• The Painted Hills part of the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument in Oregon.
    Hiking Guides,  National Parks,  Oregon,  Travel

    Experience the Beautiful John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

    If you have never visited the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, you’re in for a real treat. In this post I’m sharing what to expect you visit the John Day Fossil Beds in Oregon. For starters, the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument is a part of the National Parks System and features three distinct units: The Painted Hills Unit, The Sheep Rock Unit and the Clarno Unit. We visited the Painted Hills and Sheep Rock Units and hope to explore the Clarno Unit soon. Unlike most National Parks and Monuments, admission is free year round at the John Day NM! Our trip fell during the early part of…

  • Oregon,  Road Trips

    A Closer Look at Steens Mountain

    Seeing Steens Mountain from below is pretty great, but exploring the ridges and viewpoints and getting an up-close look at Steens Mountain from the summit is really the best way to experience this rugged eastern Oregon mountain. That’s right, fun fact: Steens Mountain (also known as “the Steens”) is not a mountain range, but is actually a single fault block mountain! In this article, you can follow along on our trip through small eastern Oregon towns to the top of a vast mountain and back down to the desert with stunning scenery the entire way. Buckle up and enjoy the ride… What is a Fault Block Anyway? The Steens Mountain…

  • Coffee Shops,  Oregon,  Wall Guides

    Visit Kainos Coffee in The Dalles for a Smooth cup of Perfectly Brewed Coffee

    If you’re in The Dalles , start your morning off right with a visit in to Kainos Coffee for a delicious cup of coffee. Right away you will notice a fun, colorful space with geometric patterned walls accented with lots of indoor plants. On one side of the coffee shop is a row of tables and chairs, perfect for working remotely. The opposite side has a comfortable sofa and a fun coffee cup mural. The bourbon maple flavor was suggested to me by one of the friendly baristas and it was such a great choice. I ordered mine with almond milk and it was delicious. The beans were expertly roasted…

  • Sunflowers with a view of Mt Hood
    Dinner,  Food,  Garden,  Oregon

    A Visit to The Grateful Vineyard in Hood River

    An early fall visit to The Grateful Vineyard yields fields of sunflowers with a stunning view of Mt Hood. The Grateful Vineyard has been open since 2019 and can be found on-site at Mt View Orchards in Hood River. Reservations at Grateful Vineyard fill up fast on the weekend. If you don’t mind a more casual dining experience, there are picnic tables set out so you can still enjoy your take-out with an amazing Mt Hood view. The staff was so friendly and explained all their seasonal offerings, including their delicious selection of hard ciders. Their cider menu includes peach, cranberry, blackberry and their house cider Golden Row Cider, made from…

  • Hecita Head Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
    Oregon,  Road Trips,  Travel

    A Night at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

      The Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast is a magical place nestled in the hillside of the Oregon Coast. The keeper’s house was built over 100 years ago. A lighthouse keeper operated the Fresnel Lens from 1894 until the 1930s when electricity became available. As a result, the lighthouse was automated and the keeper was no longer needed. Consequently, the house was sold for the unbelievable price of just $10! Many years later, in 1995, it was converted to a bed and breakfast. Enjoy Your Stay The welcome drink pairs nicely with the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from the front porch. Grab a blanket, cozy up in an…