Pageant Park in Bend, Oregon

Rating: You Should Go

Pageant Park in Bend, Oregon is a nice place to stop and smell the flowers.  It has a lovely bridge overlooking the Deschutes River, shaded benches, and grassy banks.  It's a great place to feed the ducks or feed the family (including pets).  If you're in Bend (which we definitely recommend visiting), make sure to stop by this park.

Sno Cap Drive-In in Sisters, Oregon

Rating: You Should Go

Sisters, Oregon is named for the three snowy peaks that overlook the valley below.  It is also home to Sno Cap Drive In, a small ice cream shop and eatery.  This shop is placed amongst a quaint town (which is also worth a visit) and can be easily recognized by the long line of people going out the door.  There's not a lot of room inside to sit down and eat, but it's worth the wait for the delicious ice cream and malts.  We didn't try the food but it smelled really good and the people eating around us seemed happy.  The prices are very affordable ($2-$6).

Silver Falls State Park in Oregon

Rating: You Should Go

Silver Falls State Park is great for people who like to take leisurely hikes around cascading waterfalls, or just sit on shaded benches overlooking cascading waterfalls.  It costs $5 per vehicle to get into the park (make sure to have exact change when you go because there was just a machine when we went).  We had a picnic lunch on a bench along one of the hiking paths then walked the paved path to the South Falls.  It's an easy walk down but a little harder getting up.  There are large grassy areas with benches and flowing streams that are also good for having lunch, playing games, or just lounging.  There are also more challenging hiking trails for those who are a bit more in shape.

Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook, Oregon

Rating: You Should Go

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a must for our family of cheese lovers.  We went on a Sunday and most of the machines were down, but we still got to walk around the gift shop, sample different kinds of cheeses (Squeaky Cheese is surprisingly good), and have the creamiest ice cream we have ever tasted.  The ice cream is cheap ($3 for a large scoop), and the cheese samples are free.  It's a fun stop even if you have to go a little out of the way.  If you're in the area, definitely check it out.

Lion King the Musical

Rating: You Should Go

I have been a big fan of The Lion King movie since it was released.  Nathan went to see the musical with his family when he was young, so for my birthday we both went to experience it together.

We saw it at the Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC) in the Segerstrom Hall theater.  OCPAC is a nice group of theaters.  As far as the one we saw The Lion King in, we sat in Tier 1 near the back right and had our view slightly blocked by the Tier above us. Probably not the best place to sit, but it

Aliso Beach County Park in Laguna Beach, CA

Rating: You Should Go

This place had been a favorite of my parents for a short time before we decided to go there.  It was our sixth dating anniversary when we went for the first time, and also happened to be the place Nathan decided to propose.  Needless to say, Aliso Beach holds a special place in our hearts.