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Hood River County, Oregon Story Tip Sheet
May 2015
With acres upon acres of farms and orchards, Hood River is a top pick for summer and fall travelers — literally. From u-pick cherries, berries, pears, apples and more, visitors can fill their coolers (or freezers) in no time. Kids will pick Hood River, too, thanks to its parks, beaches and trails.
Hood River is also a top pick for artists. Inspired by the natural beauty around them, some of the region’s top painters will convene in Hood River in August for the annual Pacific Northwest Plein Air. See below for further details, and for a list of top local events through December.
And Sunset Magazine just picked Hood River as Best Adventure Town in the West for its first-ever Travel Awards.
Please let me know if you need any additional information or images. For the latest from Hood River, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Another great resource: our online Traveler’s Guide.
Cheers,
Amy Hunter
amy@weinsteinpr.com
+1 503.927.5872
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Hood River Named Best Adventure Town by Sunset Magazine
Hood River has been declared the Best Adventure Town by Sunset magazine, the premier guide to living in the West. Hood River is one of 30 winners of the first-ever Sunset Travel Awards, which honor the West’s top destinations in lodging, dining, cultural tourism, outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship, and more.
Chosen by a panel of noted travel experts over numerous other entries from 13 Western states and British Columbia, Hood River stood out as a five-star destination for adventure seekers.
“Hood River represents an unparalleled experience for any Western traveler,†said Sunset. “To be a finalist for a Sunset Travel Award puts you in extremely good company; to be a winner puts you amongst a group of elite A-list destinations and experiences."
More >
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U-Pick Heaven: Hood River Valley
Say ‘u-pick’ and what comes to mind? Apples? Strawberries? How about cherries, lavender, flowers, blueberries, pumpkins and Christmas trees as well?
Hood River Valley is an agricultural wonderland, and visitors can experience – and take home – the region’s bounty hand-picked with care. The 35-mile long Hood River County Fruit Loop features 10 u-pick farms. Don’t feel like doing to work yourself? Stop at numerous farms stands where you can buy the fruits of someone else’s labor.
Throughout the summer and fall, the Fruit Loop is chock-full of special events, including:
For a complete list of u-pick farms on the Hood River County Fruit Loop, go to gorgegrown.com/resource. For a handy chart of what’s in season when, see hoodriverfruitloop.com/travel-tips/harvest-seasons.
Pickers can refuel with a lunch stop at Apple Valley BBQ in Parkdale, or taste handcrafted ciders at The Gorge White House, which uses local fruit to create a number of delicious varieties, including Dry Newton Apple, Tart Cherry, Perry, Lemon Perry, Apple-Pear, Blueberry and Mixed Berry.
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Top 10 Family Activities in Hood River: Spring/Summer Edition
Hood River is a huge playground for kids and grownups alike. Here are 10 great activities for kids (or your inner child). from alpaca petting and berry picking to standup paddle board and waterfall hikes.
- Spend the day at the Hood River Waterfront Park. With a great playground, sand beach, amphitheater, and spectacular views, there’s no better place to spend a day with your kids than at Waterfront Park. Even better, there’s a local coffee shop, Stoked Roasters, and two family-friendly restaurants – Solstice Wood Fire Cafe and pFriem Family Brewers – just steps away!
- Visit WAAAM, the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum, which is home to one of the largest collections of still-flying and driving antique vehicles in the country. Be sure to visit on the second Saturday of the month (10 AM-2 PM), when WAAAM volunteers fly and drive the antiques!
- Pick berries! (Or apples, or pumpkins…See above!) The Hood River County Fruit Loop is perfect for fruit-loving kids. Bonus: Draper Girls Country Farm has a petting area with goats and pigs, and Kiyokawa Family Orchards has a play fort.
- Feed an alpaca! Head to Cascade Alpaca to see some of the sweetest – and softest – animals around. On weekends there are often weaving demonstrations. And, any day, you can take home an alpaca finger puppet made out of – you guessed it – alpaca wool.
- Chase waterfalls. Cool off on the Tamanawas Falls Hike, which is just 30 minutes south of Hood River. The easy, 3.6-mile round-trip walk rewards hikers with a broad, thundering waterfall.
- Take a SUP lesson. Hood River is the perfect place to dip your toes into the up-and-coming water sport of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and several outfitters provide lessons for SUPing wannabes of all ages. Check out Hood River Waterplay and Gorge Paddling Center.
- Go paddle boating on Lost Lake. With picture-perfect Mt. Hood looming in the background, this is possibly the most photogenic place a one can rent a paddleboat or canoe. The calm waters make this the perfect place to spend the day exploring the lake, and there’s also a 3-mile trail that goes around the lake for landlubbers. Reward the kids for their great pedaling with an ice cream from the general store.
- Get a cone at Mike’s Ice Cream. Stopping at this cute ice cream shop is a weekly – or daily – ritual for many visitors and locals alike. Parents can relax in Adirondack chairs while kids run around on the lawn. Don’t miss the huckleberry milkshake!
- Grab your skateboard and head to the Hood River Skate Park. This well-shaded park on the western part of town includes picnic tables, a bathroom and lots of beginner and intermediate options for skaters and BMX bikers.
- Take a nature walk along the lush Indian Creek Trail, located above a creek that feeds into the Hood River. From downtown Hood River, take the stairs starting at 2nd and Cascade streets a couple of flights until you see a sign for the Indian Creek Trail. The two mile trail leads to the Columbia Gorge Community College Hood River campus.
Families can refuel and recharge in Hood River, which has a number of family-friendly restaurants and lodging options.
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The Gorge in Plein Air: An Artist (and Art-Lovers) Dream
With thundering waterfalls, towering cliffs, beautiful orchards, incredible skies and two mountain tops, the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area features some of the region’s most inspirational vistas. This is why Hood River is the perfect place to host the Pacific Northwest Plein Air. Now in its eleventh year, this celebration of “in the open air†painting and writing features multi-day paint-out and write-out, where works of art and writing are created at different locations around the Gorge.
The week-long event kicks off on Monday, August 3, and wraps up with a Quick Draw event on Thursday, August 6 (4-6 PM), in downtown Hood River. Work of the featured artists will be debuted at Columbia Center for the Arts (215 Cascade Street, Hood River) at the First Friday Public Reception, August 7 (6-8 PM). The exhibition runs August 7-30.
On Monday, August 3 at 8 AM, there is an orientation for the painting and writing events at the Columbia Center for the Arts. To see the artists in action, visitors can follow their schedule at pleinairhoodriver.blogspot.com.
Hood River Plein Air Workshop
Join renowned artist and 2015 Pacific Northwest Plein Air judge, Bryan Mark Taylor, for this one-day workshop.
Where: Hood River, Oregon (exact location TBA)
When: Saturday, August 8, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cost: $150 - limited to 15 students
Registration: click here
Note: Each student is expected to bring their own easel and supplies
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Falling for Hood River: Autumn Drives, Hikes and More
Autumn is an idyllic time to visit Hood River, thanks to its beautiful fall colors, amazing waterfall hikes apple picking opportunities and much more, all under sunny skies. It’s also a time when, thanks to the end of summer vacations and the return of the school year, things slow down in the area a bit, providing a relaxed feel for visitors.
Many time their trip with the Hood River Harvest Fest and/or Hood River Hops Fest, both of which offer an excellent opportunity to sample local food, wine, beer and celebrate the bounty of the area. For a full list of activities, go to hoodriver.org/travelers-guide/itineraries-and-must-dos/fall-in-love-with-hood-river-top-autumn-hikes-drives-activities
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Must-Do Hood River Events: May-Dec 2015
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First Fridays, June – October
On First Fridays from June to October, downtown Hood River is abuzz with new gallery openings, shops staying open late, tasting rooms hosting live entertainment and much more. Check out Butler Bank, Hood River’s newest — and oldest — event venue. Butler Bank will host “Emporium,†a pop-up shop and bar featuring local makers, unique cocktails, live entertainment and food from Boda’s Kitchen.
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Tuesday Nights at The Ruins
On Tuesday nights from May to September, Springhouse Cellar Winery hosts live entertainment outside in “the ruins†of an old warehouse, located next to the winery. Dance to the music of regional musicians and enjoy excellent food provided by local food cart vendors while sipping Springhouse wines and local beer and cider.
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May 30
Hood 2 River Relay. Experience all that the Hood River area has to offer adrenaline junkies…in one day and one event! The Hood 2 River Relay allows participants to compete in teams, pairs, or as individuals in a race from the slopes of Mt. Hood down to the Columbia River. Cycle, run, and kayak through the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the Columbia River Valley. Legs of the race include mountain biking, road biking, running and paddling.
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June 25 – 28
Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association Beach Bash. After years of providing the Northwest with the only windsurfing demo event, Windfest, the CGWA is launching the bigger Beach Bash, a four day celebration. The main event is the huge beach party on Saturday, June 27, with live music, fun games, kids activities, fun races, relays, local food and beer, and much more. Not to mention, all the latest windsurfing and SUP gear for people and families of all abilities. Hosted by Big Winds at the Hood River Event Site.
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July 4
Hood River Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks. Celebrate a quintessential all-American Independence Day in Hood River! The day-long celebration includes an old-fashioned parade, complete with classic cars, themed floats, marching bands, costumed bicyclers and musical acts. Better yet, join the parade! Register for the Kollas/Cranmer Memorial Run & Walk, which goes from Odell to Hood River. Walkers and runners end the race along the parade route in The Heights. It’s followed by a BBQ festival at Jackson Park, featuring live music, and games. The day ends with a bang with the Hood River fireworks show over the Columbia River.
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July 18 – 19
Fruit Loop Cherry Celebration. This annual celebration of Hood River's famed cherry crop is an adventure with activities for the entire family. Farms offer many varieties of fresh-picked and u-pick cherries, wines, lavender, jams and other cherry treats. Many farms feature picnic areas. In addition to the orchard-fresh fruit available all along the Loop, some Fruit Loop farms serve up special activities or attractions.
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July 19 – 25
Gorge Downwind Paddling Festival. Join Rivers for Change for the Gorge Downwind Paddling Festival (GDPF) – a week-long event in the Columbia River Gorge. There are two premier events – the inaugural North American Surfski/OC1 Downwind Championships and the incredibly fun and popular Wildside Relay. The week will also feature clinics led by experts and organized shuttles along the course.
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July 18 – 19
Lavender Daze Celebration. Live music, food & wine vendors, 30+ vendors, craft classes, thousands of certified organic lavender for U-pick, awesome scenery & kid's activities.
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July 22 – 25
Hood River County Fair. A quintessential county fair, located in the heart of Hood River County.
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July 22 – 23, August 18 – 19
The Tall Ships are in Hood River! Take a two-hour evening sail on the Columbia River onboard the Hawaiian Chieftain (July 22 & August 19) or Lady Washington (July 23 & August 18). Each sail features a living history experience with demonstrations of tall ship handling, sea shanty singing, and maritime storytelling.
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August 22 – 23
Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. The Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge (CGPC) celebrates the sport of standup paddle boarding (SUP) in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Last year’s Paddle Challenge featured a Distance Downwind Race, a Course Race, and a Team Relay Race. There were SUP exhibits from many companies, free SUP lessons and demos, and live music. The event headquarters is at the Hood River Waterfront Park.
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September 20
Gorge Kids Triathlon. Kids can put themselves to the test – and have a blast – at this Hood River mini-triathlon. Staged at Hood River Waterfront Park, this event is produced completely by volunteers who are raising money for improving wellness programming in the local schools.
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September 7
73rd Annual Roy Webster Cross-Channel Swim. At dawn on Labor Day each year, a large group of hearty souls jumps in the mighty Columbia River and swims the 1.1-mile stretch across to Hood River. The Columbia River’s biggest and oldest official swim event, the Roy Webster Swim attracts hundreds of participants from around the world. Registration now open.
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September 26
Hood River Hops Fest. Featuring one of the largest fresh-hop beer selections in the nation, the annual Hood Hops Fest showcases more than 60 fresh-hop beers from over three-dozen breweries for beer lovers to sample, along with local wine and cuisine. The event showcases Hood River County’s own microbreweries, as well as some of the best Northwest breweries.
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October 16 – 18
Hood River Valley Harvest Fest. Celebrate Hood River’s harvest season at the Gorge’s biggest fall festival. This old-fashioned three-day festival brings together 125 vendors offers a cornucopia of seasonal produce & food, wine, cider and beer tastings, and local arts and crafts. There are also family-friendly activities and live music. It’s also a great place to get a head start on holiday shopping. Visitors can browse an array of arts and crafts by regional artists, including glass, wood sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber art and much more. Hood River Valley Harvest Fest is held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, with kiteboarders and windsurfers zipping along in the background.
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October 25
Columbia Gorge Marathon. Experience the Columbia River Gorge on two feet at this spectacular full and half marathon event that follows a portion of the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. Participants can soak up the spectacular fall colors and views of snow-capped mountains. Even dogs are welcome!
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November 6 – 8
Mt. Hood International Film Festival. Celebrate independent filmmaking at this three-day independent film festival. Staged at numerous locations in downtown Hood River, the festival features internationally acclaimed as well as locally produced films and workshops.
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December 4 – 26
Hood River Holidays. Each December, Hood River is transformed into an idyllic holiday wonderland, featuring a month of special holiday events and activities. 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 holidays. The Hood River Holiday Kick-off Party takes place in downtown Hood River on Friday, December 4, 2015. Visitors can jump-start their holiday spirit with the lighting of the community tree, an old-fashioned downtown parade, caroling and – of course – a visit with Santa.
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