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!
The Perfect Valentine's Day Date...in Oregon!
February 5, 2008

If you were to concoct the perfect Oregon date, what would it consist of? Building sandcastles at the beach? A romantic dinner for two? Or maybe even mountain biking or camping? Our staff has compiled a list of their favorite Oregon locations, to inspire couples everywhere this Valentine's Day.
"My perfect date would include dinner at the Portland City Grill and an Oregon Ballet Theater show at the Keller Auditorium."
~Submitted by Amy N.
"I would start with a fondue dinner (cheese to start and chocolate to end) with my husband at the Melting Pot before walking over to see a great live performance by the Portland Opera at the Ira Keller Auditorium. Then of course, our date would finish with coffee and a fabulous dessert at Papa Haydn’s (open late!) on Portland’s trendy NW 23rd Avenue! Since it would be late at this point and we would probably be too tired to drive the hour back home, we’d have to spend the night at Portland’s hip hotel, Ace Hotel. After sleeping in, we’d head to the Cadillac Café on NE Broadway for a breakfast of the custard French toast. Now that’s a date!"
~Submitted by Carole A.
Continue reading "The Perfect Valentine's Day Date...in Oregon!"
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.
Holiday Entertainment Throughout Oregon
December 4, 2007

If you're searching for holiday spirit, you're in luck! A number of festive holiday events are taking place between now and January 2008, throughout the state of Oregon. From gorgeous light displays and decorations to visits with Santa and holiday bazaars, Oregon is your one-stop-shop for family entertainment.
The staff at Travel Oregon (as well as a few of our friends) have put together a list of our favorite holiday events. So get out there and enjoy the holiday season!
Continue reading "Holiday Entertainment Throughout Oregon"
A Trip to Hood River's Hops Festival
November 13, 2007
By Amy Nyberg
The Fourth Annual Hood River Hops Festival on Oct. 6th was the perfect way to spend a Saturday. Coming from Portland we headed east on I-84 down the Columbia River Gorge. This is a terrific drive anytime of the year, but especially in the fall when all the colors are changing. What makes the Columbia River Gorge great is that there are so many things to see and do. Multnomah Fallsis a sight not-to-be-missed in the Gorge with a nice hike to the top of the falls (about 1.2 miles one way). Bridal Veil Falls, Vista House, Rooster Rock State Park and other amazing sights are great places to stop while traveling the Gorge.
Continue reading "A Trip to Hood River's Hops Festival"
A Trek Through McMinnville and Dayton With Travel Oregon's International Department
November 6, 2007
By Carina Reed

Good food, great camaraderie, and fly fishing…can you think of a better way to spend part of the day? Recently, five of my colleagues and I had the opportunity to experience all of that.
We started our afternoon with lunch at the Paragon Room at McMenamins Hotel Oregon. Hotel Oregon is a fabulous, historic four-story brick building built in 1905, located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country in downtown McMinnville. The Paragon Room features two large superbly handcrafted pool tables and saucer-shaped light fixtures complete with blinking lights above each table. The fixtures are incorporated within the décor to honor the annual UFO Festival that takes place every May. The UFO Festival began as a tribute to the famous 1950 Trent sighting in which two locals photographed a UFO in McMinnville.
A Weekend Excursion in Bend, Oregon- Part 2
October 25, 2007

By Jamie Porter
This blog is a continuation of Jamie's last post, on her adventures in Bend.
You Better Believe I Can Carry a Canoe…
That’s right, I was put up to the challenge. We got to the storage unit where the 15-foot canoe was stored, prepared to lift it onto a brand-new white Jeep without making a mark. No problem, right? We managed to flip the canoe only a couple times, but left the jeep completely unharmed. Once the canoe was securely tied to the jeep, we hopped in and headed for a refreshing drive to see what all this Cascade Lake hype was really about. Turns out the Lakes are worth all the hype. We first stopped at Todd Lake. We found convenient parking as soon as we turned in and hiked a short ten minutes into the lake before deciding that we weren’t too big on the idea of dragging the canoe in with us. Our short jaunt was just enough to appreciate the beauty of the lake and meet some Cascade Lake gurus who were able to direct us to some canoeing hotspots.
Continue reading "A Weekend Excursion in Bend, Oregon- Part 2"
A Weekend Excursion in Bend, Oregon
October 22, 2007

By Jamie Porter
The Drive—Can You Hear Me Now?
As a recent graduate of Oregon State University and a newcomer to the Travel Oregon staff, I was blessed to have a two week vacation (some call it unemployment) between the end of summer school and the beginning of a new job to live up my short, but oh so sweet summer. So, where does a born and raised Oregonian take a mini vacay? Beautiful Bend, Oregon, of course. Make that three mini vacations in the course of two weeks. After all, the 2 ½ hour drive over the pass is full of beautiful, “only in Oregon” sights and a bittersweet hour-long stretch of yes, you guessed it…no cell phone service. Ah, the peace (and the misery). After only a small glimpse of Oregon’s picturesque scenery from my car window, I found myself driving through the small town of Sisters, not minding the 20 MPH speed zone, because there is so much to see.
Continue reading "A Weekend Excursion in Bend, Oregon"
Visit the Ace Hotel This Fall
October 19, 2007
Looking for a cozy place to get away this fall? Perhaps a modern, sophisticated hotel located near some of the best attractions in the Portland Metro area? If so, the Ace Hotel may be the perfect destination for your fall vacation.
The Ace Hotel is known as a very chic, cozy hotel located in Portland. Its rooms feature artwork from local and national artists, ranging from realistic animals such as cats to more modern, abstract pieces. The room numbers were designed to appear like the numbers on telephone polls, which also give the hotel a very simple but fascinating look. Bathrooms in the Ace Hotel include original cast iron tubs and sinks with vintage fixtures, the lobby area carries local Stumptown coffee, and the hotel offers an eclectic event space called “The Cleaners”, which may be rented by guests. When visiting the Ace Hotel, you may also feed your hunger with delicious local food from their restaurant, the Clyde Common.
Continue reading "Visit the Ace Hotel This Fall"
An Adventure on Mt. Hood
September 7, 2007
By Jeff Hampton
Recently my family and I took a few days together in a cabin we rented on Mt. Hood. I’m not a “blog” guy, but we had such a fabulous time that I feel compelled to tell somebody. We decided that the kids (we have three of them) needed some time with big trees and cold water – it’s got to be a Northwest thing. The countdown to school starting and weather cooling off had begun and we figured that if we were going to do something as a family before Labor Day, we’d better do it right away. Our adventure took us just over an hour east of our home to the forests of Mt. Hood. We drove to the office of Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals in Rhododendron for a brief stop where they were expecting us, had keys ready, gave me driving directions, information on great local retail and restaurants and then sent us on our way. The cabin was easy to find, only about 3 miles from the office, but it felt “a world away”.
Continue reading "An Adventure on Mt. Hood"
A Great Weekend in the Gorge
August 30, 2007
I was so pleased to receive an invitation to some good friends’ wedding in one of the most beautiful places in the state, the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge is just a 40 minute drive from Portland, so is a quick and easy day trip, which has usually been all the time I’ve spent in the Gorge. I was excited to be able to spend a whole weekend in a place that offers so much to do and see!
The wedding was on Thunder Island in Cascade Locks (follow signs to the Marine Park) which doesn’t look like an Island when you drive by it, but once you walk across the bridge and are on the Island I quickly realized why the lovebirds chose such a beautiful spot. Breathtaking views of the Columbia River, the Gorge and the Bridge of the Gods can be had from this ‘secluded, but yet just a few steps from the parking lot’ Island. Pack a picnic lunch or pick something up at the Char Burger Restaurant in town and have a nice, romantic, scenic and stress-free stop while you are in the area!
Continue reading "A Great Weekend in the Gorge"
Wooden Nickel Summer Concert Series at the Oregon Garden
July 25, 2007
When you’re asked to write a blog about your boss’s 50th birthday a lot of thoughts immediately come to mind… There are those people who enjoy recounting the day they turned another year older and then there are those who want to forget – and forget about it immediately!
Now I was put in a tricky situation since this was the first ever blog I’ve been asked to write for Travel Oregon and I’ve only been on staff for about a month. I was caught up wondering if this was some sort of hazing ritual – you know, have the new girl write about the boss turning the big five-o and then see if she makes it to week #5…
Well, after weighing my options I decided to play it safe and not mention the birthday again, but instead focus on the details of what some of the Travel Oregon team did to celebrate the start of “the second half of life” of our astute leader.
A group of us packed up the car with blankets and lawn chairs and headed to Silverton, Oregon for a concert at the Oregon Garden.
Continue reading "Wooden Nickel Summer Concert Series at the Oregon Garden"
Celebrate Corvallis' da Vinci Days This Weekend
July 18, 2007
The team at Travel Oregon is very excited to announce that the annual da Vinci Days festival will take place in Corvallis this weekend, July 20-22. From unique art exhibits such as Pete Beeman's dual pendulum and breathing post installations, film festival, sidewalk chalk art and performers such as Pink Martini and Henan Performing Arts Ensemble, you can truly let your creativity run wild.
Continue reading "Celebrate Corvallis' da Vinci Days This Weekend"
An Afternoon at Mcmenamin’s Edgefield
July 17, 2007

It’s wedding season, and many people are taking advantage of the gorgeous summer weather, and planning summer weddings in Oregon. I recently attended a wedding at Mcmenamin’s Edgefield, located in Troutdale. This particular Mcmenamin's has a great deal of space for either an outdoor or indoor wedding, so those of you starting to plan might want to add this venue to your list!
Another reason Mcmenamin’s Edgefield is a great location, is that it has a large hotel, with incredibly low rates. Three of my girlfriends and I shared a suite, which lowered the cost even more. This could be particularly useful for guests who are traveling from outside of Oregon. Each suite has its very own theme, which is painted directly on the door, and also included in part of the room’s décor.
Continue reading "An Afternoon at Mcmenamin’s Edgefield"
Travel Safely in Oregon This Summer - Stay Informed During Wildfire Season
July 13, 2007
While the Oregon Department of Forestry announced the start of wildfire season a month early this year, the hazard need not interfere with your vacation plans. Affected areas currently involve only a small portion of the state. Before you set out for summer adventure in Oregon, you can check the following online resources to learn if your campground or travel route is affected by a wildfire:
Governor Kulongoski’s website for fire conditions and safety tips:
http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/fd/main_drought_fire07.shtml
Forest restrictions and closures: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/fire.shtml#Forest_Restrictions___Closures
Public use restrictions:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/public_use_restrictions.shtml
Oregon Fire Marshal updates:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Conflagration_Activity.shtml
Department of Forestry news releases and emergency messages:
http://flashalert.net/news.html?id=1072
Explanation of fire danger ratings:
http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/fire/fire-ratings.php
Wildfire air quality health rating:
http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/wildfire/index.htm
~ Safe travels!
The staff at Travel Oregon
Spend a Weekend at the Oregon Country Fair
July 9, 2007
By Ashley Moran
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “Summer of Love” by attending Veneta’s Oregon Country Fair. The fair will take place July 13th, 14th and 15th- and there are a number of exciting sights, sounds and even tastes on the agenda.
Below: Jenny Newtson, Oregon Country Fair Media Coordinator, explains the significance of the fair's largest art piece:
Continue reading "Spend a Weekend at the Oregon Country Fair"
OMSI’s Bodyworlds 3 Exhibit
July 2, 2007

By Ashley Moran
Photo: dancer
My little brother Nick and I rarely have time to bond, so we decided to hit the road to Portland and check out OMSI’s latest exhibit: Bodyworlds 3. I would highly recommend this exhibit to both science lovers and those who are interested in learning more about the human body, because you will truly be wowed by what you see.
Continue reading "OMSI’s Bodyworlds 3 Exhibit"
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 |
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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 |
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Willamette Valley
- June 30 - July 4,: St. Paul Rodeo, St. Paul
- June 30 - July 1 World Beat Festival, Salem
See all Willamette Valley: Events |
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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 |
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Continue reading "4th of July Weekend in Oregon"
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!"
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!
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"
Portland Japanese Garden Announces a Photo Blog
April 24, 2007

In Oregon, we started to see vibrant splashes of color – pink camellias, yellow daffodils, purple crocuses– even some multi-colored tulips around the beginning of March. This spring and summer, we hope you’ll visit us to see Oregon in full bloom at one of our elaborate gardens, nurseries and flower festivals (here are some suggested trip ideas)
If you can't make it up here to check out the brilliant splashes of color don't fret! Our good friends at the Portland Japanese Garden recently set up a new photo blog that allows you a daily glimpse into the flora and fauna at the garden. Here is what Cedric from the gardens has to say about it:
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Visitors to the Portland Japanese Garden are astonished at the unexpected beauty of a rainy day, or the contentment they find at the banks of a bubbling stream under the summer sun. Nature can be revered in all seasons; this is what the Japanese art of gardening teaches us. Continually returning to the idea of bringing humanity into harmony with nature—by bringing nature closer to the human world—the art of gardening delights in the little pleasures nature provides. At the Portland Japanese Garden, our designer Professor Takuma Tono applied this spirit to the American love of garden flowers, giving us something to see in each season. His garden is like an unfolding performance, complexly layered in seasonal color, changing its expression with each new species in season. Autumn maple leaves energize the Garden after the last days of summer; camellias cheer up the dark of winter. Like luminous clouds, cherry blossoms hover over the samurai-style gate and antique pagoda lantern for a few short weeks, announcing the arrival of spring. In the midsummer heat, cool blue irises form an oasis across the strolling pond.
Continue reading "Portland Japanese Garden Announces a Photo Blog"
Sugar Cones, Sand and Sun in Cannon Beach
April 5, 2007

-By Holly Macfee
Sometimes the spontaneous getaways are the best kind. Sometimes you just have to make work stop. Sometimes, when you do this, you can make time stand still, for just a little while. Though I was approaching deadline on a big work project, and my husband was sacked with 110 papers on McCarthyism to grade, our kids, 4 and 5, were on spring break, and we were all in desperate need of some together time--not the scheduled type between ballet class and swimming lessons--the unstructured, unplanned, meandering type of togetherness. The type of togetherness you remember when you were 5, when you found that giant length of seaweed on the beach that looked just like a seasnake. And what if you dug a sand tunnel and hid the snake inside it- would it be there the next day or would the tide wash it away? Oregon seems to be made for such moments, and so in search of some, we headed to Cannon Beach, about an hour and a half west of Portland.
Continue reading "Sugar Cones, Sand and Sun in Cannon Beach"
Goats, Davey Jones and Carnivorous Plants – the Oregon Coast has it all!
April 4, 2007
By Jennifer Archer

A team from Travel Oregon participated in the Great Oregon Spring Beach Cleanup. After breakfast at White’s Restaurant in Salem (since 1936!) we headed towards the coast.
The whale watchers were also out in force but the weather was a little rainy and windy – not good spotting weather.
Continue reading "Goats, Davey Jones and Carnivorous Plants – the Oregon Coast has it all!"
Sylvia Beach Hotel- A Literary Sanctuary
March 23, 2007
By Jessica Collins
The Oregon Coast offers hundreds, if not thousands of fun-filled activities and places to stay. For the avid reader and book lover, however, there is one specific hotel that stands out. Our very own Jessica embarked on an Oregon Coast getaway this past weekend to the very serene Sylvia Beach Hotel. Read on to hear about her exciting weekend!
Continue reading "Sylvia Beach Hotel- A Literary Sanctuary"
An Afternoon Touring the Wineries of Lane County (Southern Willamette Valley)
March 13, 2007
The mild winter sun shone brightly down on me as I gazed past the peacefully dormant vines on the slopping hills overlooking the lush Briggs Hill Valley. It was a beautiful Thursday afternoon and I was with fellow Travel Oregon cohort Michelle and our good friends from the Convention and Visitor’s Association of Lane County Oregon (CVALCO) Natalie and Josh at the Sweet Cheeks Winery (yes, there’s a story to the name…but you will have to read on), located approximately 20 minutes outside downtown Eugene.
When it comes to wine, place matters. And when you think Pinot noir, no place is probably more famed than Oregon’s storied Willamette Valley. On this particular afternoon, Natalie played tour guide as we toured some of the Southern Willamette’s finest wineries for an afternoon of swirling, sipping and savoring!
Continue reading "An Afternoon Touring the Wineries of Lane County (Southern Willamette Valley)"
Step into Spring! (Spring break ideas for the kids)
March 4, 2007

Spring Break is a time for exploring and new experiences. Check out these exciting Spring Break events, deals and ideas to entertain you and the kids.
Become a Junior Ranger at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Spend this spring break at the newly remodeled Thomas Condon Paleontology Center Museum at John Day Fossil Beds, located in the Sheep Rock Unit near the town of Dayville. Here, kids can take guided tours, investigate fossil specimens through microscopes and touch tables, and they can sign up to earn their very own Junior Ranger badge. The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is open daily, 9am to 4pm, year round.
Continue reading "Step into Spring! (Spring break ideas for the kids)"
A Weekend Full of Wine, Seafood, and Creatures of the Deep in Newport
March 1, 2007

By Carina Reed
My mother, my daughter and a friend all trekked to Newport for the weekend. We stayed at the Inn at Yaquina Bay in Newport in a King size suite with a microwave and fridge in the room. On Saturday, after stuffing ourselves on complimentary muffins and coffee/tea/cocoa, we decided to explore Newport. My daughter and her friend wanted to go to the beach but it was raining pretty hard so we chose some indoor activities instead.
Continue reading "A Weekend Full of Wine, Seafood, and Creatures of the Deep in Newport"
A Roadtrip to Albany, Oregon
February 27, 2007
By Amy Nyberg

If you haven’t been to Albany lately, its time to experience the town again. Being fairly new to Oregon, I was a bit unsure about what to expect from Albany, a charming small town about 30 minutes south of Salem. However, my curiosity got the better of me and I found myself tagging along with some of our staff on a guided tour of the city by the Albany Visitors and Convention Bureau.
I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised! Albany has lots wonderful reasons to make the trip, from historic homes to gourmet cuisine and a thriving downtown. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley about 70 miles from Portland, there is something for everyone.
Continue reading "A Roadtrip to Albany, Oregon"
Romance In Oregon- Food, Scenery, and Much More!
January 26, 2007
This February, romance is in the air. From breathtaking mountain tops to exquisite cuisine, Oregon's got your one-stop-shop for Valentine's Day. While there are endless possibilities when it comes to romantic places in Oregon, we've picked a few of our favorites (submitted by the staff at Travel Oregon):
Assagio's Restaurant (Recommended by Holly M.)
Assagio's soft candlelight creates a very romantic atmosphere, and its nouveau Italian food is well worth the trip. They have the best bruchetta I've ever tasted! In addition to their exquisite cuisine, Assagio also serves over 10 premium Italian wines.
More information: http://www.assaggiorestaurant.com/
For more Portland restaurants, please visit our Places to Dine section.
Continue reading "Romance In Oregon- Food, Scenery, and Much More!"

