"I can't say I'm much interested in casinos, so it was not a surprise that my "Send Terry on the road'' project gave me an excuse to make my first visit to the Spirit Mountain Casino and Lodge, operated by the Grand Ronde Tribe.

I knew I would be impressed and I was. It's obviously a first-rate, well-run operation that packs in enough visitors for it to make a claim as Oregon's largest single tourist attraction. The earthen color schemes both inside and out make it highly attractive.

But one visit still didn't make me a gambler, though I have no problem with anyone who chooses to use gaming as their entertainment or even as a way to earn a living. I just get nervous with money on the line and lack of confidence breeds a loser."

Get the Story:
Travels with Terry: Spirit Mountain Casino a first-class attraction in Polk County, if you're into the kind of things it offers (The Oregonian 7/15)