About the Author

Margarett Waterbury

Margarett Waterbury is a lifelong Northwesterner who writes about food, drinks, travel and agriculture for local and national press. She lives in a 90-year-old bungalow in Southeast Portland and enjoys high-octane coffee, low-ABV beers and walking long distances.

First-Timer’s Guide to Swimming in the Willamette River

May 8, 2026
What to know, where to go and how to tap into Portland’s river culture. More
found in
Portland Region , Swimming , Activities ,

Experience Rogue Valley Wines in Medford

Not far from Oregon’s southern border, two mountain ranges converge: the Cascades, a strand of volcanic peaks 700 miles long; and the Siskiyous, a lower, much older range with some of the most varied topography in the state. Where they meet, a mosaic of soil and microclimates has created one of Oregon’s most unique wine regions: the Rogue Valley. More
found in
Southern Oregon , Medford , Favorite Trips , Wine & Wineries , Eat & Drink ,

The Quiet Magic of Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley

March 27, 2026
As I drove through the Chehalem Mountains in late winter, grape vines stood quiet and bare, their peaceful rows rolling across the hills like corduroy. Winemakers call this cellar season, that in-between time when the hard work of harvest becomes a memory but before the growing season begins in earnest. More
found in
Willamette Valley , Newberg , Wine & Wineries , Eat & Drink ,

3 Award-Winning Dining Experiences in the Willamette Valley

March 13, 2026
Visitors to the Willamette Valley usually already know about the wine. It might have even brought you there. But grapes are just one of the valley’s more than 170 crops, and farm-to-table dining has long been part of the culinary landscape. More
found in
Willamette Valley , McMinnville , Restaurants , Eat & Drink ,

Wine Tasting in Central Oregon

October 27, 2025
Central Oregon is a surprisingly great place to get to know Oregon wine. Here’s where to savor a glass of wine with friends or purchase your favorite bottles in Central Oregon. More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

The Ultimate Guide to Oregon’s Spectacular Beaches

October 9, 2025
In Oregon the beach is truly for everyone. Every inch of Oregon’s 363-mile coastline is publicly accessible, a unique right secured by the state’s landmark 1967 Beach Bill, which earned the region its nickname, the People’s Coast. More
found in
Oregon Coast , Pacific City , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

A Food Lover’s Guide to I-5 in Oregon

April 7, 2025
When you’re driving Interstate 5 — the north-south transportation artery that cuts through Western Oregon’s wine country and mountains — you’ll find plenty of memorable meals and farm treats along the freeway, from Mexican-style popsicles to award-winning cheese. Here are some of our favorite places to eat along the route. More
found in
Restaurants , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Top Romantic Restaurants in Oregon

February 3, 2025
Here’s our guide to a special evening at romantic restaurants around the state. More
found in
Restaurants , Destinations , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

A Fresh Take on Portland’s Whiskey Scene

December 9, 2024
Beneath the twinkling glimmer of more than 2,000 bottles of spirits, this renowned whiskey bar is on a mission to make the world of whiskey more accessible to everyone. Here’s what to know about this world-class bar that’s the hub of a thriving, walkable community full of indie boutiques, retail, restaurants and hotels. More
found in
Portland Region , Portland , Spirits & Distilleries , Eat & Drink ,

Try a Vegan Wine Tasting in Portland

November 13, 2024
Oregon is synonymous with pinot noir — and one key contributor is Erath Winery. This pioneering winery was one of the first to grow pinot noir in the Willamette Valley, and they’re still a top producer of the style that made the state famous. So when I got the chance to go experience their vegan-friendly tasting room in Portland’s Pearl District, I was thrilled to leave my car in the driveway and head across the river to meet a friend for an urban wine tasting. More
found in
Portland Region , Portland , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,