Brett and Lili
Things To Do
Multnomah Falls
An Oregon must-see! Before moving here, Lili and Brett visited these falls—and it was one of the places that made them fall in love with their new state.
Sugarpine Drive-In
An Oregon treat! Nestled in a lovingly restored 1920s gas station on the banks of the Sandy River just east of Portland, Sugarpine Drive-In serves up nostalgic roadside charm with creative flair. Whether you're craving a decadent soft-serve sundae, inventive seasonal sandwiches, or refreshing local beverages, it’s a delicious stop that captures the spirit of the Gorge.
McMenamins Edgefield
One of Lili and Brett’s favorite little getaways—McMenamins Edgefield! Just outside Portland, it’s the perfect mix of history, gardens, food, and wine. And the best part? There are McMenamins all around Oregon and Portland to explore, each with its own quirky charm.
Grasslands Barbecue
Grasslands Barbecue — Hood River’s weekend smoke-fest on the waterfront. This Tex-ish barbecue food truck smokes everything with Oregon white oak for a clean, flavorful finish—and everything’s handmade, from burnt ends to seasonal sides. Open Fridays through Sundays (11:30 a.m. until they sell out), it’s become a go-to for locals and visitors alike. After one bite, you’ll see why it’s “Hood River’s smoked meat destination” with “amazing food” and stellar sides.
pFriem Family Brewers - Hood River
Discover pFriem Family Brewers – where Belgian-inspired craft beer meets Oregon’s Columbia Gorge. With a tasting room steps from the Columbia River in Hood River, pFriem serves award-winning brews alongside seasonal bites in a relaxed, scenic setting. There are many breweries all around! Other options: - Hood River Brewing Company - Ferment Brewing Company - Spinning Wheels Brewing Project - and so many more!
Mount Hood Railroad
Looking for something fun and unique to do in the beautiful Oregon landscape? Look no further! The railcart tour takes you on an outdoor adventure where you’ll pedal through stunning scenery, stop at a museum and gift shop, enjoy a glass of wine at a local winery, and then cruise back down.
Hood River Lavender Farms
Hood River Lavender Farms is a charming, family-run organic lavender farm just outside Hood River. Since 2003, they’ve welcomed visitors to stroll through fragrant, purple rows, pick your own bundles, and browse a delightful shop full of lavender essentials and treats. Even better—it’s right next to Stave & Stone Wine Estates, so you can savor a glass of wine among the blooms and mountain views.
Hood River Downtown
Wander through charming streets lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and over 30 restaurants. Whether you're hunting for unique gifts, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply soaking in the scenic views, this walkable district offers a delightful experience.
Marchesi Vineyards & Winery
Marchesi Vineyards: Perched on the sunlit heights of Hood River, this cozy boutique winery specializes in Italian varietals—think Barbera, Dolcetto, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir—grown on southeast-facing slopes that remind winemaker Franco Marchesi of his roots in Piedmont. In their warm, Italian-style tasting room, you can savor heartfelt pours in a relaxed setting. Bonus wine-trail tip: Marchesi is perfectly positioned for a stroll or a short drive to other delightful Hood River tasting rooms—like Phelps Creek Vineyards, a boutique family estate celebrated for its estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Stave & Stone Wine Estates, where cozy tasting rooms meet sweeping Gorge views.
Loop de Loop Wines
Loop de Loop Wines – A Gorge getaway worth the extra mile. Just across the Columbia River in Underwood, Washington, this family-run vineyard perches at around 1,200 ft on the edge of the Cascade Range. Organic, low-intervention wines—fermented with wild yeast and bottled unfined—come with sweeping views of the Columbia and Mount Hood. Crossing into Washington adds a layer of adventure—and the drive up to the tasting room is beautiful, too.