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.

Guide to Japanese Culture in Oregon

December 9, 2024
As a third-generation Japanese American who grew up in the melting pot of Hawaii, I’d never appreciated being surrounded entirely by Asian cultures during my childhood. As an Oregon resident for my entire adult life, it’s delightful to see so many Oregonians and visitors getting to experience Japanese heritage and influences. Here are a few ways to dive into these experiences. More
found in
Portland Region , Portland , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Join the Ornament Hunt in the Willamette Valley this Winter

November 12, 2024
Looking to spend more time outside this fall and winter? Bundle up for a mindful nature hike — and if you're lucky, you might find one of 200 locally crafted wooden ornaments to bring home and add to your holiday decor. The custom-designed ornaments are hidden throughout the Willamette Valley, along non-wilderness trails in these ranger districts: Detroit, Sweet Home, McKenzie River and Middle Fork in the Willamette National Forest, and Cottage Grove in the Umpqua National Forest. Check out the 20 specific trails here, and... More
found in
Wilderness & Natural Areas , Family Fun , Health & Wellness , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas ,

The Sports Bra with Jenny Nguyen

September 5, 2024
When Jenny Nguyen opened The Sports Bra in spring 2022 she made national news: A queer, woman-run bar that promised to play only women’s sports. Could it succeed? Would there even be enough women’s sports to show on the TVs? Two years later the Northeast Portland bar is not just a beloved destination among residents and international visitors alike — it’s a model for dozens more to come across the country, as Nguyen works with a partner on a franchising deal. What’s the experience at... More
found in
LGBTQ+ , Beer & Breweries , Culinary Experiences , Sporting Events , Bars , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Cities & Regions ,

Red Cedar Forest Therapy with Andrea Kreiner

Andrea Kreiner has devoted her life to the outdoors. She spent decades doing work on climate change and sustainability initiatives before moving to Oregon with her family five years ago, shifting gears to focus on what she truly loves the most: helping people connect with nature. She started Red Cedar Forest Therapy to help families, couples and groups of all ages immerse themselves in the natural world in a meaningful way — and find better health, joy, tranquility and inspiration while they’re at it. She’s... More
found in
State Parks , Guides & Charters , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Family Fun , Health & Wellness , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas , Guides & Tours ,

Han Oak with Peter Cho

In 2016 Peter Cho and Sun Young Park opened a restaurant in their Northeast Portland home out of necessity — they needed to keep their small children underfoot. The novelty of the intimate indoor/outdoor courtyard garden space at Han Oak — paired with exceptional food — attracted immediate national attention. Soon, Han Oak became one of Portland’s hottest restaurants, earning celebrity status and a half-dozen James Beard Award semifinalist nominations including Best New Restaurant, Best Chefs and Outstanding Hospitality. In 2024 they opened their latest... More
found in
Restaurants , Eat & Drink , Cities & Regions ,

Oregon Chefs Shine Light on Food Sustainability

August 20, 2024
The Portland event features more than 25 chefs, bakers, winemakers and beverage makers, each crafting inspired small plates and sips using gleaned and upcycled ingredients — transforming what’s often discarded into something extraordinary. More
found in
Culinary Events , Artisan Producers , Culinary Experiences , Farmers Markets , Farms & Ranches , Eat & Drink , Events ,

Adventure Along with Oregon’s Outdoor Recreation Maps

July 22, 2024
You can use these maps for much more than getting from Point A to Point B. Each map is a blueprint and inspiration guide for all you need to know about your journey, including where to stay, shop and dine. You'll find tips on how to visit responsibly and how to get the most out of each visit, whether it's adding on a guided tour or finding a farmers market you might not have known about. Find the collection of free maps below (click on... More
found in
Bicycling , Birding , Favorite Trips , Boating & Jet Boating , Camping , Hiking & Backpacking , Paddle Sports , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Scenic Byways , Guides & Tours ,

Oregon Welcomes New Wave of Diverse Wine Enthusiasts

April 11, 2024
The Chos are the first known Korean American winemakers in Oregon, having opened CHO Wines in April 2024 to a large following of mostly younger and more diverse guests – not your typical wine tasting demographic. Here’s how to get into the new wave of wine tasting led by AAPI pioneers in Oregon. More
found in
Culinary Events , Wine Events , Fairs & Festivals , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

89 Days of Oregon Winter Fun

January 10, 2024
Have you seen our talking kayak, beaver, rose, telephone pole, dark sky and pair of boots in your social media feed, promoting their favorite activities across Oregon? These friendly sidekicks are here in winter to show you what's especially incredible about this time of year — from moonlight snowshoeing and truffle hunting to sleigh rides and fireside winetasting. Much of it can be done with an expert guide, which means you can tackle logistically tricky trips without the hassle of navigation, planning, gear and equipment.... More
found in
Sustainable Travel , Accessible Travel , Snow Sports , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink ,

Un Tiempo Grandioso en La Grande

December 19, 2023
¿Qué tiene de grandioso La Grande? Aquí es como puedes explorar La Grande en un fin de semana.  More
found in
Eastern Oregon , La Grande , Favorite Trips ,