John Riggs was born and raised in Yakima. He moved away from Washington state for about 10 years, but moved back home, bringing along his wife and three kids. You'll find John in town snapping photos when he's covering new business openings, especially restaurants. He loves to help spread the word, and to encourage folks to shop local first. John also loves to travel, always looking for quick weekend getaways, attending events, and fan expos around the country. Don't be too shy to say, "Hi!"
John Riggs
Major Cigarette Law Could be Coming to WA, OR, CA
There was a time when you could smoke just about anywhere. Restaurants would ask you, "smoking or non?" Smoking was allowed on planes. Even places like McDonalds and Burger King would have ash trays for you to use. Smoking was socially acceptable indoors in most places...
If You Hear ‘Code Brown’, Leave Immediately and Call 911
Have you ever been shopping at Walmart and hear phrases on the intercom like 'Code Red', 'Code Adam' (let's hope not, you'll find out why soon), 'Code B' and more? Well, those are secret (and some not-so-secret) codes they use to let the other employees know what's going on and not to disrupt your shopping experience...
If You Love Lunchables, You’ll Love this Cold Pizza Restaurant
I've heard fables of a certain pizza place that serves their pizza cold on purpose. The crust is baked with the sauce, but the toppings like cheese and pepperoni are placed afterwards and served cold as such.
Yes, it's real.
Beto's in Pittsburgh, PA, has this pizza that some either love or loathe...
Jinkies! Scooby-Doo Doughnuts Have Invaded Krispy Kreme this Halloween
Krispy Kreme is always doing something cool. Promotions and events like 'talk like a pirate day' to introducing new flavors throughout the seasons, there's always plenty of reason to visit your local Krispy Kreme.
Just in time for Halloween, they now have doughnuts themed with Scooby-Doo...
Free Idea for Anyone in Yakima: Elephant Ear Cookies
Elephant Ears are a state fair staple. That big ol' floppy fried dough with rich butter and cinnamon and sugar makes just about the perfect treat and large enough to feed several as needed (if you're into sharing, of course).
I was at a bakery out of town when I saw something that definitely caught my eye...
Do You Need ID to Buy Baking Soda in WA, OR, CA?
Welp! This is about the dumbest thing I've heard in a while, and I hear a lot of dumb stuff, especially around here.
In New York, they're carding people in buying baking soda.
Baking soda.
Especially as we get closer into fall with all of those wonderful holiday cookies and baked goods that use baking soda, not to mention the 'leave an open box in the freezer' thing some of us do, there are repor
If You See This Invasive Species, Kill It On Sight!
There's a bug that has invaded the United States and is slowly taking over. These big, ugly flying creatures are typically found in places like China but we now have them in the United States and, if we're not careful, they'll cause some serious damage to our agriculture...
Daniel’s Taco Shack Has the Best Bang for your Buck at the CWSF
So many food options at the Central Washington State Fair. There are plenty of reasons to walk and snack or grab a table and enjoy some live entertainment while grubbing down on your favorites.
There's one food establishment I try to hit up every year as they make these gigantic burritos that are absolutely amazing and very reasonably priced...
This Booth at the CWSF Has $2 Ice Cream Cones
The Central Washington State Fair is home to all of your favorite fair food. It's easy to walk around and snack all day but that can add up really quickly and, before you know it, you're heading back to the ATM. There is one booth that consistently has amazing prices for drinks, ice cream, shakes, root beer floats and even amazing breakfast sandwiches if you're there early enough...
The Hawaiian Food at the CWSF Will Make You Shout, “Aloha!”
There is definitely no lack of food options at the Central Washington State Fair. From corn dogs to pizza to doughnuts to elephant ears and just about anything else you can think of on a stick, the fair will have it for you.
Walking down one of the many aisles we noticed this booth selling authentic Hawaiian food...
Ahtanum Berry Patch at the CWSF has Amazing Baked Goods
One of my favorite things to do during the Central Washington State Fair is walk around the Sundome for all of the unique shopping. You'll find jewelry, hats, wallets, products to shine your shoes and clean your glasses, toys for kids, local organizations to sign up for email lists on local happenings and, my favorite, the snacks...
This Botanical Garden in Spokane Looks Like Something Out of a Fairy Tale
There's a not-so-secret garden hidden in plain sight. If you find yourself in Spokane, it's definitely worth a visit. And it's free to visit which is always a good thing.
First there was the Glacial Conservatory. This greenhouse that had all kinds of different plants...