Annelise Kelly

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

What's awesome about Albany? Architecture, food, drink, history, art and access to the outdoors, for starters. Spend a long weekend here and you can drink negronis in an historic bank building, visit the restored historic carousel, pop between quirky galleries and shops, set the kids free in a splatter paint studio and restore yourself with riverside nature walks. More

Summer inspires beach trips, but here’s a little secret: on the Oregon Coast, fall reigns supreme: The weather is mild. The fog has rolled out. The wind has died down. And the crowds have headed home. It’s one of the best times to explore the Oregon beaches. It’s a perfect time to sink into the relaxed pace and unexpected adventure of Lincoln City, a town that unwinds for seven miles along Highway 101, parallel to an equal length of driftwood-strewn beaches. With traffic mellowed from...