Model Tested: 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF Club 6MT Engine:  2.0-liter I-4, 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26-mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $33,045 As Tested: $39,255 Performance: A true sports car Spirited performance Very … read more

In Japan, the word “bento” is associated with the word for convenience. The bento box is a convenient way to carry a home-packed lunch — or any meal, but especially a single meal eaten during work or school day. The earliest take-along meals … read more

Everyone who lives in Washington knows the official nickname “The Evergreen State” comes from an abundance of evergreen fir, spruce, cedar and pine trees that grow within its borders. Another nickname, “The Green Tree State,” also comes from a plenitude of shrubs and … read more

Bloedel Reserve, a botanical garden on Bainbridge Island, has been open to the public since 1988. Over its approximately 140 acres are several varied garden types, including a moss garden and a nationally recognized Japanese garden. One featured area visitors encounter soon after … read more

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE AWD Engine:  3.5-liter V-6, 295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $43,355 As Tested: $47,152 Performance: Sport-tuned suspension Good acceleration Smooth highway ride Efficient 8-speed … read more

‘Tis the (shopping) season! And if you have a gardener on your shopping list for the holidays, you will have an easy time finding all sorts of wonderful presents. When the celebratory season is over and the chilly, damp reality of winter in … read more

These two gardens illustrate the variety and creativity of two contrasting Bainbridge Island lifestyles. A visit to the first garden feels like a walk in the forest while a visit to the second one is like a walk on the beach. A Northwest … read more

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota Prius XLE AWD-e Hybrid Engine:  1.8-liter gas/electricI-4, 121 horsepower, 105 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 51-mpg city, 47-mpg highway, 49-mpg combined Base Price: $29,575 As Tested: $31,629 Performance: Incredible fuel economy—our best was 53.5-mpg Smooth, comfortable … read more

Model Tested: 2021 Lexus UX250h AWD Engine:  2.0-liter gas/electricI-4, 181 horsepower Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 41-mpg city, 38-mpg highway, 39-mpg combined Base Price: $35,200 As Tested: $41,535 Performance: Impressive fuel economy—our best was 44.4-mpg Pretty good acceleration with electric motor assist … read more