Willamette Valley

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.

Oregon’s Lavender Season Is About To Explode And These Summer Festivals Smell Like Pure Magic

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 suddenly burst into waves of purple....

This Small Town Oregon Rock Shop Feels Like A Mini Museum Of Natural Wonders

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 realize this is something much...

The 42 Best Oregon Mom & Pop Restaurants to Eat At in 2026

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. "Mom & Pop" encompasses so...

This Beloved Tigard Restaurant Has Been Serving Comfort (And Legendary Pie) Since 1979

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 place is Banning's Restaurant...

This Old School Springfield Joint Serves A 5-Pound Burger That Is A Cardiologist’s Worst Nightmare

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, and while a lot has changed in...
Millions of Blooms Await! Don’t Miss the 2025 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon

Millions of Blooms Await! Don’t Miss the 2025 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon

Rows and rows of colorful tulips on a foggy morning or a crisp spring day are the perfect way to welcome spring. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival offers blooms, hot air balloons, wine, and family fun! Spring in Oregon means one thing—tulip season! The Wooden Shoe Tulip...

The Most Bizarre Museum in Oregon Will Leave You Scratching Your Head in Wonder

The Most Bizarre Museum in Oregon Will Leave You Scratching Your Head in Wonder

If you're on the hunt for something delightfully weird in Portland, The Zymoglyphic Museum is an absolute must-see. Tucked away in the quiet Mount Tabor neighborhood, this hidden gem celebrates the bizarre, the beautiful, and the downright fascinating. With free...

Once A Shoe Grease Factory In The 1920s, This Oregon Warehouse Is Now A Foodie Paradise

Once A Shoe Grease Factory In The 1920s, This Oregon Warehouse Is Now A Foodie Paradise

Hip, down to earth vibes, amazing fresh food, and sustainable products aren't exactly the type of thing you'd expect in an old shoe grease factory, but that’s exactly what makes Mac Market in McMinnville so special. McMinnville’s Granary District has a hidden gem: Mac...

Are You Ready For The “Big One?” Most Oregon Highways Will Be Knocked Out

Are You Ready For The “Big One?” Most Oregon Highways Will Be Knocked Out

Grocery stores will be empty, gas stations will be out of gas, and roads in and out of western Oregon will be so damaged that travel by road will likely be impossible for months, or potentially even years afterwards. Are you prepared for the "big one?" We hear about...

Become a Gourmet Chef at This Unique Farm-to-Table Cooking School in Oregon

Become a Gourmet Chef at This Unique Farm-to-Table Cooking School in Oregon

Ready to learn, laugh, and feast? This is a food adventure, and at the end of the night, you may find it hard to leave. Just 20 minutes south of Portland, The Kitchen at Middleground Farms offers a one-of-a-kind cooking and dining experience. Set on 17 acres of pretty...

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