“Alpaca” your bags for renovated PDX airport
The first stages of PDX Next, the $2 billion USD project that’s transforming Portland International Airport, recently rolled out to the public. While project completion is set for winter 2025-26, the renovated main terminal is now open featuring a stunning nine-acre lattice roof made with sustainable timber sourced from four partnering Tribal Nations, skylights, terrazzo floors and towering trees. PDX also offers a unique animal support program to passengers which includes llamas and alpacas who visit the terminals twice a month to greet guests. Local culinary and retail anchors are prioritized, and include Portland favorites such as Blue Star Donuts and a Powell’s Books outpost.
New Native American resort and restaurant experiences
November is Native American Heritage Month in the U.S. and visitors to Oregon can overnight with intent to support Indigenous communities. After a multimillion-dollar and six year-long renovation, Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort recently reopened in Central Oregon by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, debuting riverfront hot spring soaking tubs, cold plunges, poolside cabanas and lodging that includes 20 teepees, 30 hotel rooms and an RV park. The Allison Inn & Spa, a luxury resort in the Willamette Valley, also offers an Indigenous connection with Chef Jack Strong, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, sharing Native stories through his dining program that spotlights First Foods at the on-site restaurant, JORY, and a Native American Heritage Month event series from Nov. 1-3, 2024.
Escape to Serenity: Portland’s New Eco-Luxe Spa and Wellness Sanctuary Awaits
Cascada Hotel, Portland’s brand new ultra-sustainable wellness resort, is your gateway to relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by natural beauty, Cascada offers a variety of luxurious rooms and amenities designed to nurture your well-being. Immerse yourself in a range of wellness activities or simply soak in the tranquillity of the environment and thermal spas. Cascada is scheduled to open end of 2024 visit cascada.me to learn more.
Cider house rules in Oregon wine country
Oregon boasts over 900 wineries with more than 700 found in the Willamette Valley – the largest wine region and first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the state – but Oregon’s cider scene has also been booming. Oregon is now home to 80 cideries and had four new cider taphouses open this year, including the buzzy Bauman’s on Oak in Southeast Portland. Visitors will find guided cider flights, 30 taps, cider-friendly bites (think crab rolls with miso mayo and smoked salmon on rye bread) and patio seating. All the ciders are made by fifth-generation farmer and head cidermaker, Christine Walter, with apples grown and harvested on Bauman’s Century Farm (first homesteaded in 1895).
