The Centennial Covered Bridge in downtown Cottage Grove, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes If you're looking for a scenic drive in the southern Willamette Valley, take the 20-mile loop from Cottage Grove to see six covered bridges in the area. Along the way, you'll be treated to views of rivers and creeks, Dorena Lake, farmland, … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The covered bridges in and near Cottage Grove, Oregon
COVID-19 stopped the Oregon Country Fair from holding its 51st annual event outside Veneta this year, but now you can stream it for free from anywhere. The celebration starts today and runs through Sunday, July 12, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Pacific time. There's a lot to choose from: More than 100 performances on 13 stages throughout … Continue reading Oregon Country Fair livestreaming July 10-12
The World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes The World Forestry Center offers educational programs to members and the general public to promote the understanding and appreciation of well-managed forests. Not only does the center focus on the importance of forests to the economy—particularly in the Pacific Northwest—but it also stresses the … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: World Forestry Center in Portland
Photos by Cheryl Landes I discovered the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in in the Eastmoreland neighborhood near Reed College in Portland, Oregon, a year ago when local station KOIN-TV featured it on the evening news. It was past rhododendron and azalea blooming season, but I decided to visit the garden anyway out of curiosity. Even … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A summer stroll in the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland
Photos by Cheryl Landes The Leach Botanical Garden in Southeast Portland, Oregon, is a pleasant place to take a walk at any time of year. The estate is located in a beautiful forest, which has more than 2,000 plant species and nature trails that are open to the public. The estate was the home of … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Leach Botanical Garden in Portland
Photos by Cheryl Landes The Ladd Circle Park and Rose Gardens are located in a beautiful residential neighborhood called Ladd's Addition in east Portland, Oregon. The 1.62-acre park has 3,000 roses representing more than 60 varieties that were popular in the early 20th century. The park is named after William Sargent Ladd, who migrated West … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Ladd Circle Park and Rose Gardens in Portland
Photos by Cheryl Landes The International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park in southwest Portland, Oregon, is among 11 American Garden Rose Selections (AGRS) test sites. The idea for the garden in Washington Park began in 1915, when Jesse A. Currey, Sunday editor of the Oregon Journal newspaper and rose hobbyists, convinced Portland city officials … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park in Portland
Trombone Shorty on stage at a previous Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes The 2020 Waterfront Blues Festival in downtown Portland, Oregon, cancelled because of COVID-19, but that hasn't stopped the organizers and partner organizations from the Portland metro area from keeping the music alive. There are three ways to join … Continue reading On Independence Day weekend 2020, the Waterfront Blues Festival is coming to you on air and in Portland neighborhoods
Photos by Cheryl Landes The Oregon Lavender Farm in Oregon City hosts the Clackamas County Lavender Festival every year. The farm is open to the public during the festival only. The 2020 festival has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the pictures in today's armchair photo tour are from a trip to a … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The Clackamas County Lavender Festival at the Oregon Lavender Farm
Photos by Cheryl Landes On the About page of the Heirloom Roses website, owners Ben and Kara Hanna wrote, "Our love of roses is deeply rooted in our knowledge that gardens go beyond just physical beauty. It provides a place of solace or social gatherings, where peace and beauty can be enjoyed to refresh a … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Heirloom Roses in Saint Paul, Oregon
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 