Sunday, January 13, 2019

Cosmic Tripster!

The quest to become a Cosmic Tripster starts with a McMenamins passport which looks very much like a US passport. There are pages within for various and unique stamps from all the McMenamins locations. The number of stamps needed to complete the passport depends on how many McMenamins locations there are which increases year to year. 2018 saw the opening of their Kalama location and 2019 will see the opening of their Tacoma location.

Right now, McMenamins lists 65 locations, including Tacoma. Twelve of those locations are hotels with multiple bars making the total number of stamps required to complete the passport at over 120. (The count could be over 130 when the Tacoma location opens.) Along the way, those on the quest receive prizes including food, merchendise, and gift certificates.

Once completed, a passport holder becomes a Cosmic Tripster which earns an invitation to a private Tripster-only party, overnight accommodations at one of their locations, concert tickets, and all-day happy hour prices on their beers Monday-Thursday for a full year.

Correct pronunciation of "McMenamins" is not required. I've heard it pronounced mc-MIN-i-mums, or mc-MIN-i-mins. It's mc-MEN-a-mins.

Their historic hotels are unique and interesting. Each property is a renovation of an historic building located on beautiful grounds in Oregon and Washington. They alone are worth exploring. (Hint: several feature secret rooms.) Bars range from busy and large to small and intimate. Some feature whiskey; others feature cigars. Some feature both. Many have wood fires inside as well as on outdoor patios. It can take full day to take in a property.

We completed the quest last weekend at Old St. Francis School in Bend. We are now Cosmic Tripsters! While no purchase is necessary (other than the passport itself at $30), we made at least one purchase at each location while enjoying the journey. And, now we're off to do it all over again!

Our livers are aquiver like flivvers!

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