Although it might be easy to forget that Oregon has a wine region, it’s been a major player in the wine world for quite some time now.  Located in downtown Portland, the Hotel Vintage Plaza is only 20 miles from the boundaries of Willamette Valley, home to the majority of the state’s 100+ wineries. The property is ushering in the fall with a “Pinot in Portland” package, a soft introduction to Oregon’s wine world.  Get the details after the jump.

luxury accommodations, copyright Kimpton Hotels 

The Pinot in Portland package includes:

• overnight accommodations in a room dedicated to a local winery
• a carafe with an Urban Wineworks blending class certificate for 2
• a bottle of ’05 Chateau Bianca Pinot Noir, the hotel’s private label wine
• 2 Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir glasses
• a wine journal for tasting notes
• certificate for an Italian/Oregon Pinot Noir comparison flight, redeemable at Pazzo Ristorante
• complimentary valet parking

For more information on this package and to book, click here.

Yup, we’re back in Eugene for this week’s luxury babymoon package at the Bonneville Resort. Located just 60 minutes from Portland, Oregon in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the resort puts you smack in the middle of loads of outdoor activity. But, with baby coming and relaxation on the agenda, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a 12,000 square foot day spa on the property, along with a seasonally open pool.

Great room, copyright Bonneville Hot Springs Resort

The babymoon package offered by the resort helps both Mom and Dad to relax in preparation for baby’s arrival with the following goodies:

• Deluxe guestroom accommodations with a hot tub (check with your doctor for safe temperatures, which can then be set for your arrival)
• A special delivery package from the Stork
• Four $20 vouchers for the resort’s Pacific Crest Dining Room
• A pregnancy massage for Mom (50 minutes)
• A relaxation massage for Dad (50 minutes)
• Two complimentary espressos from the Gift Shop Coffee Bar

Hot tub suite, copyright Bonneville Hot Springs Resort

The babymoon package includes use of the 25-meter lap pool, the jetted tubs on property, and the sauna (which shouldn’t be used by pregnant women). Rates are effective through October 31 and are as follows (per night): for a hot tub suite, $462 on weekdays/$462 weekends; hot tub room, $230 weekdays/$300 weekends; deluxe guestroom, $165 weekdays/$230 weekends. For more information on the Bonneville Resort, click here; to book this package, call the hotel directly at 866.459.1678; ask to be connected to the spa once your room reservation is complete so you can book your massages.

Newsweek’s June 18 issue has a great article about kids’ playgrounds around the country. Since it’s always great to find a cool playground during a family vacation, especially if you’re staying in a hotel without one, we thought we’d give you a headsup. Although it’s in the Health section, it’s more about mental than physical health – the featured playgrounds go beyond seesaws and swings; they include very cool stimulating and interactive features that kids (and parents) will love. If you happen to be in any of these areas, give these a go: (more…)