The Willamette Valley is a region in Western Oregon known for its fertile soil, stunning scenery, and world-renowned wine production. The valley’s cool climate and rich soils make it an ideal place to grow grapes, particularly Pinot Noir, which is considered one of the finest wines in the world. The region is also home to a thriving farm-to-table food scene, with local chefs incorporating fresh ingredients from the valley’s farms and orchards into their dishes. Visitors to the Willamette Valley can enjoy wine tastings, farm tours, and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The area’s picturesque small towns, including McMinnville and Newberg, offer charming accommodations, quaint shops, and a welcoming community.
Growing up around Eugene, I honestly couldn't tell you how many times I've hiked Spencer Butte. School days, random weekends with friends, family hikes, evenings when I just needed to get outside and clear my head, somehow I always ended up back on that trail. If you...
There are certain moments in Oregon that feel almost unreal. The first warm evening on the coast. The smell of pine after rain in the Cascades. Sunlight breaking through vineyards in wine country. And then there’s lavender season. Every summer, parts of Oregon...
Tucked away in the charming small town of Brownsville, Oregon is a place that feels equal parts museum, treasure hunt, art gallery, and roadside wonder. At first glance, you might think Living Rock Studios is simply a rock shop. Step inside though, and you’ll quickly...
We're going a bit out on a limb here at That Oregon Life. This story began as a sort of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" compilation, but after a giant list of my own and a slew of recommendations from friends all over the state, we realized that wasn't going to work....
There are restaurants you try once… and then there are the ones you grow up with. The ones where the coffee is always hot, the booths feel like they’ve heard a thousand stories, and the pie case quietly calls your name before you even sit down. In Tigard, Oregon, that...
Some restaurants serve burgers. Others dare you to prove something. At Giant Burger, larger than life burgers have been part of their identity for generations. This old school burger joint in Springfield, Oregon has been turning out thick, juicy patties since 1947,...
Date Night On A Willamette Valley Train Ride? Yes Please. If you’ve ever driven through the Willamette Valley and caught yourself staring a little too long at the railroad tracks, wondering where they go and what they’ve seen, Santiam Excursions is basically that...
If your family is looking for a delightful day trip in Oregon, French Prairie Gardens in St. Paul is one of those heartwarming places that feels like a hug from the countryside. It's part garden center, part working farm, and all family fun wrapped into one. Located...
Dig into giant plates of all-day breakfast, fried chicken, and comfort food classics at this small town Oregon diner where every bite feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen. At the Screamin’ Chicken Diner in Gaston, Oregon, breakfast isn’t just a morning affair,...
Hidden just outside the city limits of Salem, Oregon, The Bag Inn is an Airbnb experience that feels more like stepping into a fantasy novel than a vacation rental. This isn’t just your run of the mill Airbnb, it’s a magical earthen, hobbit-style retreat that invites...
There aren’t many places in Portland where a dining tradition has stood strong for over 80 years, but RingSide Steakhouse has done just that. Since opening its doors in 1944, this family-owned steakhouse has remained a local staple for classic, upscale dining. Housed...
New York Squares in Independence, Oregon is turning heads with its authentic New York City-style Sicilian pizza. Thick, airy sourdough crust meets bold, balanced flavors in every slice, and the best part? Nothing here is rushed. Each pie is made fresh to order, never...