Explore Oregon

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Nerves of Iron

I hadn’t watched an actual “Iron Chef” show in years and couldn’t remember what was expected from the judges. Arriving at the Portland Art Museum, I grabbed a glass of wine and wandered around like a middle school kid unprepared to give a speech in class that day.

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Kids’ Guide to Summer in Oregon

In mid-June, waves of kids dash out of school doors for a seemingly endless summer of fun. What’s a parent to do? Don’t panic. We scoured the state to discover fifty camps to suit kids of every interest—and your secret desire to enhance their education—from digging for fossils in Fossil and rocking out in Medford, to directing films in Portland or acting like a clown in Ashland. Most of these programs offer scholarships and financial aid.

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The Dalles: a Hidden Gem in the Gorge

Bobbie Bustamante moved to The Dalles a year and a half ago. She had lived 130 miles east in Pendleton and 975 miles south in Anaheim, California before that. “The Dalles is a place where people really get out of their cars and get outdoors,” says the recreational runner. While the hills surrounding The Dalles offer challenging running workouts, the Columbia River is a relaxing sanctuary for her, her boyfriend and their kids.

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Highway 99 from McMinnville to Eugene

In 1950, a flying saucer visited the farm of Paul and Evelyn Trent of McMinnville. The farmer snapped two photos that later became the most famous and scrutinized UFO photos to date. LIFE magazine found it compelling enough to publish the photos and story in its June 26, 1950 edition. McMinnville now holds a well-attended UFO festival May 18-19.

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Oregon Travel: Cannon Beach

In 1894, mail carrier George Luce rounded up his neighbors and a couple of horses, and pulled from the sea what would become the namesake for present day Cannon Beach. They dragged the cannon to what was the post office in Arch Cape, five miles south of presentday Cannon Beach.

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On Leavened Ground

It’s 4 a.m. The aroma of fresh bread comes from flaming ovens. Buttery croissants are rolled, cut and shaped by hand at Ken’s Artisan Bakery in Portland. An hour later, the sweet smell of fresh baguette dough wafts past four bakers in jeans, t-shirts and aprons, their heads down, their floured hands dividing and shaping smooth, long loaves. The oven door clanks as the bread goes in.

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7 Oregon Weekenders

Oregon’s fabled outdoor adventures are just out the door – whether it’s heartthumping whitewater on a wild and remote river, a mountain bike ride in old growth timber, a kayak trip to see a Great Blue Heron, surfing at the Oregon coast or fly-fishing from a historical ranch. 1859 carves out some fascinating places for the perfect Oregon weekenders.

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1859 Magazine’s Wine Tasting at Grochau Cellars

In January, with ten anonymous tasters, 1859 Oregon’s Magazine sampled seven different wines at Grochau Cellars, a winery located in the heart of Portland. Get insight into your next wine purchase with comments, descriptions and ratings found on the following pages.