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Hood River County, Oregon Story Tip Sheet

November 2015

With snow-capped Mt. Hood looming over it, winter is on the horizon in Hood River. People are shifting from water sports to snow sports, from ice creams cones to hot cocoa, and from beach BBQs to fall harvest dinners. ‘Tis the season for relaxing with family and friends, playing in the snow, and taking time to recharge — and Hood River is the ideal place for all three. Please see below for story ideas about winter getaways, personal retreats, and festive holiday happenings.
 
We’re also peeking around the corner to 2016 and all that springtime Hood River has to offer – from fruit tree blossoms to the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest. More details below!
 
Please let me know if you need additional information or images. For the latest from Hood River, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Another great resource: the online Hood River Vacation Guide.
 
Cheers,

Amy Hunter
amy@weinsteinpr.com
+1 503.927.5872

Story Ideas:

Celebrate the Holidays in Hood River

Hood River welcomes the holiday season with numerous special events, including a parade through historic downtown, caroling, Santa sightings, and open houses at stores, wineries and galleries. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and do your holiday shopping in Hood River. Stay at one of Hood River’s numerous accommodations for every budget, from hotels to B&B’s.

Hood River Holidays Kick-Off: December 4, 2015

Hood River's small-town charm shines brighter than ever during Hood River Holidays Kick-Off on December 4, when the town lines the streets for the annual parade, tree lighting, caroling and – of course – a visit with Santa. Stores will stay open late to accommodate holiday shoppers.  hoodriver.org/events-festivals/chamber-events/hood-river-holidays

The Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express: Now through December 28

All aboard the Mt. Hood Railroad’s Polar Express! The Polar Express train is recreated to match all the sights and sounds of the beloved story by Chris van Allsburg. During the ride, guests listen and watch as the book characters come to life. The train stops and the children will behold the magic of the North Pole – including a visit from Santa – from their warm train seats. mthoodrr.com

Breakfast with Santa at Mt. Hood Meadows: December 20

Join Santa for a holiday breakfast buffet at Mt. Hood Meadow’s Vertical North Pole restaurant, located at the top level of the North Lodge. Then boot up and head out for a couple of runs with old St. Nick himself! skihood.com/schedule-events/special-events/december1/breakfast-with-santa
 

Columbia Gorge Hotel Lights, Holiday High Tea and An Evening with St. Nick

The timeless Columbia Gorge Hotel, a National historic landmark, looks even more beautiful during the holiday season, when the hotel and riverside grounds are festooned with lights. Two special holiday events include a Holiday High Tea on December 19 and An Evening with St. Nick on December 20. columbiagorgehotel.com/index.php/events/events

Last Chance Bazaar Holiday Bazaar: December 12 - 13, 10am - 4pm

A favorite event of procrastinating holiday shoppers, the bazaar brings together a unique collection of crafters, jewelry makers, bakers, soft good makers, soap makers, photographers, and other creative people—more than 40 booths in all. business.hoodriver.org/events/details/last-chance-holiday-bazaar-8385
 

Winter Base Camp & Special Mt. Hood Meadows Offer

With access to Mt. Hood Meadow’s 9,700 vertical feet of ski runs and a thriving culinary and shopping scene, Hood River is the perfect base camp for Mt. Hood snow lovers.  Spend a few days in one of its cozy accommodations, and explore its prolific breweries and pubs, great restaurants, wine tasting, shopping and other après-ski diversions.
 
Just 45 minutes away at Mt. Hood Meadows and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort offer terrain for skiers and boarders of all levels, including groomed Nordic trails. Cooper Spur offers tubing, as does Little John Sno Park, which is 30 minutes from Hood River.
 
Stay in Hood River and Ski for just $99!
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, Hood River County Chamber of Commerce and local lodging partners are making it easy for visitors to hit the slopes this winter. 
  • 3-out-of-5 Day Adult Lift Pass - $99
  • 3 Time Learn to Ski Package (includes 3 lift tickets, 3 lessons and free rentals each day) - $99
  • Single-day Adult Lift Pass - $49
  • Single-day Junior Lift Pass - $30
These special deals are available until April 2016 to visitors who stay at one of the participating Hood River lodging facilities, with no blackout or restricted dates. For complete details and participating lodgings, go to hoodriver.org/ski-hood

Find Yourself in Hood River this Winter

After an action-packed summer and the chaos of the holidays, a winter vacation provides time to disconnect, relax and reset. With fresh air, beautiful scenery and fresh, healthy food and no traffic jams, Hood River is the perfect place to find a quiet place to find yourself.
 
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the region’s slower side: For more ideas to help you plan the perfect winter escape, go to HoodRiver.org.

The Ultimate Springtime Experience: Fruit Blossoms, Wildflower Hikes and the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest

With sunny skies, blossoms galore and a festival celebrating the newest crop of ciders, Hood River is the epitome of spring. Here are the top three ways for visitors to get their spring fix:

Blossom Viewing & Blossom Time Celebration

With acres upon acres of apple, pear and cherry orchards, Hood River County is one of the most beautiful places in the world for blossom viewing, and the perfect place for the winter-weary to welcome the season. Starting in April, the valley is blanketed with blossoms. To take it all in, visitors can drive the gorgeous Hood River County Fruit Loop, either its entire 35-mile entirety or in short hops from Hood River.
 
Hood River County celebrates the arrival of spring with Hood River Valley Blossom Time. This annual event takes place over three weekends, beginning April 16 and ending May 1, 2016. The celebration’s main stars are the beautiful pink and white fruit tree blossoms, which line the Hood River County Fruit Loop. This gorgeous drive features farm stands and wineries that all get in on the Blossom Time fun with special events and tastings.

Third Annual Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest

Hood River Valley Blossom Time kicks off with the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest Saturday, April 16, 2016. Now in its third year, this family-friendly event is an opportunity for seasoned and novice cider drinkers alike to sample the best of Hood River County and other Northwest cideries. It also features local cuisines, a kid’s area, and a local line-up of music from bluegrass to classic rock. Spring showers aren’t a problem, as the tasting takes place in a covered hall.

Top Wildflower Hikes

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is one of Oregon’s top spots for spring wildflowers. Starting in late March, the region starts turning yellow thanks to the prolific and showy balsamroot, followed by beautiful purple lupine and others. Here are three outstanding wildflower hikes, ranging from easy to challenging:
  • Mosier Plateau – This trail begins five miles easts of Hood River in the town of Mosier, follows Mosier Creek through the Pocket Park (community park), and then ends up on Mosier Plateau, which is owned by Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust. A wildflower wonderland – more than 30 different flower species have been counted – the best time to hike is March through May, with the peak of the wildflowers being mid-to-late April.
  • Tom McCall Preserve at Rowena – 16 miles east of Hood River (via the famed Rowena Curves on the Historic Columbia River Highway!), this preserve is known for its spectacular spring wildflowers, including some that aren’t seen in other parts of the Gorge. The family-friendly Tom McCall Point hike is 3.4 miles and relatively flat. The preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy, which asks that visitors leave their pooch at home.
  • Dog Mountain – This popular hike on the Washington side of the Gorge is known in equal measure for its challenging climb (with an elevation gain of 3,000 unrelenting feet), fantastic balsam root display (the mountain is blanketed in April/May) and stupendous views of the Gorge and Mts. Hood and Adams.

Events Calendar

November 27 - 29

Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Thanksgiving Weekend. Head to Oregon’s new wine hot-spot during Thanksgiving weekend, when 30 Gorge wineries host open house events. Enjoy new releases, deep discounts and delicious food-and-wine pairings. In an effort to give back to the community, some wineries donate tasting fees from the weekend to their favorite charity.

November 14 - December 27

Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express. All aboard the Mt. Hood Railroad! Read along with this classic Chris Van Allsburg story as the train makes its way to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa and a special treat for each child.

December 4

Hood River Holidays. Avoid the crowded malls and do your holiday shopping in Hood River’s charming downtown. Enjoy fantastic food, wine tasting, theater performances and more throughout the holiday season. The Hood River Holiday Kick-off Party and Parade takes place in downtown Hood River on Friday, December 4, 2015. Celebrate the holiday season with the lighting of the community tree, an old-fashioned downtown parade, caroling and – of course – a visit with Santa.

December 31

NYE Brrring in the New Year with Widmer. Brring in 2016 at Mt. Hood Meadows with this festive evening on the slopes. Widmer Brothers Brewing presents NYE Brrring in the New Year at Mt. Hood Meadows. A dinner buffet will be served as well as live music from 9 PM to midnight (the party is 21 and over; advance purchase recommended). Fireworks will begin at 10:15 PM. At midnight there is a balloon drop and toast to the New Year!

April 16, 2016

Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest. Now in its third year, this family-friendly festival celebrates Hood River Valley’s booming hard cider scene, giving seasoned and novice cider drinkers alike the chance to sample cider from the Northwest’s top cideries. More than 20 cideries will be participating, with more than 30 ciders on tap.

April 16-May 1, 2016

Hood River Valley Blossom Time. Hood River Valley marks the arrival of spring with its annual Blossom Time, three weekends of special events across the region. The celebration’s main stars – the beautiful pink and white fruit tree blossoms – line the Hood River Valley Fruit Loop. This gorgeous 35-mile tour route is the centerpiece of Blossom Time, with more than 20 farm stands and wineries along the Loop getting in on the fun with special events and offers.

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