Local Secrets, Big Finds - OregonLocal Secrets, Big Finds - Oregon

Local Secrets, Big Finds - Oregon

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The Laurelthirst Public House
Portland

503.232.1504
Bring a group of friends, grab a corner booth, and enjoy the local bands at this "quirky, yet mellow" Portland brewpub with 23 beers on tap. Laurelthirst hosts primarily "acoustic roots rock or folky acts," and boxes of Trivial Pursuit are on the tables to fill in during breaks in sets. Make sure to check out the band "Kung Pao Chicken" every Monday as they "rule the stage," and arrive early, for this pub "fills up hours before the band hits the stage." Read more.

Mt. Tabor Park
Portland

503.823.PLAY
With "the most stunning views" of Oregon and "under-appreciated jewels" of hiking paths, Mt. Tabor Park is the only park in a major U.S. city with a non-active volcano. It is also the only national park to put a basketball court inside a volcano. Filled with joggers and bikers "building up their endurance" in the 200 acres of land, Mt. Tabor also has live concerts during the summer and a "towering" statue of former Oregonian newspaper editor, Harvey W. Scott. Read more.

Nelscott Manor
Lincoln City

541.996.9300
Nelscott Manor
For "the most romantic stay in Oregon" and "a wonderful room to watch the sun setting on the coast," the Nelscott Manor is the place to be. There is no front desk or check-in, and reservations are made over the phone, using your zip code as an entry key upon arrival. There are only five suites in the condo, each "meticulously decorated" with "romance in every corner and ocean views." Rooms are very private with all of the extra touches, such as rose petals on the bed, coffee and biscotti on the kitchenette counter, and a Jacuzzi tub that overlooks the ocean! Read more.

Rimsky's KorsaKoffee House
Portland

503.232.2640
There is no sign, so "visitors feel like insiders" when they find Rimsky's KorsaKoffee House hiding behind a "mass of vegetation" in Portland. For an "electrifying cup of joe," and a slice of mocha fudge cake, which is "the best dessert in Oregon," this coffee house is the "perfect atmosphere" for post-event socializing, made complete with live piano music and an "under-the-sea" bathroom.

Voodoo Doughnut
Portland

503.241.4704
Feast on Jäagermeister-jelly-filled or caffeine-glazed doughnuts at this "late-night scare-fest of a sugar shack." Located in a tiny shop within walking distance of over a dozen bars and clubs, Voodoo Doughnut's quirky menu fits right in the with the "anti-Dunkin" decor. Don't miss the doughnut-eating contest after a late night out with friends--Voodoo even provides live entertainment. Read more.

Angel's Rest
Corbett Spring

Angel's Rest is a 4.5-mile gorge hike that "winds through the Mt. Hood National Forest." About a half-hour drive from Portland, there are "beautiful vistas of the Columbia River Gorge" and "nicely maintained trails." During the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, the colors cover the spectrum of the rainbow. This hike "is invigorating yet peaceful."
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Oregon

Allyson's of Ashland
Ashland

541.482.2884
Located in the heart of Ashland's shopping district, Allyson's includes more than 5,600 square feet of enticing products and unique tools, all designed to "inspire gourmet in anyone who walks through its doors." And for $10.00 on a Friday Night, you can taste a variety of wines, eat great cheeses, meats, pates, olives, and other delicacies, which makes it a "great start to a romantic night out"-one that is "very educational and delicious." Read more.

Anansi Beat African Drumming Circle
Portland

503.236.8283
Bring your hand drums or "anything that keeps a beat," and jam with the Anansi Beat! These Sunday afternoon drum circles, filled with multi-layered rhythms of drums, bells, shakers, and voices celebrate the unique culture of Ghana, West Africa. Make sure to "wear something colorful," for audience participation "is a must," especially in the Ghanian games, which is the "highlight of the day." Read more.

Bagby Hot Springs
Estacada

Discover "a place where time has stood still" at Bagby Hot Springs, built by the Friends of Bagby who developed a water system to bring in a mix of the hot spring water with the cold for a refreshing bath. After a 1.5-mile hike through the old-growth forest of Mt. Hood, have a hot soak in a hollowed cedar log and "you'll return a whole new person." And since the hot tub area is clothing optional (50% of all bathers wear swim suits, according to the Friends of Bagby,) the hot tubs are a great way to "see everything that nature has to offer." Read more.

da Vinci Days
Corvallis

541.757.6363
Bring the entire family for this "mixture of the cerebral and the fanciful." A festival celebrating art, science, technology, and "everything Leonardo stood for," the three-day da Vinci Days include kinetic sculpture vehicles races, a sidewalk chalk-art competition for the kids, a film festival, international food court, music on three stages, and much more. With so much to choose from, you will "wish it lasted longer than three days." Read more.