This holiday season, give (or win) the gift of Mt. Hood or the Columbia River Gorge. With thousands of inspired makers and businesses across the state of Oregon, you don’t have to look far to find the perfect present for your friends and family this year made in Oregon. While the holiday season may look different, it’s still a great time to get creative and give the gift of local to help our favorite places get through this tough year. Better yet, we’ve got a contest lined up where you might even win some local gifts with our 10 days of Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Giveaways!
Starting today, December 15th, and for a total of 10 days leading up to Christmas we will be celebrating our local small businesses and makers by giving YOU the gift of the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge region. Head to our instagram page every day at 5pm to see what $50 giftcard we are giving away next and which businesses you should be celebrating and supporting with us this time of year. You may even be inspired to buy some holiday gifts as well. Terms and conditions apply.
Below are a few ideas to get you started on your Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge holiday shopping list:
Experiences
A truly thoughtful gift is an experience that will create lasting memories! MountNBarreL offers incredible bike tours through the Hood River Valley with stunning views and delicious wine stops along the way.. This makes for a great girl’s trip or getaway with any loved one! Consider booking a trip when it’s safer to do so, or contact them about gift certificate options.
Know some kids or parents who could use some new ideas for homeschooling during the pandemic? Gift the Columbia Gorge Museum pass which is good for 9 different museums in the Gorge including the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles. While it is not open right now, plans are to re-open when it is safe to do so. They’ve got a great online gift shop to keep you busy for the time being.
Tastes of the Region
Many of your beloved beverage purveyors are offering special deals and can ship right to your front door. pFriem Family Brewers offers online shopping for their brews and merchandise. Or many now’s the time to invest in a wine club membership, like with Mt. Hood Winery, to treat yourself or share with your loved ones!
Local Artists and Makers
The beauty and bounty of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River have inspired many artists and makers to create in our region. A few places to find these goods online include: delicious tea from Mountain Mel’s, blacksmith crafts from the Timberline store, a whole marketplace of makers listed on the Hood River Marketplace, and arts and decor from The Dalles Workshop.
Gift Future Trips instead of Gift Baskets
Finally, why not pull together all the above ideas into a gift of a future vacation? We are all aching to take that first vacation post pandemic. Pull together a package of gift certificates now so it is extra easy to book a trip when it is safe to do so again.
Here are a few ideas to get you started…
Eastern Gorge Getaway: A 2 night gift card for The Balch in Dufur when you can get away from city life and enjoy epic views of Mt. Hood rarely seen. Spend the day at Billy Bob Sno Park or hiking White River Falls, then head to The Dalles in the evening and visit a number of breweries and restaurants with your Explore The Dalles gift card. That’s it, 2 gift cards, one fantastic experience.
Mt. Hood Getaway: Want to gift a forest oasis? Look no further than a 2 night gift card for Mt. Hood Oregon Resort (for those who want all the amenities) or the Mt. Hood Tiny Houses (for those looking for a taste of tiny living. Spend the day out on the Clackamas River with a gift card for rentals at Clackamas River Outfitters in Estacada and maybe dinner on your way back with a gift card to Koya Kitchen.
