Oregon: Who said Spring Break was only for kids?

Bonding, Guy Bonding

Vegas may have celebrities and slot machines, but the thrill of dangling mid-air off a giant cliff at Smith Rock State Park beats any boys’ weekend in Sin City.  Grab your friends and test your limits with some extreme rock climbing or mountain biking along Central Oregon’s nearby trails. Next, hit the slopes at one of the region’s largest ski areas, Mt. Bachelor, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding through the month of May.  Famous for its deep, dry powder, the mountain boasts nearly 4,000 acres of terrain and ten lifts. Exhausted from your adventures? Grab a beer at Bend’s Deschutes Brewery, where you can take a tour or sit back and sip beloved microbrew classics like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter and Obsidian Stout.

Girls Just Wanna Have (Some Real) Fun

Sometimes a girl’s gotta let her hair down, and would rather not have it land in someone’s umbrella drink on a too-crowded beach. Get away to Southern Oregon for a rafting trip down the rapids of the Rogue River. Your white water adventure ends each day with a delicious meal and night in a rustic lodge. Still thirsty for more? Just a little farther south, the wineries of the Rogue and Applegate Valleys boast incredible warm-weather wines that could have inspired a Shakespearean sonnet.  Just remember to book early for lodging and restaurants, because the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, quaint downtown and outdoor fun make Ashland a must-see destination.

Last-Minute Trip Ideas

Busy at work, busy with the kids, or just plain busy, it can be hard to plan a spring break trip in advance. These last minute ideas are prefect for a quick weekend getaway.

·         The month of March is prime time for winery openings in Oregon. Beat the crowds and the heat at the Sokol Blosser Winery in the beautiful Willamette Valley or RoxyAnn Winery in the Rogue Valley. Most tasting rooms are open seven days a week, so pop in and indulge if you can spare a weekend.

·         Portland’s culinary scene is exploding with foodies who concoct exotic tastes and creative food and drink pairings. Clyde Common, located inside the new Ace Hotel, offers a warm and friendly common table environment featuring European and Northwest inspired dishes, made with fresh local ingredients, along with a decadent wine list. If you’re in the mood for a hand-crafted cocktail, head down to The Gilt Club. This late-night hangout offers an intimate setting, contemporary décor and a posh covered sidewalk café.