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Relaxing lounge area at The Wine Spa with comfortable chairs, soft lighting, and a calming ambiance in the Pacific Northwest.

5 Romantic Oregon Getaways for Couples

Oregon’s most-unforgettable romantic escapes written by Jean Chen Smith Romance in Oregon isn’t defined by a single destination—it’s found in the moments shared along the way. Across the state, couples are discovering that the most meaningful getaways aren’t about checking off landmarks but slowing down, reconnecting and embracing experiences that feel both restorative and unforgettable. Here are five of our favorite romantic experiences for two. DUNDEE Wellness & Wine for Two For couples drawn to wine country, few places feel more quintessentially Oregon than The Dundee Hotel. This intimate, twenty-two-room boutique property sits in the heart of Dundee, the small Willamette Valley town widely regarded as the birth-place of Oregon’s modern wine industry. It was here, in the rolling hills surrounding town, that pioneering vintners helped establish Oregon pinot noir on the world stage, forever changing the state’s agricultural and culinary identity. Today, couples can immerse themselves in that legacy…

Person browsing books in a large, well-stocked library aisle, highlighting Oregon's rich literary culture.

Oregon’s Iconic Literary Destinations

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…

Seedlings in small pots and trays on a gardening table.

How Native Plants Are Transforming Oregon’s Urban Landscapes

Native plants are regaining a foothold in Oregon’s urban areas written by Daniel O’Neil Spring is awakening, and Ryan Kennedy’s native plant nursery, ReWild, is busy with imperceptible growth. Here just east of Astoria, Kennedy zigzags from project to project like a hummingbird. He’s repotting Pacific wax myrtle, watering Oregon grape, prepping land for his expanding operations and patiently nurturing species like Sitka spruce and salal that make the coast the coast. Kennedy grows native plants for residential and commercial clients: home gardeners, local landscapers and, some day, municipalities. Having started ReWild in 2024, he has benefitted from a burgeoning interest in native plant species and a growing awareness, statewide, of their irreplaceable role on the landscape. The benefits of native plants in urban areas range as widely as their list of taxonomic names. While providing habitat for native animal species and maintaining a thriving ecosystem, native plant communities also…

Scenic view of a lush green forest and mountain landscape seen from a tent porch in Oregon, with sunlight filtering through tall trees and a clear blue sky.

Best Glamping Destinations in Oregon

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…

Lighthouse on rugged Oregon coast with visitors exploring the scenic shoreline and ocean views, showcasing Oregon's natural beauty and maritime history.

Oregon Coast History Road Trip Guide

Exploring Oregon’s living history along the coast written by Jean Chen Smith The Oregon Coast is often described in terms of its scenery—think rugged headlands, wind-carved dunes and tide pools teeming with life—but beneath the drama of land and sea lies a timeline of human history. From Indigenous villages and maritime landmarks to frontier settlements and World War II-era remnants, this coastline invites us to experience history in the present tense. Driving Highway 101 from north to south, each coastal community preserves a distinct chapter of Oregon’s past, shaped by fishing, logging, shipping, art, migration and resilience against the elements. For travelers who are curious about how history still informs the culture, architecture and rhythm of the coast today, this route offers a chance to slow down and step into stories that continue to evolve. CANNON BEACH & THE NORTH COAST Art Community & Coastal Roots Cannon Beach may be…

An artistic depiction of rain and clouds with pink flamingos and flying birds, emphasizing the beauty of rainy weather in Oregon. This vibrant artwork highlights nature's resilience and the unique lan.

Oregon Coast Faces Rising Drought Risk

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…

Covered mountain landscape with a lone hiker in winter, showcasing the serene beauty of Oregon's winter scenery. Perfect for illustrating where winter feels like a magical, snowy escape in Oregon.

8 Oregon Winter Getaways That Feel Magical

written by Jean Chen Smith When winter’s chill settles in, it is easy to slip into routine with gray skies, busy schedules and the familiar hum of daily life. But in Oregon, the season unfolds differently. Here, snow-dusted forests, ocean mist and mountain air transform the cold into something magical. Whether you are chasing powder in Bend, sipping wine by a fire in Jacksonville or standing beneath a canopy of stars in the Wallowas, our state invites you to rediscover winter as it was meant to be—romantic, restorative and full of wonder. These destinations do not just endure winter. On the contrary, they celebrate it, reminding us that beauty thrives in the quiet months, too. BEND A snow lover’s paradise, Bend transforms into a winter wonderland framed by the Cascade Mountain Range. Powdery slopes at Mount Bachelor, tranquil snowshoe and fat bike trails in the Deschutes National Forest and nearby…

A large illuminated Christmas tree surrounded by a crowd of people celebrating in Oregon, with holiday decorations and festive lighting creating a joyful winter scene.

Family-Friendly Destinations to Spend the Holidays

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…

A powerful wave crashes against the rocky shoreline with a towering spray, capturing the dynamic natural beauty of Oregon's coast, perfect for exploring Oregon's scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Storm Watching on the Oregon Coast

Storm watching along the Oregon Coast reveals the region’s natural dynamism written by Daniel O’Neil In one corner, the Oregon Coast, forged by fault lines, long-ago volcanics and distant lava flows. In the other, the early winter north Pacific Ocean, with its incessant battering waves and wind. Watching the two clash is a spectacle of Mother Nature’s brutal strength and beauty, one that is quickly gaining aficionados. With plenty of cliffs and headlands, punchbowls and blowholes, not to mention warm hospitality and a relaxed offseason vibe, storm watching on the Oregon Coast does not disappoint. With the right timing, and plenty of precaution, taking in the action is yet another way to enjoy and appreciate Oregon’s rugged coastline. Storm watching offers plenty of opportunities from late fall until the end of winter. Some people go for the storm itself, the unimpeded ocean winds and sideways rain that challenge one’s balance…