About the Author

Jen Anderson

Jen Anderson is a longtime journalist and travel writer/editor who is now Travel Oregon’s Content & Community Manager, helping to align content for visitors via social media, print and web. She’s called Oregon home for 25 years and loves finding the latest places to eat, drink and play around the state with her husband and two boys. Brewpubs, beaches and bike trails top the list.

Slam Dunk for Sweet Wife Baking

April 4, 2017
At first, people didn’t know what to call Jenny Mowe’s fancy bake shop treats at Sweet Wife Baking in Baker City, the historic town near the edge of Oregon’s eastern border. “Cowboys were coming in ordering ‘sandwich cookies,’” Mowe says. “I said, ‘Oh, you like the macarons?’” They asked if her pickled strawberry pie had… More
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Eastern Oregon , Baker City , Artisan Producers , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Celebrate Earth Day in the Gorge

March 30, 2017
As hikers know, spring wildflowers make this season special at the Gorge. What visitors may not realize is that these wildflowers flourish each year in part thanks to strategic efforts to control noxious weeds, which disrupt the native ecology. More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Events ,

Getting to the Coast is Half the Fun

March 28, 2017
Oregon Coast Highway 101 — the route that runs along the Pacific Ocean — is full of scenic drives and inspired spots to eat, drink and play. But what about the trip there and back? We’ve got you covered, with a few noteworthy and convenient stops worth checking out along some of the most popular northern,… More
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Oregon Coast , McMinnville , Amusement Parks , Farm & Ranch Stays , Family Fun , Farmers Markets , Farms & Ranches , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,

Train to Summit Mt. Hood

March 9, 2017
One day each June, a group of climbers emerge from Timberline Lodge in the middle of the night, load up with head lamps, ice axes, crampons, harnesses and backpacks, and begin their careful ascent up the south route of Mt. Hood. About five hours later — just in time for sunrise — they reach their… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Guides & Charters , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Sporting Events , Sports , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events , Back Country Guides ,

Hot Spots on the Coast

February 23, 2017
What’s a blustery day at the Oregon Coast without a bonfire at dusk? Or a brisk hike along a craggy coastline without a steaming bowl of chowder and coffee to warm up afterward? As invigorating as is to play outside on the Oregon Coast in the off season, it’s just as delicious an experience to… More
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Oregon Coast , Coffee & Tea , Restaurants , Seafood , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Join the Movement at Design Week Portland

February 14, 2017
For eight days in April, thousands of design enthusiasts will descend on Portland to talk about shaping the future — and what they say just might surprise you. The fifth annual Design Week Portland kicks off April 21-29, 2017, with hands-on workshops, national speakers, open houses and celebrations meant to appeal not just to design… More
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Portland Region , Portland , Educational Activities , Trip Ideas , Events ,

Common Block Brings Craft to Downtown Medford

February 8, 2017
With its bold, curvy Streamline Moderne architecture, the historic Monarch Building in downtown Medford might be instantly recognizable — but it hasn’t quite been a destination for the community, until now. Built in 1947, the building was once a former feed store and then the Lithia Motors showroom. But in recent years, it has stood… More
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Southern Oregon , Medford , Beer & Breweries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

6 Romantic Small Towns in Oregon

January 26, 2017
Whether it’s glorious trails for trekking, cozy nooks for relaxing or charming downtowns for dining, here’s where to head for some classic Oregon romance. More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Government Camp , Snow Sports , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,

Play Eugene Pinot Bingo

January 23, 2017
When you walk into Brigadoon Wine Co. tasting room, you might feel like you’ve come home. That’s because this quaint tasting room — in north Eugene, about 10 miles west of Junction City — is decorated with some of the early American antiques from owner Chris Shown’s personal collection. But it’s not just the decor.… More
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Willamette Valley , Eugene , Culinary Events , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Events ,

Tea Tour of Portland

January 17, 2017
If you’re not in the mood for coffee in Portland, you’re in luck. The city is awash in tea — perhaps the world’s most popular beverage, and versatile too. Whether in cocktail form, boba, chai, matcha, green, black, herbal, oolong or an endless variety of other types — a cup of tea in the wintertime… More
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Portland Region , Portland , Culinary Events , Coffee & Tea , Culinary Experiences , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Events ,