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Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2007 Local Secrets, Big Finds
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
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."
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.
Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.
