• Explore Oregon
• Experiences
• Seasonal Offerings
• Travel Tools

It's Rose Festival Time!

May 29, 2007

In just two days, the iconic Portland Rose Festival takes over Portland. This year, the festival celebrates 100 years with an unforgettable centennial celebration that pays tribute to Portland's history, culture and community. Marilyn Clint from the festival sent us this blog about the upcoming release of the documentary "From One Rose". (In case you missed Marilyn's last "Inside Scoop blog, it's here)

From One Rose
It's been several months since I sat sniffing through interviews with Festival supporters and leaders as they were filmed for our motion picture. That particular Saturday afternoon was filled with unforgettable moments like listening to our 1991 Rose Festival president and longtime auto race chairman Bill Hildick describe how he felt back in 1984 when he finally heard that well-known announcement -- "Gentlemen, start your engines" -- and the Indy-cars zoomed down the track at Portland International Raceway for the first time.

(Video: Homage to the Rose Festival by the production team)

"I nearly jumped out of the bleachers," he said, and his eyes reflected the pride and excitement of that day 23 years ago when his own personal dream was realized and Portland hosted its first Indy-car event. "It was one of the best moments of my life," he said.

His memories are part of the Rose Festival story.

Continue reading "It's Rose Festival Time!"

Memorial Day in the Oregon Wine Country

May 28, 2007

Happy Memorial Day!
As you're out and about today celebrating Memorial Day in the Wine Country, we hope you take this chance to meet the winemakers, explore the smaller, quaint towns of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine growing region, and to experience the area’s charming restaurants and inns – all the while getting to know that tasty but cantankerous little grape that has made Oregon so famous.

And as you swirl, sniff, sip and savor tastes of Oregon's best pinots, you might want to write down (in a 100 words or less) why you love Oregon Pinor noir. Our friends at the Willamette Valley Vineyards are giving away a trip for two during September to Oregon's wine country that includes airfare, a rental car, great restaurant meals, friendly tasting room staff, and special tours of Oregon’s top wineries. For rules, last year's winner and to enter, visit Willamette Valley Vineyards' contest page here

Cheers!
Mo

Oregon Summer Travel Update

May 25, 2007

Summer travel update from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)

Oregon's two major interstates (I-5 & I-84) connect our largest cities to each other and our neighboring states. But despite the diverse and dramatic scenery that's revealed along each one, you simply can't appreciate Oregon from the fast lane of the freeway. So take a few hours (or a few days) and explore some of our roads less traveled. They can escort you along a rollicking river or a rugged coastline. They can guide you to the base of a majestic peak or the edge of a massive canyon. Granted, these routes may not offer the fastest ways to get around Oregon. Whichever one you happen to be on, however, you're sure to get quite a rush.

But before you travel Oregon this summer…check out www.TripCheck.com or call 511 (in Oregon) for the latest road and weather conditions and do drive carefully. Our friends at ODOT are working hard this summer to make our highways and bridges safer and you may encounter traffic restrictions, lane closures, detours, and delays. Check out construction maps before you go and use caution when driving through work zones.

Safe travels!

Oregon Ski Areas Honored with National Awards

May 23, 2007

Sustainability and creating authentic experiences for customers are two hallmarks of Oregon's ski/snowboarding areas. We are thrilled to say that two of our very own resorts (Mt. Hood Meadows and Mt. Ashland) were recently recognized by their peers as industry leaders.

The awards were presented at the National Ski Area Association's (NSAA) Annual Convention. This convention is a meeting place for the ski areas and related businesses to discuss industry news and events, show respect to the areas that have pushed the envelope and give a pat on the back to the areas that have done certain things “right” over the year and throughout the years.

Continue reading "Oregon Ski Areas Honored with National Awards"

Another Day Of Hiking, Dining & Wine Tasting in Oregon

May 22, 2007

Recently I had the pleasure of having my favorite sibling (actually he’s my only sibling) come to visit me from Columbus, Ohio. After much harassment, I convinced my brother visit for a weekend so that we could do what most Oregonians do: eat, drink, hike and drink some more.

On day one together, we decided to hit the hiking scene out at the Columbia Gorge and it was absolutely stunning. Why, you ask am I talking about hiking when I should be talking about wine? A girl needs to get out and about once and awhile and I’m also scheming my summer hikes and picnics this summer. I didn’t indulge in bringing wine with me on our hike together but I intend to do so in the future. With trail mix and berries in our pack, we hiked up Angel’s Rest near Multnomah Falls to find an incredible view. Once we reached the top we knew we needed a reward. And what do all hikers need post trek? Food, wine and drinks, of course.

Continue reading "Another Day Of Hiking, Dining & Wine Tasting in Oregon"

Good Eats in Portland

May 21, 2007

Welcome to the Travel Oregon staff's monthly "Good Eats" blog! This month, we're exploring the unique cuisine of Portland. If you're planning on watching a show at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, shopping at Saturday market or simply exploring the city, Portland has a variety of choices that will surely satisfy your cravings.

Our staff has put together a list of restaurant reviews, ranging from Cuban to Pacific Northwest that are guaranteed to make your mouth water.

Continue reading "Good Eats in Portland"

Five Favorite Paddle Trips in Oregon

May 17, 2007

Travis Williams is Executive Director of Willamette Riverkeeper. He knows the Willamette almost by heart, and has paddled many of Oregon’s other rivers, lakes, and estuaries.

John Day River
The allure of the John Day—one of America’s longest undimmed rivers—can be found in its solitude. With the sound of rushing water in the background, one might awake in their tent in early May to the sound of a colorful Bullock’s Oriole working the tops of the pine trees for food as the morning sun shines off of the basalt canyons. The John Day is prized by those seeking a multi-day river journey on one of Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Continue reading "Five Favorite Paddle Trips in Oregon"

WOU’s Annual Spring Dance Concert

May 16, 2007

By Ashley Moran and Amy Nyberg

Ballerinas, tap dancers, and breakers oh my!

This year’s Spring Dance Concert took place at Western Oregon University, in the Rice Auditorium (a cozy venue with a great view no matter where you sit). The concert itself consisted of approximately twelve separate dance pieces, choreographed by both professors and dance students at the university.

As a former WOU student, I was ecstatic to visit the same stage I had the pleasure to dance on once upon a time. Although I enjoyed all of the dances, my favorites consisted of “Wired for Sound”, choreographed by Sharon Oberst; “Limit Break”, choreographed by Samuel Hobbs; and “Man of My Dreams”, choreographed by Valerie Bergman and Darryl Thomas.

Continue reading "WOU’s Annual Spring Dance Concert"

Oregon We Love Dreamers Ad Campaign

May 14, 2007

By Ashley Moran

Welcome to Oregon! What's your dream?

If you’ve ever had a crazy idea, or a dream you knew you had to fulfill, then you know what it’s like to be an Oregonian. We at Travel Oregon, with the help of our counterparts at Wieden & Kennedy, decided this was something that couldn’t go unnoticed. (Video1 : Ginger & Mira from w+k discuss the Book of Oregon ads)

Continue reading "Oregon We Love Dreamers Ad Campaign"

Five Favorite Waterski /Wakeboard Spots in Oregon

May 11, 2007

Oregon has a multitude of first-rate waterways well-suited for every water sport imaginable. We have teamed up with the Oregon State Marine Board to explore and share our favorite waterways. Be sure to tune in for future stories about boating in Oregon!

Shawn Karambelas grew up on upper Willamette River; waterskiing every morning and night for more than 15 summers. He’s made a career from his love of water sports, owning and operating SK Northwest.

Upper Willamette River near Champoeg State Park
Some of the best smooth water in the state is on the Upper Willamette River from Newberg down to the Boones Ferry Landing. This area north and south of the I-5 Bridge is often referred to as “wakeboard alley”. (Wakeboarders take note: please avoid operation near developed shorelines. You are responsible for damage caused by your wake.) The earlier you are on the water, the more glass-like water there is to carve. This stretch of river doesn’t have much beach front, but Champoeg State Park has a nice dock to tie up against for lunch or to use the restroom facilities up top.

Continue reading "Five Favorite Waterski /Wakeboard Spots in Oregon"

My 1st Real Spring Ride in the Willamette Valley

May 10, 2007

By Randy Dreiling

Spring in Oregon is always interesting and our first ride of the season proved that. Sure we have ridden the fun trails close to Oakridge- trails that are a short distance from our houses (like Salmon Creek and Flat Creek). But today we wanted to hit Alpine Trail, my personal favorite. This was going to be a fun ride because we had a fun group together. It was nice out and we had some brand-new, giant demo bikes provided by Collins Bike Shop in Eugene. They had provided these bikes to me for their customers to test ride, and also for my Oregon Adventures tour clients to demo if they wished. John and Jake help me out with tours so I wanted to make sure they had a chance to get a feel of the bikes.

Continue reading "My 1st Real Spring Ride in the Willamette Valley"

A Mother & Daughter Adventure in Astoria, Oregon

May 2, 2007

By Ashley Moran
These days, because of our jam-packed schedules, I rarely have time to get away with my mother and sister. Which is exactly why we decided to travel to Astoria, Oregon for a girls-only getaway.

Day 1: Friday
We started our voyage by fueling our systems with mochas and lattes, and enjoyed a gorgeous drive to the Oregon Coast. We later checked in at the fabulous Cannery Pier Hotel, which was graciously provided to us by Donna Quinn, their director of sales and marketing.

Continue reading "A Mother & Daughter Adventure in Astoria, Oregon"

Romance, Exquisite Cuisine and Delicious Desserts at the Portland City Grill

By Gloria Zacharias

With four teenagers living at home, it isn’t often that my husband and I can sneak away to take some time for ourselves. However, my husband arranged a surprise outing on the occasion of our tenth wedding anniversary and even the kids didn’t give the secret away.

On a recent Saturday night, a chauffeur-driven black Lincoln cruised up to the front of our home to take us to our surprise (for me) destination. It was a beautiful spring evening in Oregon, and once I stopped hounding my husband for information about the restaurant he was taking me to, I relaxed and enjoyed the drive up I-5 to downtown Portland.

Continue reading "Romance, Exquisite Cuisine and Delicious Desserts at the Portland City Grill"

What's Going on in Oregon this May

May 1, 2007

Today in Oregon, the sun is shining. Fishermen are casting their flies into the rivers, couples are driving to wine country, and families are at the beach building sandcastles and dipping their toes into the Pacific Ocean. And unfortunately, we’re sitting inside writing about it!

This month, we’ve got a lot of fun stuff for you, including a delicious (and easy) salmon marinade recipe, ideas to help you plan your best-ever Oregon summer vacation, and the scoop on our famous Memorial Day Weekend in Wine Country event.

Continue reading "What's Going on in Oregon this May"