Wisconsin Blogger Shows Oregon Some Love

May 12, 2008


Wisconsin blogger Ladyhawker recently showed Oregon some love by writing about her visits to Ecola State Park, the Columbia River Gorge and Portland. Ladyhawker (also known as Carolyn) began writing about her Oregon adventure as soon as she arrived in the Portland airport. She visited tidepools and Haystack Rock on the Oregon Coast, the Rhododendron Gardens in Portland and Multnomah Falls. Be sure to check out her photos (especially of all the flowers and waterfalls), as they are stunning. You will even see a photograph of the Oregon Scenic Byways Guide!

To read more about her exciting Oregon adventures, please click here. You may even want to plan a trip immediately after viewing her photos!

Photo credit: Carolyn Standlee

What's Going On In Oregon This May?

April 30, 2008

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!

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!

Jeff Newman Wins "Oregon Naturally" Photo Contest

March 13, 2008

Photo by Jeff Newman

Bend's very own Jeff Newman recently won the "Oregon Naturally" Photo Contest, sponsored by Intel Oregon (and co-sponsored by JELD-WEN Communities, KGW Northwest Newschannel 8 and the Oregon Travel Information Council). The contest was originally created to increase tourism, and to emphasize Oregon's natural beauty. Jeff's gorgeous photo of Mt. Bachelor (left) definitely shows the true beauty of Oregon- and definitely makes me want to go skiing!

Jeff received a 24-month Oregon state park day-use pass as his prize, and his photo was featured on a KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8 newscast. You may also view his photo on the KGW website.

Interested in capturing Oregon's beauty on your own camera? Enter to win the next "Oregon Naturally" Photo Contest by visiting www.intel.com. Monthly and quarterly winners will be chosen. Get out there and explore Oregon's wonders!

What's Going On In Oregon This March?

March 5, 2008

Spring is a lovely time to be in Oregon. Nature’s palette is in full bloom, brightening the landscape with canary yellow daffodils, crimson tulips, pink cherry blossoms and purple crocuses at parks, gardens and flower festivals all over the state.

This month, we have a fantastic giveaway to the Southern Oregon Coast, inventive and delicious Spring Asparagus Lasagna and Hazelnut-Raspberry Brownie recipes and a brand-new issue of Travel Oregon magazine – it’s hot off the press and better than ever (if we do say so ourselves).

See you in Oregon, where we’re learning to make wooden shoes.
~The Editors

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

There's Still Time to Go See Southern Oregon this February

February 20, 2008


If you're planning a trip to Oregon in the upcoming months, or you would simply like to learn more about the great things this state has to offer, be sure to check out GoSeeOregon.com. Each month we ask visitors and residents what sights, activities and places they recommend in Oregon. In February we are looking for recommendations for Bob and Kathy, a recently retired couple from San Francisco who are planning a trip to Southern Oregon. While you are visiting GoSeeOregon.com, write a tip or two about your favorite places in Oregon, and you may enter to win GoSeeOregon's Tips and Treasures contest.

Continue reading "There's Still Time to Go See Southern Oregon this February"

Coos Bay's Phantom Ship- an Update

Photo courtesy of Coos Bay-North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau

We have just received some more great news- there is now more than one exciting way to visit Coos Bay's phantom shipwreck. Spinreel Dune Buggy & ATV Rentals is currently taking people directly to the shipwreck site.

Meeting place: staging area just past the boat ramp on Transpacific Lane
Cost: $25 per adult, $15 for kids 3-12 years old.
More Information: Call Spinreel at 541.759.3313

You may also get a bird's eye view of the shipwreck, by visiting Coos Aviation. The cost per trip is $120 per hour for up to 3 people, and $250 an hour for up to 5 people.
More Information: Call Coos Aviation at 541.756.6156.

If you're looking to plan a trip this weekend, be sure to travel to the coast. You won't want to miss this amazing site!

Travel Oregon Chosen as #1 State Tourism Site

February 19, 2008


If you're looking for yet another reason to visit Oregon, don't take it from us, take it from IgoUgo Travel. In a recent blog entry, IgoUgo Travel boasted about the country's top 10 tourism sites, with Travel Oregon listed as #1. This very blog was mentioned, as well as our 365 Extraordinary Days in Oregon campaign. Please click here to read the entire article.

We are very excited to be chosen as the most dynamic tourism website, and couldn't have achieved this without all the helpful comments and suggestions from our readers. Please keep sending feedback, and keep on traveling to Oregon! We're looking forward to your visit.

Happy 149th Birthday, Oregon!

February 14, 2008


"Happy Birthday dear Oregon..."

The staff at Travel Oregon gathered together today to celebrate our state's 149th birthday with a delicious cake, courtesy of our very own Jamie Porter.

We are thankful for everything this great state has to offer, including the beaches, mountains, city life and so much more.

It's hard to believe that Oregon will be 150 years old next year. In order to prepare for next year's celebration, be sure to check out Oregon 150's "Oregon Stories". Tell your very own story by visiting www.oregon150.org. Share your favorite part of Oregon, the story of how you came to know Oregon, or anything else that inspires you. Oregon 150 is accepting all types of creativity, including written stories, audio, video, art and more. Have a blast telling your story!

For more information on Oregon's next birthday celebration, please visit www.Oregon150.org.

Albany's Ambassadors of Salsa

February 12, 2008

It's always wonderful to hear about the great things Oregonians are doing to make the world a better place. Low and behold, we have our very own good samaritans living in Albany, Oregon. They are Robin Stover and Martha Mendez, the owners of Heaven's Garden. These two ladies have created salsas- ranging from Peach Jalapeno Salsa to Cherry Pinot Noir Salsa- in the hopes of raising money for charity. They hope to receive donations to build a cottage in a Uganda orphanage, and provide help to Sierra Leone's war survivors. Click here to read OPB's entire article.

Heaven's Garden began in an Albany Farmer's Market, then spread to Salem, Corvallis and beyond. They are true Oregon dreamers at work. What's your Oregon dream?

You may order some of Heaven's Garden's delicious salsa at www.heavensgardenoforegon.com

Phantom Ship Emerges From its Sandy Grave

February 8, 2008


Photo courtesy of Far West ATV Rentals

This week, we received some very exciting news from the Oregon Coast. A mysteriously large wooden ship was found near Coos Bay, which is thought to be from the late 19th or early 20th century. Click here to read The World's full article (Coos Bay's local newspaper).

If you are interested in history, shipwrecks or buried treasure, be sure to visit Coos Bay to witness this fascinating sight. Coos Historical and Maritime Museum will be placing historic ship photos on display, as well as various maps. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Please call 541.756.6320 for more information.

Spinreel Dunebuggy Rentals, Inc. is also creating a waiting list for possible tours to the shipwreck site, as well as the site of the New Carissa. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, get out there and view some living history!

Editor's Note: Please be extremely cautious and respectful if you're planning on visiting the wreck; the seas are high, and approaching the ship is extremely dangerous. Be sure to read up on beach safety before heading out.

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!

Lights, Camera, Action! Movies Filmed in Oregon

December 20, 2007


Oregon has long been a filming destination for Hollywood movies, from classics like The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop (both filmed at the Oregon coast) to not-yet-released films starring the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Dakota Fanning, and Woody Harrelson. Even scenes from Sean Penn’s Into the Wild were shot in Astoria, Mt. Hood and the Portland area.

Read on to hear about our staff's favorite Oregon films and vote for your favorite Oregon move!. Warning: reading these recommendations may convince you to run to the video store immediately...

Continue reading "Lights, Camera, Action! Movies Filmed in Oregon"

What's Cooking This Thanksgiving?

November 21, 2007

If you're tired of the same old Thanksgiving recipes, or are simply interested in trying your hand at some authentic Oregon cuisine, you're in luck! Oregon Bounty's 2007 Recipe Book has everything you need to impress your family and friends, and convince them to come back for seconds (or even thirds). From starters and salads to pastas, meats, desserts and breakfasts, we've got a recipe to satisfy the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters.

Continue reading "What's Cooking This Thanksgiving?"

Behind the Scenes of An Oregon Ad: Part 2

October 11, 2007

This blog article is a continuation of a "behind the scenes" look at the creation of a Book of Oregon campaign ad. You can read Part 2 here.

On a sunny spring afternoon, a group of Oregonians headed over to Hayward Field to create an ad. But not just any ad. This ad in particular starred Jordan Kent, Oregon’s resident track, football and basketball star. Because Jordan has represented Oregon in so many ways, what better title to give him than the Oregon Overachiever? Read on for a continued behind-the-scenes look at this exciting ad shoot…

Continue reading "Behind the Scenes of An Oregon Ad: Part 2"

Behind the Music of Oregon Bounty

August 16, 2007

By Amy Nyberg



You know when you get a song stuck in your head. No matter what you do, it doesn’t seem to go away. Well, that is what happened to me when I heard the new Oregon Bounty songs. Except they’re not annoying, they bring a smile to my face every time I hear them and kind of make me want to do a little jig. Maybe I am so fond of the songs because I am partial to Oregon Bounty. Or maybe it is just fun music. About a month ago I met up with the crew from Wieden & Kennedy (Travel Oregon’s advertising agency), at the production studio Digital One and witnessed first-hand how the Oregon Bounty songs were recorded and produced.

Continue reading "Behind the Music of Oregon Bounty"

Apple Valley Country Store Selected as a "Top Insider Spot for Oregon"

July 20, 2007


Travelocity recently selected Hood River's very own Apple Valley Country Store as a "top insider spot for Oregon" in its Local Secrets/Big Finds 2007 edition! This edition was created to showcase hidden tourist "hotspots". Apple Valley was chosen from over 10,000 Travelocity member entries. It was one of the 295 U.S. businesses selected, and one out of the five selected in Oregon. The Apple Valley Country Store is currently featured on www.travelocity.com- be sure to check it out!

Continue reading "Apple Valley Country Store Selected as a "Top Insider Spot for Oregon""

4th of July Weekend in Oregon

June 29, 2007

There's a lot going over the 4th of July weekend in this zany and wonderful place we call Oregon.
From soaring over blue skies and watching bumper to jazz by the waterfront and of course fireworks, there won't be a dull moment here this holiday weekend. Here is a smatterig of what's happening this 4th of July weekend....of course, for a whole bunch of more events & experiences, be sure to check out our event calendar or our collection of one-of-a-king Oregon experiences, 365 Extraordinary Days in Oregon (www.TravelOregon.com/365)

Portland Metro
- June 25, 2007 - July 29: Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival, Portland
- July 4, 2007 - July 8: Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland
- July 1, 2007 - July 4: Clatskanie Heritage Days, Old Fashioned 4th of July , Clatskanie

See all Portland Metro: Events | Subscribe

Oregon Coast
- June 27 - September 3: Live Like Lewis & Clark, Astoria
- July 4: Fireworks Over Yaquina Bay, Newport

See all Oregon Coast: Events | Upcoming Events | Subscribe

Willamette Valley
- June 30 - July 4,: St. Paul Rodeo, St. Paul
- June 30 - July 1 World Beat Festival, Salem

See all Willamette Valley: Events | Subscribe

Mt. Hood/The Gorge
- July 1 - July 4: Cherry Celebration, Hood River
- July 4 - July 8,: Old Fashioned 4th of July BBQ , Hood River

See all Mt. Hood/Gorge: Events | Subscribe

Continue reading "4th of July Weekend in Oregon"

Inside Scoop: Behind the Scenes of an Oregon Ad

June 15, 2007

By Ashley Moran

Oregonians love to work hard, and play hard- you might even say that some of us are overachievers. The Travel Oregon team recently explored the life of a typical Oregon overachiever, by pairing with Wieden & Kennedy (our ad agency) to create an ad. Jordan Kent, one of the University of Oregon's football, track and basketball stars was chosen to model in the ad, which was shot on Hayward Field. Jordan had spent many-a-track meet at Hayward Field, as he studied at the University of Oregon. Recently drafted to the Seattle Seahawks, Jordan was clearly the perfect example of an Oregon all-star.

Join us as we take a glimpse behind the scenes of this exciting Oregon ad shoot.

Continue reading "Inside Scoop: Behind the Scenes of an Oregon Ad"

Inside Scoop: A Chat With Donna Quinn, of the Cannery Pier Hotel

June 4, 2007


By Ashley Moran
I recently had the opportunity to visit with Donna Quinn, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Cannery Pier Hotel. This chic, modern-style hotel opened in 2005, and is one of the most elegant places I have had the opportunity to stay. Not only were the accommodations excellent, but Donna and the hotel also went out of their way to provide lunch reservations at a local hot spot. Below you will find a brief history on the Cannery Pier Hotel, as well as guest services and exciting news regarding the hotel's latest project, the Red Building.

Continue reading "Inside Scoop: A Chat With Donna Quinn, of the Cannery Pier Hotel"

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!"

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"

Celebrating Earth Day – Oregon Style at the Corvallis Farmers' Market

April 21, 2007

By Mo Sherifdeen
Oregon farmers' market

Perhaps you’ve heard that Oregon’s temperate climate and fertile soil produces a smorgasbord of produce such as berries, world-famous pears, apples, and a myriad of green vegetables? You might also have heard that all across the state—from Portland to Ashland and from Corvallis to Enterprise—there are more than 65 farmers’ markets that provide you a place to not just buy fresh-from-the-ground goodies but also chat with the farmer who grew them. (Incidentally, we’re showcasing the story of farmers’ markets in Oregon in this new ad that tells the story of a family who left the Portland Metro area for a small town in the country to raise goats and make cheese).

And that’s exactly where my wife and I found ourselves on Earth Day (today) this year. It was one of those only-in-Oregon days. The blue spring sky was tucked away by a grey winter blanket and the rain was coming down incessantly as we walked towards the Corvallis Farmers’ Market at the Riverfront Park on the banks of the Willamette River. Despite the seemingly gloomy day, the market was alive with energy. Young kids in a kaleidoscope of costumes and families accompanied by dogs and strollers intermingled with throngs of other market shoppers.

Continue reading "Celebrating Earth Day – Oregon Style at the Corvallis Farmers' Market"

Inside Scoop: The Grandest of Grand Floral Parades

February 16, 2007

If you take the 2 million visitors to Portland's Rose Festival and give them all big, gloriously puffy wands of cotton candy, how many napkins would you need?

Now in its 100th year, this iconic Portland celebration takes over Waterfront Park for 18 days in June. The festival entices people from all over the world with such attractions as carnival rides, dragon boat races, queen's coronation, starlight parade and the Grand Floral Parade, one of the nation's top two all-floral parades.

Marilyn Clint, Associate Executive Director & Grand Floral Parade Manager, grew up admiring the splendor of this parade. Read on for a special "inside scoop" on this year's grand celebration, as well as its fascinating background.

Continue reading "Inside Scoop: The Grandest of Grand Floral Parades"

The Gift of Snow and the Exaltation of Trees

November 28, 2006

It’s a dark 6:00am and it’s raining. I’m walking Shaman, my Collie, who’s picking up routine scents like a morning roll call. We come across the old Noble Fir on our path – it’s literally in the path of the sidewalk, which by mason’s design has been respectfully curved around its massive trunk. This tree is more than 150 years old, as old as Oregon itself. Shaman stops abrupt, a sesquicentennial of squirrel tracks and critter squats punctuating the scent. The rain on his back is now a smattering of snow flakes and I whistle him back to our walk.

The morning’s drive to Forest Grove, West of Portland, is awash in white. Raised a Midwestern urbanite, I like to think I know snow. I’ve driven through blizzards and shoveled once, twice, three times in a day. As a kid, I remember holing up in blanket caves during chilly power outages, making snow angels and castles out of four-foot drifts, and praying for snow days with plotting abandon. The temporality of snow was my prairie child’s wish, and my city girl’s chore.

Continue reading "The Gift of Snow and the Exaltation of Trees"

What's on tap this thanksgiving weekend in Oregon? Turkey, pinot noir, powder, and a civil war!

November 21, 2006

As the turkey thaws away in the fridge (one more day!) and the seemingly long pre-Thanksgiving work week draws to a close, I’m starting to drool with earnest anticipation about the prospects of the long weekend. Of course, the easy way out would be to give in to the unexplainable draw of the family couch and take in hours of pigskin action. But on second thought, with all the grazing I’ve already penciled in for Turkey Day, getting out there and “working out” might be better. Here are some cures for that post turkey hangover.

Thanksgiving in the wine country – What’s better than turkey? Pinor noir baby! Oregon's wineries are throwing open their doors this weekend. Festivities include tasting of new releases and older vintages, barrel tastings, specialty foods and sales of limited quantity wines. Some wineries have live music and some charge a tasting fee. Follow the following links for a listing of what’s going at area wineries in the: Portland Metro area, Willamette Valley, Central Oregon and Southern Oregon.

Continue reading "What's on tap this thanksgiving weekend in Oregon? Turkey, pinot noir, powder, and a civil war!"

Close encounters…with a deer!

October 24, 2006


Photo Credit: Dennis Oliphant & OPB

We were intrigued on Monday by a story on Oregon Public Broadcasting about a close encounter of the wild kind. Kevin Cox, a seventh grader running a cross-country race in Bend, apparently stumbled upon an amorous deer…that seemingly got a little too comfortable and frisky with him. The story went on to say that the lonely deer gave chase and at one point even smothered him with kisses!

Curiosity got the better of us...after a search online, we found some amazing photography of this incident to share with you. Check it out...our friends at KGW and OPB both have slide shows of this bizare, "Only in Oregon" story.