11 Comments
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Hillary's avatar

I have *many* Vancouver Island recommendations. Are you sticking to the Victoria area or will you be heading up island?

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Holly Burns's avatar

Unfortunately, we really only have time to stick around Victoria -- I want to come back another time and drive to Tofino etc, but this will be a quick 2-night trip so figured we'd just stay in Victoria and explore.

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Meg Kat's avatar

Stews and feeding the soul of your soft animal body 💯💯💯 And books!!!! As always, you cleverly lasso your beautiful written words into an experience that feels familiar and refreshing! More Holly Substacks in 2024 please ❤️ Also, my grandmother was born in Tillamook. Have made many drives there from Portland. Cheese is 100, there are fun places to get amazing oysters 🦪 at little shacks, and the Tillamook ice creamery is delicious! On the way from Portland southbound, there is a beach called Manzanita - less touristy, really cute cafes (think Marion-berry French Toast, and the beach is gorgeous!!!

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Elizabeth's avatar

It is such a treat to have found your writing again ! I avidly followed Nothing But Bonfires, you are so talented x

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Holly Burns's avatar

Thank you so much, that's so kind of you to say!

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Christen's avatar

I had a lot of fun in college/the 90s-early aughts but a trip to the Tillamook Factory with some friends remains a highlight. Not exaggerating. The cheese is amazing obviously but the ice cream? Perfect. I still dream about the root beer float ice cream. Yes that’s right: root beer float ice cream.

Maybe I need to plan a trip?

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Steph Wang's avatar

I love this idea of quiet reflection and filling one’s own cup and giving ourselves the PERMISSION to be calm before the beginning of a new year.

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Steph Wang's avatar

Also I LOVE Caro’s substack! It’s rescued me from the dinner doldrums so many times

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Kathleen Donahoe's avatar

Third vote: Tillamook factory is amazing. I'm in Seattle and have kids that are 10 and 8, so overflowing with recs. If you need neighborhood specific recs let me know!

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Marisa McClellan's avatar

I also came here to say that the Tillamook factory is very much worth it. The Tillamook Air Museum is also kind of a kick if you have the time.

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Betsy Burton's avatar

The Tillamook factory is definitely worth a visit. We went a couple of years ago and did the Ice Cream Experience which was delightful. Highly recommend!

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