND

Named for its original homeowners, the Lara House was built in 1910 in downtown Bend, Oregon—the first residence in what is now the Drake Historic District. The Lara family lived there only five years before moving on. Following its sale, the home enjoyed numerous reimaginations, including as a Depression-era boarding home, a dorm for young women and housing for military families during World War II. In 1983, it opened its doors as a bed and breakfast. One thing has remained consistent for the beautiful Craftsman home: It’s served as a welcoming place for guests.

Today the Lara House is family-owned and -operated by Sandra Griffin. Offering six rooms with en suite baths, the home can be rented out in full for business retreats and private gatherings. Rentals range from $1,150 to $1,600. The home overlooks Deschutes River and is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the Les Schwab Amphitheater. larahouse.com