Shortly after our daughter went to the University of Arizona, John and I scheduled our first “empty nester” vacation in July of last year. Our journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest began in Portland, a city that perfectly balances urban energy with breathtaking natural beauty. As nature lovers, our first stop was Washington Park, the city’s crown jewel. Exploring it was a sensory delight, and we quickly discovered two attractions that are absolute must-sees. First, we wandered through the International Rose Test Garden, surrounded by vibrant colors and sweet fragrances. Afterward, we visited the Portland Japanese Garden, which felt like a masterclass in tranquility and thoughtful design.
From the park, we set out to explore the region's incredible vineyards, starting high in the Portland hills at Amaterra Winery. This architectural marvel offers incredible views alongside locally sourced dining. As a self-proclaimed cabernet lover, I was surprised to find that their rosé was actually my absolute favorite wine of the day. The next day, we shifted to the Willamette Valley countryside to visit Hawks View Winery in Sherwood. This quaint hillside winery offered us a sophisticated tasting experience, exceptional Pinot Noir, and stunning, sweeping views of Mt. Hood.
The next day, we made a nostalgic return to Astoria. This stop was personal for me, bringing back fond childhood memories of visiting my grandfather here, and I loved being able to share those roots with my husband. We enjoyed discovering how this historic town has beautifully evolved into a vibrant, creative hub, with local craft shops lining the historic downtown streets.
Our time in Astoria was filled with unforgettable moments. One morning, we woke up before dawn for a sunrise walk. It was a magical experience for us, standing together in the chilly morning mist to capture the perfect photo of an old bridge just as the sun broke through. Throughout our stay, we loved the scenic views right along the riverwalk. For dinner, we stumbled upon an unexpected culinary surprise; after a long day of coastal exploring, we found the ultimate comfort in sharing bowls of warm, incredibly delicious pho at Pho Mekha.
Next, we transitioned just south to Cannon Beach, a picturesque, upscale beach town. We both absolutely loved the vibe here, walking past cedar-shingle beach cottages nestled around a highly walkable downtown filled with high-end vacation boutiques, local art galleries, and sweet shops. Of course, we walked right down to the shoreline together to take in the famous, towering Haystack Rock. For a food highlight, we stopped at Public Coast Brewing Co. to try their famous, must-have gluten-free clam chowder alongside some fantastic local craft brews.
Rounding out the journey for the grand finale, we took a scenic drive through Tillamook, marveling at Oregon’s famous dairy country and taking in the rolling green pastures. From there, we headed to the Columbia River Gorge for a breathtaking drive along the historic highway, chasing majestic waterfalls carved into the mossy canyon walls. Finally, our trip came full circle right where it felt most grounded. We returned to Washington Park for one final, quiet morning walk, looking up in awe among the towering, ancient Redwoods.