Hood Rivers 35-mile scenic drive known as the Fruit Loop is the best way to experience the bounty of the areas rich agriculture scene. As you drive along the Loop past gorgeous pear, cherry, apple, nectarine and peach orchards, youll find farm stands, wineries, breweries, alpaca ranches, lavender farms, and great jams, jellies, pies, wines, beer, and more. Grab a free Fruit Loop map anywhere along the Loop, or pick one up at the Hood River County Visitor Center to start your adventure.
Want to try your hand at harvesting some of Hood Rivers bounty There are numerous u-pick opportunities throughout the fall season. Check out Hood River U-Pick Organic (4320 Royal Anne Drive, Hood River). This sweet and peaceful family farm grows honey crisp apples, kale, garlic, heirloom tomatoes, dahlias, and roses all for u-pick! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Kids cant get enough of the farm animals, which include Nigerian Dwarf goats and Kune Kune pigs and piglets.
Rasmussen Farms, which was recently bought by the Packer family of Packer Orchards, reopened in June 2016 as The Farm Place (3020 Thomsen Rd., Hood River ). It features u-pick gardens, sweet orchard fruits, farm fresh vegetables, and Packers signature bakery items. The pumpkin patch and corn maze open in October. For a complete schedule of fun fall events, go to www.packerorchardsandbakery.com/events.
The Hood River Valley Harvest Fest is a three-day event on October 14-16, 2016 that celebrates the bounty of the county and surrounding region, bringing it all to one place during one weekend. This old-fashioned fall festival brings together more than 125 vendors offering local produce and food products, plus arts and crafts, wine, cider and beer tastings. Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, with kiteboarders and windsurfers zipping along in the background, this is the Columbia River Gorges biggest celebration of the regions incredible fall bounty. For more information, go to hoodriver.org/harvest-fest/
For a different kind of harvest celebration, head to the Hood River Hops Fest on September 24. Hood River Hops Fest is an annual celebration of beers bitter friend, freshly harvested hops. Hood River County is surrounded by world-renowned hop growing regions, and since 2003 brewers have gathered each September in downtown Hood River to share their fresh-hop beer creations. The family friendly event features a variety of food vendors, over 50 breweries with over 75 fresh hop beers, rocking live music, and an awesome collectible mug.
For more help in planning a relaxing autumn stay in Hood River, go to hoodriver.org for a list of accommodations, dining options and more.
Photo credit: Peter Marbach
