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Sarah Vanbuskirk

Sarah Vanbuskirk is an Oregon-based contributor to Only In Your State who has covered the Beaver State extensively, from Portland's urban parks and crystal-clear mountain lakes to summer road trips and the state's most beloved natural wonders. Her work brings a Pacific Northwest local's perspective to travel storytelling.

Food
Bakeries & Dessert

This Michigan Dairy Bar Has Been Scooping Ice Cream For 80 Years—And I Keep Going Back For More

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Sep 18
A quaint ice cream shop with a large ice cream cone mascot, featuring outdoor seating and families enjoying treats.
Food

Indulge In A Delicious, Hearty Homestyle Breakfast At This Popular Oregon Coast Eatery

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Aug 26
A small white building with an "OPEN" sign, featuring holiday wreaths and a wooden bench outside.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

I Found The Best Big Soft Pretzels In Oregon At This German Bakery

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Aug 12
Exterior of Fressen Cafe & Bakery, featuring a sign and windows on a light-colored building.
Food

The Delicious Aroma Outside Led Me To This Fabulous New Neapoloitan Pizzaria In Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Aug 9
A cozy blue house at night, illuminated with warm lights, featuring a wooden deck and a bicycle parked outside.
Trips & Routes
Travel Preparation & Advice

9 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Oregon Summer Bucket List

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Aug 7
A serene beach scene with gentle waves, a forested hillside, and clear blue skies in the background.
Food

I’m Obsessed With The Addictive BBQ Pork-Covered Fries At This Scrumptious Asian Eatery In Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Aug 2
Sign for "Dya's" featuring a portrait of a woman, set against a clear sky and trees in the background.
Stays
Hotels & Resorts

Fall In Love With The Columbia River At This Riverfront Resort In Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 31
Aerial view of a lakeside resort with cabins and a main building surrounded by trees and clear blue water.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

We Visited A New Accessible Park In Oregon And It’s Filled With Outdoor Fun

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 29
A paved path leads through a park with trees and greenery under a blue sky, featuring a sign for "Lions Park."
Food

We Wandered Off-The-Beaten-Path And Discovered This Adorable Eatery In Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 25
A storefront featuring "Flattop" and "Sprout Pediatric Dentistry" with outdoor seating and colorful umbrellas.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The 56-Mile Lazy River in Oregon Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

Float, swim, and soak up the sunshine along Oregon’s scenic Sandy River near Troutdale — a 56-mile natural playground with endless summer adventure.

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on May 14
A bridge crosses over the Sandy River on a spring day near Troutdale, Oregon.
Food

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 22
A waterfront restaurant with blue umbrellas, outdoor seating, and a large white tent under a clear blue sky.
Food

The Outdoor Tea Service In Oregon That Is The Prettiest Place To Enjoy A Warm Afternoon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 19
A weathered building entrance with double doors, a sign reading "Thanks," and potted plants by the window.
Food

If You’re A Popcorn Fan Like Me, You’ll Want To Head To This Popcorn Mecca In Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 17
Exterior of BBP Co. Brown Bag Popcorn Co. featuring a wooden bench and nearby outdoor seating area.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

This Tualatin Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Oregon Day Trip

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 15
Sign for Cooper Mountain Nature Park, featuring park name and logo, surrounded by greenery and flowers.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

I’m Obsessed With The Tasting Flight Of Goodness At This Spectacular Oregon Gelato Shop

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 12
Exterior of Bontà, a gelato shop, featuring a welcoming entrance and a sign that reads "Handcrafted Artisan Gelato."
Experiences
Activities

I’ve Been Skating At This Iconic Roller Skating Rink In Oregon Since Second Grade — And It’s Just As Fun As An Adult

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 10
A large building with a sign promoting roller skating, lessons, and various activities at Oaks Rink.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

I See Something New Every Time I Explore Portland’s Mount Tabor

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jul 8
Sign for Mt. Tabor Park surrounded by greenery, with a path leading into the park.
Food

Get Your Seafood Fix At This Local Favorite Fish House In Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jun 21
A street view of a fish house restaurant with a sign for fish tacos, cloudy skies, and parked cars nearby.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

Enjoy Pastries, Breakfast, Lunch, And More At This Delicious, Welcoming Bakery In Astoria, Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jun 14
Exterior of Blue Scorcher Bakery & Café, featuring colorful chairs outside and large windows with a welcoming sign.
Experiences
Attractions
Shops & Boutiques

Poke Around Along Historic Pier 39 In This Delightful, New Coastal Gift Shop In Oregon

by Sarah Vanbuskirk
on Jun 12
A cozy shop interior featuring plants, shelves with various items, and decorative hanging elements.