About the Author

JD Shadel

JD Shadel is a queer writer, editor and producer whose work appears in The Washington Post, VICE, Fodor’s Travel, The Atlantic CityLab and many others. When not hunched over a keyboard in one of Portland’s many cocktail bars, they hit the road in search of Oregon’s emptiest trails.

Cool Season Adventures

November 20, 2017
Ready to trade the humdrum for some fresh thrills? Take an ambitious tour through all seven regions of Oregon to see everything that makes the cooler months so cool. But you don’t have to do it all at once. Check out these highlights to start planning your own getaway. More
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Favorite Trips ,

Artists Transform Portland’s Blank Walls

May 23, 2017
What sets Forest for the Trees apart from Portland’s other public art is a grassroots ethos and an emphasis on contemporary work rather than community- or historic-based subject matter. The festival stands out as a prime example of international mural festivals. It’s a trend sweeping the world, which sees painters trading studios for city walls — taking inspiration from graffiti, street art and pop art. More
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Portland Region , Portland , Art Galleries & Studios , Favorite Trips , Theater & Performing Art , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Events ,

A Night in the Life of Mel Brown

August 26, 2016
Mel Brown sits down at his kit and adjusts his cymbals. He hits one with a drumstick — ting ta-ting ting. It rings brightly, clearly, with resonance. Next he picks up a couple wire brushes and makes stirring strokes across the snare — whoosh shhh-whoosh. It’s smooth, sensual and a little spicy. He proceeds to… More
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Portland Region , Portland , Favorite Trips , Theater & Performing Art , Visual & Performing Arts Events , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Events ,

How a Play Comes to Life

May 26, 2016
There’s a scene in the fifth act of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) production of “Twelfth Night” when twins Viola and Sebastian appear together onstage. It’s a rare moment of magic — due not only to the glamorous set design but also to the fact that the same actor, Sara Bruner, plays both characters. For a few spellbinding minutes, the audience witnesses the touching interaction of these androgynous siblings — an affecting performance from Bruner made possible by cinematic sleight of hand, fitting given that... More
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Southern Oregon , Ashland , Favorite Trips , Theater & Performing Art , Visual & Performing Arts Events , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Events ,

7 Otherworldly Stargazing Spots in Oregon

May 22, 2016
From desert campsites to fire lookout towers, photographer Ben Canales shares a few of his favorite stargazing destinations in Oregon. More
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Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Oregon Road Trip Mix Tape

April 22, 2016
Take a look at the map and you’ll see that Oregon’s a pretty big place — the ninth largest state (by square miles) in the Union, in fact. That means you’re going to need a good mix of music to blast on your next road trip. So why not spin songs inspired by this tuneful state while you’re out exploring it? From classic country to garage rock, we’ve chosen a few local favorites and critically acclaimed records made in and inspired by the Beaver State. (That’s our official...    More
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Trip Ideas ,

A Hub for Makers

February 26, 2016
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of ADX, a collaborative space at the center of Portland’s crafty maker movement. More
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Portland Region , Portland , Art Galleries & Studios , Favorite Trips , Theater & Performing Art , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Events ,

Shaping Surfboards With a Sense of Place

February 25, 2016
Ask anyone seduced by the foamy crash of the surf, and they’ll tell you that it's hard to stay in one place — something about the ocean’s churning rhythm takes hold of your soul and won’t easily let it settle. But for many, this all seems to change when you find yourself on the Oregon Coast.… More
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Oregon Coast , Port Orford , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,