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Ode to Oregon
There aren’t many
states that can boast ‘having it all’ as well as Oregon can. From
the mountains to the ocean, cosmopolitan cities to rural towns, sophisticated
wine culture to wild outdoor adventure…..Oregon truly does have something
for everyone.
Flying into Portland gave us a quick city fix that included charming urban hotels, fabulous Pacific Northwest dining (not to mention great ethnic options as well), coffee shops on practically every street corner, great shopping (one of the best bookstores we’ve seen at Powell’s Books) and a unique vibe of sophistication, outdoors and warm hospitality.
The mountains beckoned and we headed to
Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood.
Even though it was summer, the top of the mountain still had snow (and skiing)
and temperatures that belied the month. Classic mountain-top-rustic
accommodations, hiking, creative meals at their lovely dining room, fabulous
views from Trillium Lake, and a general slower pace made for a great change
of pace from the city.
The wine country of Oregon gives the vineyards of Italy, France, and California a run for their money. Beautiful vistas, charming towns like McMinnville and Dundee, wine shops, and the ubiquitous Pinot Noirs of the Willamette Valley (be sure to check out Ponzi Vineyards in Beaverton) made for a great Oregon diversion.
The craggy coastline gave us east coasters a new view of the ocean. Majestic cliffs, rocky beaches, charming seaside towns, and thick and chunky chowders gave new meaning to an ocean getaway.
The outdoors reigned
supreme along the wild and scenic Rogue River. With whitewater rafting at
outfitters such as Echo River Trips
as the star feature of the area, outdoors enthusiasts can also take advantage
of scenic (and not as wild) river floats, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing.
We returned to our east coast roots with many story angles and photography from the best that Oregon has to offer.