Did you know Oregon is the only state with an official nut? The state proudly calls the hazelnut its own, but it also offers everything from breathtaking scenery and quirky artist hangouts to the world’s smallest park and largest new and used bookstore. Here are five reasons to plan a trip to Oregon this summer.
Powell’s City of Books
The bookworm in your family will love Powell’s City of Books in Portland. Visitors are handed a map upon arrival since they will need it to find their way around the world’s largest new and used bookstore. The store takes up an entire city block and is filled with more than a million volumes.
National Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Leave those iPhones and tablets in the car and step back in time at the National Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Through living history demonstrations and exhibits, learn firsthand how pioneers used to live. The center teaches visitors about the hardships of life on the trail, construction of camps, and many other interesting facts. (Did you know that some of the pioneer wagons had odometers?)
Mill Ends Park
Good things come in small packages, right? Mill Ends Park, an urban park in downtown Portland, is just that. Only two feet across, it is the smallest park in the world. According to local legend, leprechauns had something to do with its creation.
Craft Beers
Oregon proudly boasts more craft breweries per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. The state has liberal brewing laws, with beer festivals throughout the year, and devotes the entire month of July to beer. Craft Beer Month features more than 450 special events, including new releases, tastings, pairings and tappings. No matter where you are in this “hoppin’” state, it won’t be hard to find a locally-crafted brew. See more of America’s Best Craft Beer Festivals »
Check out six other unusual Oregon destinations. Did we miss one of your favorite Magnolia State hot spots? Let us know below.
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