||On Summer Favorites||

Summer may not officially be here calendar-wise, but for me, it's been here about 3 weeks

(the joys of being a student again!)!

Here are some of my favorite summer things to eat, visit, drink, and listen to. . .

1. To Eat: Blueberries

 © Carissima Keatley

Blueberries have an early season this year in Oregon, but I have to say I am completely okay with that!

The farm I work at--Fordyce Farm--grows them, and I am sooo happy they're here!
I'll be out picking next week; well, I plan on picking as well as eating. . .

I also want to try this recipe from the blog Be a Fun Mum for Frozen Blueberry and Yogurt Kebabs. Yum!

2. To Visit: Oregon's Outdoors

© Carissima Keatley

Anywhere in Oregon is gorgeous in the summer, so it's really hard to actually pinpoint a certain area. However, I have to say that my favorite areas are up nearer the Cascade Range, such as North Fork. Blue skies, hiking trails, refreshing water, and natural beauty all around you makes for an appealing afternoon hike or weekend camping trip.
For some ideas on places to visit in Oregon, click here!

3. To Eat: Bigwig Gluten-Free+Vegan Donut Holes

© Carissima Keatley

Now, these donuts are A-mazing! Made fresh, this donut pop-up comes to my favorite coffee shop 2x a week! Offering vegan, gluten-free donut, Bigwig has gained many followers, bringing delicious cinnamon-sugar, chocolate, and now lemon poppyseed balls of mouthwatering dough.

Visit there website here (and then go try some)!

4. To Drink: Archive Coffee

© Carissima Keatley

Archive Coffee and Bar is my favorite coffee shop in Salem. With their hand-roasted beans and gluten free breakfast foods, the coffee side of Archive is simple, smooth, and delicious.

They also offer food and drinks starting at 4pm, and their ever-rotating-with-the-season menu is scrumptious every single time.

5. To Visit: Hallie Ford Museum of Art

A Piece by Royal Nebeker from the current exhibition

Located here in Salem, Willamette University's Hallie Ford Museum offers visitors a variety of art to become enchanted by. Not only do they offer different artists--including local ones--but also an amazing permanent display that will be sure to dazzle any art lover's eye.
Another perk is that they give discounts to students, and are free to everyone on Tuesdays!

6. To Listen: The Stillwater Hobos

Photo: The Stillwater Hobos

This group hails from North Carolina and brings hauntingly beautiful and enjoyable Irish and Folk songs back to life. Check out their album on their website here!

7. To Do: Watch a Sunrise

© Carissima Keatley

While this may seem a silly one--it is summer vacation after all--one really needs to see an Oregon sunrise in the summer. The colors are simply breathtaking. . .