99+ Reasons to Visit Hood River This Winter

 

$99 3-Out-of-5-Day Ski Lift Ticket to Mt. Hood Meadows

Hood River County and Mt. Hood Meadows have teamed up to bring you the perfect winter vacation.  Simply say in a participating hotel, motel, vacation rental, or bed and breakfast (see list below) and you’ll be eligible to purchase a $99 adult lift ticket for Mt. Hood Meadows that’s good for 3 out of 5 days on the mountain. This offer is valid from November, 2013 through April, 2014—with no black-out dates or other restrictions. Just stay, then play and ski.

And here are even more reasons to stay and play in Hood River: Gorgeous scenery, local wine and hard cider, craft beer, great local food,  unique shopping, hiking, biking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, tubing, movies, plays, museums, art exhibitions, reading, relaxing, and FUN.

Come stay, play, and ski this winter in Hood River County.

Participating Lodging Facilities:

Best Western Plus Hood River Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(800) 828-7873
Brookside B&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(541) 387-6589
Columbia Cliff Villas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(866) 912-8366
Cooper Spur Mountain Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(541) 352-6692
Gorge Central Vacation Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(877) 386-6109
Hood River BnB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(541) 387-2997
Hood River Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(800) 386-1859
Hood River Vacation Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(877) 260-2519
Inn of the White Salmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(800) 972-5226
Mt. Hood View Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(541) 490-5138
Oak Street Hotel & Vacation Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(866) 386-3845
Old Parkdale Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(541) 352-5551
Panorama Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(541) 387-2687
Vagabond Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(877) 386-2992
Wy’East Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	(503) 577-4162

www.hoodriver.org/stay-play-ski

5 Reasons to Come to the Hood River Hops Fest

September 28, 2013

Noon-9pm

Downtown Hood River, Oregon

1.       Fresh Hops Beer—If you haven’t had beer made with freshly harvested hops, (which is frankly hard for those of us who live here to believe) then you haven’t had the pleasure of knowing all that great beer can be. And if you already know and love fresh-hop beer then you know there is no better festival than the Hood River Hops Fest, held every year on the last Saturday of September. The HR Hops Fest gives you a chance to try firsthand one of man’s greatest inventions, and in one of the most beautiful places in world—the Columbia River Gorge.

2.       Amazing Brewery Line-up—With 43 Pacific NW breweries in attendance, the HR Hops Fest brings in the best of the best from around the area. From local favorites Pfriem, Double Mountain, and Full Sail, to regional heavyweights Oakshire, Ninkasi, and Deschutes, it’s like all the stars align for the perfect beer experience.

3.       Great Live Music All Day—From Noon-9pm at the HR Hops Fest, you will hear some of the best regional live music to pair perfectly with whatever beer you’re sampling. We’ve got The Poor Sports, Tess Barr Band, Big City Wind Down, and Tony Smiley all lined up to entertain you.

4.       You Can Bring the Whole Family—The HR Hops Fest prides itself on being family friendly. What does that mean? It means ages 20 and under get in free and are welcome to stay until 5pm, we have a kid’s zone for lots of fun outdoor play, and local food vendors bring their carts and serve up great food for carnivores to vegans and everyone in between (including kids).

5.       It’s in Spectacular Hood River—Seriously, is there really any better place to drink beer? We can’t think of anywhere more suitable for a downtown party than beautiful Hood River. With views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, the Columbia River rolling by, and all that fresh air, you’d think beer was invented just so we can hold the Hood River Hops Fest.

See you there!

GET OUTSIDE! Part One: Summer

DAY 1: ON THE WATER
Start your day off the right way with a fresh cup of coffee at one of HR’s favorite coffee spots (Dog River Coffee, Doppio, or Ground); all located right on Oak Street in downtown Hood River. Once you’re sufficiently caffeinated, fuel up with a great New Orleans’s style breakfast at Nora’s Table, where beignets, stuffed French toast, and omelets stuffed with fresh, local ingredients are just a few of the tantalizing items you’ll find on Chef Kathy Watson’s menu.

Now you’re ready to start your adventure. Getting on the water is what it’s all about for many Hood River visitors and locals alike. Bring your own equipment, or head to Big Winds or Hood River Waterplay (in summer, you’ll find them both at the Event Site on waterfront) to rent what you need. You can even sign up to learn how to windsurf, kiteboard, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP), with lessons ranging from beginner to advanced, kids to special clinics. Don’t need a lesson? Head over to Big Winds and try one of their SUP tours from either Viento State Park or Mosier.

If rafting is what you’re after, there are plenty of options. The White Salmon River is less than a 20-minute drive from HR center and boasts some of the best white water rafting around; indulge yourself in a 2.5 hour rush of class 3-4+ white water with professional guides that will not only introduce you to the wonder of the river, but will get your heart racing. Wet Planet, Zoller’s, and River Drifters All Adventures operate on the White Salmon and offer daily trips. And if you want to kayak, just contact the Kayak Shed downtown and they’ll get you all set up.

To cap off your day, head back down to the city center and indulge in wine tasting at Springhouse Cellar or The Pines before heading down to Andrew’s for pizza made with love that you can take right into the Skylight Theater while you watch a movie, or Celilo for their organically inspired local menu.

DAY 2: TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
Today we recommend Bette’s Place for a hearty breakfast before heading out to one of HR’s many hikes. Bette’s place serves up fan favorites like omelets and biscuits and gravy and has some of the best cinnamon rolls around.

Now you’re ready to burn those carbs! We’re got endless miles of hiking trails throughout the Gorge, with walks on easy terrain that are perfect for a family outing, to difficult hikes that will take you on a multi-day journey through some of the prettiest country you’ll ever see. Try the easy-going Hood River Trail (a 1.3 mile one-way hike along the Hood River pipeline), or local favorite Tamanawas Falls Loop (a 4.5 mile loop that takes you into the beautiful Mt. Hood National Forest to a waterfall complete with a cave behind the falls where you can hang out on a warm day). Hike to a waterfall, hike a mountain, or hike to a spectacular viewpoint—it’s all good in the Hood. Need some gear? Head to Shortt Supply, Doug’s Sports, or 2^nd Wind downtown for everything you need from shoes to permits.

Biking and horseback riding are big here too. You can bike on paved paths (like the Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail) or fly down an off-road path in Post Canyon—the choice is yours. You can rent a bike at Discover Bikes downtown—or bring your own and stay in a bike-friendly vacation rental, B&B, or the outstanding Oak Street Hotel that boasts free bike storage onsite, a bike washing and repair station, and breakfast-to-go if you want to head out early. Saddle up with Double Mountain Ranch and take a spectacularly scenic horseback ride through the Gorge—you can even ride through a lavender field to one of the best local wineries.

Now congratulate yourself on surviving your hike by kicking back at Pfriem Brewery where you can sip on beer made on site and sample fares like Rachlette Cheese Fondue or the Vegan Bowl or Sixth Street Bistro where you can sample their rotating NW beers on tap or wine selection including delicious NW varieties while pairing it with Teriyaki Stir Fry or one of their famous burgers. Or maybe you’ll want to do a little wine tasting at Cathedral Ridge, and then make your way back to town for dinner at Stonehedge Gardens for a classic blend of European recipes using fresh, local ingredients.

DAY 3: GIVE IT A REST
We think you’ve earned a day off, so pick up a Fruit Loop map at any local store or restaurant and take this 35-scenic loop through the Hood River Valley, filled with over 40,000 acres of orchards and vineyards. Eat, drink in the scenery, and be merry! Tomorrow you can go out and start on a new Hood River adventure.

Family Fun in the Columbia Gorge

Not known for liking kids much, if W.C. Fields had visited the Columbia River Gorge he most likely would have headed for the nearest brew pub. But here in Hood River, we love kids and that’s why families like spending time in Hood River.

Here are some “must do” Gorge activities when visiting with your kids, grandparents, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, mom and dad, or any other family members.
Start with some time at our beautiful Waterfront Park, where a playground full of fun activities awaits, and where you can swim in a safe area and watch the kiteboarders and windsurfers race across the water. Or visit the Big Winds tent right next door at the Event Site and let them give you a lessons in stand-up paddleboarding.

Next stop Andrew’s Pizza, where kids have their own play area and the whole place is kid friendly. Then grab your bikes (or take a walk up to Discover Bikes where you can rent bicycles for everyone), and head to the Twin Tunnels Trail—5 miles of paved pathway with no cars. It’s a safe, easy bike ride for everyone, with fantastic views of the river and the Gorge. This will help you work up an appetite for visiting the iconic Mike’s Ice Cream in downtown Hood River—where you can sit on the library lawn and enjoy some of the best handcrafted ice cream anywhere.

Start day two at Bette’s Place for a hearty breakfast for the whole family, then head on up to the Fruit Loop to visit Foothills Alpaca, where you can get up close to the animals and even feed the sweet, friendly alpacas. Make a reservation ahead of time, and then take the family up for a horseback ride at Double Mountain Horse Ranch, where they have horses for folks of all riding abilities—from newcomers to pros. That horse ride is likely to make you hungry, so stop by Packer’s Orchards & Bakery on your way back to town for cookies, pie, tarts, or whatever homemade treats strikes your fancy. Dinner outdoors or inside at Sixth Street Bistro is the perfect place to end the day.

If you’re lucky enough to stay longer, we recommend the easy and spectacularly beautiful hike to Tamanawas Falls, archery lessons at Windy River Archery, skateboarding at our fantastic Hood River Skate Park, swimming at the full-size pool at the Hood River Aquatic Center, a visit to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center with its great kid’s area, and a family drive to one of the most beautiful places on Earth: Lost Lake.

Of course, like W. C. Fields, you may also want to visit one of many award-winning local brew pubs—which are all family friendly. No matter where you go or what you do here, you’ll all be glad you came to visit amazing Hood River, Oregon.

5 “Must-Do” May Activities in Hood River

Come see wildflowers and blossoms, do some hiking and biking, taste wine, sample the local beer, watch antique airplanes fly, and enjoy the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

Hood River Photo Walk
May 11, 9am-Noon
Hood River Visitor Center
720 East Port Marina Drive, Hood River, 97031
541-386-2000

Join David Cobb and Michael Peterson for these fun and informative Hood River Photo Walks. Bring your camera and twenty bucks for a walk and photo shoot around Hood River, Oregon. The first hour we’ll spend in the field photographing and the second hour will be spent indoors critiquing the images we just made. Meet at 9am at the Hood River Visitors Center.

Second Saturday at WAAAM
May 11, 9am-5pm
1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, 97031
541-308-1600

Watch our planes take off and land, and hitch a ride in one of our antique cars. Every Saturday is different … so be sure to come often!

Whitewater Rafting on the White Salmon River
Enjoy the wild beauty of White Salmon River, where last year’s dam removal has created a new landscape to explore. Contact Wet Planet Rafting or Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys for the experience of a lifetime.

Gorge Mountain Bike Short-Track Series
May 16 – June 13
Cascade Locks

The Gorge Mountain Bike Short Track Series runs on five consecutive Thursday evenings in Cascade Locks: May 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome to enjoy fun trails, amazing scenery, and what the new EasyClimb Trail System has to offer. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the course offers a great mix of single track, double track, fun banked turns, small rollers and incredible views along the banks of the Columbia River. Do one, do them all.

Hood River Wine & Pear Festival
May 18, 11am-6pm & May 19, Noon-5pm
WAAAM, 1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, 97031

Raise your glass and join us for this annual event held in the heart of Wine and Pear Country, and join the celebration of local area products.

Why You Need to Visit during Blossom Time in Hood River (April 12-28)

Breathtaking. That was the first word that came to mind when I first saw the Hood River Valley in full bloom during Blossom Time in April. Acres and acres of rolling hills covered with blossoming pear, cherry, and apple trees. Pink, red, peach, and white flowers as far as the eye can see. So this is why thousands of people come here from all over the world, I realized. It’s for this amazing display of nature!

But the blossoms are just the beginning. The entire valley takes the arrival of spring to heart by creating a host of wonderful rural events centered around Blossom Time.

Here is just a sampling of Blossom Time events. For a complete list of events download your own Blossom Fest Guide, or pick one up at the Visitor Center off Exit 64.

·       Gorge Artists Open Studio Tours, April 12-14—As you can imagine, the beauty of the Gorge attracts artists of all kinds to live and work here in Hood River. This open studio event gives you a chance to visit with local artists in their studios.

·       Passport to a World of Wine, April 12-14—Come taste the amazing array of wines grown here in the Gorge. Over 40 wineries growing over 140 varietals that have won over 1000 awards. Participating wineries offer specials throughout the weekend.

·       Traditional Blossom Fest Weekend, April 20-21—Craft shows, pancake breakfasts, quilt shows—all the things that have made celebrating blossoms and spring a tradition here for over 50 years.

·       Hood River Lavender Farms Opening Plant Sale, April 19-21—Lavender plants, shortbread, jelly, tea—yum!

·       Brewery Tours, Everyday—Ever wonder what goes on in a brewery? Independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff overlooking the most epic wind- and kite-surfing spot in the world. Swing by and sample their award-winning brews, take a tour, grab a bit, and soak up the view.

·       Shop, Eat, & Wine Walk in Downtown Hood River, April 12-28—With some of the most unique clothing, gear, jewelry, and book stores you’ll find anywhere, six wine-tasting rooms, and one tasty restaurant after another all within an 8-block radius, downtown Hood River is the place to be after a blossom drive through the Valley.

Blossom Time in Hood River is an experience you will never forget. It’s simply breathtaking.

5 Things to Do in Hood River in March

March is great month to visit Hood River. Here are five options for enjoying the Gorge in the spring.

1. Visit the Waterfalls: Spring is an amazing time to visit the waterfalls in the Gorge. There are 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the river, many visible from the road and many easy to hike to any time of year.


2. Go Winetasting: Did you know there are more than 40 wineries in the Columbia Gorge? The unique climate here allows us to grow over 140 varietals—everything from Syrah to Zinfandel, Merlot to Chardonnay, and Pinot to Tempranillo. In downtown Hood River, we have 7 tasting rooms all within a six-block radius.


3. Visit WAAAM on Second Saturday: Every second Saturday, the Western Antique Air & Auto Museum flies their antique planes and drives their antique cars (you can even ride in a car with them). This is one of the best family events anywhere around.


4. Attend a lecture: River Light: 25 Years of Kayaking Wild Rivers. Outside Magazine photographer and National Geographic Explorer, Charlie Munsey, invites you to an evening at the Columbia Gorge Art Center exploring the evolution of kayaking wild rivers through visually stunning imagery and the stories behind them.


5. Join in on Friday Flower Frenzy: The 2013 Flower Frenzy challenge deepens your connection to the Gorge as you learn to identify many of the more than 800 wildflowers that bloom in the region, including 15 species found nowhere else in the world!

Don’t forget to enter our Enjoy Hood River Like a Local” Contest: The winner gets to go stand-up paddleboarding, stay the beautiful Hood River Inn, visit the WAAAM museum, go to a free movie and eat pizza, and receive a $25 gas card.

Winter in The Hood Like a Local

David Cobb, Owner D. M. Cobb Photography
“In winter, I like snowshoeing to places like Tamanawas Falls or up near Mt. Hood for some great winter scenery to photograph. In January, I head out to Catherine Creek to catch the first grass widow wildflowers that start to bloom in the Gorge. A hike up the ridge at Coyote Wall is also a fun way to spend an afternoon on a sunny day in winter.

To get the day started, I love to start at Nora’s Table for their amazing breakfast. And for warming up after a day outside, you can’t beat the relaxed winter atmosphere at Doppio Coffee downtown.”

Steve Gates, Owner Big Winds Hood River
“As a hardcore skier, winter is my favorite season in Hood River—with Mt Hood Meadows just 35 minutes away. Indoor tennis here in the Hood is another favorite for me.

And with my fellow staffers at Big Winds, we love winter stand-up paddle boarding too—with a bit of trial and error last winter and getting the right clothing dialed in, we have figured out how to enjoy beautiful paddles in snow showers, on clear winter days, and in the fog—truly spectacular. You gotta try it!”

Jenny & Muir Cohen, Owners Waucoma Bookstore
“We love dining out during winter here in HR. “Two for Tuesdays” at 6th Street Bistro is a favorite for us—the menu selections are always great. And speaking of good food, the monthly Full Sail Brewmaster Dinners are amazing.

We are also big fans of weekday skiing at Meadows. Locals love the weekdays up on Mt Hood.

Of course, we love reading during winter—and it’s a time when locals like to come in and take their time browsing at the store.”

David Barringer, Owner Naked Winery
“Winter in Hood River is terrific. I’m big on both alpine and cross-country skiing up on Mt. Hood.

Then after being outside in the snow, I love wine (from Naked Winery of course) and snacks while sitting around the fire.

It’s also a great time to catch up on movies at Andrew’s Theater and then grab a light dinner while we’re downtown.

And believe it or not, I still go running, hiking, and camping (yes, snow camping!) because being around a fire with s’mores seems even better when there’s snow everywhere.”

Chef Ben Stenn, Celilo Restaurant & Bar
“First, I like to visit my farmers—the ones who supply our restaurant with fresh, local foods all year long. A drive along the Fruit Loop and into the Upper Valley is a pleasure in winter and not to be missed—snow on the orchards, gorgeous winter skies, and a peek at the mountain if you’re lucky.

Picking and cooking winter vegetables is also a favorite winter pastime. This is the time of year you can get some great local hearty winter vegetables that make for wonderful wintertime dishes.

And, of course, I like cooking great winter recipes for our guests at the Celilo. There’s a relaxed pace in downtown Hood River in the winter that sets the season apart.

Michelle McGrath, Co-Director Gorge Grown
“Once winter hits, all I can think about is cross-country skiing with friends –friends I don't always get to see in the summer because they are too busy being farmers or avid gardeners!

There may not be a farmers' market to attend in the Gorge during the winter (yet!), but if you get to know your farmer you'll have access to local seasonal food year round. Following our local farmers on Facebook is a great way to find out about what delicious food they have for your table during the chillier months.

The colder months are when local food enterprises in Hood River get innovative—the local restaurants also explore fantastic cold-weather varietals in the winter like leeks, onions, potatoes, squash, greens and mushrooms—and then pair that with a local wine from Stoltz Vineyards or craft beer from Pfriem Family Brewers. Hungry yet?”

Remember to enter to win a Hood River Weekend Getaway. Click here to enter and to read the contest rules and regulations.