McMinnville, Oregon: Reel Hollywood Video

Lots of people know about the old drive-in on 99 in Newberg, and visit it for a nostalgia trip. Did you know you can get a different movie nostalgia in neighboring McMinnville? 

Sometimes it's nice to be able to look at rows of cases and decide what to watch right there. You can do that at a Redbox, but there are few selections. Do it through a streaming service and the selection may be overwhelming, though also you have to have the right service if you have something in mind, and then if they decide to delete it...

Plus, there is atmosphere!

There are some nice touches, like the return slot being built like a ticket booth.

If you get inspired by the Let's-all-go-to-the-lobby cutouts...

... there is plentiful candy available.

You will definitely smell popcorn, so you should know that the bags are generously sized and yummy.

Plus there's a giant gumball machine.

Fortunately, I had a quarter.

Serving Yamhill county since 1985, there is a real community feel, with coloring contests, film festivals, and card trading, as well as a recent wedding of coworkers.

Even with 2 day rentals, borrowing may not be an option for those not conveniently located, but it can still be a fun place to stop by and maybe bring home some delicious popcorn.

COVID: I didn't really see much masking (really true for the town overall), but they will bring your rentals to your car, which I thought was a nice option.

Accessibility: It seemed pretty navigable, with an easy entrance and clear aisles, though as a small store it would be possible to end up in a corner. Again, they will your rentals to the car, and the selection can be browsed online.

https://rhvmac.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ReelHollywoodVideo

Everett, Washington: Funko HQ

 We recently took a road trip to Everett, Washington to visit Funko Headquarters.

I admit I do not have a single Funko Pop figure of my own, but I might know people who do.

The "pop" is for pop culture, and you can expect waves of nostalgia as all sorts of licensed properties are represented.

Much like visiting a Lego store, the fun is in the displays and large models.

However, in the Lego stores I have been too, I have only seen large models. Those are impressive for what it takes to assemble them in a way that is not true of the large-headed figures Funko makes, some that bobble, some that don't. 

However, Funko has tableau.

So you can see Godzilla breaking up a bridge and power lines while little planes circle...

or find Luke hanging upside down in the Wampa's cave, while Han rides a tauntaun to the rescue.

Around every corner there is something to make you smile.

You can even slide into the Batmobile next to Batman, because Robin is still on the way.

As compelling as the displays are, it is a store, designed for shopping.

It can get very busy when new figures are released, as they do have collectors, and even those who are not trying to assemble a complete collection may have strong feelings about some characters.

In addition to the figures, you can find bags and backpacks made by Loungefly.

There is clothing, and some plush.

They also have a wide selection of strategy games with a similar nostalgic bent.

Not all of the games come with figures, but some do.

There is also a section of separate arms and legs and heads, where you can assemble your own figure. That area was kind of between Hoth and Hogwarts.

There is a long wait time at the Hollywood store due to the popularity of making your own souvenir, but here, near its starting place in Snohomish, you can have a more relaxing experience. 

https://www.king5.com/article/life/shopping/personalized-funko-pop/281-9f781ed3-306f-47b4-91d1-7f99d8b84bea

There was one set of characters we didn't recognize at all.

Funko has started a new series, Wetmore Forest, with monsters living in the Pacific Northwest. There are videos and books, and a lot of characters.

There was even a leaping game you could try. The rules were not completely clear, but I have noticed this at other attractions.

Overall, it was a fun visit.

It was  also a really long drive, so that is something to take into consideration. Everett has a history with flight and airshows, and a museum there.

https://www.seattlenorthcountry.com/things-to-do/

We didn't do that though; we just went to look at Funko (and to stop at the nearby Haggen's, because we miss the deli there.)

COVID: I did not see masking being enforced, but it was easy to avoid other people. That would not be the case on a new release day, though they do have some one-way flow that could help with some things.

Accessibility: I thought this part was well-designed, including the set up for the accessible bathrooms. Aisles are wide and floors are smooth.

https://www.funko.com/

Washington Park: World Forestry Center

The World Forestry Center has reopened!

I had always enjoyed visiting before, but one thing I noticed this time is a diversifying of types of experience.

I was most impressed by the new theater, with interesting and insightful short films playing on rotation.

The staffer checking us in had mentioned the art exhibit upstairs, "Rethinking Fire", where artist Bryan David Griffith has used fire as a tool. He said on a day like that day -- where the skies showed the smoke of wildfires burning -- that it really made you think.

I don't exactly disagree, but the films -- particularly The West Is Burning -- made me think much more.

Different exhibits will have different impacts on different people; that is why the variety is helpful.

The variety includes the ability to make sounds with various wooden instruments, creating a tactile and sonic experience.

One cross-section of a tree was set up with magnification for the years represented by the different rings. Noting that tree's timeline, which shows a start around 1323, can be awe-inspiring.

Then, you may explore the ecosystem of what is underneath a tree through cute plush, or crawl through a log and listen to the sounds of the animals that inhabit it.

There are plenty of examples of tools and equipment used in the logging industry, then and now.

We were especially impressed with an area for smaller children, with books and boards they can play with.

I know many local parents still grieve the loss of the nearby Children's Museum, and I think the Forestry Center can help fill that gap.

The admission has been lowered to $5 per person, with children under 2 able to visit for free.

Accessibility: There is an elevator, as well as accessible bathrooms. The entrance itself, flanked with two large staircases, can be intimidating. The best bet would be to park in the lot for the Vietnam Veteran's of Oregon Memorial (Lot C), parking and crossing on the North end, and using the sidewalk there. 

COVID: More people were masked than not, but some not masking indicates that it is not enforced. It was not crowded while we were there.

Some people may have forgotten about it in the interim, but the World Forestry Center is back and has a lot to offer.

https://www.worldforestry.org/