Diana’s guidebook

Diana
Diana’s guidebook

Sightseeing

In August and September, this is a must-visit for a gorgeous field of dahlias.
14 locals recommend
Swan Island Dahlias
995 NW 22nd Ave
14 locals recommend
In August and September, this is a must-visit for a gorgeous field of dahlias.
Just about a five minute drive from our home, the Tulip Festival is the thing to do in the Spring. Check the website before going to make sure flowers are blooming. It can be muddy!
23 locals recommend
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
33814 S Meridian Rd
23 locals recommend
Just about a five minute drive from our home, the Tulip Festival is the thing to do in the Spring. Check the website before going to make sure flowers are blooming. It can be muddy!
This is a store that feels like an art gallery and a museum. One of my favorite places to go and stroll about (even though it's pricey).
6 locals recommend
Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage
14971 1st St NE
6 locals recommend
This is a store that feels like an art gallery and a museum. One of my favorite places to go and stroll about (even though it's pricey).
Fields of irises -- need I say more? Check their website to see if they're open.
6 locals recommend
Schreiner's Iris Gardens
3625 Quinaby Rd NE
6 locals recommend
Fields of irises -- need I say more? Check their website to see if they're open.
One of the major highlights in our area. It can be crowded, so we always go when it's raining or cold :) Lots of short and long hiking options.
293 locals recommend
Silver Falls State Park
20024 Silver Falls Highway Southeast
293 locals recommend
One of the major highlights in our area. It can be crowded, so we always go when it's raining or cold :) Lots of short and long hiking options.
This is one of our favorite hikes that showcases views North and South on the Cascade range. About 7 miles roundtrip. To get to the trailhead, you need to tolerate several miles of gravel road. Here's a good description: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Table_Rock_Hike
Table Rock Trailhead
This is one of our favorite hikes that showcases views North and South on the Cascade range. About 7 miles roundtrip. To get to the trailhead, you need to tolerate several miles of gravel road. Here's a good description: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Table_Rock_Hike
A curious and delightful place with books and treats, situating in an old print shop, next to the abbey cemetery. Why not? A peaceful place to read after exploring the abbey.
7 locals recommend
Mount Angel Abbey Bookstore
1 Abbey Dr
7 locals recommend
A curious and delightful place with books and treats, situating in an old print shop, next to the abbey cemetery. Why not? A peaceful place to read after exploring the abbey.
Fairy tales! Roller coasters! Rabbit holes! Many a birthday has been spent here. If you have a sense of humor or a quirky disposition, you don't have to be celebrating your sixth birthday to enjoy your time in this beloved Oregon park.
44 locals recommend
Enchanted Forest
8462 Enchanted Way SE
44 locals recommend
Fairy tales! Roller coasters! Rabbit holes! Many a birthday has been spent here. If you have a sense of humor or a quirky disposition, you don't have to be celebrating your sixth birthday to enjoy your time in this beloved Oregon park.
There are many hiking and mountain biking opportunities in this lovely wooded area. Do your research or ask us for tips before venturing out!
8 locals recommend
Molalla River Recreation Area
36287 S Dickey Prairie Rd
8 locals recommend
There are many hiking and mountain biking opportunities in this lovely wooded area. Do your research or ask us for tips before venturing out!
It's where we went to see movies before COVID! Charming historic theater.
18 locals recommend
Palace Theatre
200 N Water St
18 locals recommend
It's where we went to see movies before COVID! Charming historic theater.
This shade garden and nursery is a plant-person's paradise. Greenhouses full of ferns, hostas, and other shade dwellers. A gorgeous display garden to stroll through. Very pleasant on a misty day (or any day).
Sebright Gardens
7185 Lakeside Dr NE
This shade garden and nursery is a plant-person's paradise. Greenhouses full of ferns, hostas, and other shade dwellers. A gorgeous display garden to stroll through. Very pleasant on a misty day (or any day).
My absolute favorite hike on the Oregon Coast.
18 locals recommend
Cascade Head
18 locals recommend
My absolute favorite hike on the Oregon Coast.
One of the most spectacular spots on the Oregon Coast.
70 locals recommend
Cape Perpetua Lookout
70 locals recommend
One of the most spectacular spots on the Oregon Coast.
Another gorgeous beach with hiking opportunities.
7 locals recommend
Indian Beach
7 locals recommend
Another gorgeous beach with hiking opportunities.
Pre-COVID, Portland's favorite thing to do in September was to watch the Swifts (small migrating birds) turn into a dramatic bird tornado and descend into an old chimney to roost at sunset. Everyone brings a picnic and relaxes on the grass. "Charming" doesn't cut it. If you are lucky enough to visit in September in the post-COVID vaccine era and don't mind the drive to PDX, oh, do visit.
9 locals recommend
Chapman Elementary School
1445 NW 26th Ave
9 locals recommend
Pre-COVID, Portland's favorite thing to do in September was to watch the Swifts (small migrating birds) turn into a dramatic bird tornado and descend into an old chimney to roost at sunset. Everyone brings a picnic and relaxes on the grass. "Charming" doesn't cut it. If you are lucky enough to visit in September in the post-COVID vaccine era and don't mind the drive to PDX, oh, do visit.
I'd go every season if I could. The garden is open on a limited-ticket basis. Check their website.
1015 locals recommend
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave
1015 locals recommend
I'd go every season if I could. The garden is open on a limited-ticket basis. Check their website.
A dramatic roadside attraction! Check your tide table.
34 locals recommend
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area
122 1st Street
34 locals recommend
A dramatic roadside attraction! Check your tide table.
A lovely riverside hike through old growth forest to a waterfall.
Pup Creek Waterfall
A lovely riverside hike through old growth forest to a waterfall.
This is a sleeper hike: no dramatic vistas or waterfalls -- just a lovely trail along the river through pristine woodlands. Fabulous mushrooms in spring and fall -- I've never seen so many different kinds. Easy trail; walk as far as you like.
Riverside Trailhead #723
This is a sleeper hike: no dramatic vistas or waterfalls -- just a lovely trail along the river through pristine woodlands. Fabulous mushrooms in spring and fall -- I've never seen so many different kinds. Easy trail; walk as far as you like.
A long hike, but worth it, especially in September when the bugs have abated.
Serene Lake
A long hike, but worth it, especially in September when the bugs have abated.
Old growth forests and magical blue water. Like Silver Falls, this wonderful area suffers from over-popularity. We like to visit in the off-season. Mostly flat, easy walking.
9 locals recommend
Opal Creek Trailhead
Opal Creek Trail
9 locals recommend
Old growth forests and magical blue water. Like Silver Falls, this wonderful area suffers from over-popularity. We like to visit in the off-season. Mostly flat, easy walking.

Food scene

Our favorite local fast food. Great shakes and fries.
Burger Time
450 S Main St
Our favorite local fast food. Great shakes and fries.
Great coffee. You're welcome.
6 locals recommend
Gear Up Espresso
442 McClaine St
6 locals recommend
Great coffee. You're welcome.
Amazing wood fired pizza food cart.
8 locals recommend
The Old Oak Oven
311 Jersey St
8 locals recommend
Amazing wood fired pizza food cart.
A newer addition to our part of the world and a quick favorite. Unique brews on tap and in the bottle. A few bites available, too.
6 locals recommend
Benedictine Brewery
400 Humpert Ln NE
6 locals recommend
A newer addition to our part of the world and a quick favorite. Unique brews on tap and in the bottle. A few bites available, too.
Great food (though the atmosphere can be lacking -- we always do takeout).
19 locals recommend
Thai Dish Cuisine
209 N Water St
19 locals recommend
Great food (though the atmosphere can be lacking -- we always do takeout).
The meat-eaters in this house recommend this place! As a pescatarian, I can recommend the smokey potato salad :)
Loco Ono BBQ
402 McClaine St
The meat-eaters in this house recommend this place! As a pescatarian, I can recommend the smokey potato salad :)
The gorgeous surrounding farm country makes this tasting room a delight to visit.
11 locals recommend
Rogue Farms Tasting Room
3590 Wigrich Road
11 locals recommend
The gorgeous surrounding farm country makes this tasting room a delight to visit.
There are many wonderful vineyards to visit in Oregon, but this one has it all: a gorgeous view, great food, olive oil tastings, garden center, and gift shop.
21 locals recommend
Durant Vineyards Tasting Room
5430 NE Breyman Orchards Rd
21 locals recommend
There are many wonderful vineyards to visit in Oregon, but this one has it all: a gorgeous view, great food, olive oil tastings, garden center, and gift shop.
A favorite spot for breakfast and lunch. They've been closed due to COVID -- check that they're open before heading over.
24 locals recommend
Gather
200 E Main St
24 locals recommend
A favorite spot for breakfast and lunch. They've been closed due to COVID -- check that they're open before heading over.
With an incredible whiskey bar tucked away upstairs, this place has a moody atmosphere we enjoy on cold days. The downstairs often has live music. The outdoor patio upstairs looks over the river. Good bar food.
31 locals recommend
The Highland Stillhouse
201 S 2nd St
31 locals recommend
With an incredible whiskey bar tucked away upstairs, this place has a moody atmosphere we enjoy on cold days. The downstairs often has live music. The outdoor patio upstairs looks over the river. Good bar food.
We're not a gluten-free house, but this GF-friendly bakery is a beloved local spot (lots of glutenful options, too).
12 locals recommend
White Rabbit Bakery
21368 Pacific Hwy E
12 locals recommend
We're not a gluten-free house, but this GF-friendly bakery is a beloved local spot (lots of glutenful options, too).
Delicious food in a delightful space.
Loncheria Mitzil Mexican Eatery
212 Molalla Ave
Delicious food in a delightful space.
Of course we'd recommend the only Scandinavian food in town! Get your lefse!
Ingrid's Scandinavian Food. Oregon City.
209 7th St
Of course we'd recommend the only Scandinavian food in town! Get your lefse!
I am obsessed with smoked salmon. They make the best.
18 locals recommend
Barnacle Bill's Seafood Market
2174 US-101
18 locals recommend
I am obsessed with smoked salmon. They make the best.
The line stretches out the door most days. Delightful ambiance and great coffee. Visit when it's raining to avoid the crowds :)
34 locals recommend
Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters
1235 S Hemlock St
34 locals recommend
The line stretches out the door most days. Delightful ambiance and great coffee. Visit when it's raining to avoid the crowds :)
Fantastic coffee, tea, and food and a delightfully funky, very Oregon atmosphere.
38 locals recommend
Green Salmon
220 US-101
38 locals recommend
Fantastic coffee, tea, and food and a delightfully funky, very Oregon atmosphere.
Fantastic food and drinks.
35 locals recommend
Yachats Brewing + Farmstore
348 US-101
35 locals recommend
Fantastic food and drinks.
A fantastic bakery we always seek out. Obsessed with the cardamom bread.
34 locals recommend
Blue Scorcher Bakery & Cafe
1493 Duane St
34 locals recommend
A fantastic bakery we always seek out. Obsessed with the cardamom bread.

Shopping

Our favorite local jewelry designer! Plus other great souvenirs like tea, candles, ceramics, and locally made clothing.
Shayla Lynn: Jewelry and Gifts
210 S Water St
Our favorite local jewelry designer! Plus other great souvenirs like tea, candles, ceramics, and locally made clothing.
A lovely Silverton home goods store. Cozy blankets, pillows, kitchen items, stickers, bags, decor, etc.
The Wild Dandelion
108 S Water St
A lovely Silverton home goods store. Cozy blankets, pillows, kitchen items, stickers, bags, decor, etc.
Gorgeous vintage clothes!
Daylight Vintage
106 S 1st St
Gorgeous vintage clothes!
Funky antique mall with delightfully squeaky floors.
North Star Antiques & Collectibles
209 N Water St
Funky antique mall with delightfully squeaky floors.
Oh, Bauman's! I went here as a tot to visit the petting zoo and now I go to pick up seasonal produce. Most people visit during the fall festival (pumpkins, petting zoos, cider tastings, mazes, etc), but it's always a joy with local produce, baked goods, gifts, and garden center. They make great cider (both the fizzy boozy kind and the non-boozy), donuts, preserves, and more.
11 locals recommend
Bauman Farms
12989 Howell Prairie Road Northeast
11 locals recommend
Oh, Bauman's! I went here as a tot to visit the petting zoo and now I go to pick up seasonal produce. Most people visit during the fall festival (pumpkins, petting zoos, cider tastings, mazes, etc), but it's always a joy with local produce, baked goods, gifts, and garden center. They make great cider (both the fizzy boozy kind and the non-boozy), donuts, preserves, and more.
Books and clocks! Why not? Mostly used (very affordable) and a few well-picked new titles.
Books In Time
210 N Water St
Books and clocks! Why not? Mostly used (very affordable) and a few well-picked new titles.
Great coffee and gifts with an Alice in Wonderland vibe.
6 locals recommend
Black Ink Coffee
503 Main St
6 locals recommend
Great coffee and gifts with an Alice in Wonderland vibe.
A beloved book store.
Cannon Beach Bookstore
130 N Hemlock St
A beloved book store.

City/town information

If you have the time to take a beach trip, Yachats (pronounced "YA-hots") is our favorite. The fall mushroom festival is a real treat, but this is just the sweetest beach town with an awe-inspiring rugged coastline. Plus, the Alsea highway is just gorgeous, especially when the maples turn in the fall.
34 locals recommend
Yachats
34 locals recommend
If you have the time to take a beach trip, Yachats (pronounced "YA-hots") is our favorite. The fall mushroom festival is a real treat, but this is just the sweetest beach town with an awe-inspiring rugged coastline. Plus, the Alsea highway is just gorgeous, especially when the maples turn in the fall.
Cannon Beach is a busy place, and for good reason: beautiful beaches and fantastic beach shops and art galleries. We avoid this place on the weekends -- it's just too crowded -- but if you can time your visit mid-week or for the off-season, we highly recommend it.
307 locals recommend
Cannon Beach
Center Street
307 locals recommend
Cannon Beach is a busy place, and for good reason: beautiful beaches and fantastic beach shops and art galleries. We avoid this place on the weekends -- it's just too crowded -- but if you can time your visit mid-week or for the off-season, we highly recommend it.

Neighborhoods

For a great Portland day, you can pack a lot in just visiting the NW. The rose garden, Japanese Garden, arboretum, shopping and eating in the alphabet district, and dashing over to Powell's -- you won't see the whole city, but you'll have a fantastic time. If you time your visit for September, you can watch the Swifts land!
24 locals recommend
Northwest Portland
24 locals recommend
For a great Portland day, you can pack a lot in just visiting the NW. The rose garden, Japanese Garden, arboretum, shopping and eating in the alphabet district, and dashing over to Powell's -- you won't see the whole city, but you'll have a fantastic time. If you time your visit for September, you can watch the Swifts land!