Continuing our journey, we marveled at the giant trees in Redwood National and State Parks, enjoyed a cozy barbecue in Eureka, and admired the picturesque views of Mendocino. Napa Valley's rolling hills and wineries offered a taste of luxury before we crossed the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. The city's rich culinary landscape, from In-N-Out Burger to Burma Superstar, and the haunting history of Alcatraz left a lasting impression. Despite the challenges of homelessness and the pervasive smell of marijuana, the trip was a tapestry of unforgettable experiences, scenic drives, and culinary delights.

Links:

• LeChon — A downtown Portland restaurant offering South American-inspired dishes with a focus on shared plates.
• Mount Hood — Beautiful mountain in Oregon.
• Proud Mary Cafe — An Australian-style cafe known for its specialty coffee and hearty breakfast options.
• TokyoSando — A food truck in Portland specializing in Japanese Katsu Sando sandwiches.
• Powell’s Books — One of the largest independent bookstores in the world, located in Portland.
• Departure Portland — A modern Asian restaurant with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Portland.
• QuarterWorld — A classic arcade hall in Portland featuring a variety of vintage and modern games.
• Redwood National Park — A series of parks along the coast of Northern California known for their giant redwood trees.
• Flow Restaurant — A restaurant in Mendocino offering ocean views and a menu featuring local ingredients.
• RamenGaijin — A Japanese restaurant in Sebastopol, known for its ramen and other traditional dishes.
• Screamin' Mimi's — An award-winning ice cream parlor in Sebastopol, known for its unique flavors.
• Voodoo Doughnut — The magic is in the hole!
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Our travels then take us through the picturesque landscapes of Arizona, where we marvel at the Horseshoe Bend and explore the Navajo Arts and Crafts at the Cameron Trading Post. The vast red rock formations of Monument Valley leave a lasting impression, and we savor the tranquility of our remote Airbnb stays. As we journey through Utah, the green scenery of Monticello and the unique rock formations captivate us. In Salt Lake City, we are pleasantly surprised by the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, visiting charming bookshops and enjoying local delicacies. The Bonneville Salt Flats and the quirky Shoshone Falls in Idaho add a sense of wonder to our trip, culminating in a memorable dining experience in Nampa.

Links:

• Hotel in Las Vegas | Luxor Hotel & Casino | Las Vegas Hotel — Luxor Hotel & Casino is a pyramid-shaped resort located on the Las Vegas Strip, offering a variety of entertainment, dining, and accommodation options.
• Home - Eggworks and Egg & I Las Vegas Family Restaurants — The Egg & I is a popular breakfast and brunch spot known for its extensive menu featuring waffles, eggs, skillets, and more.
• Hoover Dam - Wikipedia — An iconic American landmark, the Hoover Dam spans the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona, providing hydroelectric power and attracting millions of tourists annually.
• Cameron Trading Post — A historic trading post offering Navajo arts and crafts, a restaurant, and lodging, located in Cameron, Arizona.
• Monument Valley — Monument Valley is a scenic region known for its towering sandstone formations and cultural significance to the Navajo Nation.
• Spitfire Smokehouse BBQ — A barbecue restaurant in Moab, Utah, offering a variety of smoked meats and traditional BBQ sides.
• Jailhouse Cafe — A local favorite for breakfast in Moab, Utah, known for its unique takes on classic breakfast dishes.
• The King's English Bookshop — A beloved independent bookstore in Salt Lake City, offering a wide selection of books and a unique "Blind Date with a Book" program.
• RubySnap — A bakery in Salt Lake City known for its gourmet cookies with a variety of unique flavors.
• Bonneville Salt Flats — A vast, flat expanse of salt crust in Utah, famous for land speed records and its stark, otherworldly landscape.
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