Glencoe lies in the western Highlands of Scotland, where a long, steep-sided valley cuts through mountains shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glaciation.
Oban is located in the northern part of the Scottish Highlands. Renowned for the beauty of the land and the excellent scotch made there, Oban is an indisputable treasure of nature.
Bradford, set against the backdrop of the South Pennines in West Yorkshire, is a city built on textiles, innovation, and resilience. As the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, Bradford blends cinema history with modern creativity. The National Science and Media Museum sits in the heart of the city, offering hands-on exhibits about photography, television, gaming, and animation. It’s also home to one of the UK's only IMAX cinemas.
Kakheti is Georgia's easternmost major wine region, stretching across the Alazani and Iori valleys beneath the Greater Caucasus. The region is known for vineyards, fertile plains, dry hills, and mountain landscapes that change considerably between its eastern and western areas. Telavi serves as the main regional center, while towns and villages such as Sighnaghi, Kvareli, Gurjaani, and Tsinandali provide access to vineyards, monasteries, historic estates, and local markets.
Photo Credit: Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Gina Hamm on Unsplash
Astoria, Oregon is the state's oldest city. Located on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is rich in history, including fishing, canning and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. With its scenic views and landscape, it has been called "little San Francisco."
The city's architecture tells its own story, with many well-preserved buildings from its 19th-century past. The Astoria Column, an iconic 125-foot-tall tower, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is adorned with a mural depicting scenes from the region's history. Climbing the 164 steps to the top provides an unforgettable view of the city, the Columbia River, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Astoria serves as a gateway to diverse natural attractions. The Fort Stevens State Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, a historic military fort, and access to expansive beaches perfect for a day of exploration or relaxation. The nearby Youngs River Falls provide a scenic and tranquil setting for a short hike to a picturesque waterfall.
A fun fact about Astoria is that it served as the filming location for the beloved 1985 film The Goonies, which has become a cultural touchstone for fans worldwide. The town celebrates its connection to the film with events and tours that appeal to movie buffs and families alike. Visit Astoria in the spring or summer to experience its festivals, mild weather, and vibrant community events, making it an ideal time to explore both its historical and natural attractions.
Other Popular Destinations in Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is a city where natural beauty and urban innovation coexist harmoniously. Nestled between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and framed by volcanic mountains, Portland offers an array of outdoor adventures alongside its renowned cultural scene. Visitors can explore the lush expanses of Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., or take a leisurely stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden, which showcases exquisite traditional Japanese landscape design.
Newport
About halfway down the Oregon coast, the picturesque Yaquina Head Lighthouse welcomes you to Newport, a town known for its Dungeness crab and glorious harbor under the graceful Yaquina Bay Bridge. The historic Bayfront offers a mixture of shops, galleries, canneries and restaurants that serve fresh clam chowder, shrimp, oysters, crab and salmon.