What happens in Oregon... involves chowder from Mo's

Mo's chain of Oregon coast restaurants is one of Oregon's traditions. If you go to the Oregon Coast, a visit to Mo's is highly recommended.

With six locations covering the Oregon Coast, there is every opportunity to enjoy some of their world famous clam chowder and beautiful locales. If you are allergic to shellfish, don't worry, they also have a wide assortment of standard American dining -- and fresh fish from the Pacific Ocean.

For Oregon families, the establishments have become a destination point, a place to go where you know you are going to have a good seafood meal in between whale watching and beach walking.

What happens in Oregon... can be done at an Oregon State Park

A perfect time to enjoy Oregon's many state parks is during State Parks Day, June 2. During this event Oregon State Parks have no day-use fee and also offer one night of free camping. While many of the reservations for this year's campsites are taken, booking now for next year isn't a bad idea.

If you are in Oregon, you can find a state park in the area you are going to be visiting here. If nothing else the free day pass is worth the trip to many of the local parks.

In addition, the day offers everything from the Governor dedicating a new trail at Willamette Park in Portland, to hay rides and hot dog barbeques in the Logging Museum at the Valley of the Rogue State Park.

Be careful though, once you get a taste of Oregon State Parks, you may not want to leave!

What happens in Oregon... is great at the end of April

For the last several years my wife and I have found that visiting the Oregon coast at the end of April is a great way to see the coast, at a fraction of the cost.

For most vacation rental properties -- we have rented beach houses -- the increased summer rates don't start until May 1. So we always make sure we rent the last week in April. For the past three years the weather has been perfect, with only three rainy days that we can remember.

The whales are still migrating, although not as heavy as earlier in the month, and fishing is starting to ramp up, so if you want to take a charter, it's a great time.

The thing to remember is that more and more people are using this option, so book your stay early, to make sure you get the house you want. There is an extensive list of vacation rental companies at Oregon.com, and the menu will even get you the house with the features you are looking for.