When I first heard that McMinnville Oregon's Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum was one part aviation history museum, one part military vehicle and firearms collection, one part 3-D theater, and one part water park (yes, water park), I couldn't imagine how it all fit together. I worried that the 70,000 square foot indoor water park would seem gimmicky in comparison to the museum, which would feel … [Read more...]
A stay in a KOA Kamping Kabin
February 24, 2012 By
Full disclosure: I dislike purposeful misspellings (like 'k's replacing 'c's), and I haven't stayed in a KOA Kampground (there we go again) in a very long time. That said, when we needed a no-frills overnight accommodation en route to the Mt. Hood wilderness, I'm really glad I gave their Kamping Kabins a try. We stayed in a two-bedroom cabin at the Culver-Redmond KOA in Central Oregon, … [Read more...]
Best ski towns: Ashland, Oregon
February 13, 2012 By
A friendly community with a small-town yet academic atmosphere, Ashland, Oregon makes our list of Best Ski Towns despite the fact that it's a full 20-minute commute from the slopes. What it lacks in proximity to powder it more than makes up for in charm, family-friendly shops and restaurants, and seasonal events, making it impossible to exclude. Located directly off I-5 in Southern Oregon and … [Read more...]
Searching for Bigfoot on Collings Mountain
January 9, 2012 By
On a dreary but warm day in January, we skipped the ski slopes to brave a wintery hike skirting Applegate Lake near Ruch, Oregon. Our destination? A bona fide Bigfoot trap. Located along the Collings Mountain trail in the Rogue River National Forest, the trap is located on a low rise one-half mile into the hike, off a short spur trail (next to a long-destroyed caretakers's cabin). The only one of … [Read more...]
Exploring Portland Oregon with a baby
November 18, 2011 By
As a newcomer to the Portland area, I’ve been doing plenty of exploring. After relocating from Las Vegas with my husband and two-month-old son, it was a challenge to find fun things for all of us to do. While there are many fantastic activities and local events geared toward children, a baby under six months isn’t quite ready for some of those activities! The following area attractions and … [Read more...]
Wildlife Images, Grants Pass OR
October 18, 2011 By
A Southern Oregon gem, Wildlife Images is an animal rehabilitation center located off I-5 near Grants Pass. If you have an animal lover in your car, this is a pit stop that's not to be missed! Open year round, the facility is beautiful, peaceful, and very educational. Animals are viewed through scheduled tours only (more information on that below), but don't let that deter you, even if you have … [Read more...]
Little People, Big World’s Roloff Farms
October 9, 2011 By
If you're a fan of the TLC program "Little People, Big World", you'll want to make a stop off I-5 this fall season to tour Matt Roloff's very own family travel destination, The Roloff Farms, which he opened to the public earlier this month (to remain open throughout this pumpkin season). The Roloff Farm consists of a 34-acre farm near Portland, Oregon, and harbors a pirate ship, a three-story … [Read more...]
The Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery
October 6, 2011 By
The Oregon Vortex, location of the House of Mystery is described as a natural wonder. A spherical field of force half above the ground and half below the ground, it amazes both kids and scientists alike. A guide takes visitors on a tour explaining the "vortex"; how it was discovered and what it actually is. She or he demonstrates the phenomena and it is quite interesting. In our group, we … [Read more...]
One Tank Wonders: where to travel after school starts
September 12, 2011 By
Our family vacations extensively during the summer months, but by autumn, school and sport schedules once again reign. Do we stop traveling? Never! But our adventures do take place closer to home. In fact, some of our favorite trips have taken place less than one tank of gas away from our hometown. Shorter trips are less stressful, usually less expensive, and easier to plan. You can be in the car … [Read more...]
Exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
September 9, 2011 By
Directly along Oregon's stretch of coastal Highway 101 lie the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: miles of sandy hills and valleys awaiting exploration! Never heard of it? I'm not surprised...many don't realize these mammoth mountains of sand are so close at-hand for Northwest visitors! The biggest of these dunes are about 10 miles south of Reedsport near the town of Lakeside in Eel … [Read more...]
