About the Author

Emily Gillespie

Emily Gillespie is a travel writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, CNN Travel and Afar magazine. She’s lived in three of Oregon’s seven regions, currently calling Portland home. She and her husband look for every opportunity to hike to a view, bike through wine country and eat their way through a new city.

Immerse Yourself in Arts and Culture in Tualatin Valley

December 2, 2025
Nothing inspires or delights quite like great art — and Tualatin Valley, just south and west of Portland, is packed with opportunities to enjoy live music, get swept away by theatrical performances and marvel at remarkable paintings and sculptures. Here's how to immerse yourself in culture on your next visit. More
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Portland Region , Beaverton , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Make Your Coastal Basecamp in Cannon Beach

June 20, 2025
Cannon Beach’s vast sandy beach and dramatic views of Haystack Rock make it one of the most iconic destinations on the Oregon Coast — and it has been for generations. For more than 100 years, visitors have escaped the fast pace of daily life to beachcomb, surf, gaze at majestic sea stacks and bask in the town’s magical feel. More
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Oregon Coast , Cannon Beach , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

How to Ride Oregon’s Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway

March 3, 2025
Experience the old-growth groves and remote beauty of the Willamette National Forest. More

2 Days of Fun and Games in Tualatin Valley

February 7, 2025
When was the last time you really let yourself play? In Tualatin Valley, fun isn’t just for kids. Here creative, playful and gamified spaces pack in enough excitement to entertain the whole family. Here’s how to let loose and fill two days with smiles and laughter in this diverse, vibrant region just west of Portland. More
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Portland Region , Beaverton , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Experience Tualatin Valley’s Shopping Scene

December 17, 2024
On the hunt for new duds, gifts or gourmet treats? Head for Tualatin Valley, just west of Portland. Shopping the region’s independently owned boutiques and vintage stores is the perfect way to while away a wintry afternoon. More
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Portland Region , Beaverton , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Embrace Fall’s Magic in Tualatin Valley

October 7, 2024
There’s a special energy that accompanies the first chilly breeze of the season. It invites you to marvel at the changing colors of the leaves, linger for fireside conversations and venture out to gather your own farm-fresh produce. Celebrate the change and kick off cozy season by experiencing all the autumn fun that Tualatin Valley has to offer. More
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Portland Region , Banks , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Cómo Pasar 2 Días en el Distrito de Artes Alberta

October 1, 2024
Con su cultura vibrante exhibida orgullosamente en cada esquina, el Distrito de Artes Alberta en el noreste de Portland es un excelente campamento base para los visitantes interesados en el arte, la historia y las experiencias gastronómicas locales. Como uno de los barrios históricamente afroamericanos de la ciudad, el pasado lleno de historias y el presente vibrante de la zona de Alberta son evidentes en cada una de sus boutiques de propiedad local, galerías cuidadosamente curadas y restaurantes únicos. Es difícil recorrer sus calles sin... More
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Artisan Producers , Boutique Hotels , Beer & Breweries , Family Fun , Shopping , Hotels & Motels , Restaurants , Trip Ideas , Retail , Eat & Drink , Culture & History , Places to Stay ,

How to Spend 2 Days in the Alberta Arts District

September 17, 2024
With its spirited culture proudly on display at every turn, the Alberta Arts District in Northeast Portland is an excellent base camp for visitors interested in art, history and local dining experiences. As one of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods, the Alberta area’s storied past and vibrant present are apparent in each of its locally owned boutiques, thoughtfully curated galleries and one-of-a-kind eateries. It’s hard not to wander its streets without feeling like you’ve stumbled across something special. Here’s how to spend two days experiencing...
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Artisan Producers , Boutique Hotels , Beer & Breweries , Family Fun , Shopping , Hotels & Motels , Restaurants , Trip Ideas , Retail , Eat & Drink , Culture & History , Places to Stay ,

5 Exceptional Guided Experiences around Eugene

May 20, 2024
It’s hard to get bored in Eugene. Everywhere you turn, there are countless activities to do, natural areas to explore and tasty creations to sample. Even if you’ve experienced them before, these excursions are enhanced with a guided tour. Taking a trip alongside a knowledgeable, experienced local guide means you can relax as someone else takes care of logistics and safety. It also means you can build a stronger connection to the region. Here are five expert-led experiences for your next trip to the area,... More
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Willamette Valley , Eugene , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

A Waterfall for Every Season

March 15, 2024
Whether they plummet, cascade, roar or trickle, waterfalls have a way of captivating our senses. Seeing and hearing the rush of water toward the earth, feeling the spray and mist hit your face and smelling the ferns and trees surrounding the powerful feature create a memorable experience. In the lush landscape of the Southern Willamette Valley, it’s an experience you can have all year long. Here are some excellent waterfalls to explore no matter what time of year — and how to keep the fun... More
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Willamette Valley , Eugene , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,