We’ve only been to Cannon Beach Oregon once. I think about it more than anywhere we’ve been in the last few years — more than places we’ve returned to multiple times, more than trips that required more planning and more money. There’s something about a place that gets you exactly once, in exactly the right … Read more
Some places are planned. You circle them on the map. You count down the days. For us, those were Cannon Beach, Thor’s Well, Samuel H. Boardman, and the Jedediah Smith Redwoods. Everything else on the route? Bonus. Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon, Oregon was one of those stops we weren’t counting on. But it … Read more
The Oregon Coast has no shortage of jaw-dropping landscapes, rugged cliffs, and historic landmarks—but if your time is limited, these two must-see Oregon Coast road trip stops absolutely deserve a spot on your itinerary. Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Devil’s Punchbowl deliver unforgettable ocean views, fascinating natural formations, and a perfect blend of adventure and accessibility. … Read more
From healthy snacks and natural energy boosts to creative tools and comfort must-haves—here’s how we pack for a relaxed and meaningful road trip We recently took an 8-hour drive from St. Louis to Trussville, Alabama, for a long weekend visit. It was low-key, relaxing, and just what we needed. After years of overpacking—or underpacking—we’ve finally … Read more
Tucked between the more well-known coastal towns of Cannon Beach and Tillamook, Rockaway Beach, Oregon, offers a quieter, more laid-back escape along the Pacific. With its seven miles of sandy shoreline, stunning ocean views, and unexpected hidden gems, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and reconnect with nature. For … Read more
A Handcrafted Adventure Along Oregon’s Coast Tucked away in the heart of Samuel H. Boardman State Park, Whaleshead Beach is one of those hidden gems that feels like it was made just for us. Tom and I stumbled upon it during our coastal adventures, and from the moment we stepped onto its soft, sandy shore, … Read more
Multnomah Falls was one of those places I’d seen in photographs so many times that I thought I knew what it would look like. I didn’t. It’s much taller in person than a photograph makes it feel, and when you’re standing at the bottom looking up at the falls and Benson Bridge, the scale finally … Read more
There are some places that don’t look quite the way you expected when you finally see them in person. The redwoods are one of them. We visited Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in early September, and photographs really don’t give you a sense of the scale. You can photograph an enormous tree, but it’s hard … Read more
Ha Ha Tonka is one of our favorite places to visit at the Lake of the Ozarks. The castle ruins are what get most of the attention, and they’re absolutely worth seeing. But they’re only one part of the park. There are trails, bluffs, caves and rock formations, a huge natural spring, and some pretty … Read more
Thor’s Well was one of those Oregon Coast stops I’d seen in photos long before we actually went. And it’s much easier to understand once you’re standing there. It’s not a giant hole in the ocean, even though photographs can make it look that way. Water rushes into an opening in the volcanic rock and … Read more