When we planned our first kid-free weekend getaway to the Upper Willamette Valley Wine Region in Oregon wine country last summer, I left eager to experience more…
Author Archives: Tournesol Adventures
Spend a Budget-Friendly Family Weekend in Astoria on the Oregon Coast
For too long, we overlooked Astoria for its flashier coastal cousin Cannon Beach, but after depleting our travel fund and finally scoring a yurt at Fort Stevens State Park…
Top 7 Reasons Why Palm Springs Is a Great Family Vacation Destination
When I was in my 20s, I visited Palm Springs, California for the first time, and I swore it was my last. So how we ended up choosing it as a family vacation destination…
Explore Whidbey Island Like a Local (8 Fun New Ideas)
In August, we were fortunate to spend an entire month in my hometown on the south end of Whidbey Island, and I took the opportunity to knock a few more items off my local excursion list…
8 Terrific Free Outdoor Excursions for Families in Eugene
Whether you are visiting Eugene, Oregon, a.k.a. “Track Town U.S.A.” for the first time for the World Athletics Championships this summer, or passing through as part of a broader Oregon exploration, this relaxed Oregon city may steal your heart…
6 Great Organic, Biodynamic, and Eco-Friendly Oregon Winemakers to Support
One of the best things about living in Oregon is that we are surrounded by abundant farms and vineyards. Since moving here more than a decade ago, supporting our local winemakers has been a part of life…
4 Family-Friendly Hikes With Marvelous Views Near Eugene
Over the years, we’ve traversed the popular scenic hikes near Eugene, Oregon with our kids many times, and recently we’ve also branched out to explore some lesser-trafficked trails slightly further afield with equally spectacular views…
How Walla Walla Became Our Perfect Slow Travel Destination
In early 2021, after almost a year of limited explorations due to the pandemic, I was so eager to plan a family trip that I booked a summer cabin near Glacier National Park. Attainable, right? We could travel by car, distance ourselves, hike, and prepare our meals. What’s more, late June was sure to be perfect weather…
Our Unforgettable Yurt Camping Trip on the Oregon Coast
Have you ever gone yurt camping? It’s a very popular thing to do in Oregon, but despite living here for more than a decade we had never tried it until recently…
Immersive Van Gogh in Arles, France
I have been a Vincent van Gogh fan for many years, and I’ve been fortunate to see his work in person in renowned museums at home and abroad. But it was one sunny summer day in Arles, France on a free walking tour where his presence was so tangible…
Tournesol Adventures 