Masticating with Mellzah: Slim’s Last Chance Chili Shack

June 17, 2014 Comments Off read Masticating With Mellzah, Pacific, Travel, Washington, West

Slim’s Last Chance Chili Shack never disappoints. Whether it’s ladled over a burger, a kobe hot dog, or my personal favorite, jalapeno mac & cheese, it’s complex and comforting, with just enough heat to warm up whatever overcast, chilly, rainy day you happen to be there (which is basically October through Juneuary). On a warm summery day, it’s awesome to be out on their patio with some chili and a cold beer, soaking in the sun. I’ve even eaten it in an emergency room waiting room (long story). Their bean and brisket is last meal-worthy. It’s that good. If only I could remember that they’re closed on Sundays, because I’ve shown up about three times in the last year on a Sunday, hungry and disappointed.

Spotted on the Roadside: Stonehenge Renton, Where a Man is a Man

June 13, 2014 Comments Off read Attractions, Pacific, Spotted on the Roadside, Travel, USA, Washington, West

What sort of arcane secrets does this office park contain when its roundabout is a mini stonehenge summoning portal?

Spotted on SW 21st St in Renton, WA.

Eaglemount Rockeries in Discovery Bay, WA

June 11, 2014 2 Comments read Attractions, Pacific, Travel, USA, Washington, West

This is basically the Disneyland of the Pacific Northwest, the lesser-known of the Disney parks.

I will admit to being disappointed that there wasn’t a dinosaur IN the jail, working on a dinosaur jailbreak.

I don’t know what my favorite part is: the painted on clothes, that George Washington is weeping what appears to be a poopy tear, or Roosevelt’s glass glasses. I’ve never seen the real Mount Rushmore but I feel certain this is nearly as majestic.

The Eaglemount Rockery was created in the late 1940s/early 1950s as a roadside attraction to lure in passing motorists and encourage them to stay at their cottages. Over the years, their displays have grown, building a bit at a time on the donations left by the public in the wishing well out front. It changed owners in the early 2000s, and they have set themselves to the task of refurbishing the attraction. Visitors are free to wander around the property at their leisure during daylight hours, and it remains free, though we made sure to plunk a donation in the well, because it’s not every day you see a dinosaur jail. We also made sure to keep our distance from the cottages, as I’m certain the last thing anyone wants on their vacation is to look out their window and see a creeper snapping pictures in their direction. The cottages are super-cute, though. We should have stayed there instead of at the Port Townsend Hooker Motel.