Hard-Pressed Cider Festival in the Hood River Valley

Hard-Pressed Cider Festival in the Hood River Valley

Hard-Pressed Cider Festival in the Hood River Valley

Hood River Valley’s hard cider scene is exploding, with nine cideries and counting. These craft cidermakers source the apples, pears and other fruits from the 440+ local orchardists, creating ciders that truly give you a taste of Hood River, and place the region at the forefront of the new national hard cider movement.  Now in its second year, the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest gives seasoned and novice cider drinkers alike the chance to sample cider from Hood River County’s very own cider makers, as well as a variety of additional Northwest cideries.  More than 20 cideries will be participating, with more than 30 ciders on tap.  The daylong event also features local food vendors, produce and arts vendors, a kid’s area and a line-up of local music, from bluegrass to classic rock – guaranteeing a great time for the whole family

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Hood 2 River Relay ~ Countdown on Events and Activities in the Columbia Gorge

Hood2RiverThe Hood 2 River Relay is an exciting spring time event that kicks off the summer recreational season on Mt. Hood and in the Columbia River Gorge. Two to six person teams quickly descend 6000 feet off of Mt Hood to the low lying elevations of the Columbia River Basin near sea level provides a unique opportunity for recreational enthusiast to enjoy a multitude of sports in the same day.  The Hood 2 River Relay consists of six Legs; Alpine ski, nordic ski, mountain bike, road bike, road run, boating (kayak/canoe/SUP) and a 500 meter sprint to the finish line after boating. Saturday, May 30, 2015.  Open to individuals and teams. No better time of the year for this opportunity than the late springtime.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

 

Second Saturday at WAAAM ~ Countdown on Events and Activities in the Columbia Gorge

Jenny at WAAAMThe Second Saturday of each month The WAAAM Air & Auto Museum opens the doors to roll out and run some of its antique airplanes and cars. Visitors watch airplane operations up close and may get to ride in old cars too. Open 9-5. Activities 10-2. Lunch 11-1. Free parking. WAAAM is located three miles from downtown Hood River and 16 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.

WAAAM has one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country.  The items on display at this museum are not only full of history, they’re full of LIFE!

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Geocaching the Columbia River Gorge and Surrounding National Forests

‘Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people, from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.  Geocaching.com is the headquarters for the activity”

Did you know that Geocaching started in Oregon?  A little history lesson, the full version can be read on the Geocaching.com history page from where I’ve gotten this information.

“Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.  Geocaching.com is the headquarters for the activity”  On this site you can read the history of Geocaching.

* On May 2, 2000, at approximately midnight, eastern savings time, the great blue switch* controlling selective availability was pressed. Twenty-four satellites around the globe processed their new orders, and instantly the accuracy of GPS technology improved tenfold. Tens of thousands of GPS receivers around the world had an instant upgrade. Now, anyone could “precisely pinpoint their location or the location of items (such as game) left behind for later recovery.” How right they were.

* On May 3 a GPS enthusiast, Dave Ulmer, computer consultant, wanted to test the accuracy by hiding a navigational target in the woods. He called the idea the “Great American GPS Stash Hunt” and posted it in an internet GPS users’ group. The idea was simple: Hide a container out in the woods and note the coordinates with a GPS unit.  On May 3rd he placed his own container, a black bucket, in the woods near Beavercreek, Oregon, near Portland.

* Within three days, two different readers read about his stash on the Internet, used their own GPS receivers to find the container, and shared their experiences online.  Like many new and innovative ideas on the Internet, the concept spread quickly – but this one required leaving your computer to participate.

* Within the first month, Mike Teague, the first person to find Ulmer’s stash, began gathering the online posts of coordinates around the world and documenting them on his personal home page. The “GPS Stash Hunt” mailing list was created to discuss the emerging activity.

* Geocaching.com was released to the stash-hunting community on September 2, 2000. At the time the site was launched there were 75 known caches in the world.  There are now over 1.5 million caches around the world, in only 12 years.’

This is certainly the condensed version.  Visit Geocaching.com history for the full story.  I checked to see if the Original Cache was still available, but alas, it has been archived and the Un-Original Stash placed in it’s honor.  The links will take you to their listing on Geocaching.com but if you are not logged in I’m not sure if you will be able to view.

Geocaching is Eco Friendly Travel at it’s best.  Choose a member inn of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association for your home base when Caching the Gorge

Fruit Friday at the Fruit Company ~ Things to do in the Columbia River Area

9As much as I hate to admit it I think Spring is coming.  Might already be here. The reason I say this is because we’ve had a very warm springlike first couple of months of 2015.  Oh, it could still snow but I might as well accept it, I really like winter, and move on.

Every Friday of the Month The Fruit Company sets aside fruit that doesn’t make it into their high quality Gift Boxes.  This fruit is most of the time higher quality than you would find in the local grocers.  It just doesn’t meet the standard for what The Fruit Company calls ‘gift grade and is sold at reduced costs.  First come, first serve basis while supplies last.  No phone orders or preorders and orders cannot be shipped.  Good excuse to take a ride up into the scenic Hood River Valley

We get phone inquiries all the time that sound like this: We’re thinking about coming to The Gorge but was wondering, is there anything to do in the area?”  Well.  That list is pretty long.  I can almost guarantee something for every one.  And I will attempt to grab them all in these blog posts.

Travel Oregon’s New Bike Friendly Business promotion

Oregon is becoming a top destination for cyclists, both off road and road biking, touring or simply day trippers.

Travel Oregon, the states leader in tourism, had created a program, Bike Friendly Business, to go along with the State’s Ride Oregon campaign.  When cycling through and around Oregon Bike Friendly Businesses are committed to welcoming cyclists, offer amenities riders may need and have officially been recognized by the state.

Travel-Oregon-Bike-Friendly-graphic-no-iconsBike the Columbia River Gorge, the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, the Willamette Valley and have a comfy bed and and hearty breakfast at an bed and breakfast along the way.  A Bed and Breakfast offers so much more than a hotel.  Oregon innkeepers know the best back roads, the best places to eat, the scenic attractions you won’t want to miss.  You determine how far you want to go in one day.  The whole adventure is about 200 miles and you’ll discover why those arriving in Oregon on the Oregon Trail called this place “paradise”.  Our inn the Old Parkdale Inn B&B is recognized as a BFB and is the halfway point for this tour.  Don’t necessarily want to tour?  No problem.  We invite you to explore the many backroads of the Hood River Valley.

As a participating business we need to adhere to program requirements and recommendations.
~ as a lodging partner we must provide a secure area to store bikes
~ serve up a hearty hi-carb breakfast with larger than life servings of fruits and vegetables
~ be able to share local knowledge about where visitors can find bike shops, bike maps, good places to ride, and where to pick up a bike rental
~ our guest rooms have oulets and power strips to plug in and re-charge phone and laptops safely and we have free WiFi connection in the house and out in the garden ~ provide laundry service ~ assist in shipping home any treasures you might find while touring the Hood River Valley on the Fruit Loop

Oregon Grown Wool Center Stage at Olympics

Did you watch the Opening Ceremony last night for the Olympics?  Did you see the sweaters being worn by Team USA!!  American made from start to finish but I will focus on where it all started.

The Imperial Stock Ranch in Central Oregon is a family owned and operated ranch located on more than 30,000 acres of Oregon’s beautiful high desert.  The only privately held ranch in Oregon recognized as a National Historic District, the Hinton/Ward family has been working the ranch since 1871.

Team USA in American Made Sweaters with wool from OregonOnce a year the Ranch harvests the soft, versatile wool from their flock of Columbia sheep and transform this renewable resource into fiber and yarn.  About 15 months ago the ranch was contacted by Ralph Lauren and the production of the sweaters began.

A diverse state with diverse growing regions, Oregon farmers and ranchers also produce award winning wines, berries, nuts, and fruit.  The dairy farms produce high quality milk for delectable dairy products.  These products are supplied to the restaurants, wineries and artisan food markets around the state so for a Northwest Culinary Adventure plan your trip through Oregon and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes it has to offer.

Digging a little deeper I found these Columbia Gorge businesses that retail the fine products of Imperial Stock Ranch: for fiber and yarn, Knot Another Hat and dining Three Rivers Grill in Hood River and Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon, Washington.

Stay, Play and Ski in Hood River Oregon

Stay, Play and Ski in Hood River, Oregon

Stay, Play and Ski in Hood River, Oregon

Stay Play and Ski in Hood River.  These member inns of the Columbia River Gorge/Hood River Bed and Breakfast Association offer discounted lift tickets for skiing and snowboarding at Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort and some have tempting packages in place:

Brookside Bed and Breakfast
Hood River BnB
Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast
Panorama Lodge
Villa Columbia Bed and Breakfast
VineyardView

$99 3-Out-of-5-Day Ski Lift Ticket to Mt. Hood Meadows
$99 3 day Learn to ski or snowboard pass at Mt Hood Meadows
$49 Single Day ~ All Day, Open to Close, Adult Lift Ticket to Mt Hood Meadows ($74 value)
$30 Single Day ~ All Day, Open to Close, Jr Lift Ticket to Mt Hood Meadows ($39 value, 7-14)

Visit Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge.   Enjoy snow sports, great food, wine and craft beers, unique shopping, art and culture in one of the most beautiful places in the world

Hood River, Oregon, Holidays

1450900_10151801581628461_394486125_nIt was certainly cold this past weekend but that didn’t stop the businesses of Hood River, Oregon, from decking the halls. Strolling the downtown visitors will find beautifully lit holiday trees, decorated storefronts, and lots of unique shopping options—including alpaca clothing, handmade jewelry, and one-of-a-kind arts and crafts.

Due to the storm and very cold temps the tree lighting, parade and First Friday celebration will be this coming weekend, December 12 and 13. The downtown streets will be blocked off for easy downtown shopping. Enjoy good food, wine, beer unique shopping options in downtown Hood River, Oregon.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge/Hood River Bed and Breakfast Association have your rooms ready.

Got Birds? Plenty here at the Backyard Feeders of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch

We sure do!  Our gardens are a flurry of avian activity!  Sparrows, finches, blackbirds, chickadees…the list goes on.  Our most colorful visitors so far this spring have been the Evening Grosbeaks.  They are a beautiful bird, don’t you think?  And we have had at least 50 feeding regularly at our many feeding stations.

The gardens of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast have been recognized as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Foundation.  That is we provide feed, water, shelter and nesting provisions for the many species of birds that visit our gardens.  One day last spring in just about a half hours time I identified 21 species of birds!  I invite you to come sit in a secluded nook of our garden and watch the activities!

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

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