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What are some ideas for how our family could spend an afternoon in the Newberg area?

If I could choose just a few things for you do in an afternoon near Newberg, they would be as follows: Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum:  This is a great place and if you have wanted to see the Spruce Goose, it’s here!  You could certainly spend a lot longer than an afternoon here, but…

We have a day and night to get from Portland to Eugene, what could we see on our way? –Linda

Hi Linda, I am the AskOR Willamette Valley expert and I am happy to give you a few suggestions for enjoying our gorgeous region!  First of all, for lodging, I would check out www.obbg.org if you are thinking you might enjoy a night in a B & B along your route.  If you would like…

I will be in Eugene for a meeting on Jan 14th and 15th and would like to see some of the Oregon Coast; perhaps on the previous weekend or maybe starting on Jan 10th. What area would be relatively easy to drive to from Eugene or Portland? What kind of weather should I expect? Can you suggest some B&Bs? — Lois

From the coast, the most direct route to Eugene is from Florence on the Oregon Coast via OR 126 (just under 1.5 hours). You didn’t mention where you are traveling from, but it sounds like you may be coming from the north and you could easily spend four days traveling the North and Central coast…

We love cycling, although more road cycling than mountain biking, and I’m not too great on hills! Are there any particularly good (and relatively flat) cycle routes you could suggest? -Gill

Yes… as a matter of fact, where I live in Albany, OR we are actually right in the middle of an awesome scenic bikeway. I actually have a B & B there and we get bicyclists from all over the world stay with us because of our location. Check out this site, and we often…

We’ll be staying in Corvallis for about a week and are most interested in seeing Oregon’s natural wonders. How much could we jam into our itinerary?

I happen to live only 10 miles from Corvallis and love so much about this region so let’s go! Here are a few links to check out: Corvallis Tourism Albany Visitors Association McDonald Dunn Forest Mary’s Peak William Finley National Wildlife Refuge Gentle Breeze Japanese Garden Starker Forest The Oregon Garden Silver Creek Falls I…

Your advice on day trips for a family with young children, originating in Eugene?

In Turner, the Enchanted Forest is super fun if you know ahead of time that this ain’t Disney.  In Independence, they have the Wings of Wonder butterfly exhibit.  Evergreen Aviation Museum is fun and the Wings and Waves Waterpark is like nothing else! In Salem there is the A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery House Children’s Museum. Silver Falls is…

My wife and I are visiting Oregon for three weeks starting and ending in Eugene. We would like to see as many of the waterfalls as we can. Which are the best areas to see them?

We have a lot of waterfalls here in Oregon and I have been fortunate in that I have seen many of them.  I will say the most spectacular of course is our Multnomah Falls area. I would plan to spend at least most of a day in this area.  I have hiked the Wahkeena Falls Hike counter clockwise and…

We plan to be in the Willamette Valley for 2 days. Please suggest a town where we can say that would be convenient for touring the vineyards and sampling some good food without being too touristy.

Three places came to mind when I read your question.  They are McMinnville, Eugene and Albany!  Three very different Oregon towns each offering what you are looking for.  First of all, McMinnville is situated more in the Northern region of wine country.  It’s has a bustling downtown with lots of restaurants and shops and very…

I want to combine a trip to Portland with a visit to the Willamette Valley. What would you plan to see and how should we travel from Portland to the Willamette Valley?

I really love your question!  I live in the Willamette Valley but have a loft in the Pearl District in Portland. The main thing you have to do in Portland is EAT!!!  Take advantage of one of the many great walking tours of the city. From Portland, I would travel to and through the Willamette Valley on…

I’m visiting Oregon this summer and want to hit the best flea-markets and swap meets Oregon has to offer. Any suggestions? – Sims J.

The two events that come to mind are my two favorite events that hit the Willamette Valley in early September.  I know you said you were visiting Oregon this summer, however, if you are able to extend your trip, it would be totally worth it! First of all, Albany holds an event each year called,…

We are looking for places to go gold prospecting or sites to dig for gem stones along with camping. Will be taking a one year old, three year old and twelve year old with us. – Mary W.

I love your question because I have never considered “gold prospecting” but how fun that would be.  I found this awesome site about Oregon Gold for you to check out! It looks like so much family fun so if you go, please let us know how it goes! Also checked this site out gold panning…

If you were going to get engaged in Oregon, where would you do it? – A.C.

You are in luck because I have a few ideas to  share with you! I happen to have a B & B in the Willamette Valley and we host many newlyweds so noting the locations our brides and grooms chose to “tie the knot,” can also be some of the most romantic places to “pop…

We plan to fly into Portland in late July or early August with our 14 year old grandson who is intent on visiting the University of Oregon in Eugene. What activities might be in the area that he would be interested in seeing?

I love that your grandson is so intent on seeing the University of Oregon!  It’s a gorgeous campus so please be sure to take the whole tour!  As far as baseball games go, check out the University of Oregon’s baseball website. Also, please see my friends at the Eugene, Cascades and Coast Adventure Center in…

We have three kids 5 and under. We want to go on a vacation and check out Oregon, but don’t know where to go? We would love some good ideas. We don’t mind camping, and we like doing things outdoors, but the kids might only last hiking for a couple of days and then be wiped out. – Sharp Family

Wow… you won’t believe the list of family friendly recommendations in the Willamette Valley. Here are some places to check out: For camping I would suggest renting a yurt in one of Oregon’s beautiful parks. It’s camping without all of the work! In Turner, the Enchanted Forest is super cheesy but also super fun if…

Planning a trip through the west coast. From Portland to San Francisco. What we must not miss?

I’d check out Astoria and Canon Beach, see this blog entry. I would take I-5 to Hwy 38 to the coast and down to San Francisco.

Any travel (food, lodging, wine tours) suggestions for the Thanksgiving weekend in Williamette Valley?

Thanksgiving is probably my most favorite time of year in the Willamette Valley. The leaves are in full fall color and it’s cool enough outdoors that a B & B would provide the coziest stay. Many B & B’s are taking guests over the Thanksgiving holiday. You can find one by checking out the FB…