Oregon Pinot Gris- On the Road to Becoming A New Favorite

January 31, 2008


If you're a wine lover, or even a connoisseur, you are probably familiar with Oregon's well-known celebrated wine, Pinot noir. But have you heard of an equally delicious wine, known as Pinot gris?

According to The New York Times, "Oregon pinot gris is one of the least-talked-about, best-value wines on the market today."

Pinot gris often have flavors of flowers, nuts and fruits (such as the pear). They often have a very crisp, clean flavor and taste good when paired with a variety of dishes. If you're looking for a good place to taste an Oregon Pinot gris, try Ankeny Vineyard Winery or Willamette Valley Vineyards. I have purchased many a bottle of Pinot gris from both places, and it has been well worth the trip. A glass of Pinot gris tastes great anytime, but especially on a hot day. It is very refreshing!

To read the New York Times full article on Oregon Pinot gris, please click here.

Interested in finding more wineries in Oregon? Please visit our Attractions section.

~Ashley M.

Welcome to Oregon- A State that Loves to Read

January 30, 2008

Oregonians not only love good food and exquisite events- they also love to read! In a time when technology has begun to replace the desire to read, Oregonians have stepped up to the plate.

The Oregonian stated recently that "We read more in our spare time and own more books than most Americans, according to 2007 stats from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. There's a healthy mom-and-pop publishing industry, and libraries here are among the most highly coveted in the country. Among cities known for being readerly, a 2004 study ranks Portland in the top 10 for its number of bookstores, newspaper subscribers and educated masses."

To read the entire article, please click here.

Love to read? We've also got a great list of books written about our great state. Check them out (no library card needed) and happy reading!

Skiing in a Winter Wonderland (that’s colder than cold!!) at Willamette Pass

January 29, 2008


Photos and blog by Andrea Hartman

Like the typical genius I am, I waited till the coldest day in North America to go skiing up at my beloved Willamette Pass. They were predicting temperatures in the teens, and snow on the Valley floor, but no, it’s MLK day and Andrea was going skiing!

My pal, and superior skiing buddy, Sara and I were up before the sun, and on the road by first light on our quest to make it to Willamette Pass before the first chairs started running. We drove on packed ice for the last leg of the trip, but it was nothing that slower speeds and four-wheel drive couldn’t handle.

Continue reading "Skiing in a Winter Wonderland (that’s colder than cold!!) at Willamette Pass"

Salmon River Forest Wonders

January 28, 2008

Photo: Salmon River near beginning of hike

Photos and blog by Dawn Rasmussen

Not too far from the base of Mount Hood, just about 40 minutes from Portland, lies a lush rainforest that proves to be one of the area’s most endearing hikes.

Located near the town of Welches, the Salmon River hike is a wonderful mix of scenery, lush forest and mixed habitats that keeps hikers “ooh-ing” and “ah-ing” the entire time on the trail.

We headed out one day to enjoy this hike (one of our favorites), which can be as long or as short as you’d like. The trail starts out near roads’ end and follows the serene Salmon River. (Be careful about where you park; what appears to be a parking lot is also right below a cliff. Your car could have some unwelcome rock visitors sitting on the roof when you return!)

Continue reading "Salmon River Forest Wonders"

Multnomah Falls Covered in Ice

January 24, 2008

If you love winter, now is the perfect time to visit Multnomah Falls. The recent icy temperatures have created a winter wonderland. Check it out- and don't forget your camera!

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Oregon

January 18, 2008

If you're looking for a few ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you're in luck! There are a number of events taking place throughout Oregon- take your pick and have a great weekend!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Tigard Public Library- Tigard
Listen to folktale performances, watch the film "Martin's Big Words" or browse through the display of books about Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 21st. Please call the library at 503-684-6537 for more information.

"Keep the Dream Alive Celebration"- Portland
Stop by and watch the Jefferson Dancers, Aaron Meyer, and a number of school bands and choirs. The event will take place at Highland Christian Center (7600 N.E. Glisan St). Admission is either a $4 donation or 4 cans of food. Please call 800-296-1309 for more information.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village- Salem
This kid-friendly event will include crafts and projects to encourage children to learn about various cultures around the world. Bring the whole family for a day of fun! A.C. Gilbert's is located at 116 Marion St. NE in Salem. Please call 503-371-3631 or 800-208-9514 for more information.

Fore more information on what's happening this weekend in Oregon, please visit our Upcoming Events section.

Learn to Ski or Snowboard this January

January 17, 2008


If you're looking for a great way to spend the last few weeks of January, why not learn to ski or snowboard? Many of Oregon's ski areas are currently offering special packages to help you do just that. Visit www.skioregon.org for details such as what to wear, how to rent equipment and find an instructor.

Some of these special packages include lift tickets, rental equipment, and a 1 hour group lesson. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. It's time to hit the slopes!

Great Places for a Cup of Joe in Salem


By Ashley Moran

Ah, January. While the holidays have ended and the festive cheer has been boxed up, January is still a great month to relax and get cozy. And what better way to do so than to curl up on a comfy coffee house sofa, sipping a piping hot latte?

There are a number of excellent coffee shops and bakeries sprinkled through the Salem area, and I've compiled a list of my personal favorites (being the coffee connoisseur that I am). There are, however, many other great coffee houses I haven't covered. If you have a favorite that isn't on the list, please add it to the comments section below.

Continue reading "Great Places for a Cup of Joe in Salem"

Go See the Oregon Coast this January

January 14, 2008


This winter, why not travel to the Oregon Coast? Spend some time strolling on the beaches, then warm up with a piping hot bowl of chowder at Mo's. Experience wildlife first-hand, and retire to a cozy, ocean front room.

Make the most out of your travels by visiting GoSeeOregon.com for the latest tips on where to go and what to do in Oregon. But don't take our word for it, see what Oregon's visitors have to say:

Recent User Tips include Beverly Beach State Park, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, The Stephanie Inn, Sylvia Beach Hotel, The Ocean Lodge, Seaside Aquarium, Mo's, Comfort Inn Coos Bay, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newmans's at 988 and West Coast Game Park Safari.

Continue reading "Go See the Oregon Coast this January"

Tell Leslie Where to Go in Oregon...And Win!

January 10, 2008


Think you're an Oregon expert? Now's your time to shine. Leslie and her two boys are planning a trip to the Oregon Coast, and they need your help. Tell Leslie where to go and what to do in Oregon, using www.GoSeeOregon.com. Make sure the site has all your favorite restaurants, activities and places to stay. Enter the Tips & Treasures Contest so they don't miss a thing!

For each tip you write, you'll be entered to win a jacket from Columbia Sportswear. Hurry though, this contest will only be open through January 31. Stay tuned next month for another chance to win!

Discover all the great places Oregon has to offer- discover a new restaurant, place to stay, attraction, etc. All by visiting GoSeeOregon.com!

Oregon's Snow Resorts Have Lots of Powder to Shred

January 9, 2008

Photo by Stuart Tomlinson/The Oregonian

Here in Oregon, we're expecting great snow! So grab your ski or snowboard and some mittens, and get ready to hit the slopes!

If you haven't already read today's Oregonian, Mt. Ashland Ski Area "received 3 feet of fresh powder in a 24-hour period this weekend, which is a lot even by the standards of a place that picks up about 285 inches of cumulative snowfall each season." Please click here to read the full article about these excellent snow conditions.

The snow is abundant, so get out there and take advantage. Take your friends, or even the whole family. And have a blast exploring Oregon's snowy mountains!

Please visit our Ski Oregon site for current conditions, and be sure to download our Winter Driving Guide for safe travels.

Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic This Friday

We've just received word that Lincoln City's Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic is expected to take place this Friday. The world's top surfers were given 48 hours notice this morning, to prepare for Nelscott Reef's 40 foot waves. Depending on weather, this contest could potentially be pushed to Saturday or Sunday. For more information on this contest, please visit www.oregonsports.org.

Interested in tackling some waves yourself? If you're not a surfing pro, you can still get out there and experience Oregon's waves. From Oswald State Park to Agate Beach to Bastendorff Beach, there are a number of waves calling your name along the Oregon Coast. While you're out and about exploring, check out local surf camps and surf shops for all your water needs. For more information, please visit our Trips We Love section.

The Pacific Ocean hovers around chilly, so you'll definitely want to step into a wet suit before paddling out. Like any surfing waters, please take caution and check the conditions before heading out. Talk to the folks at the local surf shops, where you can rent equipment and take lessons from certified surfing instructors. For more information, please visit www.oregonsurf.com.

What's Going On In Oregon This January?

January 2, 2008

What’s your resolution this year? We have some fun Oregon ideas to help you stick to it – whether it’s getting fit (take a climbing class, or train for Cycle Oregon) or spending more time with your family at one of our snowy resorts.

We’ve got more goodies this month, too, including an Oregon Trail-inspired recipe from a new restaurant in Central Oregon, and a number of fabulous winter events such as the Portland Jazz Festival.

See you in Oregon, where we’re watching The Goonies.
~The Editors

P.S. Share your Oregon New Year’s resolutions and keep us updated on your progress…

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