Danielle Denham is a writer, photographer, and devoted history buff with a soft spot for Oregon’s forgotten places. Her love of old schoolhouses, abandoned homesteads, and the lives once lived inside them has taken her down back roads across the state. She was featured on OPB’s Oregon Field Guide, exploring the historic Charles Nelson House with a former resident shortly before the home was lost to wildfire. Watch the feature.
At That Oregon Life, Danielle shares local history, good food, memorable adventures, and the quirks that make Oregon home. When she isn’t exploring, you may find her spending time in Eugene with Tyler James and his two awesome kiddos. If there’s an old building with a mysterious past along the way, consider the afternoon’s plans officially derailed.
From the exterior, the three vintage grain bins at the center of the farm look like typical utilitarian structures one would see on almost any back road in the state of Oregon. Go inside, however, and you'll find…
I don't know when or why this obsession first came about. If I try to trace it back, maybe it was my first glimpse of Lower Eight Mile School, sitting alone and desolate in a field somewhere west…
Whether you're young or old, fit or self-described couch-potato, hiking is one of those diversely perfect activities that can cost little to no money but be a richly rewarding experience. From easy jaunts to find a hidden waterfall,…
Last month I had the pleasure of staying the weekend at Ocean Peek, a lovely Depoe Bay Vacation Rental condo by Meredith Lodging. Located just a few miles south of Lincoln City, the Bella Beach area is a…
The next full moon occurs Thursday, Dec. 12 at 12:12 a.m. This means December’s full moon, called the Cold Moon, will hit its 100% peak on 12/12 at exactly 12:12 a.m. Twelve has significance when it comes to…
In 1985 audiences were awed by The Goonies and their search for the missing "rich stuff" of Chester Copperpot. Set and filmed in Astoria, Oregon, the movie became a hit and inspired amateur treasure hunters everywhere (five-year-old me…
Christmas from July to December? Who's really keeping track? It can be the Season all year 'round in my book. Sleighbells Farm and Gift Shop in Sherwood, Oregon has been keeping that sentiment alive since 1985. This is…
I love historic film images, both for their quality and for a glimpse of life forgotten. There are some amazing archival photos of Oregon out there, and these are some of my favorites. 1. Stumptown So many trees…
This is not such a bummer, Dude. Somewhere between Deschutes Brewery and Ground Kontrol in the Pearl, Portland is home to its very own Big Lebowski-themed bar and its awesome. Brendan Jones founded The Big Legrowlski in 2014,…
Calamity Janes has been a staple for hungry travelers returning from Mt. Hood for over 38 years, but sadly the restaurant has closed it's doors. The iconic cowgirl sign and wild-west exterior have been a familiar landmark. Joining…
Clearwater Restaurant is the Gem Restaurant of Newport The first time I indulged in food and drinks at Clearwater the sea lions brought me in. Their cacophonous, yet endearing, yelps and sneezes draw in thousands of onlookers to…
It's that time. In fact, I've waited all year for this. Sweater-weather. Foggy mornings. Autumn leaves and football. What else do these circumstances all bring about? Two words: comfort food. Yup, salad season is over folks...bring on the…