Annelise Kelly

On Oregon's windswept North Coast, Cannon Beach is bustling in the warmer months but offers a much more relaxed pace during the winter. That makes the cool season the ideal time to walk wide-open shorelines, storm-watch from safe havens and experience the artsy town’s thriving cultural scene. More

There’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful day than by grabbing your friends or your special someone and popping out to Tualatin Valley for wine tasting. Lush vines, sprinkles of wildflowers and expansive views all compound the sensory delights of what’s in your glass, whether that’s pinot noir, chardonnay or something bubbly. More

Spring offers a vibrant payoff for hikers in Southern Oregon. Lowland fields and forests erupt with color in March, and the riot of blossoms continues deep into summer at higher elevations. Southern Oregon delivers extra wildflower wonder because the area’s microclimates and unusual soils sustain such a wide variety of species, including some that grow nowhere else on earth. More

The remote reaches of Eastern Oregon capture the senses and the imagination. Rich in cowboy culture, agricultural heritage and skies that go on for miles, it’s the kind of quiet you might have forgotten exists. Not long ago, everyone here was a “maker” and entrepreneurial spirit was a given, because there’s no other choice when the next town is a hundred miles away or more. Today that independent, creative ethos thrives in the area’s shops, galleries, brewpubs and restaurants. You might say that the opportunities... More

A long weekend in Newberg, heart of the Willamette Valley wine region, is an oenophile’s paradise. With six wineries within easy walking distance in a compact downtown, Newberg lets you park your car for a weekend and wander, wine and dine. Passionate wine enthusiasts share local lore with every pour, and you can stroll safely to the next flight. Here’s how to explore world-class wine on your own schedule, powered by your own two feet. More

When the hustle of harvest and crush calms, cellar season begins in the Willamette Valley — a favorite time of year for Norma Buchholz, executive chef at Brooks Wines, 15 miles north of Salem in Amity. Winemakers can finally slow down and take time to connect with guests and community, says the Newberg resident. More

Ready to ditch the hustle of the city for a peaceful getaway in nature? Head to The Oregon Garden and The Oregon Garden Resort, a luxurious basecamp to the northern Willamette Valley, just 40 miles south of Portland and 15 miles northwest of Silver Falls State Park. More

Tucked between the mighty Pacific and the rich estuary of the Yaquina River, Newport offers a lively year-round escape in nature’s seaside wonderland. Yes, there’s a lovely stretch of coastline, but also access to the woodlands and waterways for hiking, biking and paddling, plus family-favorite destinations such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center. More

Anchoring the south end of the new North Coast Food Trail, Lincoln City holds culinary cred with its wealth of nature’s bounty from land and sea. Fishing boats ply the Pacific for salmon, crab and albacore; foragers fill up with wild mushrooms and clams; lush coastal farmland overflows with vegetables, meat and dairy. Hungry yet? More

Here in Forest Grove — just 25 miles west of Portland, not far from Willamette Valley wine country — farmland, vineyards and forest beckon you to hike, bike, fish, paddle and stroll. It’s also a hot spot for sipping and tasting: handcrafted wine, beer, cider and now spirits complement the Pacific Northwest’s only sake-brewing operation. More