Oregon Halibut Season Starts Tomorrow!

April 30, 2008


If you've got a hankering for a delicious halibut dinner, you're in luck! The Pacific halibut season opens May 1 on the Oregon Coast.

Matt Blume caught a halibut last year (picture above) and stated, "It felt like I hooked the bumper of a Buick on its way to the bottom of the ocean.” It turns out that his halibut weighed a whopping 106 pounds. “It was the hardest-fighting heavy fish I’ve ever caught. It took two of us five tries to get it into the boat,” he added.

2007 was an excellent year for halibut anglers, with a record of over 16,500 fish caught. This year isn't looking too shabby either, as the International Pacific Halibut Commission has set a quota of over 250,000 pounds of halibut for Oregon.

So get out there and start fishing! And if you're able to catch a halibut, try our exquisite Hazelnut Crusted Halibut recipe with Marionberry Margarita Sauce. For more details on halibut fishing in Oregon, please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

For a list of charter boats and other recreation guides on the Oregon Coast, be sure to check out our directory of Guides & Packers.

~ Happy Fishin'!

Photo Credit: Matt Blume and his halibut; photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

What's Going On In Oregon This May?

It's time to plan your summer getaway!

In Oregon you can see the world's largest sea cave, ride a half-mile alpine slide or study sharks swimming above your head. The kids will love an Oregon adventure, complete with outdoor fun, wildlife and more!

The kids will also love the brand new issue of Travel Oregon Kids Guide. It’s hot off the press and full of fun games, photographs and family travel ideas.

Also this month, we have another fantastic Oregon Coast giveaway, a delicious halibut recipe and great ideas for places to play golf.

See you in Oregon, where we're admiring river otters.
~The Editors

P.S. Mother’s Day is May 11. Why not take mom to an exciting and quirky Oregon event?

Tell Us How We're Doing!

Rockin' Out at Portland's Crystal Ballroom

April 24, 2008


By Ashley Moran

This past week, I had the opportunity to check out one of the Crystal Ballroom's alternative concerts, put on by 94.7 fm's Passport Approved program. The concert featured Skybombers, Justin Hopkins and Bassboosa. The Passport Approved program runs on Sunday evenings and features artists from areas around the world. For example, Skybombers are from Australia, and Bassboosa is from London.

If you've never been to the Crystal Ballroom, be sure to check it out! It's located near Portland's pearl district, close to a variety of fabulous restaurants including Manzana, Andina, Paragon and ¡Oba!. There are also a variety of places located near the Crystal Ballroom to grab coffee and dessert or a cocktail and a late-night snack after the show. Better yet, the Crystal Ballroom is also a McMenamins, so you can grab a pint of Ruby or Terminator Stout and a delicious burger at Ringler's Pub without even having to leave the building.

Continue reading "Rockin' Out at Portland's Crystal Ballroom"

Catch A Salmon on the Willamette River

April 23, 2008

Local anglers have recently discovered great salmon fishing on the Willamette River near Portland. Carmen MacDonald, one such angler, says “Spring chinook have a magic about them; they are the highest quality salmon in the world, and there really is something special about them - they're just that good.”

Learn more about the adventure of three local anglers, Carmen MacDonald, Trey Carskadon and John Fusek, by visiting KATU.com. And don't miss KATU's exciting video! Click here to watch the salmon fishing in action.

Have A Blast At The Oregon Shakespeare Festival!

April 14, 2008

Photo: The band of mechanicals (Jeffrey King, Josiah Phillips, Ray Porter and U. Jonathan Toppo) are assigned their roles for the play. Photo by David Cooper.

"I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was." ~William Shakespeare

This past winter, the Travel Oregon staff had the opportunity to see four plays during opening weekend of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I have been to the festival two times before, and I have to say it gets better each year! This year, we saw "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Fences", "The Clay Cart" and "Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter".

The snow was just starting to melt when we entered into Ashland, and the town had a very crisp, wintery feel about it. We even lucked out and had clear weather the entire trip, which made walking through downtown and Lithia Park even more enjoyable. And the food! I can't even describe how delicious Ashland's restaurants are- if you don't go anywhere else, you at least have to try Pasta Piatti (it's in an adorable red building- you can't miss it). Try their squash ravioli- it has biscotti pieces and a brown-butter sage sauce on top. It literally melts in your mouth.

Continue reading "Have A Blast At The Oregon Shakespeare Festival!"

Win a Trip to Oregon's Wine Country

April 10, 2008

Our friends in Oregon's wine country are giving away a weekend vacation for one lucky family! This three-day, two-night getaway provides the perfect weekend escape, giving your family the opportunity to experience everything the region has to offer--from enchanted forests to a Venetian theatre. View complete details and enter to win by April 15 at www.oregonwinecountry.org/contest/.

Before you pack up the car, make sure to check out video of other families exploring Oregon Wine Country and let us know what kind of activities you and your kids love the most! Your adventure idea could be featured on an upcoming Willamette Valley blog!

Chris Gardner Coming to Salem this Saturday

April 2, 2008

If you are looking for an inspiring activity to partake in this weekend, you're in luck! You have probably seen or heard of the recent movie entitled "The Pursuit of Happyness", starring Will Smith. The movie was based on the autobiography of Chris Gardner, who will be inspiring the city of Salem at the Historic Elsinore Theater on Saturday, April 5th. A lecture and book signing will take place from 6:00-8:00 pm, and proceeds from this event will benefit the MedAssist progam.

Get ready for an exciting evening! For more information on tickets to this event, please visit www.ticketswest.com. For more information on event details, please visit the Marion-Polk County Medical Society.

What's Going On In Oregon This April?

April 1, 2008

Pack your tent, fishing pole, and a good book for an adventure in Oregon's great outdoors.

Then test your culinary skills with this month’s delicious braised lamb and old-fashioned s'mores recipes. After you’re done, tell us how they turned out on our blog.

Also this month, we’re in such a good mood from all the fresh, spring air that we’re giving away a trip to the Oregon Coast and a Columbia Sportswear jacket.

See you in Oregon, where we’re making S’Mores.

~The Editors

P.S. Tell Us How We're Doing!

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