What’s New in Oregon
We look forward to welcoming Canada back!
Oregon, Still Slightly Exaggerated
As the U.S. re-opens its land border to vaccinated Canadians on November 8, 2021, Travel Oregon has launched part three of its popular animation series, Only Slightly Exaggerated (OSE) titled “Still Slightly Exaggerated.” The short films aim to provide the magical feeling of being in Oregon and remind travellers of the wonders of Oregon that await through a whimsical portrayal of iconic places ranging from Portland’s food carts to the Pendleton Round-up, and fantastical beings such as cloud-people and a sea stack creature. OSE welcomes visitors to dream ahead and plan memorable Oregon experiences across the state, all while reinforcing messages of safety, diversity and inclusion. Initially launched in 2018, OSE achieved viral success with 38 million views worldwide, sparking a request for a sequel in 2019, and now a trilogy. Watch here!

Camp Yoshi Creates Space for Black Travellers
Oregon’s Camp Yoshi creates a space for Black travellers and allies to unplug and reconnect with wilderness. After moving to Oregon and falling in love with the ability to explore the outdoors with ease with his wife and two kids, Rashad Frazier knew he had to extend the invitation to others. Driven by the magic of his experiences, his background as a chef, and his love of good food and connecting people to incredible places that open up to conversation, he created Camp Yoshi with his wife, Shequeita, and his brother, Rod. Camp Yoshi curates custom outdoor adventures centered around shared meals and shared experience. By virtue of being in nature, Camp Yoshi’s trips transform historically segregated spaces into safe havens for creating community.

Meet the Oregon Coast’s Coquille Tribe
Visitors to the Oregon Coast may not realize its beautiful landscapes have been home to ancestors of the Coquille Indian Tribe for millennia. There is not a single beach or forest that’s not culturally important to the Tribe. The Coquille have recovered about 10,000 acres of land and continue to be stewards of their entire ancestral territory. One of their partners in this effort is Oregon Parks and Recreation. At many state parks, visitors can learn the Coquille’s history and how the environment has shaped their culture, including the legend of Princess Ewauna at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, harvesting camas at Bullards Beach State Park, and the burial ground at Battle Rock Park. Learn more about the Coquille Indian Tribe and available visitor experiences here.

Winter Wine Touring in Oregon
Psst, here’s a vintner’s secret! Winter may just be the best time to visit Oregon’s wine regions. After the final grapes are plucked from the vines, the whole tempo slows down and visitors have the tasting rooms – and winemakers – to themselves. The Willamette Valley recently received Protected Geographical Indication status from the European Union. It protects iconic names of wines, spirits and agricultural products with a link to their geographic origin, for example Champagne. The Napa Valley is the only other American wine region that carries this distinction. Oregon winemakers are no stranger to breaking barriers. Just 50 years ago, a handful of visionaries planted the first grapevines in Oregon. Today, there are more than 700 wineries and 1,000 vineyards growing 72 grape varieties. The definition of winemaker is being reshaped too – with Black, Latino and LGBTQIA+ winemakers adding diversity to the industry and inspiring new generations of wine aficionados.
