AAA Via July+August 2024

JULY + AUGUST 2024

TOUR PHILADELPHIA WAGON DAYS WEEKEND AAA DEALS & DISCOUNTS

THE AAA MAGAZINE

Beach Time

SUMMER ON THE NORTHERN COAST

LAVENDER TRAILS

EXPLORE FARMS & FIELDS

VISIT IDAHO FALLS ART OF THE AMERICAN WEST 1

January + February 2022

Where nature becomes one with you.

Book today.

ExploreLincolnCity.com

PROTECT THE NIGHT Preserving and restoring the natural nighttime environment is more urgent than ever.

NEOWISE over Mount Hood Photo: Kirk Keyes

TO LEARN MORE & DONATE TODAY

www.darkskyoregon.org

seaside is for Sea creatures and surprises

Of course you can feed the seals at the historic Seaside Aquarium. You can also spy rare sea stars, stand where members of the Lewis & Clark expedition made salt from seawater, spin around on a famous carousel and still have time to show off your skills at one of the only Fascination parlors left in the country!

seasideOR.com

@visitseasideOR

{CONTENTS}

JULY + AUGUST

2024

COLCKWISE FROM TOP MTMMEDIA.CA | JAMES L AVADOUR, NAMING OF THINGS, 2020 | TASTE OF NEWBERG | LIBERT Y BELL A. RICKETTS FOR VISIT PHIL ADELPHIA®

34

BEACH DAYS

Discover four towns on Oregon’s northern coast for Pacific Northwest adventures to intrigue all ages.

Volume 25, Issue 4

11

SMART TRAVEL

19

ON THE ROAD

25

IDAHO FALLS

Tips to protect home deliveries. Find fuel savings plus discounts on lodging and summer fun.

Celebrate big hitch wagons, Basque and Mexican heritage plus the largest dark sky sanctuary in the world.

Along the Snake River, explore Old Town’s culture and history.

29 WEEKENDER

It’s lavender season!

Farms and trails invite visitors to enjoy the blooming beauty and scents of summer.

40 DISCOVER

44 29

ART OF THE WEST

40 9

PRESIDENT’S NOTES

10

AAA DIRECTORY

50

PARTING SHOT

Western art defies definition. Visit museums and galleries to explore the ways artists portray their experiences across place and time.

44 DESTINATION

PHILADELPHIA Dive into the art, food and layers of American history in the City of Brotherly Love.

AAA | Via

5

THE AAA MAGAZINE

PUBLISHED BY OREGON MEDIA, LLC 974 NW Riverside Blvd. Bend, Oregon 97703 oregonmedia.com PUBLISHERS Heather Huston Johnson Ross Johnson EDITORIAL Editor in Chief Cheryl Parton Associate Editor Heidi Hausler Staff Writer Chloe Green Copy Editor Stephanie Boyle Mays DESIGN Creative Director Kelly Alexander Senior Graphic Designer Cali Clement Graphic Designer Jeremiah Crisp Print Coordinator Clarke Fine

Contact advertising: sales@oregonmedia.com Contents copyrighted ©2024 by AAA Oregon/Idaho. No part of Via may be reprinted without written permission.

477,036 COPIES Via (ISSN 2473-5183) is published bimonthly by Oregon Media, LLC, 70 SW Century Dr. STE 100, Bend, OR 97702. Periodicals Postage: Paid at Bend, OR, and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to VIA, Membership Records, 600 SW Market St., Portland, OR 97201.

SALES & MARKETING Senior Account Executive Susan Crow Senior Account Executive Ronnie Harrelson Account Executive Allie Field Sales & Mktg. Coordinator Gretchen Sortor Director of Operations Heather Renee Wong Circulation Manager Amara Spittler

©2024, Harry and David, LLC, Medford, OR, DBA Harry & David.

Proudly printed in Oregon.

JULY + AUGUST 2024

COUNTRY VILLAGE STORE

Stop by our flagship store for gourmet food, sweets, fine wine, and more.

OPEN DAILY 1314 Center Drive, Medford, Oregon 97501 541-864-2278 • HarryandDavid.com

90 Years and Still Sharing

TOUR PHILADELPHIA WAGON DAYS WEEKEND AAA DEALS & DISCOUNTS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeanette Boner, Casey Hatfield-Chiotti, Kim Cooper Findling, Daniel O’Neil, Meryl Pearlstein

THE AAA MAGAZINE

Subscription rate: AAA primary members, $2 (included in dues).

Change of address: Allow four weeks advance notice. Call (888) 422-2503 or email the Membership Department at membership@AAAoregon.com.

Contact editorial: viaeditorial@oregonmedia.com

Beach Time

SUMMER ON THE NORTHERN COAST

LAVENDER TRAILS

EXPLORE FARMS & FIELDS

VISIT IDAHO FALLS ART OF THE AMERICAN WEST 1

January + February 2022

ON THE COVER At Pacific City, the Nestucca River meets the sea for summertime fun.

Photo by Beth Easton

PRINTS 4/4

6

C M EVENT

July + August 2024

---

DELIVERY

DESCRIPTION

SIGN CODE

DETAIL

ROUND

ROUND DATE

AAA AD

AD

3.375 x 4.625

CRF

3/28/24

GO WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC,

OR LACK THEREOF.

Tualatin River Water Trail

Welcome to Tualatin Valley, just west of downtown Portland. Experience 727 square miles full of pristine wetlands, wildlife refuges, and lush forests. Bike, hike, paddle and more.

Your adventure starts at

TUALATINVALLEY.ORG

Explore More

TAKE THE BEST OF CENTRAL OREGON WITH YOU, ALL YEAR LONG!

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LOWER DESCHUTES

PENDLETON WEEKEND

THE SOUL OF CENTRAL OREGON

Getaway

GOING ABOVE & BEYOND

AROUND & AROUND

ULTRARUNNERS SHOW THEIR TRUE GRIT

BEND RETAILERS STAND THE TEST OF TIME

Exploration

VOLUNTEER SUPERHEROES

GOING THE

SHOP LOCAL

THE SOUL OF CENTRAL OREGON

BEND'S LOVE OF ROUNDABOUTS

TAKE FLIGHT

EDUCATING AVIATORS OF THE FUTURE

BY CAR A QUICK DRIVE TO SLEEP UNDER THE STARS

­ ­

NOTHING BEATS

EXPERIENCE

In this issue of Via, we celebrate the beauty of the West.

It’s an amazing place to live and explore, as my wife, Missi, and I were recently reminded during a trip to the Oregon Coast.

Wherever life’s journey takes you, it pays to rely on expert advice. Our AAA Travel agents have the knowledge and experience to help you plan your dream vacation, whether you’re heading out on a quick getaway or the trip of a lifetime.

If you’re among the millions of Americans taking a summer road trip, we’ve got you covered. Our world-class emergency road service helps AAA members travel with confidence.

While Basic membership is primarily designed for those who remain close to home, we also offer Plus membership, with towing of up to 100 miles and enhanced benefits such as expanded locksmith and extrication services, accident away from home reimbursement, travel accident insurance and motorcycle support.

Premier membership takes things to the next level. In addition to all the Plus membership benefits, Premier includes one member entitlement of up to 200 miles of towing, home lockout assistance, trip interruption reimbursement, access to a travel concierge and more.

If you’re planning on summer fun with an RV or toy trailer, you’ll need Plus RV membership. To select the level of membership that’s right for you, please visit AAA.com or call (888) 422-2503.

Before you head out on your road trip, your vehicle needs to be ready. Please visit a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility for expert advice and quality repairs at a fair price.

For a shop near you, please visit AAA.com/autorepair.

Or maybe you’re ready to buy a vehicle. Take the hassle out of buying a car with the AAA Car Buying Service.

We can find the right new or used vehicle for you and negotiate the price on your behalf without you having to

visit a dealership. Trade-ins are welcome, and financing options are available. We also offer convenient delivery options and extended service contracts to fit your needs.

The AAA Car Buying Service is available in Oregon. Find out more at AAA.com/carbuyingservice.

To prevent heatstroke, please never leave children and pets unattended in your vehicle. A car’s temperature can soar by 20 degrees or more in as little as 10 minutes, even when the vehicle is in the shade, or the windows are cracked. Please help us avoid a tragedy.

How may we better serve you? Please email me at President@AAAOregonIdaho.com or write to me at 600 SW Market St., Portland, OR 97201 or 7155 W. Denton St., Boise ID 83704.

Your fellow AAA member,

Tim Morgan, President and CEO

DIRECTORS + OFFICERS chair Steven H. Corey pendleton

Bradley J. Hart lake oswego

Mary Pat Thompson boise

vice chair Elizabeth J. Cawood eugene

Karen Hinsdale portland

Kerry Tymchuk beaverton

president Tim Morgan portland

Randolph L. Miller portland

Gina Walker lake oswego

treasurer C.E. “Win” Francis bend

Patricia C. Smullin medford AAA | Via

9

AAA DIRECTORY

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION CALL (888) 422-2503 OR VISIT AAA.COM

CONNECT WITH US

INSURANCE SERVICES AAA.com/Insurance Policyholders (866) AAA-INSURE (866-222-4678)

AAA.com

New sales (866) AAA-QUOTE (866-222-7868)

facebook.com/ AAAoregonidaho

TRAVEL SERVICES AAA.com/Travel (800) 529-3222

instagram.com/ AAAoregonidaho info.oregon.AAA.com/ via-magazine ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE (800) AAA-HELP (800-222-4357) MEMBERSHIP SERVICES (888) 422-2503

SERVICE CENTERS AAA.com/Locations OREGON Beaverton 8555 SW Apple Way Bend 20350 Empire Blvd.

Clackamas 10365 SE Sunnyside Rd. Coos Bay 1705 Ocean Blvd. SE Corvallis 1836 NW Ninth St., Ste. 110

Come get Carried Away!

Eugene 983 Willagillespie Rd. Grants Pass 1563 NE F St. Hillsboro 7300 NE Butler St. Lake Oswego 6 Centerpointe Dr. Medford 1777 E. Barnett Rd. Pendleton 248 SW Dorion Ave. Portland 600 SW Market St. Roseburg 3019 NW Stewart Pkwy.

Salem 2909 Ryan Dr. SE Springfield/Gateway 939 Harlow Rd. Warrenton/North Coast 153 S. Hwy. 101 IDAHO Boise 7155 W. Denton St. Idaho Falls 3418 S. 25th East Meridian 2310 E. Overland Rd., Ste. 110 Nampa 16453 N. Marketplace Blvd.

Pocatello 1000 Pocatello Creek Rd., Ste. E5 Twin Falls 1239 Pole Line Rd., Ste. 315

VISIT MOSES LAKE Your Home Base For Adventure

Paid for by PCLTax

Open Daily 10-4 Over 60 horse-drawn vehicles & thousands of historical artifacts. Fun for all ages!

Raymond, WA @ Hwy 101 and SR-6 nwcarriagemuseum.org • 360-942-4150

© Breanna Singleton

For a list of hotel/motels, restaurants, and other attractions, visit www.tourmoseslake.com.

10

July + August 2024

{SMART TRAVEL}

PHOTO GETT Y IMAGES

PORTLAND CLASSIC RETURNS Experience top-tier golf as the LPGA tour’s Portland Classic returns to the Pacific Northwest from August 1-4, 2024, at Columbia Edgewater Country Club. AAA members enjoy free admission on Thursday, August 1, when using their membership card.

For more information, visit portlandclassic.com.

AAA | Via

11

{SMART TRAVEL}

Cool off this summer at water parks offering discounted tickets for AAA members.

MAKE A SPLASH WITH WATER PARK DISCOUNTS

Make a splash this summer with discounted tickets to water parks across the country. Dive into the deep end or relax poolside, all while saving up to 30% on aquatic adventures. Start your summer fun today! Find tickets at AAA.com/waterparks.

BRAIN POWER

SET UP YOUR GRAD FOR SUCCESS Give your college-bound graduate confidence with essential technology from Dell. AAA members enjoy exclusive savings on Dell-branded PCs, electronics and accessories. Start shopping at AAA.com/Dell to invest in their future.

12

July + August 2024

SPRING CLEANING

Assess your vehicle top to bottom this April during Car Care Month.

PREPARE FOR WILDFIRE SEASON As wildfire season approaches, safeguard your home with tips and resources from AAA. Preparedness includes having a wildfire action plan, including escape routes, places to meet and emergency numbers. Create defensible space if applicable in your area by clearing away dry grass and brush at least 100 feet from your home. Then, keep important papers in a fireproof and waterproof box and create an emergency preparedness kit for a swift evacuation if necessary. Visit AAA.com/wildfire to learn more.

PHOTO TOP ISTOCK.COM/FAMVELD

PL AY FOR LESS

{SMART TRAVEL}

NEW CAR INVENTORY After a two-year shortage, new car dealerships have replenished inventory, offering buyers a 5.4% price decrease from the market peak in December 2022. Explore various options, including hybrids and electric vehicles, with less hassle. AAA members in Oregon have access to personal assistance with AAA Car Buying Services found at AAA.com/carbuyingservice.

DISCOUNTS

MORE HOTEL SAVINGS FOR AAA MEMBERS

PHOTO TOP STOCK.ADOBE.COM/DIDESIGN

AAA has broadened its hotel partnerships, providing members with even greater savings. Get 10% or more off at Choice Hotels, such as Comfort Inn and Radisson Hotels. With 2,500 plus locations across North America, enjoy comfort and value on your road trip. Discover more at AAA.com/choice.

TICKETS FOR SOCCER FANS

Calling all Portland Timbers fans!

Courtesy of AAA Oregon/Idaho and the Portland Timbers, AAA members can enjoy discounted tickets to Timbers matches this season. Save on seats for select home games at Providence Park.

Learn more at AAA.com/Timbers.

FUEL SAVINGS ON THE ROAD

Use Shell’s Fuel Rewards Program to optimize savings on the road and go the extra miles. As a AAA member, enjoy complimentary Gold Status and save on your first fill-up at Shell, followed by ongoing discounts.

Join today at AAA.com/Shell.

ENSURE SAFE TRAVELS Prepare for your next journey and safeguard your belongings with Travelon anti-theft bags. Equipped with slash-resistant straps and RFIDblocking organizers, the bags offer five-point protection against five of the most common bag theft practices Find a variety of styles and colors at your local AAA Service Center.

Visit AAA.com/locations for more options.

AAA | Via

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{SMART TRAVEL}

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME DELIVERIES Porch pirates target unattended packages, striking boldly and brazenly. Fortunately, new technologies can provide peace of mind. Safeguard your deliveries from marauders with a few simple tips: 1. Use a Doorbell Camera Easy to install and motion-activated, doorbell cameras help limit the time a delivery is left vulnerable at your door.

Providing an alert when a delivery is made, you can pick up a package right away. If someone attempts to take the parcel, an alert is triggered on your phone or computer.

STREAMLINE CAR RENTALS

Get speedy service and your choice of car with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®. Skip the counter, earn points for free rentals and enjoy AAA members’ exclusive discounts.

Enroll today at AAA.com/HertzGold.

INSPIRATION

ACCESS VIA MAGAZINE ONLINE Explore Via Magazine’s content online at AAA. com/via. For added convenience, opt for digital copies by updating your member profile preferences at AAA.com.

14

July + August 2024

3. Monitor Package Delivery Times Track deliveries online or via delivery apps. Some companies monitor drivers in real-time. Use secure options such as lockboxes and package-receiving services if you can’t be present. Or, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your package for you so it isn’t vulnerable to theft.

Discover more at AAA.com/smarthome.

PHOTO TOP COURTESY HERTZ

TRAVEL TIP:

2. Install a Porch Protection System Discourage would-be porch thieves and intruders by positioning cameras strategically for comprehensive doorstep surveillances. An effective porch protection system camera is mounted in a visible place and captures a clear view of your doorstep.

{SMART TRAVEL}

AAA members enjoy discounts and travel planning support on domestic and international travel, from cruise vacations to European tours and family destination travel packages. See AAA.com/viatravel.

AAA

ITALIAN DREAMS

Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto From the fashion capital of Milan to the canals of Venice, Italy offers a rich cultural journey.

Embrace a distinctive experience as you stay in a floating boutique hotel on the waterways of Venice. Then, wander through through the picturesque streets and tranquil waterways of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello, each brimming with colorful charm. Venture south to the quaint fishing haven of Chioggia and indulge in the exquisite wines and cuisines that define the Veneto region. From $4,199 per person.

TRAVEL DEALS

Take off on a 10-day Greek odyssey which starts in vibrant Athens and unfolds across two Aegean islands. Learn about ancient wonders before indulging in a blissful week navigating the charms of Santorini and Mykonos. Merge history with relaxation by discovering natural beauty, waterfront cafes and majestic ruins dedicated to ancient deities. Explore how these remnants stand as a testament to the pivotal role Greece played in shaping modern western civilization. Say “opa!” to an adventure of a lifetime.

From $3,095 per person.

16

July + August 2024

AMERICA’S COWBOY COUNTRY

Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and more The breathtaking landscapes of the American West await. Rest your head in the cowboy havens of Jackson Hole and Cody. Step back in time to the days of the Wild West with a pilgrimage to Deadwood, a town steeped in Gold Rush lore. Witness the untamed beauty of Yellowstone, encounter buffalo herds in Custer State Park and behold the majestic peaks of Grand Teton National Park. Gaze on the iconic visages of Mt. Rushmore and see the Crazy Horse memorials.

From $3,399 per person.

MEXICO CRUISE

Cozumel to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta Set sail on an expedition brimming with the cultural riches of Mexico.

Explore the ports of Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, to discover their vibrant offerings. Whether you crave the Pacific charm of the west-coast Riviera, the island mojo of the east-coast Caribbean, or the breathtaking coastal vistas of Baja, Mexico promises an unforgettable vacation at every stop.

From $568 per person.

ESSENCE OF JAPAN

Mount Fuji and beyond

Ancient traditions blend with modern innovation in Japan.

Experience the awe-inspiring silhouette of Mount Fuji and the delicate beauty of cherry blossom gardens. Explore centuries of history as you ascend the path of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, with its dramatic torii gates winding through lush forests. Indulge in a kaiseki lunch at a traditional ryokan, providing a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Discover the essence of Japan’s past and present on this unforgettable adventure.

From $4,550 per person.

PHOTO ISTOCK.COM/STEVANZZ

GREEK ISLAND TOUR

Athens, Santorini, Mykonos

LIMITED-TIME offer!

THE TASTE

GOOD LIFE Hand-selected and crafted by master butchers in America’s heartland for more than a century. This is the world’s best steak experience.

Try the world’s most tender steaks, extra-aged 28+ days to perfection.

Discover premium quality beef that’s grain-finished for exquisite flavor.

Experience the juiciest air-chilled chicken, tastiest pork, and so much more.

THE BEST STEAKS OF YOUR LIFE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

The Gourmet Steakhouse Assortment 4 Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5 oz.)

4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)

4 Boneless Pork Chops (5 oz.)

4 Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.)

4 Gourmet Jumbo Franks (3 oz.)

4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.)

4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)

1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)

4 FREE Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)

4 FREE Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.)

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EXHIBIT OPENS FALL 2024

Columbia River Maritime Museum

ON THE WATERFRONT IN DOWNTOWN ASTORIA • CRMM.ORG

{ON THE ROAD} WAGON DAYS

PHOTO TERI LEE NIEDRICH

One of the largest nonmotorized parades in the Pacific Northwest, the Big Hitch Parade has celebrated the mining history of Ketchum, Idaho, since 1958. Part of the city’s Wagon Days, held each Labor Day weekend and this year from August 30-September 1, it features buggies, carriages, carts and stagecoaches, plus a showcase of Idaho’s equestrian traditions. Central to the parade is the appearance of the “Big Hitch” wagons used to haul as much as 18,000 pounds of ore each day from the Elkhorn mine near Ketchum to the railroad in Kelton, Utah, in the 1880s. Impressive in size, the wheels of these massive wagons are six feet in diameter and are pulled by a 20-mule team. Wagon Days’ events also include cowboy poetry readings, pancake breakfasts and a concert by Mickey and the Motorcars immediately following the parade. See wagondays.com.

AAA | Via

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{ON THE ROAD}

TASTES OF SUMMER A celebration of nature’s sweet summer treat, Hermiston, Oregon’s MelonFest on August 17 showcases all things watermelon. Get in on the action by entering a seed-spitting contest, or watermelon bathtub race for teams of three. Tubs are provided; team spirit and uniforms are encouraged. Enjoy vendors, live music, a costume contest and plenty of renowned Hermiston watermelon at this free event. See hermiston.gov.

PHOTO TOP ISTOCK.COM/MUNTART | MIDDLE ED ORBEA AND CIRBIE SANGRONI | BOTTOM ZULEMA M., CIT Y OF KUNA PARKS AND RECREATION

CULTURE

PUBLIC ART

SAN INAZIO CELEBRATION

EXTRAORDINARY CATS

For more than 25 years, the San Inazio Festival in Boise, Idaho, has honored St. Ignatius of Loyola, patron saint of the Basques—peoples from this northern region of Spain and France. From July 26-28, discover food, music, traditional dance and sporting events. Visit the Basque Block, a dedicated section of downtown Boise that’s home to the Basque community and cultural center.

See basquecenter.com.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of award-winning film Coraline, Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail brings 30 six-foot-tall painted statues of the Cat character to downtown Portland from August 2-October 13. The Oscar®-nominated film boasts stop-motion animation and sets from the Portland-based studio LAIKA. Event auctions benefit OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

See coralinescuriouscattrail.com.

HERITAGE

FREEDOM FIESTA The city of Kuna, Idaho’s Freedom Fiesta on July 20 is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage with food, music, dance and a parade. In the Charro Parade, see the likes of Las Escaramuza Charra Rosas de Castilla, a Treasure Valley equestrian team of female riders who perform intricate horseback rides, wearing traditional Mexican attire to showcase an integral part of Mexican culture.

Joining them may be Caballos Bailadores de Nampa, a dance troupe of both children and adults who perform traditional Mexican dances while riding horses. Watch for a lineup up of performances by Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo and Flamenco Idaho. See kunacity.id.gov.

AAA | Via

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{ON THE ROAD} NATURE

Encompassing more than 2.5 million acres in southeastern Oregon, the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary was named the world’s largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary this spring as part of a proposed 11.4 million-acre project. One of 20 Dark Sky sanctuaries in the world, the Oregon Outback is one of the most pristine places on earth to witness the starlit sky. The sanctuary status results from efforts by nonprofit Dark Skies International to protect the night sky from light pollution. See the stars with Portland, Oregon-based Rose City Astronomers that hosts stargazing events across the state. To find one near you, go to rosecityastronomers.net.

SPORTS

SENIOR GAMES QUALIFIERS

Athletes ages 50+ compete in National Senior Games events, held in Corvallis, Oregon August 3-19 and Boise, Idaho August 7-September 15.

With categories from archery and traditional track and field events to pickleball and badminton, Senior Games offer both camaraderie and the challenge of competitive sports in age brackets up to 100 plus. The event is a qualifier for the National Senior Games, a 26-event biennial competition to be held summer of 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa. See NSGA.com.

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July + August 2024

PHOTO TOP DAWN DAVIS | BOTTOM COURTESY VISIT CORVALLIS, AMANDA LOMAN

SEE THE STARS IN THE DARKEST SKIES OF THE WORLD

SUMMER MUSIC IN OREGON’S MT. HOOD TERRITORY Summer music festivals in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory are near some of the destination’s best foodie, farm and hidden hiking experiences.

Pickathon

August 1–4, Happy Valley, OR family friendly This zero-waste event redefines the music festival experience as an immersive wonderland where fans discover music’s deep cuts alongside art integrated into the forests, hills, meadows and farm buildings at Pendarvis Farm. The spirit of Pickathon is all about discovery, and Happy Valley boasts urban forests, wetlands and waterfalls many residents don’t know about. Spot deer on a hike in Mt. Talbert Nature Park. Chase waterfalls at Hidden Falls Nature Park.

Support local businesses while finding new favorite foods. Visit FAT Cupcake, which offers mini, skinny and full-size cupcakes with vegan and wheat-free options. Feel fancy with a reservation to Elka Bee’s high tea, they even have a Prince and Princess Tea option for kids under 10.

And for some Portland-area favorites, check out Valley Public House food hall and Happy Valley Station food carts.

Scan to view where to visit after these festivals

Harefest

omht.us/community

July 18–20, Canby, OR 21+ Don your finest fingerless leather gloves for three days of your favorite Beastie Boys, Metallica, Led Zepplin, and AC/DC hits performed by the best tribute bands in the country. Twenty-seven bands will rock three stages at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Events Center.

Don’t miss a visit to downtown Canby while you’re there. Grab a bite at Wayward Sandwiches, where ingredients are sourced

from nearby farms. Sip a hard-to-find whiskey at Siren Song, and take home local art from Alice in Wonderland-themed ArtO-Maddic. Just a ten-minute drive from downtown, visit the world’s only farmstead creamery and distillery at TMK Creamery, where they make vodka from their spent cheese whey called Cowcohol. On the way, stop at Puddin’ River Chocolates for confections and cheese fondue.

The 35th National Lentil Festival

AUGUST 17 PULLMAN, WA

Rean

ey Pa

rk

s!

U in

Jo

PRESENTED BY Kobold - The Vault Taphouse

Kobold Brewing/The Vault

AND STAY! Punctuated with spectacular places and surprises to uncover, Redmond is a hub of good times and unexpected finds in Central Oregon!

LEARN MORE AT: WWW.LENTILFEST.COM

Support The Freshwater Trust and keep freshwater flowing.

Visit our site today to learn how you can help support our rivers.

{ON THE ROAD}

Idaho Falls EXPLORE HISTORY AND COLORFUL SITES ALONG THE SNAKE RIVER WRITTEN BY JEANNETTE BONER

I

daho is known for its potatoes, but the bustle of summer events in Idaho Falls shows how the thriving city has peeled back its roots to reveal a modern spirit.

Arrive in Idaho Falls along a long stretch of the Snake River Valley which swings low into the southern part of the state and is colored with rugged lava flows wrapped in wild sagebrush. A visit here tends to exceed a traveler’s expectations.

PHOTO TOP AL AMY.COM/RICHARD SCHAFER | MIDDLE COURTESY IDAHO FALLS PARKS AND REC | BOTTOM CL ARK POSTON

FREE, FUN AND FOR EVERYONE

Start your visit at the colorful Idaho Falls Farmers Market held on Saturdays through October, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Boasting more than 100 vendors at the peak of the season, you will find more than just fresh vegetables at this community market. With live music setting the scene with its beats, vendors offer up homemade pastas and cannoli, hand-pressed honey, jams and jellies, flowers, jewelry, art, woodworks and more.

Surrounding the farmers market, the area known as Old Town is a great jumping-off point for sightseeing in nature along the Idaho Falls River Walk. This greenbelt notches classic views of the river while showcasing some of the city’s most stunning architecture and cultivated gardens before dropping you into the city center. Here, you’ll find the falls that inspired the city’s name. In 1891, marketers hoped the name Idaho Falls would attract people and revive the river town as it began shifting from an agriculture-based economy.

You can walk parts (or all) of the River Walk’s five-mile stretch of greenbelt on either side of the Snake River, or explore it by bike with a rental from a variety of bike shops in the Old Town area. Start at the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tribute to the Idaho Falls’ sister city of Tokai-Mura in Japan.

Along the River Walk, find the Idaho Falls Temple, an architectural anchor and the first Latter-day Saints temple to be constructed in Idaho. Tours are available to

TOP

Snake River with Idaho Falls Temple in the background.

ABOVE

Japanese Friendship Garden

RIGHT

Idaho Falls Farmers Market

AAA | Via

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{ON THE ROAD} Art Museum of Eastern Idaho

Poppy & Pout

OLD TOWN HISTORY AND CULTURE

The Old Town offers a selection of dining experiences tucked into special corners of the city’s century-old buildings, many of which are on the National Register of Historical Places. Walk by the terracotta facade of the 1930s Kress Building, and enjoy the fare at the Celt Pub or a light lunch at A Street Soup Market.

The clothing and gift boutique Poppy & Pout is a light, bright space next door to the production facility for the cult-favorite—the all-natural Poppy & Pout lip balms Oprah Winfrey called one of her “favorite things.”

On each first Thursday evening during the summer months (except in July, when it is the second Thursday), local galleries, museums and artisan stores host a free Art Walk, from 5-8 p.m. Live music, refreshments and art demos complement the regional and global art on 26

July + August 2024

display. Include a visit to the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, the history and science-centered Museum of Idaho, the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park or the East Idaho Aquarium to top off a summer tour of this gem of a city perched on the banks of the Snake River.

PLAN A TRIP

Get the AAA Mobile app for trip inspiration, information, and deals. Explore maps and discounts at AAA.com/mobile.

PHOTO TOP COURTESY ART MUSEUM OF EASTERN IDAHO, THEARTMUSEUM.ORG

the public when scheduled in advance. You will also find a variety of tributes and monuments giving a nod to those who laid the foundation of the city. Discover Indigenous sites, military veteran memorials, and learn the history of the fur trade and the region’s pioneer days. Find parks to play disc golf, swing at childrens’ playgrounds or stretch out in the soft grass to rest.

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{WEEKENDER}

ON THE

Lavender Trails STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS AT FARMS AND FESTIVALS OF THE SEASON

PHOTO TAMARA ELLIOTT

WRITTEN BY CASEY HATFIELD-CHIOTTI

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F

rance is famous for its fragrant lavender fields, but Western residents don’t need a plane ticket to experience this summer pleasure. In Oregon, Idaho and Washington, lavender season can last from mid-June until early August, with the blooms typically peaking in July. Lavender farms offer extended hours, special activities and festivals to celebrate. Here are the best spots to pick and experience the hardestworking plant in the West.

Oregon

NEWBERG

With a climate similar to lavender’s natural environment in the Mediterranean, Newberg becomes the center of lavender festivities in the Willamette Valley each summer as the gently rolling hills surrounding the small city burst into a mass of purple blooms.

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In addition to highlighting the monthlong Lavender Trail, which features 30 lavender-embracing local businesses, Newberg hosts the annual Willamette Valley Lavender Festival & Plein Air Art Show July 13-14 at the Chehalem Cultural Center. Visitors can sample a variety of distinctive lavender products, including lavender-flavored chocolates while viewing original paintings created en plein air during the weeks prior to the festival.

At Wayward Winds Lavender Farm, lavender lovers enjoy wreath-making, lavender snow cones and picking more than 100 varieties of lavender, along with the chance to explore the one-of-a-kind lavender-a-maze.

The farm grows everything from culinary varieties to dainty dwarf plants and offers a wide variety of lavender products and refreshments. Chehalem Flats Farm Market, open Fridays and Saturdays is another must-stop for U-pick and fresh bouquets.

PHOTO KAREN GRIMAUD

{ON THE ROAD}

{WEEKENDER} OPPOSITE PAGE Blue Mountain Lavender Farm LEFT Blooming Fields Lavender Farm BOTTOM Hood River Lavender Farms

HOOD RIVER

Hood River Lavender Farms is on a mission to share the health benefits of lavender.

Considered an herb, lavender is known to help with relaxation, insomnia and anxiety.

Visitors enjoy the earthy aroma as they explore the farm’s organic lavender fields.

Each weekend in July, Hood River Lavender Farms hosts its Lavender Daze Festival, with music, art and scoops lavender ice cream.

SOUTHERN OREGON

To celebrate lavender season, the family-run farms that make up the Southern Oregon Lavender Trail have two festivals during prime blooming season. This year, on June 21-23 and July 12-14, guests are encouraged to go on self-guided tours to explore six locations, such as a farm specializing in English lavender varieties and the Applegate River Lavender Farm, an ocean of purple set against a mountain backdrop. Those who arrive early enough may see bumblebees sleeping on lavender flowers.

Idaho PHOTO TOP COURTESY BLOOMING FIELDS L AVENDER | BOTTOM JILL HOUSE

NORTHERN IDAHO

At the 10-acre Blooming Fields Lavender Farm in Athol, which opened for the season in May, it’s easy to enjoy a full day at the farm with its tours, tea-making workshops and U-pick experiences. Farm-made products, such as aromatherapy sprays and lavender-eucalyptus candles, provide visitors with a year-round lavender fix.

SOUTHERN IDAHO

Not far from Boise, Vista Farms in Kuna is known for producing sustainably raised meats, but in June and July, visitors are engulfed AAA | Via

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{ON THE ROAD} in a purple haze. Guests may pick bouquets of French lavender—known for their long stems and pale purple hue. The farm also sells dried lavender bundles and lavender essential oils.

Washington SEQUIM

The Sequim-Dungeness Valley has one of the highest concentrations of lavender fields in the United States, with a dozen farms dotting the verdant valley. Visitors will experience the region at its best during the annual Sequim Lavender Festival Weekend, July 19-21. Typically closed to the public, the farms welcome visitors to pick and learn about lavender. Attend a festival downtown, with art, vendors and live music at its LavenderStock.

THURSTON COUNTY

The 60-mile scenic loop known as the Thurston Bountiful Byway transforms into an oasis of relaxation during lavender season. Farms grow dozens of lavender varieties, such as deep-hued Betty’s Blue and hardy Folgate.

Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm, a pastoral paradise

with more than 600 organic lavender plants and an iconic red barn with white trim, is open from late June through early August and is hosting a festival with vendors July 13.

At Schirm Loop Homestead Lavender, visitors can stroll through rows and rows of lavender in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, and 30 miles south, Walupt Farms is known for its moisturizing lavender and elderflower oil balm.

South Puget Sound visitors find lavender without leaving downtown Olympia. Ember Goods serves a lavender latte, and the The Shiplap Shop & Coffee House’s coconut lavender lemonade is an enticing way to refresh on a hot summer day. The Olympia Farmers Market has an array of lavender goods in the summer.

WALLA WALLA

At Blue Mountain Lavender Farm, many wellness-based activities go beyond the typical U-pick farm (although picking lavender is typically included in a booking).

Offerings include yoga with lavender field views, mindfulness sessions, wreath-making sessions and free educational talks with owner Jean-Paul Grimaud who brought a love for lavender from his home country of France more than 20 years ago.

Blue Mountain Lavender Farm

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BEACH TIME IN THE

Pacific Northwest Escape to the northern Oregon Coast for an old-fashioned getaway WRITTEN BY KIM COOPER FINDLING

Tide pools near Cape Kiwanda

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A

s the heat of summer descends, there’s only one place Pacific Northwesterners want to be—the beach. When inland days are steamy, an afternoon spent with toes curled in the sand and skin soothed by a cool ocean breeze can cure most ills.

This has been true for many summer seasons. In the early 1900s, the northern Oregon Coast bloomed in summers with families taking up residence for the season. The $5 Portland Express Train delivered fathers from the city on Friday nights, henceforth earning its nickname, the “Daddy Train.” Since those early days of summer reprieve, the northern Oregon Coast—just 85 miles from Portland—has only become busier in July and August.

Still, there are a few destinations where souls in search of solace in the sea air can find old-fashioned beach town experiences plus a decent shot at beating the crowds.

Gearhart

GOLF LINKS AND RAZOR CLAMS

Located just three miles north of Seaside (one of the Oregon Coast’s most-visited destinations), Gearhart has managed to maintain the quiet ambiance of its own history. As the Oregon Coast’s first planned resort community, Gearhart had its beginnings at the end of the 1800s.

Modest cottages, Victorian dwellings and hotels sprung up among sandy beaches, dune meadows and the Gearhart Golf Links—the oldest golf course in the Pacific Northwest and one of the oldest west of the Mississippi. Visitors to modern Gearhart golf this 18-hole links-style course today, as well as the newer Highlands Golf Club. The historic hotels were lost to fire long ago, but AAA | Via

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PHOTO TOP DON FRANK

Gearhart Golf Links

a stay at McMenamins Gearhart Hotel gives the flavor of their history. Located in the historic Kelly House overlooking the Golf Links course, guests choose one of 34 rooms in this Cape Cod-style building. Consider parking the car for the weekend and traversing the wide, quiet streets on a bicycle. Journey to the center of town to nosh on a scone at The Pacific Way, a cafe which began as a mom-and-pop grocery in the 1920s; browse for antiques at Pacific Crest Cottage; take the family to 12-lane Gearhart Bowl; or catch the charming 4th of July parade, complete with hot dogs cooked by the local fire department and followed by a good old-fashioned evening street dance. Until July 15, dig for Oregon’s famous razor clams at Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site (the season closes July 15 through September 30 to protect young clams). In August, peruse art at Gearhart ArtWalk, or bring a blanket and picnic to Music in the Park at Gearhart Centennial Park.

Manzanita

BEACH, BOOKS AND THE FAMILY DOG

The friendly little sister to classy Cannon Beach, Manzanita isn’t exactly undiscovered these days, but pull off the highway to this one-road-in beach town and you’ll still experience a sense of calm. The expansive beach, 36

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McMenamins Gearhart Hotel

anchored on the north end by looming Neahkahnie Mountain, is fronted by dozens of well-kept beach rentals. Choose one for the week and settle in. Laneda Avenue is dotted with delightful shops and restaurants, including the well-curated Cloud & Leaf Bookstore and the place for pet-themed gifts, Four Paws on the Beach. As a destination on the North Coast Food Trail, Manzanita offers Pacific Northwest-grown agriculture at Offshore Grill and Coffeehouse or Wild Manzanita, an organic grocery and cafe. At The Winery at Manzanita, sip on wines fermented on site. Friday evenings in summer, the place to be is the Manzanita Farmers Market, where vendors gather to offer local produce, fresh flowers, baked bread and live music. At Nehalem Bay State Park south of town, book a horseback beach ride with Northwest Equine Outfitters to take in the view from a classic vantage point. Top summer off with a festival celebrating dogs—Muttzanita hits the sand in early September with a day full of pet parades, pet talent contests and the most impressive game of fetch ever witnessed.

Oceanside

PHOTO MIDDLE AL AMY.COM/MELISSA KOPKA | BOTTOM GARY HALVORSON, OREGON STATE ARCHIVES

SEA STACKS AND A SECRET PASSAGEWAY

Visit Tillamook for cheese, ice cream and selfies with the enormous cow that greets guests to the famous Tillamook Creamery (founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative and still going strong), and then journey to the nearby, tucked-away cove and beach town Oceanside for serenity and scenery. There is no hustle and bustle to this tiny enclave—thankfully. Visible from most places in this hillside town are the sea stacks Three Arch Rocks, a national wildlife refuge home to seabirds and other wild creatures. Spread out your beach blanket to watch the common murres and double-crested cormorants dip and sway in the ocean winds. Stay at the tranquil Three Arch Inn, where guests both hear and see the ocean from their rooms. Downstairs is the Oceanside Surf Co., doubling as a cafe where the friendly staff makes breakfast burritos and provides tips on local waves. Maxwell Point is the large head to the north of town; at low tide, venture to its base on an old-time adventure—a tunnel to the aptly named Tunnel Beach, secret coves and secluded beaches.

Keep an eye on the tide! Three miles south of Oceanside in Netarts, home to the classic lodging Terimore Inn, is the inimitable Schooner Restaurant and Lounge with its oodles of fresh Netarts Bay Pacific oysters, harvested for decades from the bay before it.

TOP The Winery at Manzanita MIDDLE Tillamook Creamery BOTTOM Tunnel Beach

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LEFT Cape Kiwanda Haystack Rock RIGHT TOP Hart's Camp Airstreams RIGHT BOTTOM Pelican Brewing Company

SURFING, CAMPING AND LIBATIONS

Once a hidden gem, modern Pacific City is undeniably busy in the summer months. Nevertheless, with advanced planning visitors can achieve a classic Oregon beach camping trip. Cape Kiwanda RV Park is within walking distance to the beach, while also offering an indoor pool, playground, yard games, a fish-cleaning station and fire pits. Hart’s Camp is another option, with Airstreams, cabins and cottages for rent. The flagship Pelican Brewing Company holds court on Pacific City’s beachfront with indoor and outdoor seating, dozens of fresh craft brews and a full menu, featured on the North Coast Food Trail. Pacific City was one of Oregon’s earliest surfing meccas; rent a board from Moment Surf Co. and catch the uncrowded, approachable waves that peel off Cape Kiwanda. Shallow, flat-bottomed boats known as dories are another Pacific City tradition, dating 38

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back to the early 1900s. Launched from the beach through the surf, the boats are great for fishing; book a trip with a guide through Pacific City Dory Fishing Charters and catch your own Dungeness crab, salmon or albacore tuna. Commemorating this local tradition is Dory Days, held each July and celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Enjoy the parade, fish fry and live music. Finish the weekend with a hike up Cape Kiwanda, named for local leader Chief Kiawanda of the Nestugga Tribe. The tribe's name later morphed to become "Nestucca" and was given to the river visible from the top of a steep climb, sure to leave you breathless from both the effort and the incredible view.

Writer Kim Cooper Findling is the owner of Dancing Moon Press, an independent book publisher located in Lincoln City and Bend. Findling is the author of eight books including Bend, Oregon Daycations: Day Trips for Curious Families.

PHOTO LEFT MTMMEDIA.CA

Pacific City

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The Earth Is One Country V, James Lavadour

Farther West

A new look at art and artists of the American West

T

WRITTEN BY DANIEL O’NEIL

he landscapes, peoples and histories of the American West are defined by their diversity, a theme is illuminated in the region’s art.

Ever since the first artists carved petroglyphs and pictographs into basalt 10 millennia ago, expressive minds from many cultures have created art which speaks of this place, its stories and its perspectives.

Beyond cowboys backdropped by rimrock canyons and limitless horizons, art of the American West encompasses Indigenous, Black, Chinese and EuroAmerican views, all of which have engaged with the landscape in myriad ways. As the art world expands the definition of Western art, new ways to approach and experience artwork appear. From galleries and pop-up shows, to public art and museums, spaces in Oregon and Idaho offer opportunities to discover various peoples’ ongoing relationships with the West and with each other, as presented through creative expression.

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BOISE ART MUSEUM

Western art derives its definition from latitude and longitude, but also from style. “There’s not one West,” said Melanie Fales, executive director and CEO of the Boise Art Museum. “I think even defining ‘Western’ art is difficult because it’s a diverse nation, and it’s a diverse region,” she said. “The stories that have been told in the past haven’t included this entire diversity of stories that really need to be told about Western American history. We need to be looking at the whole story: the real stories, the marginalized stories, the hidden stories and the lesser-known stories.”

Through October 13, the Boise Art Museum offers a chance to engage in the art of the West in its exhibition “Coyote Now,” a large-scale installation by RYAN! Feddersen, a Tacoma-based artist and enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

The interactive exhibition includes a 55-foot mural which

brings Coyote, a central figure in many Indigenous Pacific Northwest stories, into present-day situations. Also on view this summer, “Myths, Fables, and Fortunes,” is an ongoing exhibition based on the realities of the Western landscape, and the relationship humans share with the natural environment. See boiseartmuseum.org.

depict; he translates the [Western landscape] through his painting,” said Danielle Knapp, the museum’s McCosh Curator at the University of Oregon. See jsma.uoregon.edu.

HIGH DESERT MUSEUM, BEND

HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART, SALEM

“Art in the West,” an annual juried exhibition and silent auction, returns to the High Desert Museum this summer July 20-September 20. From traditional to contemporary art, the collection honors the landscapes, plants and animals, people and cultures which have contributed to the rich history of the West, specifically in the high desert region. See highdesertmuseum.org.

JORDAN SCHNITZER MUSEUM OF ART, EUGENE AND PORTLAND

The Portland Art Museum’s recent exhibition titled “Black Artists of Oregon,” explored the works of AfricanAmericans who have made art in Oregon from the 1880s to present. Grace Kook-Anderson, the Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Curator of Northwest Art at the Portland Art Museum, worked with Curator Intisar Abioto to enrich the museum’s permanent collection. “One of the things that curators do when they begin their tenure at a museum is to look at the collection’s history and also think about the gaps in the collection,” Kook-Anderson said. “Oftentimes there are a lot of gaps among women artists and artists of color. I think there’s a lot of good intention in trying to work toward filling in those gaps.” Watch for future exhibitions that may include these new additions to the permanent collection. See portlandartmuseum.org.

Located at Willamette University, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art has two permanent exhibitions to immerse viewers in an exploration of Western art: “Northwest Perspectives: Selections from the Permanent Collection,” which captures historic and contemporary perspectives of life in the Pacific Northwest, and “Ancestral Dialogues: Conversations in Native American Art/The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Gallery,‘’ representing generations of American Indian art forms and their transformation over time. See willamette.edu.

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, located both on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene and at Portland State University in Portland, continues to expand its permanent collection with an eye on art of the West. One artist of the collection, painter James Lavadour, is a Walla Walla tribal member and co-founder of Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts in Pendleton. “Lavadour is a great example of an artist whose paintings would make sense in a Western art museum because of all the things that they

PORTLAND ART MUSEUM

Painted Hills, Taylor Manoles

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Galleries

While traveling, visiting regional art galleries is a way to expand a cultural vernacular, especially to discover contemporary artists. Here is a sample of a few to explore: GAIL SEVERN GALLERY, KETCHUM “The word Western has a pretty complex and diverse meaning,” said Gail Severn, owner of the 48-year-old eponymous gallery in Ketchum, Idaho. While Severn doesn’t consider her gallery to be strictly a “Western art gallery,” she explained, “we feature artists who use the Western landscape and depict Western imagery as part of their oeuvre.” The gallery is currently showcasing the works by the late Hung Liu, an artist born in China, whose paintings offer a lens into Western history. In her paintings, Liu pays homage to immigrant Chinese laborers in Idaho, from those who toiled building the railroads to the famous Idaho Gold Rush entrepreneur Polly Bemis.

“Liu helps make the case that Western art can’t be defined so easily,” Severn said. See gailseverngallery.com.

CROW’S SHADOW INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS, PENDLETON Crow’s Shadow offers an invitational artist-in-residency program focused on the collaborative process of creating fine art lithographs.

These artists make work across multiple mediums, often addressing what it means to be Native American in the 21st-century. The gallery sells a variety of the limited-edition pieces. See crowsshadow.org.

RIMROCK GALLERY, PRINEVILLE A fine art gallery in Central Oregon, Rimrock Gallery represents artists from across the West who create paintings and bronze sculptures that help define the region through art. See rimrockgallery.com.

PHINNEY GALLERY OF FINE ART, JOSEPH Alongside painting, mixed media and photography from across the Pacific Northwest, the Phinney Gallery of Fine Art showcases the work of regional sculptors such as Brenna Kimbro. A Koreanborn, eastern Oregon-raised artist, her distinctive process involves gathering sticks to assemble her life-size works of animals, such as horses, elk and bears. See phinneygallery.com.

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene

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PHOTO TOP RON COOPER | PHOTO BOTTOM JONATHAN B SMITH

THE ART SPIRIT GALLERY, COEUR D’ALENE The Art Spirit Gallery has presented art from around the West since 1997. A melange of artists, mediums and styles demonstrates the rich diversity of Western art. See theartspiritgallery.com.

FALL IN LOVE WITH

Philadelphia History meets hip in the City of Brotherly Love

Beyond fishing, visitors to Alaska explore waters on sightseeing boats and can cast a line along the way.

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PHOTO COURTESY COLDWATER, BRAD CONLEY

WRITTEN BY MERYL PEARLSTEIN

THIS PAGE, J. FUSCO FOR VISIT PHIL ADELPHIA® | OPPOSITE PAGE ISTOCK.COM/F11PHOTO

I

f you haven’t yet ventured to the East Coast because you thought the cities were too big, too crowded, or lacked enough green space to keep you happy, you should consider a visit to the City of Brotherly Love. With a wealth of historical, cultural and culinary attractions, America’s “first planned city” is also the park-filled birthplace of the United States, where the Founding Fathers debated and rewrote the articles that would create the Declaration of Independence. With direct flights and Amtrak train service to the city, or an easy two-hour drive from the airports of New York City, Philadelphia, affectionately known as Philly, offers charm and history in a walkable mashup of neighborhoods.

GET TO KNOW THE CITY Founded by Quakers in 1682, Philadelphia brings United States history to life as you tour buildings and areas prominent in the making of the nation. Bring a comfortable pair

of walking shoes—the city lends itself to exploration by foot as you visit neighborhoods with names such as Center City, Society Hill, Fairmount, Fishtown and Passyunk.

For a relaxed yet comprehensive overview of Philadelphia’s role in American history, start your visit with a narrated hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

While you pass the city’s distinctive rowhouses and squares, you’ll also learn about Revolutionary War VIPs such as Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and John Adams. Schedule extra time in Old City to visit the famously “cracked” Liberty Bell; Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776; and narrow, cobblestoned Elfreth’s Alley, where you can experience what is considered to be the oldest residential street in America at an age of more than 300 years.

With a commanding presence, Philadelphia’s statue-covered City Hall was designed in the ornate Napoleon III Second Empire architectural style. As the country’s largest municipal building, the AAA | Via

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LEFT Historic Elfreth’s Alley is more than 300 years old.

RIGHT TOP LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana RIGHT BOTTOM Philadelphia Museum of Art

prominent structure is crowned by a 27-ton statue of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania and later, Philadelphia. Reserve tickets for a Tower Tour and enjoy a panoramic city view from the open-air observation deck.

The well-known red LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana sits nearby in appropriately named LOVE Park. If the city’s diverse architectural style has piqued your curiosity, a tour of The Masonic Temple across the street is well worth the visit. Inside are individually decorated rooms in spectacular Egyptian, Renaissance and Oriental decor.

HISTORY MIXED WITH CULTURE AND RECREATION Take a break at Dilworth Park, the centerpiece of the city, to enjoy its trees, grass lawns and a fountain that turns into an ice-skating rink in the winter. Then head to Reading Terminal Market, an enclosed public market since 1893. The country’s “first food hall,” it has more 46

July + August 2024

than 80 merchants and food stands with something to satisfy sweet tooth and lunch cravings alike. DiNic’s roast pork sandwich is a garlicky-cheesy Philadelphia specialty, perfectly complemented by Pennsylvania Dutch treats like Amish shoofly pie. But a go-to Philly treat is Bassetts Ice Cream, the country’s oldest ice cream company, scooping butterfat-rich flavors such as coffee and chocolate that will have you craving seconds.

Newly energized, get ready for more Philly sightseeing.

From the Market, take an informative stroll along the city’s historic streets to the Delaware River. En route, admire the distinctive bricks that give the rowhouses their character before detouring to South Street for Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a Gaudiesque mosaiccovered masterpiece of found materials by artist Isaiah Zagar. After wandering the labyrinthine paths, revert eastward towards Penn’s Landing where you can breathe in the waterfront air and enjoy some park time while taking in the boats and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

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OPPOSITE PAGE Photos with Rocky Balboa. Dinner at Fette Sau..

CASUAL DINING AND MORE Philadelphia has much more to offer in the way of culinary prowess. From Asian to Italian to Philly’s own cheesesteaks, you won’t be lacking in dining diversity.

Having a cheesesteak in Philadelphia is de rigueur. Each Philadelphian has their preferred cheese-steak-and-onion sammy spot, but the long-standing champ is Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philly, another area you might recognize from the Rocky movies. You can order a cheesesteak with provolone or American cheese. But to show your local savvy, ask for yours “Whiz wit,” an insider’s preferred way of ordering a cheesesteak topped with Cheez Whiz spread and grilled onions. Be prepared, it’s cash-only at Pat’s.

If you ask any Philadelphian about two other Philly faves, the roast pork sandwich and Italian hoagie, expect some impassioned debate. To eliminate the guesswork, trust expert Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme of Tiny Table Tours to show you the best of Philly’s foodie neighborhoods—she’ll take you to Little Saigon for a banh mi, to East Passyunk to compare cheesesteaks and discuss pork sandwiches, and to South 9th Street Italian Market for samples from its specialty cold cuts, cheese and cannoli shops.

Lest you fear that Philly doesn’t offer finer dining, explore the numerous restaurants scattered throughout the city from Iron Chef favorite Jose Garces, Chef Michael Solomonov, and restaurateur Stephen Starr, with menus ranging from Latin and Spanish to Japanese and

PHOTO PAT ADDABBO/OREGON ADAPTIVE SPORTS

Sports are a big deal in Philadelphia, with iconic teams such as the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and 76ers. If you can’t score tickets, Xfinity Live! is a sports bar and restaurant complex adjacent to the stadiums and arenas, a spirited meeting place for Phillie Phanatics—as local fans of the MLB Phillies are often called. For something more participatory, Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, divided into two areas by the Schuylkill River. The park features a treetop obstacle course and trails for hiking, walking and cycling.

The Rocky movies were filmed in Philadelphia and many of its locations are recognizable. Touring Philadelphia’s streets, it’s almost impossible to avoid humming the theme song. Run up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a cardio fix and pump your fists at the top à la Rocky Balboa. Be sure to visit the museum itself, one of the country’s top art institutions. (Note that the queue to the right of the stairs is for a Rocky statue photo op and not for museum tickets.) A short walk away, The Rodin Museum has the largest public collection of Auguste Rodin works outside of Paris, displayed in a Beaux-Arts-style building and garden. More of a salon than a museum, The Barnes Foundation houses a one-ofa-kind assemblage of impressionist, post-impressionist and modern European paintings along with other works of art. Do you have kids in tow? The Franklin Institute is all about science while the Please Touch Museum gives everyone license to play.

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Guild House Hotel

SLEEPING WITH HISTORY A hotel in a well-located landmarked building makes an appropriate base for soaking up Philadelphia’s rich history. Loews Philadelphia sits in one of the country’s first skyscrapers, built in Art Deco style, sporting spacious 48

July + August 2024

rooms and a spa with a hammam. Neighboring Canopy

by Hilton Philadelphia Center City has its home in the 1897 Stephen Girard building with an eclectic historicmeets-hip-hop vibe. The hotel lends complimentary bikes to guests tired of walking. For history with a twist, Guild House Hotel is an intimate boutique housed in the former headquarters of the New Century Guild, one of America’s first clubs for working women. The hotel, a National Historic Landmark, continues to honor a tradition of inclusivity while providing luxury amenities and service.

Meryl Pearlstein is an editor and award-winning writer specializing in culinary travel and natural history. Residing in New York City, she is president of the Society of American Travel Writers and has written for publications across the country.

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PHOTO JASON VARNEY

Mediterranean. Book a table if you can at these James Beard Award winners: Friday Saturday Sunday, Zahav, and Vedge—the latter is a must for vegetarians.

Philly has a lively bar culture, too. Try a.bar in Rittenhouse Square, a top cocktail bistro, or Bank & Bourbon, featuring a menu of some 100 bourbons.

Surround yourself with history while you sip a brew at 160-year-old McGillin’s Olde Ale House, one of the oldest taverns in the United States. The trendy Fishtown neighborhood has a range of hip bars including popular Fishtown Tavern, perfect for sampling Philly’s craft beers, and Fette Sau where BBQ pairs deliciously with a broad selection of whiskeys.

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MEMBERS SALE AAA MEMBERS RECEIVE

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HERE FOR YOU Offer valid now through 7/19/2024, or while supplies last at AAA Oregon/Idaho Travel Stores only. Selection may vary by store.

No adjustments on prior purchases. Members only.

AAA | Via

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MAKE A SPLASH

PHOTO VISIT IDAHO

Redfish Lake, near Stanley, Idaho

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July + August 2024

Find your center

Whether it’s our majestic mountains, sun-drenched high desert, secluded forests, mysterious caves or pristine rivers and lakes, one thing rings true.

When you come to Central Oregon, you’ll find yourself at the center of it all. Find what’s important to you at visitcentraloregon.com.

Visit us online at AAA.com

As always, we’re here to help.

AAA was founded on being a helping hand when you need it most. It’s still true today.

That’s why thousands of members trust AAA agents like Paul to handle their insurance needs the same way we handle roadside emergencies: quickly and carefully.

Get a no obligation quote.

AAA.COM/INSURANCE 866.222.7868

— Paul Brown AAA Insurance Professional, bike enthusiast