Jennifer Burns Bright

Contributing Writer, Via
Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Jennifer Burns Bright

Jennifer Burns Bright is an editor and award-winning writer specializing in culinary travel and natural history in the Pacific Northwest. She’s based on the Oregon coast and has written for Via since 2013.

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Her work has also appeared in AAA’s other magazines in the Pacific Northwest, Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats, Travel Oregon, Oregon Humanities, Gastronomica, Portland Monthly, and various NPR outlets (print and radio), among many others. 

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Articles by Jennifer Burns Bright

Crescent Trail Rides takes horseback riders onto the beach at Tolowa Dunes State Park in Northern California.

What to do in and around California’s Tolowa Dunes State Park

Winter offers surprising outdoor activities, from horseback riding to exploring Indigenous culture.
the spicy potato and corn chowder with toppings at Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup in Phoenix, Arizona

8 Places to Get Your Chowder Fix

Discover a variety of takes on this beloved hearty soup throughout the West.
picture of a woman foraging a porcini mushroom in a forest

Foraging Events and Feasts in the West

Collect your next meal outside at one of these foraging events.
Two hikers scramble on rocks along trail overlooking Sikta sound at sunset.

A Perfect Fall Getaway in Sitka, Alaska

For wildlife and ocean vistas, historical architecture and totem poles, head to this multicultural crossroads in Southeast Alaska.
Hikers on a boardwalk in Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park on Victoria Island.

3-Day Road Trip on Vancouver Island, B.C.

From Victoria to Tofino, explore the best the island has to offer.
Spirit Island on a sunny day in Maligne Lake Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.

8 Must-Visit National Parks in Western Canada

From turquoise waters to roaming bison, experience the country’s grand beauty and diverse ecosystems at these parks.
A sailboat at sunrise on Flathead Lake near Kalispell, MT.

Spring Mountain Getaway in Kalispell, Montana

For a taste of the Old West—and an easy gateway to Glacier National Park—head to northwest Montana.
Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, Oregon at sunset.

10 Scenic Drives in the West

Answer the call of the open road with trips to see rivers, craggy coasts, and mountain passes.
Elephant seals on the beach at Ano Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County, California.

Explore Año Nuevo State Park

Visit elephant seal habitat amid windswept coastal beauty on a guided dune hike.
steamed pork dumplings with dipping sauce from Gyoza Bar in Vancouver, B.C.

Delicious Dumplings in the West

By any name, in any form—boiled or fried, plain or pleated—dumplings are comfort food.
A passport and photos lay on a desk next to a laptop.

How to Save Money on Travel in 2023

Make the most of your vacation budget with these tips.
Aerial view of Genoa, Nevada and Mormon Station State Park.

Explore in and Around Mormon Station State Historic Park

Revisit the Gold Rush era at the historic settlement in Genoa, Nevada.
Coastline on a sunny day at Sue-meg State Park in Trinidad, California.

Things to do in California's Sue-meg State Park

Explore Yurok culture, sea stacks, and redwoods on the coast.
Toketee Falls off Highway 138 in Douglas County, Oregon, picture

Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway Weekend Trip

Waterfalls abound along I-5 between Roseburg and Gold Hill.
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course Zip Lines in Arizona, picture

7 High-Flying Aerial Adventure Parks

Get a dose of adrenaline at these aerial adventure parks in the refreshing outdoors.