MEDIAmerica Staff

Whether you’re playing outdoors, biking, fishing, skiing, or hiking by a river, Bend is pretty irresistible all year round. But autumn is prime time to fall in love with the city all over again, in its more cultural pursuits. It’s about being inspired by the creativity of the local arts scene, which is jam-packed with enough festivities to keep you busy all season. Here are five fab ways to explore Bend anew during the cooler months. More

Flying kites in Lincoln City isn’t just for kids. For many, it’s a lifelong passion. And, as the experts will tell you, it’s something anyone can do — with a little practice. David Gomberg has been making and flying kites since childhood. Decades later, he drove his sweetheart (now wife) to Lincoln City and, on their first date, they flew kites. Today, he’s a Lincoln City-based lawmaker in the Oregon House of Representatives, and in his free time, makes and sells kites worldwide through his... More

When life gets a little too busy, a visit to Lan Su Chinese Garden in downtown Portland offers a soothing respite — a chance to hit the reset button and recharge. With winding paths around a lake surrounded by plants, art and history, the peaceful grounds are especially magical in the rain. In fact, the garden was created by former Portland Mayor Vera Katz and Portland’s sister city in Suzhou, China with the rain in mind — 70 percent of it is completely covered. Lan Su is... More

In 2018, the market celebrates its 45th anniversary (watch for special events June 23-24). It’s grown into a vibrant hub for 252 booths (run by 350 vendors, who don’t all show up at once). Shoppers can nibble their way through 21 different food vendors — from pizza and teriyaki to Nepalese, Uruguayan and Mexican fare. It’s More

From a historic Victorian port city to the West’s most iconic sea stack, the considerable eye candy of Oregon’s North Coast has speckled the portfolios and Instagram feeds of professional photographers and hobbyists alike. But let’s be honest, you can’t quite capture that misty aura hovering over these beloved shores. We advise opting for a real-life visit to some of the most photogenic, thumb tap-worthy spots in Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside and Cannon Beach. More

Shooting stars streak across the night sky as the sun sinks into the Pacific Ocean. Hot air balloons soar over wine country, grape vines unfurling beneath them. Wild horses stream through a desert canyon, and giggling children ride a giant rabbit through a vibrant field of tulips. This is Oregon, “only slightly exaggerated,” as depicted in a dazzling short film that we spent months producing with Wieden+Kennedy. In its first two weeks online, the video racked up around five million views on social media, and... More

We can all use a little Bandon action. Ocean beaches? Check. Watersports? Check. Forests and fresh air? The natural wealth surrounding this relaxed river and beachfront burg (pop. 3,200) swirls rich in pulse-raising, calorie-zapping fun — all of it in convenient reach from the amenities and creature comforts available in Bandon itself. Here’s how to make it your basecamp for three days of thrills. More

This is my family’s first visit to Tamástslikt Cultural Institute (pronounced Tah-must-slickt) near Pendleton. We’ve driven through the same lands crossed by Lewis and Clark, waves of traders, 19th century Christian missionaries and Oregon Trail pioneers. But it wasn’t their land. These are lands that have belonged to the Columbia Plateau tribes for more than 10,000 years. I’ve brought my kids here to learn of these cultures, including the Umatilla, Cayuse and Walla Walla peoples. More

What do you want out of your trip? Peaceful seclusion? Adrenaline-pumping adventure? For me it’s often a bit of both. I joined 12 other geared-up women for a climbing tour organized by Women Who Explore. The group offers four such trips a year in Central Oregon, which is known for its varied adventures — epic trails, backcountry skiing, slopes to shred at Mt. Bachelor, whitewater rapids to navigate. All of these great opportunities can add up to a mountain of intimidation. More

Beyond the misty shore and endless kegs of craft beer, what makes the North Coast stand out is the spirit of its people — a spirit both restless and settled, creative and carefree. That spirit is perhaps best manifested in workshops and storefronts of cities such as Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside and Cannon Beach. Here we give you a crafty preview of the artsy scene, spotlighting six of the many makers, builders and, yes, bakers who call these shores home. More