Things To Do
The Hood River Fruit Loop
Listed below are just a few of my (Julia's) favorite must-visits, but I recommend you check out what they call the Fruit Loop to start planning a day (or 2 or 3!) in the Hood River area! Check out the website here:
The Gorge White House
The first place we went right after we got engaged :) This place is beautiful- the flower and vegetable gardens, the fruit tree orchards, the views of the hills behind. The hard cider flight is super tasty and the offerings from the food cart is surprisingly artisanal! They have tables and chairs galore, but be forewarned- it's a popular place so parking could be scarce and the wait for food (while very worth it!) could be as long as an hour... so plan ahead. ;)
Marchesi Vineyards & Winery
Julia's favorite winery- Italian style wines, cozy and quaint seating areas, rows and rows and rows of grape vines, lovely people and the occasional cat strolling around. What's not to be obsessed with? (Sangiovese I'm looking at you!)
Apple Valley Country Store
If you love pears, ask if they have any of their seasonal pear dumplings available. I go almost every year just to grab one of these! They also have the yummiest jams and jellies and super cute locally crafted gifts to shop from.
Draper Girls Country Farm
This is one of my absolute favorite stores and farms to visit along the Fruit Loop- I come for the ice cold non-alcoholic pear cider, and always end up leaving with something fun, tasty, or cute from their gift shop. The garden out back is such a nice little stroll, and if you're lucky you'll get to pet the adorable goats. Apparently they also have a u-pick orchard, but I prefer to pick my apples from their many bins in store, lol.
Stave & Stone Winery
Do you love mountain views? Do you love a pretty tasting room with covered outdoor seating? Do you love beautiful grounds? Do you like to feel like a fancy person who goes wine tasting and orders charcuterie? You should come here. It's pretty awesome. Thank us later. ;)
Dog River Coffee
Le sigh :) We were sitting at a table in the front window, planning out the day, when Josh told me he'd found a place for us to stay that night in The Dalles. Little did I know he was planning on proposing to me in just a couple hours up in Parkdale, and that night we would sleep at the motel where we would end up deciding to have our wedding, Celilo Inn. Also- this place has great coffee, lol. :)
Big Jim's Drive In Restaurant
Hungry? Just go here. Eat. Leave happy. Truuuuust. :) Also, this is basically within walking distance of Celilo Inn. Well, ok, that depends, lol- but it's at least only like a one minute drive. ;)
Sunshine Mill
What's that you say? You're looking for the only designated skyscraper in the Columbia Gorge that used to be a wheat mill and is now a wine tasting room chock full of vintage furniture and whimsy with some of the best "big" red wines I've ever had? I just so happen to know of such a place...... ;) We'll also be hosting the Friday night mingler here for those who will be in town that night- we can't wait!