About the Author

Eileen Garvin

Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.

International Eats

April 9, 2013
Take your taste buds on a trip around the globe in Oregon's Tualatin Valley where a world of food is waiting for you to explore. Here are a few suggestions for international cuisine just outside of downtown Portland. Japanese: Family-owned Syun Izakaya in Hillsboro offers a casual, pub-style atmosphere and a variety of hot and cold dishes,… More
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Portland Region , Restaurants , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

North Oregon Coast Electric Byway

April 4, 2013
This journey leads out of the bustling center of Portland down the Columbia River, through the Coast Range and out to the beautiful beaches and friendly towns of Oregon’s North Coast. Travel west along the Columbia into the maritime town of Astoria, south to Lincoln City and then back to Portland by way of rolling… More
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Oregon Coast , Electric Vehicle Trips , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas ,

Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Electric Byway

This day trip around Mt. Hood and along the Columbia River Gorge invites travelers to experience the rugged wilderness, verdant farmlands and charming small towns that lie just outside of the vibrant metropolis of Portland. Due to the location of EV charging stations along this route, drivers of vehicles with a range of 60 miles… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Cascade Locks , Electric Vehicle Trips , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas ,

Unplug the Family Road Trip

March 14, 2013
Remember the old-fashioned family road trip before the iPhone, Kindle and Facebook when you just fought over the radio dial? In celebration of simpler times, we suggest an unplugged spring vacation. Here are some ideas to get you planning (and you can fight for the front seat later). Estuary Exploring: Visit the South Slough National… More
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Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Family Fun , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Portland 101

February 28, 2013
It’s been called the City of Roses, the City of Bridges, Rip City, Portlandia and Beervana. As its nicknames suggest, Portland has much to offer. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to begin. Here’s our primer to get you exploring. From food carts and farm-to-cone ice cream to breweries and books, Portland has something for everyone. More
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Portland Region , Portland , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Barbey Maritime Center’s Sam Johnson

February 27, 2013
Most people looked at the old Astoria Railroad Depot and saw a neglected building. But Sam Johnson, executive director of the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, saw promise. “The depot was going to fall down if nothing was done with it. You had to wear rose-colored glasses to see what it would be like,”… More
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Oregon Coast , Astoria , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Museums , Trip Ideas , Culture & History , Attractions ,

Big Bottom Whiskey’s Ted Pappas

February 13, 2013
Ted Pappas will tell you his love affair with whiskey started early. When he was a boy in North Carolina, his dad owned a restaurant and two uncles were in the distillery business. “At an early age I knew more about spirits than I probably should have,” he says with a laugh. And as he… More
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Portland Region , Hillsboro , Spirits & Distilleries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center’s Gwen Trice

January 28, 2013
Growing up in La Grande in the 1960s, Gwen Trice always loved the beauty of nearby Wallowa County. More
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Eastern Oregon , Wallowa , Culture & Heritage Events , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Museums , Trip Ideas , Culture & History , Attractions , Events ,

Snow School

January 15, 2013
January is upon us, and it’s time to make good on those New Year’s resolutions. Oregon ski areas have got you covered with specials that make it easy and affordable to get active. In honor of national Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, Mt. Hood Meadows offers the 3 Time Passport ($139), One Day Beginner Package… More
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Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding , Ski Areas & Sno-Parks , Snow Sports , Trip Ideas ,

Road Trip: Parkdale and Odell

January 3, 2013
Rumor has it that there’s more to the east side of Mt. Hood than awesome downhill skiing. Upon investigation, we can now confirm that it’s true. Here are some fun spots along Highway 35. Pow For an alternative to alpine skiing and boarding, take a Nordic tour through the snowy woods on Mt. Hood. Ski… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Parkdale , Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding , Snow Sports , Trip Ideas ,