zara wells author at My Family Travels
Article
11 Dog-Friendly Beaches Every Oregon Pet Parent Needs To Know

A dog who lives for the beach is a beautiful thing. Sand zoomies, salty water, and that happy exhausted flop on the car ride home. Not...

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This 30,000-Square-Foot Oregon Hardware Store is a Three-Story Treasure Trove of Vintage Oddities

A hardware store that sells toilet repair kits alongside a taxidermy alligator wearing a party hat. That is not a fever dream, that is Portland.

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This Handmade Oregon Theme Park Was Built by One Man in 1964 and Still Delights Families Today

One man with a vision and a lot of concrete started building this place in 1964. No corporate backing, no focus groups, just a dad who wanted to make something magical.

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10 Oregon Coastal Escapes That Aren’t Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is beautiful, but so is the entire rest of the coast. Oregon has over three hundred miles of shoreline, and most of it is not in those famous postcards.

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This Cute Little Zoo In Oregon Might Be The Best Budget-Friendly Family Day Trip

Family days out usually cost a small fortune. Tickets, parking, overpriced hot dogs, and everyone leaves broke and tired. This...

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This Massive Oregon Salvage Center Features 10,000 Square Feet Of Stunning Architectural Antiques

You walk in and your jaw basically hits the floor. Ten thousand square feet is not a number you truly understand until you are standing in it.

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This Amish-Style All-You-Can-Eat Minnesota Restaurant is Worth Driving Hours To Experience

A Minnesota all-you-can-eat Amish-style restaurant turns a long drive into part of the experience. The destination feels like stepping into a different rhythm of life.

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11 Weird Roadside Attractions in Minnesota You Have to See to Believe

Minnesota’s highways aren’t just about getting from point A to point B. They’re packed with stops that make you do a double take and maybe even pull over without thinking...

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Oregon’s Most Authentic Gluten-Free Food Truck Is Hidden In A Spot Only Locals Know

Gluten free usually means settling for a sad, crumbly substitute. Not here. This little food truck hides in plain sight, and...

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This Historic Minnesota Suspension Bridge Offers Access to Miles of Scenic Hiking

A historic Minnesota suspension bridge sets the tone the moment you step onto it. It sways slightly over the water, just enough to remind you you’re off solid ground.

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This Oregon Quilt Shop Is Loved for Its High-Quality Fabrics and Welcoming Community

A cozy Oregon quilt shop quietly turns fabric shopping into a full experience the moment you walk in. Shelves are packed with high-quality fabrics in colors and patterns that seem...

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Experience the Viking Spirit and Nordic Magic in Minnesota

Snowy winds, long winters, and deep cultural roots set the stage for a Minnesota experience that feels touched by Nordic legend. The Viking spirit isn’t just a theme here - it...

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This Large Minnesota Park Offers Hiking Trails and a Man-Made Cave

A wide-open Minnesota park pulls you in with scenic trails, but the real surprise waits just a little deeper inside. Winding paths lead through peaceful stretches of nature before...

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This Historic Minnesota Restaurant Is Known for Its Charcoal-Grilled Steaks Worth the Drive

Smoke, fire, and that unmistakable sizzle set the tone the moment you get close to this historic Minnesota restaurant. The charcoal grill isn’t just part of the kitchen - it’s...

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The World’s Largest Wooden Airplane Is on Display at This Oregon Museum

Stepping into this Oregon museum, it’s impossible to miss the sheer scale of what’s hanging overhead. The world’s largest wooden airplane dominates the space like something...

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The Crispy Fried Shrimp At This Oregon Spot Is What Keeps The Place Packed

A constant line out the door says everything you need to know about this Oregon spot before you even take a seat. The real reason everyone keeps coming back is simple: crispy fried...

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This Massive Go-Kart Track In Oregon Will Take You On An Exhilarating Fun Ride

A roaring engine, tight corners, and pure adrenaline waiting at every turn - this massive Oregon go-kart track doesn’t ease you in. It throws you straight into the action.

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This Massive Minnesota Mall Spans Four Levels With Hundreds of Stores, Dining, and Nonstop Entertainment

Four levels of nonstop energy, hundreds of stores, and a pace that barely gives you time to look around - this Minnesota mall doesn’t do “casual shopping.” It feels more...

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These Legendary Oregon Cheese Curds Are a Must-Try Worth the Whole Trip

A crispy bite on the outside, a soft, melty center on the inside, and suddenly you understand why people plan entire trips around these legendary Oregon cheese curds. They don’t...

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This Gorgeous Oregon State Park Is Perfect for a Stress-Free Weekend Escape

A quiet kind of magic takes over the moment you step into this Oregon state park, like the noise of everyday life just decides to stay behind.

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This Oregon Hotel Is Built on a 600-Foot Pier Stretching Directly Into the River

I’ve stayed in some unusual places, but nothing quite prepared me for a hotel in Oregon sitting on a 600-foot pier stretching straight out over the river.

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This Oregon Hayride Might Be The Most Terrifying Journey You Take Through The Woods

A hayride in Oregon sounds harmless - until the woods close in. I climb on expecting a calm ride, and immediately feel like I’ve signed up for something way more intense.

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This Historic Oregon Covered Bridge Features a Rare Triple Truss Design and a Hidden Pedestrian Walkway

An old Oregon covered bridge like this doesn’t just connect two sides - it feels like it connects eras. I step inside and immediately notice the rare triple truss design stretching...

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This Easy Oregon Stop Lets You See Giant Fish Up Close Including a Massive 10-Foot Sturgeon

This Oregon stop doesn’t ask for much effort, but it delivers a surprisingly big payoff the moment I walk in. Giant fish glide past right in front of the viewing areas, and everything...

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Historic Oregon Mill Destroyed by Fire on Christmas Day Is Now a Remarkable Comeback Story

A Christmas Day fire once tore through this historic Oregon mill and left it in ruins. For a while, it felt like the story had reached its end.

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Oregon Has A Liquidator Warehouse Where The Prices Feel Like Someone Forgot A Decimal Point

Prices start feeling unreal the second I step inside this Oregon liquidator warehouse. I actually pause at the entrance because everything looks like it’s missing a decimal point...

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This Oregon Coast Cafe Serves Comfort Food With Stunning Blufftop Ocean Views

Oregon’s coast hides a café that turns comfort food into a full-on experience. I walk in and immediately notice the blufftop ocean views stealing half the attention before the...

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This Oregon Mansion From 1878 Feels Like a Perfectly Preserved 19th-Century Time Capsule

An 1878 Oregon mansion doesn’t just sit there. It pulls you straight into another century. I walk up and immediately feel like...

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Hidden Historic Stories Along the Oregon Trail That Still Shape the State Today

The Oregon Trail isn’t just a line on a map - it’s a living collection of stories still echoing through the state today. I followed traces of hidden history and kept stumbling...

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These 10 Charming Towns in Oregon Feel Like a Step Back in Time

Time travel might not exist, but these 10 charming Oregon towns come pretty close. I wandered cobblestone streets, peeked into historic shops, and felt like I’d stepped straight...

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We Found an Oregon Coast Cafe Where the Clam Chowder Truly Shines

Somewhere along the Oregon Coast, we stumbled into a café that’s basically a love letter to clam chowder. The first spoonful hits you like a cozy hug, rich, creamy, and packed...

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This Quirky Small Town in Oregon Packs More Surprises Than You’d Expect

This small Oregon town looks quiet from the outside - but don’t be fooled. I wandered its streets and kept thinking, “Wait, what’s that?”.

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Most People Drive Right Past This Hidden Oregon Coast Reserve Packed With Peaceful Trails and Wildlife

Most people zoom right past this hidden Oregon Coast reserve, and honestly, they’re missing out big time. I almost did the same - until I slowed down and discovered a world that...

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This Winding Mountain Drive in Oregon Has Epic Views and Spring Foliage

Oregon’s winding mountain drive doesn’t waste a single inch of scenery. I hit the road and immediately get pulled into curves that feel like they were designed for maximum...

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Only True Oregonians Have Explored These 10 Underrated Small Towns

Only true Oregonians seem to know these 10 small towns even exist, and honestly, they’ve been keeping a good secret. I set...

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This 110-Mile Oregon Rail Trail Is Perfect For Running, Biking, And Discovering Forgotten Towns

Buckle up, because this 110-mile Oregon rail trail is basically an adventure buffet on wheels - or sneakers. I hopped on my bike (and sometimes ran) and discovered charming forgotten...

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Paddling This Surreal Oregon Lake Feels Like Exploring A Canyon On Another Planet

Ever paddled somewhere that makes you question if you’re still on Earth? This surreal Oregon lake feels like a canyon on another planet, and yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.

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These 9 Hidden Gem Oregon Eateries Are Absolutely Worth The Road Trip

Oregon’s hidden gem eateries are basically secret rewards for people willing to hit the road. I went in expecting a casual meal and ended up on a full-on flavor adventure.

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The Oregon Success Story That Turned One Simple Thai Chicken Dish Into A Local Obsession

Who knew one simple Thai chicken dish could cause such a stir in Oregon? I showed up expecting a decent meal and ended up in the middle of a local food frenzy.

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This Breathtaking Oregon Trail Is Said To Have A Powerful, Almost Magical Energy

Walking this Oregon trail, I immediately felt there was something different about it. The air seems charged, and every step somehow feels heavier and lighter at the same time.

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This Oregon Waterfront Restaurant Serves Sunset Views That Make Dinner Unforgettable

What if the highlight of your evening wasn’t the entrée, but the sky putting on its own show? In Oregon, a waterfront hideaway makes every sunset feel like a private performance.

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You Can Find This Magical Waterfall Oasis Tucked Away In A Quiet Oregon Suburb

Ever wonder how many secret waterfalls are still waiting to be discovered in Oregon’s quieter corners? A short drive out of the city reveals a tucked?away oasis.

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This Magical Spot In Oregon Is Where The Lake And Forest Feel Like One

Imagine a place where the lake’s glassy surface reflects the canopy above. The pine-scented air wraps around you like a soft blanket.

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This Oregon River Hike Leads You Across A Hidden Suspension Bridge

This Oregon river hike starts off innocent enough - just a peaceful trail, some trees, and the sound of rushing water. Then...

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This Hidden Oregon Coffee Lounge Is A Subterranean Escape From The Ordinary

I stumbled upon this Oregon coffee lounge and immediately realized it wasn’t like any café I’d been to before. It’s underground - literally - and somehow manages to feel...

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The Riverside Oregon Cafe Where Every Ingredient Is Grown Just Steps From Your Table

Ever catch yourself wondering why a simple bite can bring back a rush of memories? That’s exactly what happened when I found a little riverside spot in Oregon.

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The 10 Most Authentic Old-Fashioned General Stores In Oregon

Have you ever walked past a dusty storefront and wondered what treasures lie behind the faded sign? In Oregon, those curiosities aren’t just myths.

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This Cozy Oregon Pie Shop Has Flavors You’ve Probably Never Seen Before

Imagine stepping into a snug little kitchen tucked away in Oregon, where the menu reads like a playful experiment in pastry art. The moment I perched at the counter, the baker...

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This Bizarre Oregon House Is Famous For Its Wildly Crooked Floors

When I first stepped into this quirky Oregon home, my eyes dropped to the floor and I couldn't help but grin. The wooden planks twist and tilt in every direction, turning a simple...

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This Dinosaur Trail In Oregon Feels Like A Trip Back To The 1950s

Walking the dinosaur trail in Oregon felt like hopping into a time capsule from the 1950s, and I couldn’t help but smile at every detail. The road was lined with pastel markers...

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This Secluded Lakeside Campground In Oregon Is Perfect For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Last weekend I escaped to a secluded lake in Oregon and found the perfect playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. Setting up camp was easy, and the view of the glass?like...

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Tourists Ruined One Of Oregon’s Most Beautiful Blue Water Spots

When I heard locals whisper about a stunning blue-water spot tucked away in Oregon, I pictured a quiet place. The horizon melted into crystal?clear waves.

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This Charming Oregon Farm Is Famous For Its Giant Sunflower Fields

There’s something undeniably uplifting about standing amid a vast carpet of sunflowers. Each blossom stretches toward the sky like a friendly wave.

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9 Little-Known Oregon Beaches So Good We Almost Kept Them Secret

Oregon's coastline is one of the most dramatic stretches of shoreline in the entire country, and most people only know the obvious stops. Cannon Beach gets the postcards, and Seaside...

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day On This Festive Train Ride In Oregon This March

I love finding a reason to wear my brightest green shirt, and this year the perfect excuse showed up on the rails. I stepped onto a festively decorated train, and the moment the...

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This Magical Trail In Oregon Leads To A Brilliant Blue Pool And Stunning Waterfalls

I honestly didn't believe the photos until I saw this place with my own eyes. Walking through the lush, deep greens of the forest, I felt like I was stepping right into a fairytale.

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The Homemade Pies At This Oregon Café Have A Cult Following

Some pies are good. Some pies are great. And then there are the pies at this Oregon café - the kind that make you pause mid-bite...

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This Oregon Hike Takes You Behind Ten Breathtaking Waterfalls

If your idea of the perfect day involves fresh air, stunning views, and a touch of genuine natural wonder, then prepare to be absolutely captivated by one of Oregon's most iconic...

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This Oregon Indian Buffet Is a Locals-Only Secret

You know those places that just get it? The ones where the food is so good, and the vibe so welcoming, you almost want to keep it to yourself?

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People Drive From All Over Oregon Just To Eat At This Tiny Restaurant

You know how sometimes you hear about a place, and it just piques your curiosity? Well, I'd heard whispers about this little eatery in Oregon, a spot so special that folks journey...

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