The Oregon Tale: Traveling the State
Oregon is a place that isn’t known for vacations: It’s not a major tourist attraction or an ideal spring break destination. He’s just not famous. Because of this, it is one of the most modest regions. If someone were to ask Oregon if it’s a good state, they’d probably humbly reply, “Well, I’m definitely in the top 50.”
Despite not being known as a hot spot, Oregon is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Not only does it have the naturalness of the Northwest, the land is paved with a tapestry of greens and browns, but it also maintains a fresh feeling, as if God were endlessly spraying it with Febreze. A place that simply has it all, Oregon is filled with mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, plains, and even an ocean.
There are few places in Oregon where you won’t find beauty, with the exception of the plains of the Far East (Oregonians naturally refer to this area as “Idaho”). The state itself is filled with boundless majesty and endless things to do. The following is a list that will simply help you get started.
The Enchanted Forest – Just outside of Salem, the Enchanted Forest is one of the most unique amusement parks of all time. In an era where parks are trying to get the tallest roller coaster or the fastest ride, The Enchanted Forest has stayed true to its roots.
Set in an actual forest, this amusement park is perhaps one of the only ones geared towards younger kids – teens don’t need to apply. It contains rides and attractions based on characters from stories and fantasy. Among some of the themes presented are Alice in Wonderland, Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, the old woman who lived in the shoe and Hansel and Gretel. For slightly older kids, there are also sleigh rides, a haunted house, bumper cars, and water rides.
The Oregon Coast – The Oregon coast isn’t a place where you’ll find a slug of partying college boys or girls who aspire to go wild; however, this coast is not the typical coast. Instead of beach volleyball and bikinis, this shoreline has fire pits and clam chowder. The waters are usually cold, too cold for swimming on most occasions, and people are likely to wear a winter coat such as a tank top.
Being free from typical coastal behaviour, this coastline evokes a sense of calm and serenity that other beaches cannot possess. Going here for twenty minutes makes you feel like your troubles might just disappear, possibly carried away by a hungry seagull who mistook your worries for a piece of bread.
The Oregon coast stretches for nearly 400 miles, from Astoria (oh yes folks, home of the goonies) to Brookings. This vastness provides people with various things to do. From looking at lighthouses to shopping in boutiques, from whale watching to deep sea fishing, the Oregon Coast is perfect for those with eclectic tastes. People can enjoy taking a scenic drive or staying at a beachfront hotel. Others may find certain attractions, such as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Sea Lion Caves in Florence, more appealing. No matter what you find to do, you’ll find the Oregon Coast to be a safe bet or land.
mount hood – Mt. Hood may not be the Alps or the Rockies, but you probably don’t care. Home to four ski areas, including the only ski area in North America that is open year-round, Mt. Hood is filled with volcanic slopes, valleys, and rivers. Perhaps the furthest thing from skiing, fruit growing is also something this region is famous for. From grapes to apples, from blueberries to pears and apricots, the one thing you can’t grow here is boredom.
After a day on the slopes or a day harvesting, many travelers find that their experience continues in the nearby Columbia River Gorge. This is arguably one of the most magnificent places in the nation: it is as if the verses of America the BEAUTIFUL they were written with this throat in mind. With Multnomah Falls, one of 77 waterfalls in the area, visitors here can’t help but ask, “Niagara who?” At six hundred and twenty feet tall, there are only three other waterfalls in the country that are taller.
willamette valley – For people who like wine, also known as people who breathe, the Willamette Valley is a great place to visit. Located approximately 100 miles south of Portland, this valley is filled with rolling green hills, country lanes, and covered bridges. It reminds people of a simpler time in life, when neighbors greeted each other, people helped each other, and farmers markets existed instead of Wal-Mart.
Three-quarters of Oregon’s wine comes from the Willamette Valley: This is a valley known not only for some of the best Oregon wine, but also some of the best wine from around the world. More than 200 wineries are here, waiting to offer the thirsty traveler a little taste of Oregon in the form of Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, and Pinot Gris.
shakespeare festival – Where are you, Good Theatre? He’s in Oregon The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, located in southern Oregon, is one of the oldest and largest non-profit theaters in the country. A Tony Award winner, this festival operates every eight and a half months, producing eleven shows at once in three theaters. Annually, this theater hosts more than 780 performances and 360,000 spectators. For those who like literature, there is no better place to see the words of Shakespeare come to life.
Oregon is one of the best places to spend a unique and relaxed vacation. It offers people the chance to experience a variety of things in an eclectic setting. Simply put, it’s a fun Oregon trail.