The Willamette Valley is a region in Western Oregon known for its fertile soil, stunning scenery, and world-renowned wine production. The valley’s cool climate and rich soils make it an ideal place to grow grapes, particularly Pinot Noir, which is considered one of the finest wines in the world. The region is also home to a thriving farm-to-table food scene, with local chefs incorporating fresh ingredients from the valley’s farms and orchards into their dishes. Visitors to the Willamette Valley can enjoy wine tastings, farm tours, and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The area’s picturesque small towns, including McMinnville and Newberg, offer charming accommodations, quaint shops, and a welcoming community.
Updated August 2026: Rowena Plateau offers two related choices at Tom McCall Preserve above the Columbia River Gorge. The short plateau walk is about one mile, while the full Plateau Trail with the Shasha Loop is 2.6 miles round trip. Both cross sensitive wildflower...
Nestled in the heart of Salem, Oregon is a slice of dessert heaven known as Gerry Frank's Konditorei. A beacon of sweetness since its opening in 1982, this extravagant bakery and café has been tantalizing taste buds with its gourmet creations and cozy ambiance ever...
When I was a kid, one of my favorite things to do was go to the arcade with a group of friends. With home video game consoles, many arcades have fallen by the wayside over the years and closed up shop, while the ones that are still around cost an arm and a leg just to...
Nestled in the heart of Lebanon, Oregon, J&C Bigfoot Grille has become a local legend, blending the art of craft burgers with award-winning BBQ in a way that's as unique as the mythical creature it's named after. When the culinary talents behind J&C BBQ took...
Let's talk about one of Oregon's lushest (no pun intended) landscapes—the Willamette Valley. It's a haven for anyone who appreciates a good glass of wine and the stories behind each vineyard. I recently spent a day exploring this vino paradise with the NW Wine...
Found in Salem, Oregon, Patty's Off-Center Cafe has been a hidden gem since its inception in February of 2015. With a modest 38-seat setup, this unassuming diner has quickly become a staple for locals and visitors alike, distinguishing itself in a town known for its...
Nestled in the heart of the Willamette valley in McMinnville, Oregon, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum stands as a towering testament to the human spirit's relentless pursuit of flight. This gem of the Pacific Northwest isn't a normal museum, it's a journey...
Heading over to Portland's NE side, sandwich enthusiasts have stumbled upon a real treasure trove at Sandy-O's. Tucked away at NE 105th & Sandy, right next to Parkrose Hardware, this place is more than just a sandwich shop; it's a culinary revelation, serving up...
Step into a slice of the Pacific Northwest's culinary history at Elmer's Restaurant, a beloved eatery that's been a family favorite since 1960. Started by Walt and Dorothy Elmer in Portland, Oregon as Elmer's Colonial Pancake House, this breakfast-centric spot became...
Hello fellow book lovers! Let's talk about a little gem that's been lighting up our reading world in both Salem and Corvallis, Oregon. The Book Bin—yes, that cozy, family-owned bookstore we all adore—recently hit a big milestone. In 2023, they celebrated 40 fantastic...
In a recent report by U.S. News, Eugene, Oregon, has found its way onto an exclusive list, ranking 25th among the most expensive places to live in the U.S. This list features high-cost heavyweights like San Diego at number one, Los Angeles, and Honolulu, Hawaii at...
In the bustling streets of Portland, Oregon, there's a little green house on SE 17th Ave and Harney Street that's more than just a building. It's a haven of comfort food and warm memories known as Harney Street Cafe. This charming spot, run by the passionate duo Alex...