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Haystack Rock- Cannon Beach, OR
Switching from one coast to the other, here is yet another beautiful beach in anticipation of Memorial Day. With written accounts dating back to the days of Lewis and Clark, Cannon Beach and its landmark rocks have inspired all that laid eyes and flip flopped feet on its sandy shore. Including the Goonies, who used a doubloon and Haystack Rock to locate One Eyed Willie’s treasure.
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Archery Summit Winery- Dundee, OR
Willamette Valley has an obscene amount of picturesque wineries. As it would be impossible to visit them all, at least in one trip, you are unfortunately forced to pick and choose, winnowing your list down to a select few. There is certainly no time to be wasted on mediocre wine, unfriendly tasting rooms, or an overly corporate experience. Rest assured, Archery Summit belongs on your short list, no matter how short that list is. It is the perfect combination of winning wine, an intimate tasting room, and amazing scenery. And they have a wine cave, which everyone should have.
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Elk Cove Vineyards- Gaston, OR
There are more vineyards in Oregon than you could ever hope to visit. At least if you don’t live there, or make an annual pilgrimage. Which isn’t a bad idea. But for the rest of us, this means choosing a handful and hoping for the best. Even old favorites can disappoint, but fortunately this does not apply to Elk Cove. Not only is it one of the oldest wineries in Oregon, it sits on a stunning piece of land, and produces wine that surpasses the tasting room view. And the view is extraordinary. Founded in 1974 by Joe and Pat Campbell, Elk Cove was one of the first ten wineries…
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Bandon Dunes- Bandon, OR
Bandon Dunes is a bit of a departure from my usual resort destination. For starters, my motto is the older, the better. Structures built sometime between the Victorian and Edwardian eras are ideal, but I am flexible. I also prefer balmy weather and a large palm fringed pool, preferably one which serves scratch made Pina Coladas. None of these things apply to Bandon Dunes, yet it is still an amazing destination. Spartan and utilitarian, it exists for a singular purpose: Golf.
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Oneonta Gorge- Columbia River Gorge, OR
Getting back to the Lower Oneonta Falls is a bit difficult, but for those intrepid souls willing to scale a logjam and wade through chest deep bracing water, the rewards are great.
