Posts Tagged ‘Hood river’

Hood River, Oregon, Holidays

December 9th, 2013 by Gorge Lodging

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

March 25th, 2013 by Gorge Lodging

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.

A Northwest Culinary Delight ~ Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

May 5th, 2012 by Gorge Lodging

Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee CakeIt is spring in the Pacific Northwest.  The rhubarb in the gardens of our inn, the Old Parkdale Inn, is just about ready to harvest and the Oregon strawberries are showing up at our Farmers Markets.  Put the two together and we get a favorite of our guests, Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee Cake.

3 c fresh rhubarb, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 c fresh strawberries
sweeten with agave nectar (or one c sugar)
1/3 c cornstarch

Cook the strawberries and rhubarb for about 5 minutes.  Combine the sweetener of your choice with the cornstarch and add to fruit.  Cook until bubbly and thick.  Set aside to cool

3 c flour
1 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 c butter

1 c buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract

Combine dry ingredients.  Cut in butter until the mixture resembles fine  crumbs.  Beat wet ingredients together and add to flour mix, stirring just to moisten.  Spread half the batter in a greased 9x13x2 inch baking pan.  Spread the cooled rhubarb filling over this and spoon the remaining batter in small portions on top of the filling.

Make a topping by combining

3/4 c sugar, 2 cup flour, cut in 1/4 cup butter and then add 1/4 cup flaked coconut

Sprinkle over the coffee cake batter, bake at 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes.  The innkeepers of the
Columbia River Gorge/Hood River B&B Association truely enjoy turning your vacation into a culinary vacation.  Coffee anyone?

Ski, Surf, and Sip in and near the Columbia River Gorge

May 3rd, 2012 by Gorge Lodging

The town of Hood River, the hub of the Columbia River Gorge, is known in the world of sports as the windsurfing capital of America. Stiff prevailing winds and the Columbia’s strong Mt Hood, Oregon's tallest peak at 11, 240' watches over the Hood River Valleyriver currents combine to create a kind of wind tunnel that makes for legendary windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.  South of the city, above the pear and apple orchards of the Hood River Valley, the massive glaciered peak of Mount Hood rises to fill the horizon, a perfect postcard image of Oregon.

Where can you ski in the morning and windsurf into the afternoon and evening?  And it’s blossom time in the Hood River Valley.  Take the Fruit Loop, a 35 driving tour through the valley’s orchards, forests and quiet communities.  Stroll the quaint shops, breweries, and wine tasting rooms in downtown Hood River before dinner in one of many fine dining rooms. The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge/Hood River B&B Association will provide unique accommodations, a superb Northwest Culinary experience, and tips on where to dine and explore.

Columbia Gorge Pear and Wine Festival ~ May 19-20, 2012

April 28th, 2012 by Gorge Lodging

Raise your glass and join the festivities in the Hood River Valley.  This annual event held in the heart of Wine and Pear Country celebrates the Columbia River Gorge and its local chefs, fruit, wine and art.

Not only will this event celebrate the Gorge, it will give back as well. Proceeds go to the Rotary Club of Hood River Scholarship Program, funding scholarships to area youth for higher education.

Create memories and plan to stay the weekend at an inn of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association some just minutes from the WAAAM Museum where this event is being held.

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