Wanderlust

Summer is here. Turns out my kid is a bit older now and likes to travel and camp. This certainly opens up the doors for some exploring. And, being a fairly new resident to Oregon, the whole state is one kick-ass and vast area to explore.

One writer I’ve been enjoying is Ralph Friedman. His works include Tracking Down Oregon and Oregon for the Curious. His books – written during the 1970s – delve into small town history and lore. My hunch is that these landmarks are now surely long lost and gone. Regardless, pick these two books up - they're at most local used bookstores.

A more updated entry on the scene is a fantastic site that I recently linked to – The Real Oregon. It’s inspiring to read; get ideas on places to visit; and learn some history of the state.

Anyhow, after our long weekend trip to the Umpqua Lighthouse and the dunes a couple weekends ago, we are itching to do some more daytrips and exploring. We’re heading for the coast for the weekend in July, but I’m also looking for some low-stress, daytrips I want to hit up this summer.

The catch is to be back home before dinner, stay sort of in the Portland Metro/Willamette Valley area and not bore my toddler to tears:

• Aurora. I’m intrigued by its history
  
  
• Estacada. Yeah. I know. But, I’ve heard good things about a brewpub there. Brewpubs are totally kid-friendly, right? Right?
  
  
• Portland parks. Got a taste of how vast and wonderful Forest Park is a couple weeks back. Hiking is definitely on the hot list.
  
  
• Canby Ferry. My kid would love it.
  
  
• The Oregon Garden in Silverton.
  
  
• Mount Angel. Octoberfest might be an overload but want to check it out before then.
  
  
• Berry picking.

Any other ideas?

[By the way, the above image is Lakewood Village in Lincoln City. It's long gone.]