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It’s a new year. For some that means: ‘out with the old, in with the new,’ but in Oregon, 2018 is the year to commemorate the old and celebrate the new. After all, this year marks the 175th anniversary of The Oregon Trail. Of course, that’s not the only trail in Oregon, so we invite you to get to Oregon and blaze your own trail, intrepid explorer. Nothing beats a day of fat biking on the Oregon Coast before nestling into a luxurious room in a brand-new oceanfront lodge and spa. Or, try your luck fly fishing one of Oregon’s many Wild and Scenic Rivers, or strike a yoga pose among a herd of goats in the afternoon (we’re not ‘kid’ding), followed by an overnight stay at a Goatel. What’s a Goatel, you ask? Well, read on prolific writer and find out. There are lots of adventures to be had in 2018, and Oregon’s got your wagons covered.
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Rest Easy in Oregon's Newest Lodging Properties
Coastal Luxury Do you roll with the tide in luxurious style? Then the exquisite new Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City is where you should hang your ten. With nothing like it on the Oregon Coast, the 33-room lodge is a luxurious escape paired with coastal adventure. All rooms have a view of one of our iconic Haystack Rocks (there are three along the Coast!), a private deck, fireplace, and come outfitted with surfboards and bike racks. With all that adventuring, you’re bound to get hungry and maybe a tad bit sore. Headlands features Meridian Restaurant & Bar serving ocean-to-table cuisine and Tidepools Spa & Wellness with innovative indoor and outdoor spa services. It’s hospitality, Oregon Coast-style. You’re welcome.
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The Atticus Experience For a true waves-to-wine experience, travel a mere 45 minutes east of Pacific City to historic McMinnville in the heart of Oregon’s much adored Willamette Valley wine country. Once there, you can double down on luxurious accommodations at the deluxe Atticus Hotel, opening in May. With locally-sourced art, 36 unique and carefully curated guest rooms, and a knowledgeable staff, the Atticus Hotel will offer an experience rivaled to none. And it’s not only an incredible experience for guests, it is also a hotel that prides itself on being of and for the community. The Atticus Hotel weaves the collective story of this quaint Willamette Valley town into its very fabric (literally…everything in the hotel is locally sourced). Consider this your invitation to experience the Oregon lifestyle in an upscale way.
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Introducing the first: "Goatel" We know this question has been burning like a bonfire on the Oregon Coast since we referenced it earlier. Just what in the heck is a Goatel? Well, you may have heard of Goat yoga classes springing up all over the U.S., but the Willamette Valley, where the goat yoga fad started, is taking it one step further by opening the first-ever goat vacation (goat-cation) retreat center in Corvallis this summer. The “Goatel” will feature goat yoga, along with goat happy hour, wine tastings, guided hikes and farm-to-table meals. Goat yoga retreats will be offered Friday-Sunday on the site of the historic Hanson Country Inn, where every room is themed in honor of individual goats in the herd.
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Cheers to Oregon's Anniversaries! 50 Years of Protected Trails and Wild River This year, both the National Trails System Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Designation are celebrating 50 years of preserving and protecting natural beauty. Maybe you want to channel your inner Cheryl Strayed and behold the wonder of the Columbia River Gorge after trekking part of the Pacific Crest Trail? Or you might prefer taking a dip in the pristine waters of one of Oregon’s 58 Wild and Scenic Rivers (more than double the designations of any other state…not that we’re competitive). Whatever you do, make 2018 the year to #FindYourTrail.
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The Travel Oregon Trail And speaking of trails, this year marks the 175th anniversary of the granddaddy of all trails: The Oregon Trail. To commemorate this historic event, point your compass to the Pacific Northwest and come see actual wagon ruts settlers created as they traversed the trail at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City. If you are yet to experience Eastern Oregon’s beauty and bounty, 2018 is your year. Once you take in the culture and expansive beauty of Eastern Oregon, make like a pioneer and head west, young man (and woman!), to the End of The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City where you can get a history lesson while churning fresh butter. Or, if you’re looking for a little nostalgia and less churning, try playing Travel Oregon: The Game—our spin on the 8-bit classic you may remember from 4th grade computer lab. Yetis, hipsters and coffee-stealing squirrels are just some of the things you might encounter while playing The Game…just be sure to stock up on Kombucha and dry socks. Happy Trails!
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Get Fat on a Bike in Oregon
From rocky headlands to wide-open shores, agates, seabirds, tide pools and lighthouses in the distance, the Oregon Coast offers 363-miles of glorious, all-public coastline (hence why we call it The People’s Coast). Why ride it? Because it’s not only full of wonder, but also largely car-free and accessible for everyone year-round. Check out these fat biking routes down our stunning shoreline and start planning your idyllic fat tire adventure. Our new Southern Oregon Coast fat biking guide serves up four self-guided tours from Bandon to Port Orford. Read more about beach riding in Oregon here.
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Thanks, partner. And remember: consider Travel Oregon the “John McLoughlin-like support team” for writing pioneers everywhere. Reach out to us with any needs you have, and we will make sure you have the supplies you need to survive writing on our new Oregon Trail. If you'd like more information or have questions, contact Allison Keeney.
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