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Getaways where books & place meet written by Jean Chen Smith Oregon’s landscapes have long served as both muse and setting for generations of writers, shaping stories that range from children’s classics and counterculture novels to modern memoirs of wilderness, identity and selfdiscovery. From the misty Pacific coastline and working river towns to the high desert and dense evergreen forests, the state’s geography has a way of imprinting itself onto the literary imagination. Across Oregon, readers can still trace these narratives in real time, visiting the streets of Portland neighborhoods that inspired beloved children’s books, the Columbia River towns that anchor early American history and the rugged coastal stretches that echo themes of isolation, resilience and reinvention. In many cases, the line between fiction and place feels intentionally permeable, as if the stories were never meant to be confined to the page alone. For travelers and readers, the experience becomes…

written by Jean Chen Smith There’s a certain magic in sleeping under canvas without sacrificing comfort, watching fog drift across forested ridges or hearing the ocean’s hush as you drift to sleep. Glamping—where “wild” meets “comfort”—has matured into a travel category that embraces design, locale and experience. From mirrored cabins and geodesic domes on the Oregon Coast to Airstreams and treetop perches across the state, Oregon offers a variety of memorable stays that prove you don’t have to rough it to get outside. Tierra Del Mar TWO CAPES LOOKOUT Where forest meets salt air, Two Capes Lookout reinvents the coastal glamping experience with a striking collection of geodesic domes and mirrored cabins tucked into a grove of towering Sitka spruce. Perched along the rugged sweep of the Oregon Coast, the property feels both elemental and architectural, a place where modern design bows to dramatic cliffs and the open ocean. In…

The Oregon Coast is getting to know drought written by Daniel O’Neil | illustrations by Cate Andrews It seems impossible to separate the Oregon Coast from rain. With the Coast Range serving as a moisture-trapping barrier to the east, the coastal communities feel amphibian, half-belonging to the Pacific source of all that precipitation. Countless streams and rivers, endless moss and lichen, and every shade of green—that’s the Oregon Coast, for most of the year, at least. Despite receiving 6 or more feet of rain each year, Oregon’s coast has also begun to suffer from drought. The dry season tends to start earlier these days, sometimes lasting all spring and summer, and when it does, local inhabitants like fish, forests and farmers struggle. Water is a precious resource even on the “rainy” coast, it turns out, despite popular belief. “When you’re dealing with levels of rain like in our community, it…

written by Jean Chen Smith Have you noticed there is a special energy that rolls around when the holidays approach? Maybe it’s just me, but I relish the warmth of twinkling lights, the joy of festive gatherings and the comforting sense of togetherness that fills the air. It is a time of family get-togethers and creating heartfelt traditions and memories. It is also a great time for traveling and exploring, being fully immersed in the holiday season. From snow-covered mountains to cozy coastal towns, our state offers a magical mix of holiday destinations that are perfect for families. Whether you are looking to embrace the winter chill or enjoy festive small-town charm, here are some of the best family-friendly spots to spend your holidays in the state. Powell Butte Tucked into the high desert hills of Powell Butte, Brasada Ranch offers a family-friendly holiday experience that blends outdoor activities, cozy…

Fall for These Wine Country Escapes written by Jean Chen Smith Oregon tips the scale at more than 1,100 wineries in the state, making it the ideal destination for a wine country getaway. Fall is the harvest season for the majority of vineyards, when grapes are ripe for picking, and properties are abuzz with activity. Grapevines are at the apex of their beauty with an abundance of grapes. It is my favorite time to visit wineries. There are many options when it comes to choosing romantic accommodations after a day of wine tasting. Some wineries offer luxurious lodging where you can sip and stay, enjoying an immersive experience. Surrounded by the beauty of the vines, staying on a working vineyard is a unique getaway. Boutique hotels and small inns also make an excellent choice when visiting wine country. Fall head over heels for these idyllic stops. CARLTON Abbey Road Farm…