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.
