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Oregon's nearly 363 miles of pristine, public coastline is made up of diverse terrain that changes from rugged cliffs to evergreen forests to Sahara-like dunes and boundless sandy beaches. From Astoria in the north to Brookings in the southern tip, follow the shoreline past a smorgasbord of one-of-a-kind attractions including scores of quaint towns with a penchant for serving up legendary seafood, historic lighthouses, breathtaking viewpoints, stunning state parks, a cornucopia of galleries and museums and a world class aquarium. Mild temperatures, dramatic scenery and a wide range of recreational activities make the coast one of the state's most popular regions.
Crisscrossed by rivers, mountains and vineyards, Metropolitan Portland offers more than urban adventure. Within a few minutes' drive of downtown Portland are Pinot-producing wineries (most with year-round tasting rooms), kayak-friendly waterways that nudge wildlife preserves and, of course, the glorious foothills of Mount Hood. And if it's urban adventure you crave, be warned that Portland, the Rose City, isn't your run-of-the-mill urban megapolis. An effervescent arts community, dozens of urban parks and green spaces, a lively downtown, complete with an open air plaza that serves as the community's living room and a world-class public transportation system, are just few of the reasons that make this one of the country's most livable cities.
Mt. Hood and the cliffs of the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge look down on quaint riverfront towns, countless waterfalls and exhilarating windsurfing waters. The often-photographed Mt. Hood is home to four ski areas, including historic Timberline Lodge, a classic WPA-era mountain lodge, which also happens to offer North America's longest ski season and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, which offers the country's largest night skiing area.
The Willamette Valley is the heart of Oregon's agriculture country. During spring and summer growing seasons, roadside stands dot the country lanes, and farmers' markets appear in the valley's historic towns. Covered bridges beckon drivers to explore the many back roads, and the valley's flat terrain and temperate climate make it a favorite for hikers and cyclists, who also enjoy the paved paths in the college towns of Eugene and Corvallis. Nestled among its rolling hills are over 200 wineries producing a medley of vintages - Pinot noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling to mention a few. The valley, dubbed Oregon's Wine Country, is one of Oregon's major wine-growing regions.
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A bustling theatrical town ( Ashland) featuring the Tony-Award winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the country's deepest lake, Crater Lake, the Oregon Caves National Monument, world-class fishing and rafting rivers, year-round golf, mountains for skiing, biking and hiking only begin to make up the many pieces of picturesque Southern Oregon. Indulge on chocolates to your heart's content at the Ashland Chocolate Festival, taste world-famous artisan cheeses at the Rogue-Creamery, and explore the bounty of good wine and fine restaurants. The region is home to dozens of museums, including Favel Museum and Southern Oregon History Center, and a host of art galleries, theaters and antique malls.
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