Eileen Garvin

Sweet with your salty? Savory with your sugar? We’re known for pushing the gustatory envelope around here, and Oregon treat makers are no exception. Take Salt & Straw, for example. The ice cream empire now with three Portland locations — plus its whimsical spin-off, a soft-serve scoop shop called Wiz Bang Bar at Pine Street Market,… More

This winter, she came early and with fury: The siren song of snow. While we’ve had great flurries of powder where we live and work, it’s a true winter wonderland at Oregon’s ski areas, with their snowy peaks, loaded cornices and deep powder stashes. Around the corner, there’s a layer of white carpeting the bunny… More

Located less than 4 miles from Oregon’s capital city, the town of Keizer is often thought of together with Salem. But this independent little community has an identity all its own. Originally named for two immigrant farmer brothers, Keizer has become regionally known for its annual iris festival in May — a flower-focused celebration with a… More

Oregon’s southeast corner is an area of remote and rugged beauty. Far from the wet coastline and forested mountains that characterize the state’s western region, this high-desert country is full of volcanic craters, craggy mountain peaks, untraveled back roads and abundant wildlife. Residents in these friendly small towns come from farming and ranching families that… More

Oregon Trail pioneers who first arrived in Lebanon were drawn to the fertile farmlands here between the Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range. The historic Santiam Wagon Road operated from the 1860s until the 1930s — a historically important freight route between the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon. Now a town of nearly 16,000 people, this… More

Just south of US-84 and the Columbia River in Eastern Oregon lies land rich in history and agricultural tradition. The off-the-beaten-path towns located here are well worth a side trip for the unexpected discoveries you’ll find. This route through Umatilla, Hermiston, Echo and Heppner opens up a world of wildlife and watermelons, of Oregon Trail… More

The Wallowa Mountains stand guard over the northeast corner of the state like sentinels to this rugged and beautiful country. Many travelers know this area as the gateway to Hells Canyon, Wallowa Lake and the bronze-capital town of Joseph. But there’s rich history, outdoor adventure and local cuisine to be discovered here too. Slow down… More

Winter is quickly approaching. It’s in the brisk morning air, the mud on your shoes and the extra layer you throw on to go out and play. Runners know winter means some of the best (i.e. quirky and invigorating) races of the year in Oregon. Here are some of our favorite. Nov. 20: It’s a… More

It’s no secret that the Willamette Valley is famous for its pinot noir. With more than 500 wineries and counting, the valley is a destination for wine connoisseurs from around the globe. With so many great pours to choose from, there are bound to be some hidden gems ripe for discovery. Junction City is one… More

Between the Columbia River Gorge and the high desert of Central Oregon lies an undiscovered country. Sunny and tranquil, the highways wind through a string of small towns where friendly residents have been quietly making their living in farming, ranching and outdoor recreation for generations. Towns like Wasco, Moro and Maupin aren’t exactly secret, just… More