OUR BLOG
JOMO: The Joy Of Missing Out & how solo, local travel can aid mental health, general happiness, and our relationships throughout life
Chances are, you’ve probably heard the term, “FOMO,” referring to the “Fear of Missing Out.” If I skip this party, will I miss an inside joke that my friends will carry with them for years? If I don’t make sure to see every recommended landmark during my trip...
Top 5 Ways to Support A Local Community When Traveling
Whether you’re getting ready for a Staycation, flying abroad, or hoping to explore somewhere new within your home state, traveling today comes with a lot of questions when it comes to planning responsibly. One way, however, you can work towards supporting a...
7 Reasons to Visit Wine Country in Winter
Oregon Wine Country is often photographed throughout the summer, displaying the incredible views of the valley as the sun shows off its time to shine. For those of us who live in the PNW, however, we understand that winter is when the magic happens. Winter, also...
Top 7 Holiday Gifts In The Willamette Valley
The holiday season is upon us, and chances are you’re considering what to get the special people in your life. We at The Independence believe gifts can come in many forms: something to open, time put aside to spend together, an experience to try, or a small token that...
Winter is Here! Events to Stay Warm and Festive this Winter Season
The hours of sunlight might be getting shorter, but activities are only picking up in the Willamette Valley. Fall and winter mark some of the most beautiful months to get the real Oregonian experience, and when the rains return, winemakers move their events indoors,...
Cubical to CEO’s Ellen Yin on “Getting Visible”
Today we are excited to share with you our recent interview with Ellen Yin, the founder of “Cubicle to CEO” who just recently held one of her first larger-scale retreats here with us at The Independence. Read on to learn all about her amazing company, as well...
Spotlight on Brad Ford and his role in Willamette Valley’s newest AVA
If you’ve been wine tasting before, chances are you’ve heard the term “AVA” thrown around. But what exactly is an AVA, and how does it help indicate what kind of wine you’re about to drink? We have answers for you! AVA stands for American Viticulture Area, so...
A Willamette River Experience: Kayaking from The Independence Hotel to Emil Mark Lloyd Fishing Hole
Picture it: You find yourself at The Independence Hotel on a beautiful summer day. The sun is out, the river is glistening, Osprey dive for nearby fish and you have left your work commitments at home. While you love nearby winetasting and cycling around Independence,...
Spotlight with Eric Aebi: Program Chair for The Hospitality & Tourism School at Chemeketa
If you’re reading this, you probably already know that Oregon produces world-class wine, but did you know that just as much work and talent goes into presenting that wine to you? Picture your favorite wine right now, there’s a story to how you first heard of that...
![The [soil] Plot Thickens: Q & A with Leigh Bartholomew, Director of Viticulture for Results Partners, LLC.](https://theindependencehotel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Soil-1080x602.png)
The [soil] Plot Thickens: Q & A with Leigh Bartholomew, Director of Viticulture for Results Partners, LLC.
Oregon wine country has several factors to thank for its world renowned Pinot Noir. From our rainy climate, to longer summer days and talented winemakers, it takes a perfect storm of various elements to produce what you sip at a tasting. But there is one factor...
