Chris Gregor

Favorite Drives:

My favorite stretches of road are located in diverse topography, yet all share similar qualities.  They are wonderfully free of traffic, the scenery on each is magnificent, and most importantly, cell service is poor or non-existent in those areas.  Remember the quiet we all enjoyed prior to the introduction of personal communication devices?  These drives can take you there again!

* Yakima to Hanford - When my schedule allows, I take the back road heading east from Yakima toward the Tri-Cities.  Once you get past the tiny town of Moxee, the next 50 miles or so are some of the most relaxing you'll ever drive.  At least during the months where snow is not an issue!

On the road 'tween Yakima & Hanford

* Avalon G.C. to Sudden Valley G.C. - This drive is short, (around 25 minutes) but features a windy country road around some of the most pristine lakes and ponds this side of Minnesota.  In the spring and summer the road seems almost totally covered by the canopies of surrounding trees, and in the fall the colors offered up by those same trees are postcardesqe in their brilliance.

* Homestead Farms G.C. to Loomis Trail G.C. - Another drive in the 1/2 hour range, but the open spaces and rural farmland that is north Whatcom County make this trek awfly hard to beat.

* Wenatchee to Lake Chelan – This drive is about 45 minutes and takes you up the Columbia River.  If you enjoy scenic river roads in Central Washington, this one is tough to beat.

A summer day at Lake Chelan

Best Road Dogs:

I've participated in many sports throughout my life and consequently consider myself somewhat a connoisseur when it comes to hot dogs.  I freely acknowledge that there are numerous facilities throughout the state where I've never eaten, so I certainly don't want to insinuate that there aren't some excellent dogs to be had elsewhere.  However, the rest of you would have to offer a special frank indeed to top those served up at:

Can't beat a quality road dog!

* Eaglemont Golf Course - Located in the foothills just east of Mount Vernon, their dogs are large, served fresh and come wrapped in a tasty, hoagie style bun.  Dammit.....Now I want one!

* Apple Tree Golf Course - This Yakima area course serves up a dog rivaled only by Eaglemont.  As a matter of fact, they are very similar in size and share the hoagie bun theory.  Oh, and in both cases the condiment trays are large and easily accessible.  All part of the overall hot dog experience!

Favorite Parking Lots:

My criteria for what makes a top notch parking lot are simple; scenery and proximity to where I need to go.  That being said, my list includes:

* Lewis River Golf Course - It's a bit off the beaten path in southwest Washington, but treats visitors to a post card setting.  The parking lot and clubhouse sit right on the Lewis river and the whole setting gives one a feeling of being transported back in time.  I think it safe to say that nervous ulcers are not a problem among Lewis river employees.

* North Bellingham Golf Course - Located in the middle of open farmland, the parking lot at NB offers sweeping views of the course and surrounding Whatcom County.  On clear days Mt. Baker seems close enough to touch.  Combine that with the fact that I can all but park at the clubhouse front door and my love for this lot becomes clear.

* Highlander G.C. - This course sits on hillside in east Wenatchee and the views from the parking lot are pretty spectacular.  One of the best post-round beers I ever enjoyed came on the tailgate of my truck sitting in this lot.

* The Clover Island Inn - This hotel is located on the Columbia River near the east bridge connecting Kennewick and Pasco.  The parking lot is incredibly peaceful and offers awesome views of the river and bridge.  It's one of my favorite spots to stop and have a sandwich.

View from the Clover Island Inn parking Lot

So there you have it, just a few of my favorite aspects of traversing this great state.  If you would like to submit some of your own, please e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  See ya' down the road!