Civic leader, restaurateur, businessman, chairman of many boards and writer Gerry Frank has added another line to his resume with the publication of “Gerry Frank’s Oregon.” Published in partnership with The Oregonian newspaper (where Frank has been writing for 27 years) and released on August 1, the book catalogues more than 650 Oregon places and special stories. Frank says he wrote the book in response to requests over the years. “So many people asked me to do this. They wanted a history of Oregon, of the Meier and Frank family and myself,” he said. We asked the fourth-generation Oregonian to share some of his favorite places around the state.

If you could only choose one, what is one of your favorite restaurants?
The Painted Lady in Newberg.

Do you recommend a particular dish?
I like everything. It is a very classy restaurant.

What’s one of your favorite places to get away?
On the coast, Cannon Beach is a wonderful little community. It is clean and attractive, it has great places to stay, good restaurants and a wonderful beach.

Do you have a favorite place to get outside?
The Rogue River. I like to stay at the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge.

What are some not-to-miss Oregon experiences?
Take the coast highway from Bandon to the California border. That drive is absolutely magnificent. Spend some time in the Wallowa Mountains. Wallowa Lake and the mountains in that area are like an American Switzerland. The Pendleton Round-up has to be listed as one of the greateast rodeos in America. I go every year.

What is Oregon’s best-kept secret?
I don’t think people really appreciate the diversity of life in Oregon. You can spend time on the beautiful Coast or Willamette Valley or the wilds of Central and Eastern Oregon.

Frank will be doing book signings around the state. For more details about the book and to see a calendar, visit www.oregonguidebook.com.