Nestled between two well-known whitewater runs, the North Fork of the Smith River and the Illinois River, the Chetco is often not sought out by paddlers due to its challenging access for boaters, but it is known among fishermen for its trophy salmon and steelhead runs.

There are two options for getting to the Chetco and most choose the 8-mile hike from Babyfoot Lake to start their trip. From there it’s 20 miles of Class IV rapids in a remote river canyon to the closest river access.

I first visited this magical place with some friends in 2011 and absolutely fell in love with the Chetco’s clear water and beautiful canyon. After some research, I learned that this section of the Chetco had been commercially run by Allen Wilson before the Biscuit Fire in 2002 made the access even more challenging. I called Allen to learn more, and with his advice, I was soon applying for a commercial permit to share this special place with our guests.

It took two years of work with the Forest Service before my company, Northwest Rafting Company, was issued a permit to take a handful of people down this river each year. Learn more about our kayak expeditions on the Chetco River here: http://www.nwrafting.com/chetco.

Oregon has an eclectic mix of music festivals that will satisfy an array of different genre lovers, while also being fun for all ages and reasonably affordable — festivals featuring indie rock, pop, country, bluegrass/folk, electronic, classical, jazz… and the list goes on. We have big festivals that receive national attention and we have lots of little festivals that cater to a local audience.

Greater Portland
Pickathon (August 2-4, 2013) is an outdoor festival that showcases a national mix of roots musical styles (folk, Americana, bluegrass, indie), located on Pendarvis Farms, which is 15 miles outside of Portland. The festival includes at least six stages sprawled out across 80 acres, forest camping, various hiking trails, and of course, impromptu picking parties. While other festivals draw bigger names and operate on bigger budgets, Pickathon focuses on what matters most: the best music possible. I’ve gone two years in a row now and it’s by far the most family-friendly, intimate, sustainable, low-hassle, musically diverse and beautifully executed festival I have ever been to.

MusicfestNW (September 4-8, 2013) is Portland’s largest and most successful music festival that teams up with local, regional and national bands to create a multi-venue, five-day festival featuring the biggest names of indie rock, hip hop, punk and many other genres. The headliners play at the Pioneer Courthouse Square while the other bands take over the city’s venues including Crystal Ballroom, Roseland Theater and the Doug Fir, among others. Music Fest NW is the closest thing Portland has to a SXSW-style festival experience.

The Waterfront Blues Festival (July 4-7, 2013) in Portland is the largest blues festival on the West Coast. It not only brings a stellar lineup each year, but is the number one fundraiser for the Oregon Food Bank (raising over $7 million in its 25 years). The festival has grown steadily in size and reputation each year and is now recognized as one of the nation’s premier blues festival.

Willamette Valley
The Oregon Bach Festival ( June 24-July 14, 2013) is an annual celebration that celebrates the music and legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. Based in Eugene, The University of Oregon presents three weeks of an unequaled environment of performance, discovery and community. See and hear the best the classical music world has to offer, from masterworks for chorus and orchestra to rare gems from the vast classical repertoire, performed by internationally heralded music stars under the direction of Helmuth Rilling.

The Oregon Jamboree (August 2-4, 2013) is the Northwest’s unrivaled country music and camping festival set among 20 acres on the foothills of the scenic Cascade Mountains. The Jamboree offers a full festival experience in the main venue and a more intimate atmosphere on the second stage area. Every year some of the biggest names in country perform at this family-style event, which draws attendees from all of the United States.

Southern Oregon
The Britt Music Festival (August 2-18, 2013) is a non-profit performing arts festival located in the historic, charming town of Jacksonville. It’s one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor music and arts festival featuring world-class jazz, folk, country, pop, dance and classical music artists. The Britt’s performance venue is a naturally formed amphitheater set among spectacular natural scenery. This festival brings tens of thousands of music lovers from all over the West to enjoy the world-class performances, educational programs and a casual, beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.

Central Oregon
4 Peaks Music Festival (June 21-23, 2013) gets its name from the four Cascade Mountain peaks that form a majestic backdrop at the venue: Broken Top, South, Middle and North Sister. The festival strives to bring nationally touring bands to Central Oregon to create an intimate and family-friendly community experience for both the attendees and artists.

So, now that you’re a little more in tune with Oregon’s music festivals, I hope you’ll invite your friends and family and come experience one of them firsthand. Start your music trip planning!

Tioga Hike (15.7 miles one way, difficult)
This hike starts at the western most trailhead, the Swiftwater Recreation Area. Pause at Deadline Falls to watch salmon and steelhead leaping upriver to spawn. Wind your way through old growth forest of hemlock, Douglas fir, Western red cedar and sugar pine to the Wright Creek trailhead. Bob Butte (near mile 5) is a popular turnaround spot for day hikers. Backpackers can camp along the trail following “Leave no Trace” guidelines.

Mott Hike (5.5 miles one way, moderate)
Starting at the Wright Creek Trailhead, the Mott segment offers a lovely riverside hike as well as various spur options, including the steep, 4-mile McDonald Trail and the 6-mile Riverview Trail — a fun loop option for mountain bikers. The Mott Bridge at the Mott Trailhead is a picturesque remnant of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps.

Umpqua Hot Springs Hike (3.5 miles one way, easy)
Short and easy, this hike leaves the Toketee Lake Trailhead and crosses the river three times to end at Umpqua Hot Springs — 108 degrees, and a sure hot spot for tired legs. If you continue on a bit farther, you’ll find the dramatic cascades of Surprise Falls and Columnar Falls.

Lemolo Lake Hike (6.3 miles one way, moderate)
Start your hike at the White Mule Trailhead just west of the reservoir of Lemolo Lake with views of nearby Mt. Thielsen and adjacent Cascade foothills. The hike moves through a mixed conifer forest of Douglas fir trees and lodgepole and ponderosa pine.

For detailed information and to download a complete brochure of the trail, go to www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/recreation/umpquatrails.

There are walk-in camping sites right on the lake, so this time we decided to stay there and see what photos we can get in the early morning. It gets cold here, even in the summer, so it is a good idea to bring a warm sleeping bag if you want to camp here. After a cozy night, we got up right before sunrise. There was a bit of frost on the ground and a fine mist was  rising from the lake water. Ideal conditions for nature photographers. The sky was clear and I knew we were in for a treat. The sun would be coming from the front left, so I asked my wife to position herself in the front of our yellow tent and have her look towards the sun.

When the first rays of the sun appeared over the tree line, I took my photo. My aperture was f13 and the shutter speed was 1/30s, just enough to have the sun rays show a bit of a star. Since the tent and my wife were getting illuminated by the light, I could add the Sisters into the composition without having too much contrast. We shot several more images that morning. Nature sometimes keeps giving. There are many photos to be had up near Scott Lake and around McKenzie Pass. We do outings to the area and some of our photographers teach workshops up there. It is one of my favorite areas to shoot in late summer and early fall.

Editor’s Note: “Capturing Oregon” brings you the stories of Oregon photographers as they traverse the state to capture its beauty. To see more of Christian’s photography, visit www.ccophoto.com.

Eastside Road, Hood River (13 miles, moderate)
Eastside Road offers tremendous views of Mt. Hood and the Hood River Valley orchard lands (with less traffic than the adjacent Hood River County Fruit Loop). Take State Street east from downtown Hood River, cross Highway 35 by the China Gorge restaurant and head up the hill toward the Mark O. Hatfield trailhead. When the road splits, take Highline Road on the right. This very steep section lasts less than half a mile, so breath deep and stand up in those pedals! Highline merges with Eastside Road and brings you to an enjoyable section of rolling, two-lane backroad. This southbound ride offers lots of short diversions like Panorama Point, The Pinegrove School House and Rasmussen Farms (just past Eastside Road on Thomsen Road). Return the way you came.

Lost Lake, Dee (29 miles, difficult)
For a challenging climb up into the wooded hills just south of Hood River, head to Lost Lake in the foothills of Mt. Hood. From downtown Hood River, drive 12.3 miles to the site of the former town of Dee (or ride your bike if you want to add on 25 miles, you hero.) Head south on Lost Lake Road and follow its twists and turns up into the woods. Along the way you’ll see the West Fork of the Hood River and lots of altitude gain. Stop at the lake to soak your feet and enjoy a well-earned snack. Return the way you came.

Petersburg School Loop, The Dalles (28 miles, moderate)
The rolling wheatfields, basalt mesas and towering cottonwood trees of the eastern Gorge offer a completely different view of the land. Stop in The Dalles, just 20 miles from Hood River, for lunch at Petite Provence. (The Historic Sunshine Mill is a great option for a post-ride glass of wine and a snack.) Drive south out of The Dalles on U.S. 197 south for about 0.6 miles. Go left on Columbia View Drive, which turns into Fifteen Mile Road. Park at the old schoolhouse on Fifteen Mile Road, and ride west to Eight Mile Road. Go left and ride Eight Mile Road past the first turn to Emerson Loop Road. Take a left on the second turnoff to Emerson Loop Road (at about 7.2 miles). Take another left on Emerson Loop Road at 10.5 miles. Go right on Kelly Cutoff at 14.5 miles. Go left on Kelly Cutoff again at 16.1 miles. Stay left on Fifteen Mile Road at mile 17.1 and ride back to the schoolhouse.

For maps, maintenance and information on other local rides, visit Mountain View Cycles, Dirty Fingers Bicycle Repair and Discover Bicycles in Hood River and Salmon Cyclery in The Dalles.

While the bulk of Fairview Farm products are sold in organic food stores throughout the Willamette Valley, the Carlsons have also opened their farm to the public. Visitors are welcome to stop by and enjoy samples, view the goats, watch the cheese making process and purchase fresh products. On the day I visited, about 14 kids (baby goats) were frolicking around and enjoying the spring sunshine. A few even ventured up to the fence to say hello.

The Carlsons are also just weeks away from opening the nation’s first goat museum as a tribute to the animal that has played an important role in human history for more than 10,000 years. The museum will be housed in a small, newly built structure next to the farm store, providing easy access for visitors.  According to Laurie, there’s only one other goat museum in the world, located in a small town in Australia. The Fairview Farm museum will feature colorful poster displays and interesting artifacts, including 19^th century opera gloves fashioned from goat leather and a porcelain doll with hair made from the wool of an Angora goat.

Inside the farm store, you’ll find an array of fresh products including milk, cheeses, drinkable yogurts and ice cream. The farm’s vanilla yogurt took first place at the 2012 American Dairy Goat Association’s national competition, while the chevre (soft cheese) earned a first place award the previous year.  Laurie also makes Skyr (which rhymes with ear) – an age old Scandinavian cheese that is creamy, spreadable and packed with healthy probiotics. Fairview Farm products are 100% natural and gluten free. The farm is also approved by the Animal Welfare Institute, which sets rigorous guidelines for the healthy, safe, and humane treatment of livestock.

Plan a trip to Fairview Farm Goat Dairy to learn more about the glorious goat and enjoy fresh, healthy products that often go from “grass to glass” in 24 hours or less. The Farm is located at 2340 SW Fairview Avenue in Dallas and is open year-round, Friday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The drive takes you winding through some gorgeous farmland. Orchards line both sides of the road, and the open meadows are full of wildflowers. It is hard to be patient, knowing once you actually get to your destination the flowers will be even more plentiful.

Continuing on your journey a few more miles, you can’t help but notice the stately manor on your left named The Mayerdale Place. In 1910 Mark Mayer established a home and a 230-acre apple orchard in Mosier. Later, he donated the land that is now Mayer State Park, which includes Rowena Crest, the Tom McCall Wildlife Preserve, and a recreation area along the Columbia River which you will be able to see below you when you reach the viewpoint.

Soon you will come to your turnoff. The roundabout can be crowded with the cars of sightseers. The views from the Rowena Crest Viewpoint looking east towards The Dalles are amazing. The Columbia River Gorge spreads out in front of you, and the sky seems endless. Below you can see the Columbia River portion of Mayer State Park. The winds whip around you and catch your breath, rustling through the grasses and trees.

After taking in the breathtaking eastern view, I leave my car and walk west back the short distance towards Hwy 30 and cross the road into the Tom McCall Wildlife Preserve. The 271 acres is located on the Rowena Plateau high above the Rowena Dell, which leads directly into the Columbia River Gorge. The plateau is covered in wildflowers, including lupine and balsamroot. There are even varieties of wildflowers here that are unique to the Gorge! When I visited the preserve, the balsamroot was just passing its peak, and the lupine had just started to take over the sunny meadows. I took my time taking in the sights and listening to the breeze and the birds singing. I had the entire plateau to myself, as the other travelers seemed to stay over at the Rowena Viewpoint.

Interested in experiencing this all for yourself? The wildflowers appear from late February to June, although they are in their prime in April and May. There are two short hiking trails that wind through the parks, giving the visitor the ultimate experience.

Best hike for kids: Sweet Creek Falls Trail (near Mapleton/ Central Oregon Coast)
The next time you’re driving the Oregon Coast Scenic Highway and want to take a side trip with the kids, follow the Siuslaw River, near Florence, to Sweet Creek Falls. The trailhead is easy to find and the trail is mostly flat. I love this trail because of its numerous waterfalls. Kids of all ages will be impressed with waterfalls around every bend. In the summer, take off your shoes and wade in the cool water. This is a kid favorite!

Best hike for a scenic view: The Watchman Peak Trail at Crater Lake National Park (Southern Oregon)
Everyone’s bucket list should include Crater Lake. If you are a hiker and want to find one of the best views in the National Park, follow the Watchman Peak Trail to the top. The trail is steep, but not terribly long and there are places to rest along the way. At the top of trail you’ll find an active fire lookout tower and a spectacular view of the lake.

Best waterfall hike: McKenzie River Trail (Central Oregon)
This isn’t just the best waterfall hike, this is the best hike for ancient lava flows, crystal clear water, hot springs, natural wonders.. I’ve been on this trail as a hiker and a mountain biker and every person I have ever come across was friendly. It is the iconic forest trail. It’s one of the most popular trails in Oregon, yet never crowded. Just west of Clear Lake is Sahalie Falls; this wheelchair-accessible waterfall has a viewing platform and those who are up for hiking can venture down the trail to Koosah Falls. The round-trip hike between the Sahalie Falls parking area to Koosah Falls is about 1 mile.

Best historic hike: Fort Stevens (Astoria, North Coast)
Built near the end of the Civil War to guard the Columbia River from rogue Confederate ships, Fort Stevens is now an 11 square-mile state park that is rich in history. You can explore everything from a military museum to the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale and also watch Civil War re-enactments. This is a must for history buffs of all ages.

Best Oregon Coast hike: Cape Perpetua (Yachats, Central Coast)
Picking a best hike on the Oregon Coast is similar to picking a favorite color of M&Ms (by the way, blue is the best). The coast hike that stands out to me as iconic is Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. You can explore tide pools, watch for whales, enjoy the power of a winter storm, hunt for agates and floats in the most natural setting.

Best hike among the tallest peaks: South Sister (Central Oregon)
No matter where you are in Oregon, you can’t help but notice the Cascade Range. Many of the peaks can be climbed, but none should be attempted without taking the proper precautions and without being fully prepared. With that said, the third highest peak in Oregon is South Sister and there is a trail to the top. You can hike to the top in a day, or hike up to the meadow, camp and summit the next day. You don’t need technical climbing gear, just a lot of perseverance, water, snacks and a clear weather outlook. From the top you can see 360 degrees of Oregon. When I made it to the top for the first time, I applauded myself for defeating the voice in my head that kept telling me it was too hard.

Best multi-day hike: Three Sisters Loop (Central Oregon)
This hike is for those who enjoy the wilderness, backpacking and camping under the stars. There are numerous options for hiking in the Three Sisters Wilderness. I recommend a loop that starts at Driftwood Campground near Sisters. The trail is slightly easier if you go counterclockwise, so head northwest from the campground. You’ll hike through meadows full of wildflowers, past creeks and viewpoints and a trail that leads to some glacial lakes on Broken Top. Expect a 23+ mile hike.

Best snowshoe hike: Odell Lake Overlook (Central Cascades)
Snowshoeing is one of my favorite winter activities in Oregon and hands down my favorite trail is out of Gold Lake Sno-Park (near Willamette Pass). The Odell Lake Overlook trail is good for families, and those looking for great exercise, beautiful scenery and an option to snow camp in one of the shelters. The overlook offers an unforgettable panorama. You can hike to the overlook and return the way you came, or extend the hike to the PCT for an epic loop. The warming shelters are stocked with wood for the wood stoves.

Best hike in Portland area: Eagle Creek Trail (Columbia River Gorge)
If you love waterfalls and have ever wanted to hike behind a 120 foot waterfall, this is the trail for you. In addition to Tunnel Falls, you will pass numerous waterfalls like 30’ Punchbowl Falls. Expect a 12 mile roundtrip hike if you want to visit Tunnel Falls. The trail is not for those with fear of heights.

Best hike in Salem area: Silver Falls State Park
One of the best year-round hiking destinations is Silver Falls State Park, just outside of Salem. There are a variety of trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate. The trails pass 10 waterfalls, 5 of which are over 100 feet high. In the spring, wildflowers are in abundance and in fall, the changing leaf colors are as soothing to the soul as a warm cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

Best hike in Eugene area: Tire Mountain (Oakridge, Central Cascades)
This trail could double as the best wildflower hike in June. This trail is rated easy and is about 7.6 miles round-trip. Enjoy sunny meadows , old-growth forest and a scenic panorama of the Cascade Mountains. The trail is rarely crowded.

Best hike in Bend/Central Oregon: Smith Rock State Park (Redmond, Central Oregon)
There are numerous trails and hikes in Central Oregon. This is my favorite because the surroundings are so unusual. The trail is really easy with lots of places to sit on benches, relax, and watch fearless climbers tackle seemingly insurmountable vertical traverses. The river is an inviting place to cool your feet after hiking and leashed dogs are welcome on most trails.

Best hike in Eastern Oregon: Steens Mountain
One of the tallest mountains in Oregon (9700 feet) is also one of the easiest to summit because you can practically drive to the top and then scramble up the trail to reach the summit. There are other hikes around here and a multitude of trails in the area.

Best hike in Southern Oregon: Oregon Caves (Cave Junction)
This hike can also be considered the best hike for spelunking . The only way to see inside the cave is to pay for the guided tour (1 mile, easy hike). Another hike from The Chateau (the Oregon Caves’ lodge) is out to Big Tree (one of the tallest Douglas firs in Oregon). This 3+ mile hike is a great way to burn off calories after lunch.

Best challenge hike: Pacific Crest Trail from Ashland to Bridge of Gods in Hood River (Mt. Hood/The Gorge)
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail extends from the border of California and Mexico to the Canadian border. Every year people hike the entire length. Many more hike sections of the trail. If you feel up for the challenge you can spend a month or so hiking the Oregon section of the PCT and see the wild side of Oregon on foot.

Best day hike on the PCT: Rosary Lakes (Crescent, Central Cascades)
I discovered this stretch of trail while snowshoeing. Just east of Willamette Pass Ski Area you’ll find the trailhead and PCT signs. Hike through the forest and to beautiful Rosary Lakes. You can also opt to take the Willamette Pass Gondola to the trail. Given the altitude, you’re best off waiting until late summer to hike this unless you don’t mind mosquitoes.

Best hike to pretend you’re Lewis or Clark: Tillamook Head (North Oregon Coast)
In search of whale blubber, Lewis and Clark’s expedition hiked 20 miles from Cape Disappointment to Cannon Beach. This trail is a fun way to put yourself in their shoes and imagine what the coast was like back in the 1800s. Start at the trailhead located in Ecola State Park.

Best hike for hot springs: Umpqua Hot Springs (Southern Oregon)
After exploring Crater Lake, treat yourself to a soak in natural hot springs. Umpqua Hot Springs is located off of Highway 138, relatively close to the north entrance of Crater Lake National Park. There is a short hike from the parking area and a stream to cross en route to the hot springs.

Best hike for birding: Zumwalt Prairie Preserve (Enterprise, Northeast Oregon)
Zumwalt Prairie has one of the highest concentrations of breeding hawks and eagles in the world and is the largest remaining grassland of its kind in North America. Most of the preserve is closed to hikers, but a few short trails give you access to viewing sites.

Best hike for people who are alter-abled: Oregon Garden Resort (Willamette Valley)
The Oregon Garden is a treasure for those who are interested in flowers and plants of the northwest. The Garden can be explored by foot or by tram, making this an ideal destination for those who have limited mobility.

Happy travels!

Heading north to south, you will find amazing sights and plenty of activities for one of the best RV vacations ever. In Seaside, stop to see the famous turnaround on the Seaside Promenade, where a statue commemorates where Lewis and Clark ended their long journey. RV camping at Seaside Thousand Trails Resort provides everything needed and is in close proximity to all the fun available around Seaside.  The park has an indoor pool which is a lot of fun as well. Tour historic sites and explore Seaside’s expansive beach while you’re here.

Next stop is beautiful Rockaway Beach, where you can visit Manhattan Beach State Recreational Site and take part in the best of Oregon’s coast activities such as crabbing, clamming or simply wandering sandy beaches. Camp at the Jetty Fishery Marina and RV Park. It is a thrilling two-minute boat ride across the bay to the beaches of Nehalem Bay State Park. Check out the tide pools and enjoy the quiet, relaxing atmosphere around Nehalem Bay.

Just eight south of Lincoln City is the ideal place to camp for your next day or two of adventures. Be sure to experience the thrills of deep sea fishing. Fresh water fishing is also available and you may hook some salmon. The Sea & Sand RV Park in Depoe Bay is wonderful for the ocean views while you relax after a day of exciting explorations. Golfing is another favorite activity around Lincoln City, and you will find a great 18-hole course to get in a game or two.

Further south you will love Drift Creek  for getting out in nature and viewing the wildlife. In Waldport, you will find the Waldport/Newport KOA is the best place to find year-round RV camping. Views are wonderful and you can see the Pacific Ocean and overlook Alsea Bay. This is a top spot for fishing. Be sure to stop by the historic bridge in Waldport and see the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Next stop is Florence, where you will find adventures galore! Bay Front Old Town takes you back in time and the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum just adds to all the enjoyment for history buffs. Outdoor fun is available at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where you can hike, picnic or drive scenic routes. And don’t miss stopping at Sea Lion Caves. RV camping at the Heceta Beach RV Park means only a five-minute walk to the beach. They have beautiful wooded sites, private and spacious. Great amenities as well, such as a laundry facility, showers and even a shuttle which will take you to the casino to try your luck, if you so desire.

Take the Oregon Coast Highway to reach Discovery Point Resort in Reedsport. Here is a spot with direct and easy access to the beach, and they are open all year. Explore the dunes and watch the ocean waves crashing onto the shore. Make reservations well in advance, as they fill up pretty quickly.

You can’t forget Coos Bay once you visit here! After you take in all the lighthouses in the area and visit the many state parks and national recreation areas, you will discover things about our land that not many have learned. The dramatic natural beauty can captivate anyone. RV camping at Oceanside RV Park in Gold Beach puts you right on the Pacific.

Last stop is Brookings, where the sights and sounds attract many all year. You will love Samuel H. Boardman State Park, summer concerts in Azalea Park, breathtaking views at Chetco Point Park and more. Harris Beach State Park camping offers inexpensive sites and great beach access. You can tide pool right out your front door, there is plenty of wildlife and the views are marvelous.

Once you’ve reached Brookings, you’ve traveled  the entire Oregon Coast from north to south and experienced some of the best Oregon has to offer. It is no doubt that there is more to see, so next time you may want to travel back along the coastal highways and byways to take in even more sights.

Birded Beaches: Stroll for miles along Bandon’s sandy beaches studded with arresting sea stacks rising out of the surf. The most famous is at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and home to the common murre, tufted puffin, western gull and Brandt’s cormorant. Also popular with birders is nearby Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl, coho salmon, bald eagles and California brown pelicans.

Eat and Drink: Enjoy fresh catch and lively atmosphere at Bandon Fish Market or Tony’s Crab Shack, where close quarters will have you rubbing elbows with the locals over fish and chips or a Dungeness crab sandwich. For romantic Italian dining, book a table at Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant, where handmade pastas complement local seafood and a worldly wine list.

Foodie Favs: For first-class handmade confections, don’t miss Coastal Mist Chocolates, winner of the 2011 Oregon Chocolate Festival’s “Best Chocolate Candy” award. (And the sipping chocolate and sipping caramel? Look out, Willie Wonka.) This summer will see the much-anticipated opening of Face Rock Creamery, which marks the return of a cheese-making tradition that started in the 19^th century and has been absent for the last decade.

Tee Off: You don’t have to be a golfer to appreciate the gorgeous, rugged courses of Bandon Dunes Golf Course, designed by David McLay Kidd. But the duffers in your group will know that it was named best golf resort by Golf Digest. Nearby Bandon Crossings Golf Course won high praise from Tripadvisor in 2012, and Old Bandon Golf Links, first opened in 1927, is under new management as Old Bandon Face Rock Golf Course.