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.

Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health’s Hazel Patton

May 28, 2013
Hazel Patton has a thing for old buildings. “I’m a preservationist,” she says. “I love old structures.” A Salem resident for more than 40 years, Patton has helped restore 13 historic properties and was the driving force behind the development of the carousel at Salem’s Riverfront Park, which opened in 2001. So it should come… More
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Willamette Valley , Salem , Trip Ideas ,

Willamette Valley Bounty Electric Byway

April 11, 2013
A short drive from downtown Portland, the Willamette Valley is the most well known of Oregon’s 18 wine-growing regions. More than 150 miles long and 60 miles wide, the Willamette Valley is home to more than 500 wineries and six sub-AVAs (American Viticulture Areas). The story of the valley doesn’t stop there. The growth of… More
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Willamette Valley , Newberg , Electric Vehicle Trips , Sustainable Travel , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Southern Oregon Arts & Bounty Electric Byway

For world-class arts, fine wine and a friendly welcome, explore these towns along the Southern Oregon Arts and Bounty Electric Byway. More
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Southern Oregon , Ashland , Art Galleries & Studios , Electric Vehicle Trips , Museums , Sustainable Travel , Theater & Performing Art , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,

Eastern Oregon Brews Byway

April 10, 2013
It’s fitting that Oregon, land of craft beer and gorgeous landscapes, would find a way to celebrate both. If the weather has you champing at the bit for wide open spaces and a tall cold one, we have just the trip for you. Saddle up and head out on the Eastern Oregon Brews Byway. Start your… More
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Eastern Oregon , Baker City , Beer & Breweries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Covered Bridges Electric Byway

April 9, 2013
Oregon once had 450 elegant wooden spans, many constructed after World War I. More
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Willamette Valley , Eugene , Covered Bridges , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Electric Vehicle Trips , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas ,

International Eats

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 ,