31 Days Archives - http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/tag/31-days/ Mon, 29 May 2017 15:36:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-logo-square1-32x32.jpg 31 Days Archives - http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/tag/31-days/ 32 32 31 Days in Oregon: Roloff Farms http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-roloff-farms/ Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:59:59 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4457 Since the last day of this 31 Day Challenge falls on Halloween, I’m highlighting a pumpkin patch. I’m choosing Roloff Farms, which is in the Helvetia community of Hillsboro, Oregon. The Roloff’s are stars of TLC’s Little People Big World. The pumpkin patch came before the tv show, but certainly had less hype.   Along …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Roloff Farms appeared first on .

]]>
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

Since the last day of this 31 Day Challenge falls on Halloween, I’m highlighting a pumpkin patch. I’m choosing Roloff Farms, which is in the Helvetia community of Hillsboro, Oregon. The Roloff’s are stars of TLC’s Little People Big World. The pumpkin patch came before the tv show, but certainly had less hype.

 

Along the drive to the Roloff’s are pumpkins letting you know you’re headed in the right direction.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

The pumpkin patch is open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in October.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

The Entrance
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

While waiting to buy your tickets, you can also pick up Amy’s Pumpkin Peach Salsa, Roloff books & souvenirs.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Halloween’s Past

Even before the craziness a tv show can bring, the Roloff’s had a nice pumpkin patch to visit.
Left: Here are Farm Kid & I in 2005.
Right: Farm Kid2 at Roloff Farms in 2005
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

 

Wagon Tour

Now days, the way to see their farm is to purchase tickets for the wagon tour. The tour takes you throughout their farm showing you the most popular places, with a short stop in their western town.

While waiting in line to board the wagon tour, we spotted Matt Roloff posing with visitors.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

The Roloff home
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Matt’s Men’s Crisis Center. In other words, his shop.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Noah’s Ark
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Too, too cute! Straw, stick & brick homes from Three Little Pigs. Complete with 3 little pigs. The kids & I oohed and aahed over this, maybe because we recently added a couple pigs to our farm.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Left: Raised chicken coop to protect their flock from predators. Clever.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

The trestle
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Wedding Barn
It is rustic & lovely
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Super cute little church built by Matt Roloff.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Beneath a barn is a wine cellar
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Old West Town in 2005
Years ago, we didn’t pay to take a tour of the farm. It was just part of the fun coming to this pumpkin patch. We got to explore the old town as long as we wanted. However, back then it wasn’t crazy crowded like it is today.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

The Old West Town Today
The wagon tour stops here for a few minutes to let you explore the town. It really is impressive.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Left: Molly’s Castle 2005
Back in the day, we could also explore the castle.

Right: Molly’s Castle today
I believe our tour guide told us that it was just recently completed.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Adventure Area

The adventure area was pretty great with tons of fun things for the kids. There were slides, tricycle racing, mini golf and even big cats from A Walk on the Wild Side.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

Pumpkins

Don’t forget to pick your pumpkins.
 Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Roloff Farms

 

The first year we went to Roloff Farms was in 2005. We loved it. It was a quiet evening, slightly wet out and nearly no visitors at the pumpkin patch. As far as I was concerned, it was perfect. While we were paying for the pumpkins, John struck up conversation with Matt Roloff and realized he was working for a company that Matt previously worked for. There was a camera man or two around, but we didn’t think much of it. Later they asked us to sign papers saying it would be ok if we ended up in a new documentary featuring little people. As far as I know we didn’t end up in any episodes. But, we didn’t have cable tv back then, so I didn’t watch the first few seasons.

The next year, I went back with my mom on a Saturday morning. It was so crowded and crazy. It took forever just to get parked. I didn’t go back again after that.

Eight years later, I decided to go back & check it out. I loved it. I went expecting a crowd, so I was prepared this time. Also, they are better prepared for the crowds & parking wasn’t a problem. It was $12 per person to enjoy both the wagon tour & adventure area. Not super cheap, but also not outrageous. It is the most I have spent for pumpkin patch activities, but there was a lot to see & do.

They did have a couple food options available. But, you could also drive the one minute it takes to get to the Helvetia Tavern for a burger if you’re hungry.

I hope everyone has been enjoying this fall season and wishing you a
Happy Halloween!

 

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Roloff Farms appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Helvetia Tavern http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-helvetia-tavern/ Thu, 30 Oct 2014 13:52:02 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4455 Just outside of Hillsboro is the community of Helvetia. If you’re in the area, Helvetia Tavern is the place to eat. You go there for a burger, fries & onion rings. It’s simple. It’s greasy. It’s good. When my Aunt & her family visit Oregon, we always eat here with them. I have never heard …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Helvetia Tavern appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Helvetia Tavern

Just outside of Hillsboro is the community of Helvetia. If you’re in the area, Helvetia Tavern is the place to eat.

You go there for a burger, fries & onion rings. It’s simple. It’s greasy. It’s good.

When my Aunt & her family visit Oregon, we always eat here with them.

I have never heard one bad comment about the food or service.

I can’t speak about the tavern side. But, a place doesn’t stay open more than 90 years if things are crummy. So, I’m assuming the beer, spirits & company are also good. My dad celebrated his 21st birthday here many, many years ago.

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Helvetia Tavern

 

The restaurant side of the building.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Helvetia Tavern

 

Left: Caps on the ceiling

Right: The menu
The prices are reasonable. However, bring your cash. They don’t accept plastic.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Helvetia Tavern

 

Bacon Cheeseburger & Onion Rings
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Helvetia Tavern
On a side note, Helvetia Tavern is located near the Rice Rock Museum. It is also right next to Roloff Farms from TLC’s Little People Big World. So, if you’re checking out rocks or picking the perfect pumpkin, this would be a good place to grab a bite to eat.

It has also been in an episode of Grimm, which is filmed in and around Portland.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Helvetia Tavern

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Helvetia Tavern appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Vernonia Lake http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-vernonia-lake/ Wed, 29 Oct 2014 13:33:09 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4453 About an hour outside of Portland is the small town of Vernonia. It is located in the upper Nehalem valley. In 2007 flooding caused many millions of dollars in damages to the schools, hundreds of homes & community buildings. FEMA stepped in to help, but it still took a couple years to get the city …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Vernonia Lake appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

About an hour outside of Portland is the small town of Vernonia. It is located in the upper Nehalem valley. In 2007 flooding caused many millions of dollars in damages to the schools, hundreds of homes & community buildings. FEMA stepped in to help, but it still took a couple years to get the city back and better than ever.

Logging is a big part of the community. Mike Pihl from the reality show Ax Men is from this area.

Vernonia’s other claim to fame is that many Twilight scenes were filmed throughout the city.

 

Entering Vernonia
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Left: Vernonia is a small town with a small town feel

Right: Rock Creek Bridge
At the beginning of the movie, Twilight, there is a shot of Bella’s dad, Charlie, driving over this bridge. The police station that Charlie worked at was filmed at a credit union building in town. The Cullen’s house was filmed at a home in Portland. And, Bella & Charlie’s house is in St. Helens
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Mill Pond Turned Fishing Hole

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

What once held logs is now a fishing hole with Bass, Perch, Bluegill & Rainbow Trout.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Remnants of the mill pond are still evident.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Banks-Vernonia Trail

The Banks-Vernonia State Trail begins/ends at Vernonia Lake. 21 miles of what used to be railroad tracks are now hiking & biking trails through a beautiful forested area.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Pebble Creek

Along the south side of the lake is Pebble Creek. In the fall many salmon spawn here. It is hard to tell, but that pointy thing in the water is a salmon’s tail and in front of that is its dorsal fin.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Oregon American Mill Fuel House

My favorite place to visit at the lake is this old cement building. It is a hidden gem. It was once the fuel house forthe Oregon American Lumber Company.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

All that is left from the building are items made from cement. The floor is dirt & littered with leaves. Trees & ferns grow in the dirt. Graffiti covers the walls. Overall, I’m not a fan of graffiti. But, it certainly adds to the cool factor of this long forgotten building.

One time we visited, a group of people were setting up for a wedding. Ironically enough, one of the ladies setting up was my lactation nurse with Farm Kid1.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Looking up
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

You do have to watch out for the occasional 4 letter word or naughty drawing, but for the most part the graffiti is not offensive
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake
It is a fun & different place to take pics.

One year, we did beginning of the school year photos here.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

Just a couple weeks ago, I took senior pictures of my friend’s daughter in and outside of the building. I remember when she was born. Wowzers, how time flies!

She is very involved in FFA.  Click here if you are interested in seeing a couple pics I took of her in her FFA clothes & with her 4 legged friends.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Vernonia Lake

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Vernonia Lake appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Voodoo Doughnut http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-voodoo-doughnut/ Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:01:38 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4451 Keep Portland Weird has become the city’s slogan. Why we need to be weird, I don’t know. I appreciate weirdness when people step outside of the box to better themselves or community. But, weird, just to be weird, I don’t really get.   And wouldn’t ya know, near the Keep Portland Weird sign is Voodoo …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Voodoo Doughnut appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Voodoo Doughnut | Portland

Keep Portland Weird has become the city’s slogan. Why we need to be weird, I don’t know. I appreciate weirdness when people step outside of the box to better themselves or community. But, weird, just to be weird, I don’t really get.

 

And wouldn’t ya know, near the Keep Portland Weird sign is Voodoo Doughnut. They are definitely a “weird”, but extremely popular doughnut shop.

Whoever thought of advertising underneath the slogan is a marketing genius.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Voodoo Doughnut | Portland

 

Across SW 3rd from the Weird sign is Voodoo Doughnut.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Voodoo Doughnut | Portland

 

The doughnut shop is located in the Skidmore/Old Town District of Portland. I think there is always a line to get your doughnuts.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Voodoo Doughnut | Portland

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Voodoo Doughnut | Portland

 

The shop is small and there is always a wait. But, once you make it in the door there are many interesting decor items to hold your attention.

The menu includes many original doughnut flavors with names like Captain my Captain, Dirty Snowballs & Portland Cream.

The shop is cash only, so make sure to bring your paper money.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Voodoo Doughnut | Portland

 

There is seating outside.
Notice the pink box on the first table. That’s the very recognizable pretty pink Voodoo Doughnut box.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Voodoo Doughnut | Portland

 

Left: The Loop & The Dubble Bubble Doughnuts. Oh man, that bubble gum one is delicious. Way too sweet, but so good

Right: The front doughnut is what Voodoo is known for, the Bacon Maple Bar. I’ll be honest, I didn’t love it. The cold bacon just didn’t do anything for me and my taste buds. Although, I thought it would be good if I brought it home and heated it up just a tad. One day I will try that.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Voodoo Doughnut | Portland

 

Well, there it is, a peek at our wildly popular doughnut shop.

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Voodoo Doughnut appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Powell’s Books http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-powells-books/ Tue, 28 Oct 2014 01:40:46 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4449 Powell’s Books is the largest new & used bookstore in the world. The Burnside location in downtown Portland is one entire city block. It’s huge with more & more rooms filled with books. It’s also slightly quirky, which fits in perfectly with Portland.   The entrance at Burnside & 10th     View of the …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Powell’s Books appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

Powell’s Books is the largest new & used bookstore in the world. The Burnside location in downtown Portland is one entire city block. It’s huge with more & more rooms filled with books. It’s also slightly quirky, which fits in perfectly with Portland.

 

The entrance at Burnside & 10th
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

View of the 2nd story from the street.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Inside the Store

Rows & rows of books
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

The building is divided into rooms.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

It seems as if staircases are everywhere leading to the various rooms.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Peeking out a 2nd story window. Of course there would be a Starbucks in view. Powell’s has their own coffee shop inside the store. There’s also a Peet’s Coffee right across the street on 11th. People around here are crazy about their coffee. Not me. Blech. Coffee. But, probably 99.9% of the rest of the population love coffee.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Throughout the bookshelves are mini categories and signage to appeal to your interests. I love Downton Abbey. I’m sure I would enjoy many of these books.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Another mini category: Whiskey. Interesting. I thought the only alcohol Portlanders cared about were micro brews & wine. Apparently I was wrong since Powell’s has this display. I’m not a fan of beer or wine, so I would take the whiskey option any day.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Sometimes a book’s cover draws you in.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

I enjoy the signage on the end caps.
Am I the only one who thinks about how you get a job making these signs? I certainly can’t write the books, but I’d love to find cool ways to display them.
I also wonder this when I’m at museums. Coming up with creative ways to show off the history of an area, or an artist’s work seems like a job I would enjoy. I guess I missed my calling.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Souvenirs of all things Portland.
Bridges. We do have lots of bridges.
Biking. Oh boy, do we have lots of bikers.
Bigfoot. I haven’t seen him in our forest… yet…
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

Don’t forget to purchase your books on the way out.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Powell's Books | Portland

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Powell’s Books appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Audubon Society of Portland http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-audubon-society-of-portland/ Sun, 26 Oct 2014 13:11:04 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4447 The kids & I love going to the Audubon Society. We enjoy seeing their education birds & exploring the trails.   Depending on the direction you’re coming from, you may drive through a cool tunnel like this one on Cornell Road. The sign says it was built in 1940.     Interpretive Center & Nature …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Audubon Society of Portland appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

The kids & I love going to the Audubon Society. We enjoy seeing their education birds & exploring the trails.

 

Depending on the direction you’re coming from, you may drive through a cool tunnel like this one on Cornell Road. The sign says it was built in 1940.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

Interpretive Center & Nature Store

One of our favorite things is watching the birds outside the windows at the bird feeders.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

Farm Kid2 & I attended a book signing by author & illustrator Lisa C. Manning. The book is titled Falcons in the City and based on Peregrine Falcons, like this education bird Finnegan.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

Interesting Trees

In between the Care Center and the Nature Store are two particular trees of interest.

Left: The Giant Sequoia is the largest tree in the world. I don’t know how this one compares to others, but it is huge.

Right: The Dawn Redwood is said to be a living fossil. Prior to the 1940’s the tree was only found in fossil form. In 2005 it became Oregon’s official state fossil.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

Wildlife Care Center

One room of the Care Center is open to visitors and has birds & turtles to see.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

Education Birds

Some of the education birds are inside, others are in outdoor homes.

Left: Aristophanes, the Raven

Bottom Right: Ruby, a turkey vulture
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

Trails

The Audubon Society is a 150 acre nature sanctuary with miles of trails to hike.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

Left: Notice the English Ivy climbing the tree…
The setting for the book Wildwood takes place here in the urban forest that is part of the Audubon Society. In the story, Ivy is a villain. In truth, English Ivy is a huge problem. It climbs everywhere and threatens native trees and plant.

Right: Balch Creek, which is also mentioned in the Wildwood Chronicles.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

More Trails

Across Cornell Road from the Care Center & Interpretive Center are more trails part of Audubon’s Sanctuaries.

Also, if you head east up Cornell just a short way you will reach the popular Wildwood Trail. Pittock Mansion is a 25 minute hike up the trail. Continuing on you will reach Washington Park, home to Hoyt Arboretum and the Oregon Zoo.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Audubon Society | Portland

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Audubon Society of Portland appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Three Capes Scenic Route http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-three-capes-scenic-route/ Fri, 24 Oct 2014 23:56:17 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4442 One of the best scenic drives in Oregon is the Three Capes Scenic Route. It starts near Cape Meares, ends near Cape Kiwanda, and includes Cape Lookout. It’s a beautiful drive along the Oregon Coast. Along the Way   Cape Meares Gorgeous view near the Cape Meares Lighthouse.   Oceanside One of my favorite beaches …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Three Capes Scenic Route appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

One of the best scenic drives in Oregon is the Three Capes Scenic Route. It starts near Cape Meares, ends near Cape Kiwanda, and includes Cape Lookout. It’s a beautiful drive along the Oregon Coast.

Along the Way

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Cape Meares

Gorgeous view near the Cape Meares Lighthouse.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Oceanside

One of my favorite beaches is a hidden gem in Oceanside.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Netarts

Netarts is popular for fishing and crabbing, both with humans and harbor seals.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Cape Lookout

Cape Lookout State Park has a day use area and also a campground. I remember camping here as a kid, but haven’t been here in a long time.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Anderson Viewpoint

Anderson Viewpoint gives a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, Three Arch Rocks and Netarts Bay. It is a popular spot for hang gliders.
It’s still pretty, but not quite as impressive on a rainy day.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Sand Lake Recreation Area

Sand Lake is a highly popular place to ride atv’s on sand dunes.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Whalen Island

Whalen Island used to just be a small county campground. But now includes Clay Meyers State Natural Area. We haven’t camped here in years. We would dive at Whalen Island usually for special events such as taking a Rescue Class. We also did our annual pumpkin carving dive at Whalen Island. It’s harder than one would think. Pumpkins like to float, so you quickly had to pull out the guts. Also, using a dive knife to carve with is not easy.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

Cape Kiwanda

And last, but not least, along the route is Cape Kiwanda.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Three Capes Scenic Route

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Three Capes Scenic Route appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Netarts and Oceanside http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-netarts-and-oceanside/ Fri, 24 Oct 2014 01:01:15 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4415 About 15 minutes outside Tillamook via Hwy 131 are the small coastal towns of Netarts & Oceanside. One is popular with fisherman, the other with beachcombers.   Netarts Netarts is where you take your boat for a day of fishing or crabbing. We’ve also gone scuba diving in the Bay, seen bald eagles fly overhead …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Netarts and Oceanside appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

About 15 minutes outside Tillamook via Hwy 131 are the small coastal towns of Netarts & Oceanside. One is popular with fisherman, the other with beachcombers.

 

Netarts

Netarts is where you take your boat for a day of fishing or crabbing. We’ve also gone scuba diving in the Bay, seen bald eagles fly overhead and harbor seals on the spit.
Netarts Bay

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

Where do we eat in Netarts? The Schooner.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

Driving around Netarts & Oceanside

Three Arch Rocks in the misty distance.

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

Netarts Bay and the spit
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

Driving into Oceanside
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

Oceanside

The city of Oceanside

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

Oceanside has a great beach that is usually not crowded.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

My favorite part of Oceanside is hidden in a rocky cliff. A tunnel takes you through the rock to the other side.

Entering the tunnel is easy. It’s a short tunnel, so daylight is enough to be able to see the whole way. Coming out the other side and climbing down the rocks to the sand can be a bit tricky, though. It’s doable, just something to be aware of.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

The view from the hidden beach is amazing. It’s one of my favorite places.

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge located a half mile offshore.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Netarts | Oceanside

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Netarts and Oceanside appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Cape Kiwanda http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-cape-kiwanda/ Wed, 22 Oct 2014 23:24:28 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4413 Cape Kiwanda is the southern most cape along the Three Capes Scenic Route. It is home to Haystack Rock. However, it is not the well known Haystack Rock that is in Cannon Beach.   When I think about Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, this is the view that automatically comes to mind.   Across the …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Cape Kiwanda appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

Cape Kiwanda is the southern most cape along the Three Capes Scenic Route. It is home to Haystack Rock. However, it is not the well known Haystack Rock that is in Cannon Beach.

 

When I think about Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, this is the view that automatically comes to mind.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

Across the street are stores, a hotel and an rv park.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
People love climbing the sand hill on the right. It’s an awesome view from the top

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

The tip of the cape.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

It can get pretty beat up by the waves.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

The Dory Fleet

This is a popular place for dory boats to brave the waves and launch right from the beach to head out for a day of fishing.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

I have a whale of a tale about this rock.
In my previous adult life prior to children, I was a scuba diver. The plan one day was to dive at Haystack Rock. As divers, we used zodiacs, not dory’s to cross the surf. I’m not going to lie, it’s scary flying through those waves in a tiny, inflatable boat. We reached the rock and my hubby & I hopped in the water descending into murky, rough water. We couldn’t see much past our hands. We were hoping to see a sunfish, but we did not. I don’t remember seeing much of anything except krill. We cut our dive short due to the conditions, got back in the zodiac, & headed back to shore. Once on the beach, we looked back at the rock to see a whale spouting right where we had been diving. We had to have been near that whale, but since we couldn’t see more than a couple feet neither one of us saw it. I wonder if the whale saw us?
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

Vehicles can only drive a little way up the beach before getting to a sign prohibiting them from going further.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

The Beach

There is a lot to see while walking in the sand.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

Birds at Haystack Rock

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

Fun in the Waves

Oregon beaches are often not sunny & warm. We jump in the waves anyway.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

Pelican Pub & Brewery

There are other options for food in Pacific City, but I’ve only eaten at the Pelican Pub & Brewery. Apparently, I am a creature of habit. The food is good & the view is nice. I’m not a beer drinker, so I can’t comment on the brewery.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

One Last Glimpse of Haystack Rock

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Cape Kiwanda appeared first on .

]]>
31 Days in Oregon: Tillamook http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/31-days-in-oregon-tillamook/ Tue, 21 Oct 2014 20:45:52 +0000 http://www.ridgetopfarmandgarden.com/?p=4386 The coastal town of Tillamook sits just inland from the Tillamook Bay. It’s not a large city, but it’s big enough to have everything you will need for a trip to the beach. In and around Tillamook there are many outdoor activities available: boating, golfing, riding atv’s, & hang gliding just to name a few. …

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Tillamook appeared first on .

]]>
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

The coastal town of Tillamook sits just inland from the Tillamook Bay. It’s not a large city, but it’s big enough to have everything you will need for a trip to the beach.

In and around Tillamook there are many outdoor activities available: boating, golfing, riding atv’s, & hang gliding just to name a few. It seems the middle of all the action is in Tillamook.

 

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

 

Driving around Tillamook County you see many dairy farms.
Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

 

Tillamook Cheese Factory
My favorite place to go in Tillamook is the Cheese Factory. Cheese samples, ice cream & pepperoni sticks!

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

 

Tillamook Quilt Trail
A fairly new activity in Tillamook is following the Quilt Trail. This trail is the first of its kind on the West Coast & I love the idea. It is meant to make visitors aware of the heritage of dairy barns and other buildings in the area. It is a self guided tour.
We haven’t completed the entire trail, but we have seen many of the quilt blocks around town. There are also a number of geocaches & letterboxes based on the trail.
The trail begins at the Chamber of Commerce with a large Oregon Star pattern block. When we saw it, it was displayed on the ground.

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

 

Blue Heron French Cheese Company
Just down the road from the Tillamook Cheese Factory is the Blue Heron. We don’t go here near as often as the Cheese Factory, but it is a nice place to visit. They offer fancy cheeses & wine. They also have many animals to look at on their farm, which is a lot of fun for the kids. There just happens to be a quilt block on the store.

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

 

Oregon Coast Scenic Railway
We have taken the trip from Garibaldi to Rockaway on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railway. It’s a quick train ride with fabulous views of Tillamook Bay.

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

 

Tilamook Country Smoker Outlet
One of our other favorite stops is grabbing pepperoni & jerky from the Tillamook Country Smoker. Technically the outlet is not in Tillamook, but it’s just north in Bay City.

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

 

Garibaldi
About 15 minutes north of Tillamook is the little fishing town of Garibaldi. From here you can fish in the bay, head out to go deep sea fishing, go crabbing in the bay, launch your boat to go on a scuba adventure or stay on land raking clams.

Ridgetop Farm and Garden | 31 Days in Oregon | Tillamook

 

This is only a short list of things to do around Tillamook. There is so much more. Hopefully, I’ll be sharing more with you in the future.

 

To see what others are sharing for the month of October check out write31days.com

 

The post 31 Days in Oregon: Tillamook appeared first on .

]]>