All about Oregon (forwarded information)

Here’s to forever memories & much laughter in the journey.
A MUST read to “build” the dream.
§ http://traveloregon.com/7wonders/ The 7 Wonders of Oregon
§ 40 Oregon State Facts http://thatoregonlife.com/2016/02/heres-40-fun-facts-you-may-not-know-about-oregon/
Portland Neighborhoods & Transit
§ Portland Neighborhoods at a glance: http://www.portlandbridges.com/portland-neighborhoods/01-random-facts-and-trivia.html
§ Portland Public Transit: Trains, Buses, Streetcars: http://www.portlandbridges.com/portland-neighborhoods/01-portland-public-transit.html
§ Hillsboro/Tanasbourne facts: http://www.portlandbridges.com/portland-neighborhoods/00-Tanasbourne.html and http://www.streetsoftanasbourne.com/directory/ and
§ Orenco Station http://www.orencostation.net/
§ Mississippi Avenue http://mississippiave.com/
§ Hawthorne Avenue https://www.travelportland.com/collection/hawthorne/
To book a rental if doing an overnight trip, we recommend these sites:
§ Intel Amex: https://www.concursolutions.com/travelhome.asp
Reputable rental websites for OR places
§ http://www.bnbfinder.com/Oregon-Bed-and-Breakfast
§ http://www.oregonbeachvacations.com/
Best OR Day Trips from PDX (many may be turned into overnight trips)
• Astoria / Tillamook cheese factory https://www.tillamook.com/cheese-factory/index.html
• Cannon Beach rated in the top 10 beaches in the USA http://traveloregon.com/cities-regions/oregon-coast/cannon-beach/
**Best things near or on the way to the coast:
Camp 18 in Elsie (http://www.camp18restaurant.com/ on the way to the Coast for massive pancakes in a giant log cabin. Be sure to order one of the massive cinnamon rolls to share before the rest of the food comes out. Surrounded by a former logging camp with lots of the equipment sitting around
• Multnomah Falls Oregon http://www.oregon.com/attractions/multnomah_falls
• Devil’s Cauldron https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Devils_Cauldron
• Bagby Hotsprings http://www.bagbyhotsprings.org/
• Mt Hood Zig Zag area: Mt. Hood Zig Zag area for year round fun. Stop in at the Zig Zag Ranger Station — https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mthood/about-forest/offices the rangers there have the BEST advice on hiking, they have maps and coordinates for any type of experience — never steered me wrong. I recommend eating and enjoying some live music at the http://skywaybarandgrill.com/ — Mac and Cheese is their claim to fame.
• Oregon’s top swimming holes (some farther than others)
https://www.outdoorproject.com/blog-news/oregons-30-best-swimming-holes
• Champoeg State Park Hiking and trails http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=79
• Silver Falls State Park (6 beautiful waterfalls) and The Oregon Garden for dinner (45min from Hillsboro)
http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=151
http://www.oregongardenresort.com/#gref
• Tree to Tree Adventure Park — 5 levels of zip lining (45min from Hillsboro)
https://tree2treeadventurepark.com/
• Portland, Oregon waterfalls to see
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/portland/epic-waterfalls-portland/
• Deep Sea Fishing off the Coast https://www.tradewindscharters.com/
• Oneonta Gorge Trail hiking http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike53.html
• Dog Mountain Hike http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Dog_Mountain_Hike
• Eagle Creek Hike http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Eagle_Creek_Trailhead
• Smith Rock (where Rebecca stays — ping me Hans!)
http://traveloregon.com/see-do/attractions/outdoors-nature/smith-rock/
• Rafting on the Umpqua River
https://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/recreation/wild_and_scenic_river/
• Take the Buena Vista ferry and do pizza! (45min from PDX)
http://www.co.marion.or.us/PW/ferries/Pages/buenaferryfees.aspx
http://www.buenavistaoregon.com/ (B&B open for Pizza and wine
Cafe Open April- September Thur-Sun 8 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Closed Aug. 28 — Sept. 6
No Reservations Needed
Pizza Nights Aug. 11 & Sept. 8 Reservations Only
11265 Riverview Street Independence Or 97351 P: 503–838–6364
• Willamette Jet boats http://www.willamettejet.com/ (downtown Portland)
• Scappoose Bay Paddling center (Rent Kayaks) https://nextadventure.net/scappoose-bay-paddling-center.html then stop at Mark’s on The Channel http://www.marksonthechannel.com/ for live music and chilling on the river
• Oregon Coast Thore’s Well at high tide and low tide https://roadtrippers.com/us/yachats-or/nature/thors-well-cape-perpetua
• Sea Lion Caves http://www.sealioncaves.com/
• Lincoln City Glass Blowing http://www.alderhouse.com/
• Bungee Masters… (2hrs from PDX) Jump off a bridge w/ MIT certified instructors *Perhaps complain “it wasn’t that thrilling” and they may throw in a 3rd for free on the “surprise” — just saying…
https://www.bungee.com/bzapp/bungee_masters/bridge.html
• Sky Dive OR — 45min from Hillsboro stunning views of the valley below
Best OR weekend trips from PDX
CENTRAL OR
• Whitewater Rafting on the Deschutes River: Can be done as a day trip if you drive to Maupin and leave fairly early in the morning for a half-day trip.
http://www.highdesertriver.com/deschutes-rafting/deschutes-river-rafting/
• Inner-tube floating and other escapades in Bend (family trip)
http://www.bendparksandrec.org/bend-whitewater-park/passageway-channel/
• Crater Lake https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm and Crater Rock http://craterrock.com/
• Suttle Lake Lodge http://www.thesuttlelodge.com/
Bend Brewfest https://bendbrewfest.com/ 200+ hand-crafted beers/ciders along the Deschutes River Aug. 10–12, Les Schwab Amphitheater
*Good places to stay in Bend: Sunriver, Tetherow, Brasada Ranch, Black Butte, McMenamins St. Francis School
GORGE AREA (Northwest OR)
Oregon Fruit “Loop” through Hood River (up by Skamania Lodge) http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/
WILLAMETTE VALLEY AREA
Allison Inn / Newberg (for the adults), http://www.theallison.com/
Swim on the Sandy River and then stop at Tad’s Chicken n Dumplings http://redtri.com/portland/sandy-swim-spots-near-portland/ http://tadschicdump.com/
Southern OR
Ashland and the Ashland Shakespearean festival (really grand!)
https://www.osfashland.org/experience-osf/current-season/all-events
Rent a tree house in Cave Junction — fantastic http://treehouses.com/joomla/
EASTERN OR
Wallowa Lake — eastern OR http://wallowalakelodge.com/ http://wallowalaketramway.com/ (literally deer feed right out of your hand- camping or the lodge.)
Pendleton Round Up http://www.pendletonroundup.com/p/plan-a-trip/188 (one of the top 10 rodeos in the USA)
Camp Sherman, OR On the Metolius River; http://www.campshermanstore.com/CampShermanStore (fishing, etc.)
WASHINGTON STATE
Seattle:
Pike’s Place Market http://pikeplacemarket.org/ and Dale Chihuly Glass Museum https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/
Ferry to San Juan Islands and long 4 day weekend
https://www.visitsanjuans.com/#/gallery/recent
Ferry bulletins http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedule/bulletin.aspx
Lummi Island:
Islands in Seattle. Fresh mussels/oysters from ocean (in a month that has an “R” only), go to Lummi Island and stay in a Yurt, have dinner at https://www.willows-inn.com/ it’s out of this world, the chef trained at Noma. He forages the food himself and brings it to you. https://www.willows-inn.com/contact/our-team/
Best I “miss” Germany recommendations
• German: Otto and Anita’s in the basement of a building in Multnomah Village (http://www.ottoandanitas.com/
• Mt Angel Oktoberfest (HUGE and fun!) http://www.oktoberfest.org/ — DO NOT MISS THIS (Mid September)
• Edelweiss German http://www.edelweissdeli.com/
OR wine country options (15–45min away)
Close in to Beaverton/Hillsboro:
http://www.hawksviewcellars.com/
http://www.allorovineyard.com/Alloro_Vineyard/Home.html
http://ponziwines.com/our-locations/winery-sherwood
http://sakeone.com/our-kura/visit-us.html
Downtown McMinnville http://visitmcminnville.com/wine-walk/ (mainly wine tasting rooms and art galleries & do eat at La Rambla!)
OR wine country options (15–45min away)
Only Olive farm in Oregon! Wine, Lavender, Olive oils plants, gifts…views! http://redridgefarms.com/taste
Dundee Area
https://www.domaineserene.com/
https://www.stollerfamilyestate.com/
Coeur de Terre (heart of the earth for the basalt heart rock under the vineyard) https://www.cdtvineyard.com/ amazing Pinots
Wine Country on Horseback to 4 wineries… THE BEST (ReK reco.) Equestrian Wine Tours — ask for Kailua and Chippa! http://www.equestrianwinetours.com/
http://www.toriimorwinery.com/
https://www.whiteroseestate.com/
OR wine country options (15–45min away)
Carlton area:
Soter Vineyards @ Mineral Springs Ranch, ask to taste in their cabins and/or do a provisions tasting http://sotervineyards.com/vineyard
http://www.visitcarlton.com/tasting-rooms/
OR wine country options (15–45min away)
Farm to Table Field & Vine Wine Dinners “at the farm” — so GREAT a MUST DO!!!
http://fieldandvineevents.com/
Tickets here:
https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/events/?c=363a875d&b=Y
SATURDAY, AUG 12, 2017 5:30 PM Beckham Estate Vineyard w/ Portland Creamery
SATURDAY, SEP 2, 20175:30 PM Fir Point farms w/ Forest Edge Vineyards
SATURDAY, SEP 9, 20175:30 PM Fiala Farms w/ Solena Estate
SATURDAY, SEP 16, 2017 5:30 PM Terra Vina Wines w/ Goldin Cheese
SATURDAY, SEP 23, 2017 5:30 PM Douglas Farm w/ Owen Roe
Agrovino — Farm dinners in Carlton — AMAZING!!! (ReK reco) http://www.agrivinocarlton.com/
PORTLAND MUST DO LIST
Saturday Market http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/visit-the-market/
Beaverton Farmer’s Market (largest in the state) 15min from you http://www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com/
Bike ride/run across the Tillicum footbridge around the waterfront and then get coffee — everyone loves it and it doesn’t take all day, Hike the 4T — Trail (3mile), Tram down from OHSU, Trolley, and Train (it goes very close to my house and you get to ride the tram down from OHSU to the waterfront) https://4ttrail.wordpress.com/
Timbers Major League Soccer game https://www.timbers.com/tickets
Highway 99 Newburg Drive in movie theatre (voted best drive inn in the USA) http://www.99w.com/
PORTLAND MUST DO LIST
Hillsboro Hops Baseball Game (close to Orenco Station) http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t419
Vaux’s Swifts are amazing at Chapman Elementary school in Northwest Portland
Swift viewing is all of September usually — pack a picnic, blanket & watch) what PDX is all about: http://audubonportland.org/local-birding/swiftwatch
Stanichs’ best burger per Thrillist Magazine in the USA (close to the Grotto — grab burgers and go do a picnic and walk the grounds)
https://pdx.eater.com/2017/5/24/15685502/stanichs-best-burger-in-the-country-portland AND http://www.stanichs.com/
Oregon Brewfest (21 and over) http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/ (for others — happens in July)
PORTLAND MUST DO LIST
Brew Barge PDX https://www.brewgrouppdx.com/
Portland Japanese Garden https://japanesegarden.org/
Play Frisbee Golf, enjoy a mineral soak, and then watch an evening movie at The Grand Lodge in Forest Grove https://www.mcmenamins.com/grand-lodge
PORTLAND FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
Andina http://www.andinarestaurant.com/
Decarli (Happy Hour is T-SUN 4pm-6:30pm — the best!!!) https://www.opentable.com/decarli
Tasty & Alder https://www.tastynalder.com/
Ava Genes http://www.avagenes.com/
Mississippi area has tons of great places https://pdx.eater.com/maps/dining-guide-to-north-mississippi-avenue-portland-neighborhood
Pok Pok for the wings, https://pokpokpdx.com/
Salt + straw for the sea salt and caramel ice-cream https://saltandstraw.com/
Blue star doughnuts for a PB+J http://www.bluestardonuts.com/
Renata http://www.renatapdx.com/
PORTLAND FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
Skyline Tavern — http://skytav.com/
http://www.laurelhurstmarket.com/
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/Locations/portland-oregon/portland-oregon/SW12thAve/menus.aspx
Amazing fire-pits outside in downtown http://www.nelcentro.com/gallery/
Screen Door — Brunch http://screendoorrestaurant.com/
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House https://www.yelp.com/biz/rimsky-korsakoffee-house-portland
Great for VERY late night eats (open till 2am) http://montageportland.com/
BEAVERTON FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
Close to Hillsboro
Syun Izakaya http://www.syun-izakaya.com/
Helvetia Burgers https://www.yelp.com/biz/helvetia-tavern-hillsboro
Sportslook for Panookie — http://www.sportslook.com/
Amelia’s https://www.ameliasmexicanfood.com/exhome.html
FAVORITE PICNIC/WINE SPOTS
International Rose Test Garden: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=1113
Laurelhurst Park https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?&action=ViewPark&propertyid=224
Council Crest https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?&propertyid=24&action=viewpark
Pittock Mansion http://pittockmansion.org/ and http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Pittock_Mansion_Hike
Elk Rock Gardens at Bishops Close http://www.elkrockgarden.org/
The Grotto https://thegrotto.org/visit/
Jenkins Estate http://www.thprd.org/facilities/historic/jenkins-estate and https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/jenkins-estate-trails
Sauvie’s Island http://sauvieisland.org/visitor-information/recreation/
Commonwealth Park http://www.thprd.org/parks-and-trails/detail/commonwealth-lake-park
BEST PDX ACTIVITIES
Yoga + Beer http://www.cheersandnamaste.com/ (yoga ine a brewery w/ beer!)
Take a walk using this book: https://www.amazon.com/Portland-Hill-Walks-Explorations-Neighborhoods/dp/0881926922/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499983139&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=laura+o+foster+hill+wall
Movies in the Park — Portland https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/69554
Music in The Round (Third Thursday monthly in Beaverton) http://www.beavertonoregon.gov/1381/Beaverton-Third-Thursday
Vintage stores & Nick’s Coney Island Dogs on Hawthorne https://www.travelportland.com/article/hawthorne-shopping/ and http://nicksfamousconeys.com/
Saturday morning dragon boat paddling at Portland waterfront- Bridge City Paddlers, Free to anyone wanting to join them http://www.bridgecitypaddling.org/
Shakespeare in the Vineyard (REK reco. — do it!) (All within 20min of Hillsboro)
http://www.willametteshakespeare.com/
2017: The Winter’s Tale
August 4th, 5th, and 6th: Stoller Vineyards
August 11th, 12th, and 13th: Montinore Estates
August 18th, 19th, and 20th: Ponzi Vineyards
***Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM. Sundays at 6 PM. / Pack picnic, blanket, watch Shakespeare!
See a concert at Revolution Hall — Best venue in PDX! http://www.revolutionhall.com/calendar/
Do the Portland Food carts and then go Comatose
http://www.foodcartsportland.com/maps/ AND https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-new-food-carts-portland
Portland Fountains Walking Tour (so fun on a hot day and adding in wine and beer stops)
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/521803
2017 Top Down: Rooftop Cinema Aug 3, — Aug 31st https://nwfilm.org/festivals/top-down-rooftop-cinema/
Atop the Hotel DeLuxe’s parking structure at SW 15th and Yamhill for our cinema under the stars. Doors open at 7 pm with food and beverages available for purchase. Music begins at 8 pm and films begin around dusk. Entry for advance ticket holders is guaranteed until 8:30 pm. Bring a chair, pillow, or blanket, along with a light sweater or jacket. Each film will be preceded by a short film by a Northwest filmmaker.
Advance tickets are available at nwfilm.org: $10 general; $9 student/senior/PAM member;
Iconic Americana to do’s
Oregon State Fair https://oregonstatefair.org/attractions/
Portland event calendar by Month! (a MUST READ!)
https://www.events12.com/portland/august/
https://www.events12.com/portland/september/
Bike around Portland and Oregon
https://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/or-bike-trails/
Random suggestions
Paxton Gate on Mississippi, super weird shop https://paxtongate.com/paxton
http://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/portland-oregon
The Shanghai Tunnels
The Witch’s Castle in Forest park (hike while at it) http://www.forestparkconservancy.org/forest-park/
Best thing to do with 11–15yr olds
Powell’s Book store
Berry picking https://www.travelportland.com/article/berry-best/ or http://redtri.com/portland/u-pick-farms-for-berries/
Oaks Amusement Park, http://oakspark.com/
Wings and Waves waterpark in McMinnville at the Aviation Museum http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/ and http://wingsandwaveswaterpark.com/
Mt Hood Ski Bowl Outdoor Park and a ton of lakes close by to stop at
http://www.skibowl.com/summer/mt-hood-activities
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53102
http://lostlakeresort.org/ FAVORITE
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53058
Mt Hood Lakes http://www.mthoodadventure.com/summer/lakes
Big Al’s Entertainment Area http://www.ilovebigals.com/beaverton
OMSI Oregon Museum of Science and Industry https://omsi.edu/
Sky High — the Trampoline place http://por.skyhighsports.com/
Top Golf by Orenco https://topgolf.com/us/hillsboro/
iFly Indoor Skydiving https://www.iflyworld.com/portland/
Items to consider buying on the cheap and donating upon departure or leaving at the rental for the next sabbatical coverage:
Camp chairs for the beach https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Broadband-Mesh-Quad-Chair/dp/B00BPWDMOS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500575204&sr=8-3&keywords=picnic+chairs
Or
Ikea is located here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/portland/
Frisbee
Buy some Birkenstocks https://www.birkenstock.com/us/storelocator
Bring home something homegrown: https://www.filson.com/portland-store or
https://www.pendleton-usa.com/
Fairs & Festivals in Oregon from Aug 1- Sept 30th
