Oregon

Have you ever been to Oregon? I’m telling you friends, Oregon is what dreams are made of. Oregon fills my head with dreams of being a farmer, winemaker, fisherman, or all of them at once. My first time really getting my fill of it was on a roadtrip I took for my 30th birthday. Well now I’m 33 so obviously a seasoned grown up roadtripper. And now I love Oregon so much more. Oregon really may be the perfect place. It has pretty much everything I love. Sunshine. Beaches. Farmlife. Wine. Beer. Cheese. Chocolate. Like, if you can actually get all of these things in one place is there a reason to be anywhere else? Seriously. This is a question I ask myself constantly. A week in Oregon is not nearly enough, and we didn’t even scratch the surface. But just a taste of this amazing state is all I can offer you. We only hugged the coast this time, but we love the coast so it was perfect. When you cross the border into Oregon it’s a little strange because it still kind of feels like Washington — it’s misting on the water, kind of dark in a gorgeous gothic way, and there are boats everywhere. This is how I hope all my entrances into Oregon always go down.

Astoria. The home to so many favorites. Beer. Cult TV classics. Dockside chilling. First off, it’s the home of The Goonies. If you don’t know what that is I don’t even know what to say and we need to have a serious discussion. But like every other late 80s baby I am obsessed. We attempted to visit the “Goonies House” but it’s not a thing anymore. So we scoped out sea lions and drank delicious beer instead. Not a bad consolation prize. I’m still hoping that maybe my boyfriend will want to be a fisherman and we will live on a boat. But until then I’m happy that Astoria exists.

Cannon Beach. Ever since my first trip to Oregon/Super Northern California I’ve discovered the glory of these mystery rocks in the middle of the ocean. And nobody does it better than Cannon Beach. If you have a chance to go — GO. And puppies even love it.

Portland. We made only an overnight stop here, and I keep saying I will come back for a longer time, but not this time. We had time for donuts, roses, and Peruvian snacks. Portland has tons more to explore and discover and I definitely intend on going back — and for more than just eating.

 

Pacific City & Coos Bay. As we headed back out to the coast it gets cooler and back to that gothic gorgeousness. And more time for beer & beaches. On the coast of Oregon in a small town sits Pelican Brewery a place with great beer and an even better view of the Pacific Ocean and some really impressive mystery rocks. We camped that night in Coos Bay, which is gorgeous but it was rainy and cold, and Ella is not a fan. I think she’s starting to get a little sick of this roadtrip life.

Ashland. OK, so our last stop is a favorite. Ashland is known for the Shakespeare Festival, which I’ve actually never been to. But it’s also home to wine, which we did take part in. I mean, obviously. Where coastal Oregan is cool and overcast, Ashland is hot and sunny. And is a hot spot for wine, cheese, and the best chocolate discovery. Downtoan Ashland is a really fun place, even if you aren’t there for Shakespeare. We came for the wine and stayed for the sunshine.

Essential Oregon Pitstops

Rogue Brewery. This tops my list for best brewpubs, and I’ve been to quite a few. With over 20 beers to choose from and pretty tasty food that is served in an old canning factory (the old Bumble Bee Tuna Factory to be exact) I’m not sure what else you’d need for a pretty solid day.

VooDoo Doughnuts. Probably the best west coast donuts I’ve ever had. I like them even if they don’t spell donut correctly. No, you cannot fight me on this. No one does donuts like New England. But these are pretty good. And their walls have glitter in them.

Weisinger Family Vineyards. Probably the best selection in the Ashland, OR region. And tasting wine through largish, test tube-like glasses has always been a dream of mine.

Paschal Winery. Pictuesque views with incredile Oregan Pinot Noir. Also friends of the animals which always equals at least 3 stars in my book.

Pepplestone Cellars. If you’ve always wanted to taste delicious wine in an Oregon country cottage, look no further than this small, family-run vineyard.

Rogue Creamery. Guys, it’s cheese. CHEESE. And really delicious cheese. Sometimes infused with lavender and beer. Not together because that’s just weird.

Lillie Belle Chocolates. Lavender salted caramels. No further explanation needed.

Pelican Brewery. Do you like to drink beer and eat coastal cuisine while looking at mystery rocks in the ocean? Well, of course you do. So go here and do both those things. At the same time.