May 17th, 2012
One of Hood River’s long-standing traditions is the Wine and Pear Festival, scheduled for this weekend, May 19-20. This two-day event brings together everything that makes Hood River famous and presents it all in one place. It’s easy to attend, and well worth the short drive from Portland.
If you’re staying with us here at the Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins, you’re even closer.
Naturally the Wine and Pear Fest centers around wine tasting. You’ll meet many the increasingly popular wineries located here in the Columbia Gorge area. You’ll also find plenty of tasty things to eat, presented by local restaurants. The event includes live entertainment, local artisans and of course sampling of Hood River’s world-famous pears and other fruit.
The Wine and Pear Festival runs Saturday noon to 8pm, Sunday noon to 6pm, at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum. A one-day pass is $20 and includes 5 tasting tokens, museum admission and a complimentary wine glass. The two-day pass is $35, giving you reduced admission for the second day. You can bring the whole family, admission is free for kids 18 and under.
The annual Wine and Pear is just one of many reasons we love living and working here in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
Tags: Columbia River Gorge Activities, Columbia River Gorge wineries, Hood River, wine tasting
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May 8th, 2012
Tom and I and the dogs hiked in to Wahclella Falls the other day. Early spring runoff creates a succession of small waterfalls as you follow the trail along Tanner Creek, leading up to Wahclella Falls itself, a two-tier beauty complete with refreshing mist and lush moss and ferns on the basalt outcroppings.
Trillium, a special spring treat in the Columbia River Gorge.
Already trillium and big-leaf maple leaves are emerging, and we saw plenty of native black currents and salmonberries brandishing their vivid fuchsia-pink flowers.
One of our Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins is named Salmonberry after this lovely and tasty raspberry relative.
Everyone likes salmonberries.
Wahclella Falls is one of the most memorable Columbia River Gorge waterfall hikes in the Mt. Hood National Forest. It’s an inspiring experience for the entire family. No hiking boots? No problem, sneakers will do. This one-mile (each way) trail isn’t quite stroller-friendly, but it’s an easy hike even for the little ones. And it’s dog-friendly, but do remember to take along a cleanup bag, just in case.
When you get to the falls, you’ll want to sit and rest a spell, basking in the spring sunshine. Or bring a picnic, as we did. You’ll probably want to return, again and again, to see new waves of wildflowers and to splash in the waterfall’s pool when the weather is warmer.
Just don’t forget your camera! You’ll certainly want to have your picture taken standing in the midst of this Columbia River Gorge postcard.
The Wahclella Falls trailhead is just off Interstate 84 at exit 40, near Bonneville Dam. Park the car and if you have a Northwest Forest Pass, you’re ready to go. If not, you’ll need to pay a $5 fee to help the Forest Service maintain our beautiful system of parks and trails. Latitude: 45.63099, Longitude: -121.95407
What’s your favorite waterfall hike on theOregonside of the Columbia River Gorge?
Tags: Columbia River Gorge Activities, hiking
Posted in Columbia River Gorge Activities, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation Hood River | No Comments »
May 5th, 2012
A soothing Mother's Day in-cabin massage. Mmmmm . . .
This Mother’s Day, why not treat Mom to breakfast-in-bedwith a romantic twist, complete with jetted tub for two, fireplace and private porch swing overlooking scenic Carson Ridge and the springtime beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.
Here at Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins, we take special pride in the outstanding gourmet breakfasts we serve daily in our cozy dining room. But we also offer breakfast-in-bed because indulging our guests is what we do best. So naturally our Portland Mother’s Day Romantic Getaway Special includes our popular breakfast basket filled with an array of delicious selections, delivered piping hot to your door. Not too early, so you can sleep in.
Mom won’t even have to get dressed. She can wrap up in one of our plush robes, pour a cup of our specially-selected in-room coffee, and sit by the fire. Or rock gently in your private porch swing, admiring the view and watching the hummingbirds. Maybe our resident pheasant will pay a visit.
Ahhhh . . . you can feel yourself relaxing just reading about it, can’t you?
But that’s not all. We want Mom to completely unwind, so for her we’re including a soothing one-hour in-cabin massage at half price.
We also offer optional in-cabin couples massage. We can even arrange extra surprise treats like fresh flowers, champagne or a gourmet snack tray – waiting for your arrival or delivered later.
A Mother’s Day romantic getaway is what Mom really wants.
If you’ve already made special plans for Mother’s Day itself, no worries. You can take advantage of our Mother’s Day Special mid-week, too. Take Mom to brunch or dinner in Portland, then whisk her away for a relaxing couple of days for just the two of you.
The Columbia River Gorge is nearby, but here at Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins you’ll feel worlds away. And a romantic getaway is the perfect antidote for usually-hectic days. Some time for peace and tranquility is a gift the Mom in your life will truly appreciate.
A word of warning, though: availability is limited, so we advise booking right away.
What’s the best Mother’s Day gift you ever received?
Tags: Columbia River Gorge Cabins, luxury cabins, Mother's Day, Portland, Portland getaway, romantic getaway
Posted in Columbia Gorge Lodging Specials, Romantic Getaway Hood River | No Comments »
