I promised to identify the images at the top of our new website.

Image number 1 is:  ta – dah  – drum roll -

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

A monolith that juts 235 feet high above the long stretch of beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon, Haystack Rock seems to follow you in any direction wherever you are on the beach.  Birds and other creatures – especially humans – find it almost magnetic, but it is a protected site.  See our longer blog for more information – http://traveltipsandadventures.com/?p=1134

Return next week and we’ll identify our #2 image.

We hope you’ll visit our Hiking for the Couch Potato website – and maybe even consider buying a book!  Especially for those of you who know someone who really needs to get off the couch and get some activity in their life.

Have a great week, everyone!

The fun part was that the retailers served as hosts and provided nibbles to go with the wine sampling. At Many Hands Trading gift shop , the hors d’oeuvres were so delicious that I commented to the gentleman rapidly restocking the treats that whoever was providing them should be a caterer. It turned out that Margaret Wilson, the storeowner, used to be a caterer. Great job! Both her store – a fabulous gift and home furnishings store – and the catering were a high success. And we liked a couple of the wines, especially the Pinot Gris 2007,  from the Spindrift Cellars represented there, too.

After poking round in half a dozen stores and trying the wines and appetizers, we were full and a bit tipsy. People were friendly and in a festive mood. The “Rhapsody” lingered on, as we have fond memories of the event, the wines, the people, the stores – and, well, everything!

Where to stay in Corvallis

We stayed on the OSU campus at the Hilton Garden Inn. Our room was on an upper level far away from the elevator. It was large, comfortable and well-equipped. The hotel amenities were terrific with a large, indoor pool and a fairly well-equipped fitness center (weights, treadmills and the like).

The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating – “Where can we recycle this newspaper” – “Here” – “Oh, great!”

Where to eat in Corvallis

In addition to Block 15, we tried some other Corvallis eateries. For the most part, dress was casual and service was terrific. Again, we gave lots of 20% tips.

Big River from the upper dining area

Big Meal at Big River

One evening, we tried Big River, and had an enjoyable meal over which we were allowed to linger. My “canelloni” was luscious, melt in your mouth, with a fresh salad; my husband’s pork was tender and flavorful.  We finished by sharing a rich, creamy vanilla creme brulee.  Our wait staffer was extremely patient and accommodating.   Their ingredients are local whenever possible and the menu changes to reflect that.

It was a good feeling not to be rushed as in places where they’re trying to “turn the tables” so they can make more tips. We lingered.

Seated upstairs in what was a converted warehouse, we were able to look at some of the food preparations below as we stepped downstairs. It is always interesting to see the orchestrations of a kitchen – with many people working in a small area, it is amazing that everything gets done, no one bumps into anyone else and the food gets out to people while it is still warm. We loved it.

Another restaurant where we ate lunch had all the vibes of the “crunchy granola set” going for it. “Healthy” food was proffered at Cloud 9. Burgers, sandwiches, teas, fresh large salads – a perfect place for a reasonably-priced lunch. We liked the food and the service, but the ambience was sparse.  They have an evening crowd that seems a lot more clubby, according to their Web site.

Leaving Corvallis…

Corvallis was one of those places where you didn’t really want to leave. We drove around in the community and saw a variety of homes from upscale to not-so upscale. It is definitely one of those places where you could see yourself living.

Now, granted, we were there when the roads were not clogged with traffic heading to a football game on the OSU campus. We did not see what it was like with the campus crammed with students. We could picture it – and we liked it there, anyway. We even read that they were working out strategies to move traffic more quickly on games days!

Planning, thinking, recycling, “green,” friendly – we like Corvallis!

Many Hands Trading

www.manyhandstrading.com

Big River Restaurant

http://www.bigriverrest.com/

Cloud 9 Bistro & Bar

http://dinecloud9.com/

Corvallis-Benton Chamber Coalition

http://www.corvallischamber.com/

Corvallis Convention & Visitors Bureau

http://www.visitcorvallis.com/

 
With almost 22,000 students in over 200-plus different disciplines in undergraduate and graduate programs, OSU is training a lot of minds! Majors range from forestry – a natural with those tall pines – to oceanic and atmospheric sciences as well as education, business, agricultural sciences, veterinary medicines and more.

Memorial Union - "dining establishments," library and more

 
The environs around the campus have some heavy-hitters in the technology world as the Hewlett-Packard campus is nearby as well as other large companies.

More than academics

Reser Stadium scoreboard

And, then there are the extracurricular experiences – may I interject – Go Beavs! The OSU football team (Pac-10) is known as the Beavers, conjuring up kindly, but intrepid creatures, gnawing away at the opposition. When we last looked, their season was at 7-3, so they are winners!

"Football"outside of Reser Stadium

Reser Stadium is just across the street from the Hilton Garden Inn where we were staying, but the campus was very, very empty, so we didn’t see ANY students. That felt strange. We passed by Reser Stadium, the athletic center and the student union, but they were locked tight. But, trust us, it was a great campus that honors both the modern and classic traditions.

 
We were also eager to see their “award-winning” library, but it, also, was closed.
Visiting a campus during intersession has mixed blessings. Getting around was easy, but we didn’t get the full flavor of what the campus and Corvallis are like with the thousands of students in session.

We’ll be going back.

Another Campus

Another campus we wandered onto in Corvallis does – apparently – top secret agricultural research.  We were just looking for the covered bridge shown on the map. (See Irish Bend Covered Bridge below.)  We were told that we weren’t supposed to be on this campus in the western part of the City, but lots of others were riding bikes in the vicinity.  Be aware that a road shown on the map as a through road, isn’t.  We took pictures quickly and headed back the way we came.

Irish Bend Covered Bridge

(The bridge had been relocated from elsewhere, but it is one of the wider covered bridges we’ve seen.)

We invite you back tomorrow for some Corvallis dining and entertainment experiences…

We had originally planned to stay in Corvallis for only one day, but decided to stay two and arrived a day early.  We’re so glad we did!

By arriving on Friday, we had the opportunity to visit the Visitors Bureau, stop at the Chamber of Commerce and check out the town.  We loved what we saw.

Playing in the fountain

While a bit atypical since Oregon State University was in recess, we found a friendly atmosphere and a very evolved town.

Willamette River near 1st Street

The Chamber of Commerce staff we met greeted us like we were old friends.  The charming downtown reminded my husband of Charlottesville, Virginia, a great compliment on his part.  He really likes Charlottesville.

We stopped first at Block 15 Restaurant/Microbrewery (see our blog on October 23), where we had a great meal in a fun place. 

Driving around town, we quickly figured out the street system. (There are some one-way streets, but unlike some cities, they are easy to get around).

Corvallis has a population of about 55,000, but the brainpower and environment are much larger than the size of the community.  Their farmer’s market was larger than bigger communities we have seen.  They have major corporations like Hewlett Packard that have major numbers of patents registered.

Corvallis Farmer's Market

Instead of giant shopping malls, shopping is in smaller clusters scattered about several major corridors.  One of our indicators for shopping is whether the community has a Trader Joe’s.  They were building one that looked near completion. It may sound crass to evaluate a community by what name brand stores it attracts, but we know what we like.

The user-friendly Corvallis Library

Another of our indicators for whether we like a community is the library. We thought the Corvallis Public Library was a terrific place.  They had a reading room that was like a clubby old boys club with comfy, armchairs, but for anyone to use.  A two-story building, the library is well-used, well-organized and obviously respected.  The librarian was friendly and welcoming: Great library – and a good indicator of what a town values.

We also loved the local shops, their wares and the friendliness of the staff.  In general, we gave more 20% tips for good service at restaurants in Oregon than anywhere we have ever traveled.  Except for one local chain restaurant in Corvallis, that held true everywhere for the City. 

Recycling is very much part of the culture, as we saw supermarkets with regular receptacles for cans, bottles and other recyclables.  The environment is a major consideration, as even the public trash containers on the main streets have flowers tucked into little containers by the lid. 

Flowers tucked into trash receptacles

Come back – We found out about a unique event called “Rhapsody in the Vineyard,” that we’ll tell you about on Tuesday.  On Monday, we’ll show you some of the Oregon State University campus.

Parking meters are actually kiosk-like arrangements where you pay, then put a post-it paid sticker inside your window. No unsightly meters every few feet along the street.

We’ve traveled in Portland before, but this time we stayed on the east side of town.  Virtually everything we wanted to see was in Fareless Square or a short walk from it.

The Max - fast, efficient and clean

 Staying at the Doubletree Hotel near the Lloyd Center, we hopped a Max Light Rail at the corner and headed downtown.  No fee!  Just a few minutes later, we were a few blocks from Portland State University and the Saturday Farmer’s Market (see our blog on October 9 for more on the Farmer’s Market). We also hopped a streetcar to take us to “Powell’s – City of Books,” another to travel to the Pearl District, where we stopped for lunch (see yesterday’s blog on Rogue Brew Pub).  (More on Powell’s on Wednesday.)

Streetcar

Portland is so big on marketing their public transportation that they even publish a brochure that lists 18 restaurants that are near streetcar stops. Rogue, where we ate yesterday was on the list,  but there’s also a Deschutes Brewery & Pub (Portland) branch and a bridgeport brewery + bakery, ethnic choices like Moroccan, New Mexican, India, plus pasta choices, seafood and other selections.  Your only issue will be not enough meals to try them all – unless you’re planning to stay for a few weeks!

Beyond Fareless Square, you do pay for transportation, but for a tourist, you would rarely need to go further, except for maybe a visit to the Portland Zoo or some of the outlying neighborhoods.

Another streetcar - they're everywhere - or close!

And efficient?  Well, except for one wait of 30 minutes, we never waited more than 10 minutes to get the Max or a streetcar. 

You get the picture.  We love the ease, free cost and accessibility of Portland’s downtown.

www.portlandstreetcar.org

http://trimet.org/

Come back tomorrow for a visit to Powell’s and some other Portland sights! In the next few days, we’ll be exploring the Portland Saturday (and Sunday) Market, the Pearl District and other views of Portland. 

Rogue Ales

Unlike someone who recently wrote a book entitled, Going Rogue, I actually had the opportunity to go to the Rogue Distillery & Public House, one of the many pubs that are scattered throughout the city of Portland, Oregon.

Rogue Distillery & Public House

Notice that I didn’t call this a brewpub.  This is actually a restaurant that serves Rogue Ales, which are brewed solely in one location, Newport, Oregon.  The distribution area is much more than just Oregon as Rogue Ales are sold throughout the U.S. and in 21 countries.  There are also nine restaurant/public houses from San Francisco to Issaquah, Washington.

The Distillery adjacent to the restaurant does not brew beer, but instead, is the first Rum Distillery in Oregon.

Located in the Pearl District, Rogues’ location was the former home of Portland Brewing. You’ll find a 36-tap beer dispenser serving various award-winning Rogue Ales: Dead Guy Ale, Double Dead Guy Ale, Shakespeare Stout, etc.

But this time, there was not the normal “usual suspects” on the extensive menu.

Kobe Beef is normally considered to be one of those items served in “five star” restaurants.  But at Rogue you can have one of five different burgers and five various HOT DOGS! 

That even includes a Kobe Beef Corn Dog … try to get one of those at the State Fair!

Yes, you can certainly have a less expensive burger at one of those places with the kid’s playland in the front, but that’s not Kobe!

The beef is supplied by Snake River Farms of Eastern Idaho who raise hormone-free cattle at twice the rating grade of USDA Prime in much the same style as their Japanese counterparts. 

My choice was the 1/2 LB Kobe Cheese Burger ($13.50) with Rogue Creamery (not related to Rogue Ales) White Cheddar Cheese.  Complete with onion roll, wasabi mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, onion and fries, that was a great burger! 

Tender, cooked just how I ordered, and yes, it was expensive … so what … it’s KOBE! 

My dining companion opted for a Black Bean and Quinoa salad ($8.95)

Of course there were Black Beans (hence the title of the entrée) along with corn, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños and spices served atop a generous serving of avocado on a bed of quinoa (hence the other part of the entrée’s title.)

As I am always on the lookout for either the best Lobster Roll, or Chicken Marsala (the latter is much easier to find outside of Maine), my dining companion is on a world quest for the best New England Clam Chowder (suspiciously easy to find just about anywhere.)

Rogue’s Clam Chowder (Bowl $5.95 / Cup $3.95) is a New England style which included bacon, celery, onions, and potatoes.  Served with a house-baked Hazelnut Ale bread this chowder is now on the list of top 10 that is in no particular order.

Rogue Distillery & Public House

1339 NW Flanders
Portland, OR

  
Hours: 11 AM – 12 AM, Sunday-Thursday | 11 AM – 1 AM, Fri/Sat

Distillery Tours: 2 PM, Monday-Friday

www.rogue.com

www.snakeriverfarms.com

Don’t get me wrong, I think those big draft horses are impressive, but big breweries don’t necessarily mean the best beer, or the only beer.McMenamins

Opening their first Portland, Oregon pub in 1983, the McMenamin brothers have expanded substantially over the last 26 years. Their branding calls them “A place for family & friends.” But the last time I checked, brewpubs were not exactly the place to bring your family. But McMenamins is more than just brewpubs.

Seven historic hotels, brewpub/restaurants throughout Oregon, Washington and the Portland metro area, music venues and even movie theaters are now apart of the McMenamins portfolio.

OLD SCHOOL

I don’t ever recall that I or anyone I have ever heard of actually say, “I wish I could stay here (at school) all night!”

From 1915 to 1975, Kennedy Elementary School graduated classes onto the next level of education until the school board finally said, this place is falling apart and we need to close.

Along came the McMenamin brothers with a plan.A massive renovation produced 35 guestrooms crafted from the former classrooms. You will get all of the amenities that you never saw when you went to school: private bath, telephone, and a modem. What you will remember is the chalkboard and cloakroom that is still there to haunt you!

Throughout the halls are historical photographs and artwork. There is a movie theatre, multiple bars, a soaking pool and of course the brewery which works just fine with the Brewmaster substituting for the Principal.

Kennedy School is a little disconcerting to find in the dark as it is located in an older neighborhood just East of downtown Portland. The streets in the vicinity are the narrower variety that you find in older neighborhoods and not overly lit.

I was there for the food and the Courtyard restaurant was packed, as it was Saturday night. If you’re just looking for a bar, you have your choice of the Boiler Room, Detention, or if you’re if you were one of those “straight A” students, the Honors Bar.

The Courtyard restaurant was the former cafeteria now open for all three meals a day. In nice weather a courtyard is available for dining and it must have been nice, because it too was packed with diners/drinkers.

And yes, it is the usual suspects for a brewpub menu: salads, burgers, pizza and specialty items (steak, salmon, pasta …)

There’s even a little treat from the appetizer/starters section for those of you that are still re-living your elementary school days …Tater Tots! $5.25

Remembering my challenging days in elementary school I opted for the

The Principal’s Special Pizza

I’m not sure whether I was hoping to take revenge on old memories, or I just liked the combination of toppings (Canadian bacon, pepperoni, fennel sausage, onions, & black olives (8-inch $8.25 / 16-inch $25.25), but I opted out of the black olives and still had a good time, something I couldn’t always say about Elementary School …

There is one thing that sets this former school location apart from 99.9% of others brewpubs. If you get Hammered by the Hammerhead (Ale), or Terminated by the Terminator (Ale), you can always get a classroom near the principal’s office and sleep it off!

HOTEL

Rooms: $109 – $130 per night
Packages Available

RESTAURANT

Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 1 a.m.

No Reservations
Non-smoking establishment

Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd Avenue
Portland, Oregon

McMenamins
Various locations throughout Oregon and Washington
www.mcmenamins.com

Come back Monday for another Portland brewpub: We’re going Rogue!

After a two and a half hour drive over the Cascade Mountains on a road (U.S. 20) that wouldn’t win any awards for staying in a straight line, I arrived in Corvallis, Oregon. Most people will probably say, WHERE?

Although near Eugene, Albany, Salem and, ultimately, Portland, Corvallis is not the most well known of cities in the Willamette Valley. While the aforementioned cities have a common trait (they are all next to I-5 traveling north and south through Oregon), Corvallis is just a bit off the beaten track (8 miles west of the interstate highway.) Not so much a tourist destination as a sports and education destination, Corvallis is home to Oregon State University. GO BEAVS!Now, just what do the words “College Town” and “BEER” have in common? If you don’t know the answer to that one you need to rent “Animal House” on DVD (which, by the way, was filmed just down the road in Eugene and Cottage Grove, Oregon.)

After you finish the movie, it’s time hop in your car and cruise on down to 300 SW Jefferson in Corvallis. That’s where you’ll find…

Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery -

one of the newest brewpubs in Oregon. Opening its doors at the end of February 2008, Block 15 is only a short distance from Oregon State University. The brewpub took over a 1926 building that was originally built for the local Gazette-Times newspaper.

With over 12 of their own craft brews on tap at any time, you can order Ridgeback Red, Glo, Golden Ale, Nebula Oatmeal Stout, Alpha IPA, and Printmaster’s Pale which use Northwest grown hops and organic base malt combined with imported specialty malts.

But, it was lunchtime and I was also there for the food.

Block 15 from the upper level

Soups and salads, sandwiches, pastas, fish and my favorite …

HAND-SPANKED BURGERS (Painted Hills Beef, Fossil, Oregon)

But, in their own insidious way, the brewers have issued: The Brewers Challenge Burger $13.50

There before your eyes are two … TWO hand-spanked beef patties, TWO slices of Tillamook cheddar cheese, a layer of thick sliced bacon, FRIED jalapeños AND your choice of two sides.YOUR CHALLENGE:

Clean your plate like your mother always told you to do, and she’ll give you your first pint of beer for free!

Well, maybe your mother didn’t offer you a free beer, but the brewers at Block 15 will make up for her inattention to detail by granting  that promise.

If you want your lunch cooked in some hops and barley, then try the House Beer Sausage.

From just up the road in Albany, Pepper Tree Beer Sausage is grilled in Block 15 Glo, Golden Ale, and topped with stone ground mustard, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
$8.25

I opted for the Grilled Turkey and Cheddar.
Turkey breast, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, and honey mustard on grilled sourdough bread.
$7.75

I didn’t complain. But I did have to complain about my inability to try one of the craft beers. You see, I was driving and the State Police, no matter where you are, seem to have a rule about mixing those two activities. (That’s why it’s a good thing Block 15 is only a few blocks from the University.)

The closest I could get to a beer was the house brewed Root Beer. It was a “busy” concoction made with sassafras, wintergreen, licorice root, vanilla, organic cane and brown sugars, & local wildflower honey.
$3.00 (No Refills)

SUSTAINABILITY

Throughout Oregon in both restaurants and brewpubs you will hear the word “Sustainability.” Simply put, we are talking environmentally friendly and the use of locally grown products. Block 15 sets high standards for itself in this category in both the brewing of its beer and the restaurant side of the business.

Whether you’re there for a weekend of one of the many sports played on campus, or just passing through, Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery is definitely worth the stop. Hopefully, you won’t be driving.

Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery
300 SW Jefferson
Corvallis, Oregon

11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday
11 a.m. – 1 a.m. Thursday-Saturday

Happy Hour Menu: 3-6 p.m.
Late Night Menu: 10 p.m. to close

Free WiFi

www.block15.com

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor with ski lifts (not taken during the ski season)

Mt. Bachelor is a mecca for skiers in the winter months.  They have 11 chair lifts and charge $58 (at least that’s what’s posted for the previous ski season) for a daily lift ticket.  The mountain dominates the area and certainly provides a great place for skiing.  There are excellent amenities with very luxurious restrooms, including changing rooms. 

We took a look around, but while we were there was between seasons – too late for the summer scenic lift rides, and too early for the winter skiing. Things were closed.

So, on to the Cascades Lakes National Scenic Byway…

Taking the smaller loop of the Byway – Route 372 to the cutoff at Route 40 back to Sunriver, Oregon, a drive with several stops along the way to appreciate the scenery can take at least 3-4 hours.  Stopping at several of the lakes and enjoying the peace was a side benefit.  There just were not that many people exploring the area. During the winter, the road can be gated and not passable. There are many lakes to see in this area dominated by volcanic rock and pine trees.

At one location, we stepped out for a short hike , but decided the almost vertical climb was not really in our agenda.  We hadn’t brought water! – A cardinal sin for hikers – The hiker we saw was well-prepared, but we hadn’t expected to do more than a short stop for photography.

One of the most picture-postcard worthy stops was at Sparks Lake.  What seemed like a very long drive back to the lake off the main road gave us a delightful encounter with two sisters and a husband  traveling from Ohio.  

A "Sisters" Mountain (there are 3) reflected in Sparks Lake

Note that whenever you leave the main road to follow the park road back to a trail or lake, the parking lot you reach will just then notify you that you need to pay a day use fee.  We would have liked to know sooner.  

Most of the lakes have no real amenities, but Elk Lake has a small marina with a restaurant and lodge.

Elk Lake Marina with view

We did not stop at the restaurant, but the menu seemed to be burgers and simple foods.  The Cascades Lakes National Scenic Byway takes longer than people think to drive, especially with stops- so the Elk Lake amenities are much welcomed.  The restaurant, called “Boondocks,” showed Oregon’s prevalent sense of humor.  

Be prepared to stop often because the views really are scenic and worth taking a few moments at least.  Bringing a picnic lunch might be a great strategy.  You will definitely see many pine trees.  

Devil's Lake

Since we had many more stops to make, we chose the Route 40 shortcut back to Sunriver and ended our exploration after only a morning.  So much to see and so little time!

Love to look at some of these images all of the time?  Hit the “Shop” button above – you can purchase your own mousepad with Elk Lake  and Sparks Lake in our store.

Tomorrow: Come back tomorrow for a ride on the Alaskan Railroad.   Friday we’ll come back to Oregon for another visit to brewpubs.

Called the Old Mill District, it has become the center for some upscale shopping, restaurants and  events.  

In an effort to be evocative, the old smokestacks are still there and there is a sign that says, “Can you smell the sawdust?”

Old Mill District

Well, the saw dust is long gone, but the appeal of the district remains.  A picturesque bridge leads across the water to the Les Schwab Amphitheater.  The very Oregon-like effort to keep people outdoors and healthy is noticeable as there are marked trail signs.  In an effort to commemorate the movers and shakers of the community,  there are some small concrete stanchions that have labeling.  One we noticed said,

Bridge to Les Schwab Amphitheater

“Vince Gennna – 1921-2007. Father of Bend’s Park System – The trail you are on is because of Vince.”  

Aww, that’s a nice gesture!

Dining hit – no miss!

There are a number of restaurants, but we chose – unwisely – (to paraphrase an Indiana Jones movie) Allyson’s Kitchen, which has a cafe in the back of their kitchen store.  I would call the food so-so at best.  The salad I ordered had wilted, mangy even, lettuce.  When I brought it to the attention of one of the servers, she picked through what was available – clearly past its prime.   I wished we had gone to Greg’s Grill as my husband wanted.  (I was trying to stay on my diet and thought I would be too tempted at a fancier restaurant.)

Old Mill District

In general the Old Mill District is a well-designed area with attractive shops, offices, and housing – a mixed-use location.  With shops like Banana Republic, Gap and other upscale shops, it is a fun place to shop.   And, of course, there is the ubiquitous (they’re everywhere! they’re everywhere!) “O” Duck Store for all things University of Oregon.

The "O" Duck Store - all things University of Oregon

After lunch and an amble around the shops, we headed out.  

Tomorrow: We take the scenic drive to the Cascades and Mt. Bachelor.  Don’t miss the views!