The Gorge Getaway, situated near the Columbia River, between Washougal and Stevenson, is the latest Airbnb that provides incredible access to all the wonders of nature, and is a perfect setting for the adventurer.
“Whether you are passing through on your travels and need a place to rest, or coming to stay a while, this cabin will not disappoint,” said the Airbnb’s host, Louise James. “Cozy and quaint, our fully equipped cabin has it all to make your stay an enjoyable one. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature all around.”
The Gorge Getaway has accommodations for six people, with two bedrooms, two beds, two bathrooms, and a bonus room.
Amenities include:
Kitchen
Wifi
Free parking on premises
Two TV’s
Free washer
Free dryer
Air conditioning
Bathtub/shower with jacuzzi
Patio or balcony
Fire pit (not to be used during burn ban)
Exterior security cameras on property
Pricing varies between $199-$300 per night.
“I invite you to experience the Gorge Getaway,” said James. “I think you’ll enjoy it and it gorgeous setting.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05113714/6aeced5b-7439-41a4-9948-dfacd2de34fa-e1725573520272.webp4841200lacamashttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pnglacamas2024-09-05 15:07:412024-09-05 15:07:48The Gorge Getaway: A New Airbnb Equipped For an Adventurous Visit
Summer 2023 turned out to be a highly successful season for Italian museums, with exponential growth in visitor numbers and record ticket sales, confirming Italy as one of the world’s most popular cultural destinations. According to data presented by the Digital Innovation Observatory for Culture of the Milan Polytechnic School of Management, the number of visitors to Italian museums, monuments and archaeological sites rose by 16 percent last year compared to 2019 and ticket sales were up 27 percent in the same period.
Record-breaking Italian museumsAmong the world’s most popular museums, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence had more than 5 million visitors in 2023, an increase of 27.8 percent from the previous year. The Vatican Museums in Rome also continued to welcome huge numbers of tourists from around the world, and Turin recorded very positive figures too. The Turin Cinema Museum was seen by more than 800,000 people, attracted in part by the blockbuster exhibition on movie director Tim Burton, while the city’s Egyptian Museum saw an increase in ticket sales thanks to innovative exhibition projects and the newly re-opened Writing Gallery.
Museums and hidden treasures: a heritage just waiting to be discoveredBesides its most famous museums, Italy also boasts an extensive network of less well-known but equally fascinating cultural institutions. The increasing frequency and range of the services run by the FS Group’s Passenger Hub have had a decisive role in facilitating tourism even in the country’s smaller towns. Partly as a result of Trenitalia’s reduced rates and special offers, growing numbers of people have easily been able to reach museums and cultural events across the country. This is also an objective of True Italian Experience, a digital hub that offers sustainable and genuine travel experiences for visitors to savour the essence of Italy, and whose Main Partner is Trenitalia.
The range of Italian museums extends from large cities to lesser-known treasures scattered around the country. Starting in the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto, places like the Diocesan Museum in Vicenza have attracted attention with their unique collections of sacred art and ethnographic items reflecting the region’s rich culture. Not far away, in Desenzano del Garda, the Museum of the Battle of San Martino opens a window on Italy’s Risorgimento, with its collection of memorabilia and documents on the historic battles fought for the unification of Italy.
In Parma, the Magnani Rocca Foundation, also known as the “Villa of Masterpieces“, is another jewel in northern Italy. Its collection, with works by artists of the calibre of Goya, Monet and Titian, attracts art lovers from around the world keen to admire the paintings in a unique setting.
Moving into central Italy, the museum offer includes many other exceptional sites examining the historical and archaeological roots of the area. With its history-rich towns, Umbria provides fascinating underground experiences in Orvieto and Perugia. Here, visitors can journey through a maze of tunnels and caverns excavated over the centuries beneath the old cities, for a unique opportunity to see the life and construction techniques of the past. In Tuscany, between Grosseto and Orbetello, the Archaeology and Art Museum presents the history of this stretch of coastline through a vast collection of artefacts ranging from the Etruscans to the modern age.
Museum at Perugia.
In the Marche region, the Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona is an example of an historic building that hosts cultural events and art exhibitions, but it is just one of many museums, like the Rossini Museum in Pesaro or the Augusto Capriotti Museum of the Sea in San Benedetto del Tronto, which houses one of the largest collections of Mediterranean fish.
Travelling south to Puglia, the Sant’Anna Synagogue Museum in Trani looks at the history of the local Jewish community, illustrating its heritage and traditions through collections of artefacts and historic documents. Close by in Polignano a Mare, the Pino Pascali Museum Foundation is dedicated to contemporary art, with works from some of the most innovative artists of the 20th century and temporary exhibitions that attract an international public.
In Naples, the National Railway Museum ofPietrarsa tells the history of the Italian railways with its extraordinary collection of locomotives and carriages illustrating the country’s technological and industrial evolution.
Finally, in Palermo in Sicily, the Palazzo dei Normanni and the GAM –Gallery of Modern Art are just two locations that not only hold artworks of inestimable value, but also host cultural events exploring contemporary artistic movements. From North to South, Italy is a never-ending succession of art, culture and tradition that goes far beyond its best known and most popular destinations: with treasures of incalculable value, the country is a great museum waiting to be discovered step by step.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30133318/Italian-Museums.png8621852lacamashttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pnglacamas2024-07-30 14:06:472024-07-30 14:08:58Travel: The Appeal of Italian Museums During Summer Months
If you are planning a trip this holiday season, one of the best gifts you can give yourself is to plan well ahead of time. Whether you’re going to visit family at their home or planning a holiday vacation, treat it like the trip of a lifetime. After all, it’s the holidays. So, you want it to be special and, hopefully, stress-free. This means to plan, budget, and plan some more. Here are five tips to follow when traveling this holiday season.
Study Your Destination
Know as much as you can about your destination before you arrive. Use Google Maps to look up where you’re going. Determine the distance between the airport, if you’re flying, and the destination.
Find restaurants and other sites of interest near the hotel or wherever you’ll be staying. Mapping out your stay will help ensure you’ll fit in all the items on your itinerary. Plus, it will make it easier to create and stick to a budget.
Know the weather and, as best as you can, the places you’ll be visiting so that you pack appropriately. Also, be aware of any local customs that require different clothing than what you’re used to wearing.
Next, plan for an emergency by learning which hospitals are in the area, including those with trauma centers. It’s a good idea to take medical information with you, beyond what you might already carry in your wallet, especially if you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes.
Make Lists
One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing is trying to get everything ready without writing up a list first. To-do lists make travel plans so much easier.
Make a list of what to pack, everything you need to do before you leave, and the itinerary for when you arrive. Be sure to keep in mind the items you use every day because whatever you don’t have to think about are the very things you’re most likely to forget.
Next, make a pre-travel list. Include pet, plant, and house sitters, any necessary prescriptions to be filled, travel insurance, upcoming bills so that they’re paid on time, and checking luggage for damage.
Then, make an itinerary for the trip itself. Be sure to do whatever it is you want to do while you’re there.
Be Flexible, but Organized
Be flexible with your plans but stay on top of things.
If you can, work your schedule so that you can leave a few days before the holiday. This way you may be able to avoid the busiest travel days. If you’re driving, plan your trip so that you will avoid the worst of the traffic.
If you’re driving to your destination, have your car inspected. You don’t want to have car problems while traveling. Also, apply for a driver’s permit if you need to drive in another country.
As you prepare for the trip, periodically double-check everything: dates, times, arrivals, departures, etc.
Save Yourself Time
Save time where you can. This includes packing as lightly as possible while taking everything you will need. This uses less luggage.
Book what you can in advance, such as the flight, airport parking, and rental car. If you know the restaurants where you plan to eat, go ahead and make reservations. If you know ahead of time events you want to attend, see if you can buy tickets online.
Mail the presents before you go unless you’re driving to your destination. This way you won’t have to worry about losing your luggage or passing through security, assuming you have your packages wrapped. If that’s not an option, put small gifts in your carry-on bags.
Make Alternate Plans, Just in Case
You never know. Sometimes life gets in the way of the best-made plans. Maybe you’ll need to cancel a flight and drive to your destination. Maybe your transportation doesn’t show up, or the hotel makes a mistake with your reservations. Be prepared for the unexpected with a plan B, just in case. Whatever happens, go with the flow and enjoy yourself. It’s the holidays.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/27173816/Winter-Driving-e1701135556956.jpg5521280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-11-27 17:54:412023-11-27 17:54:51Planning Ahead: Five Tips for Traveling This Holiday Season
There’s a new way to experience the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, thanks to The Society Hotel Bingen. Offering a refined, off-the-beaten-trail experience, the multifaceted campus – which occupies 2.6 acres – features a variety of lodging options for different kinds of travelers, plus a spa, café, underground sanctuary, and indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces. It welcomed its first guests over Memorial Day weekend, and reservations can be made by visiting thesocietyhotel.com/bingen.
“The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is one of the country’s natural gems, and we created The Society Hotel Bingen to be both a basecamp for exploring the region, plus a relaxing escape for those who want to rest, relax and recharge without leaving the property,” said Jessie Burke, one of the owners of The Society Hotel. The Bingen property is the second location for The Society Hotel.
Like they did with the original Society Hotel in Portland’s Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood, the team restored, renovated and revitalized a historic property, melding modern comfort with historical preservation.
Anchoring the renovated retreat is the 80-year-old Bingen Schoolhouse, which was originally constructed 1908, and was rebuilt in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps after a fire in 1933. Melding modern comfort with historical preservation, the schoolhouse hotel was designed to retain most of its original feel, with a library in the reception area, lockers in the hallway, hotel rooms reflecting school subjects, and the refurbished gym open to guest use.
RANGE OF ACCOMMODATIONS
The Society Hotel Bingen bridges the gap between hotel and hostel by offering both cozy private standard rooms and bunk room accommodations in the main schoolhouse building, along with a cabin ring with 20 units.
For guests seeking the full hotel experience while still capturing that sense of community found in old-world lodging houses, the 10 private standard rooms make ideal accommodations.
Rooms feature a queen and king bed option and include a refurbished school and vanity, and a shared bath one might expect to find in a European boarding house. (Rates: $65-$133)
Also located in the schoolhouse, the two 24-bedbunk rooms with custom, built-in triple bunks are a great option for travelers on a budget, or groups. Each bunk includes a privacy curtain, luxury twin-size mattress, power outlet, storage cubby and reading light. (Rates: $25-$52)
An interior at The Society Bingen.
Surrounding the spa in the center of the property is the cabin ring. Each attached cabin is a miniature home for travelers, families, and professionals who want a more traditional room with more space, more views and the privacy of their own bath. Cabins include complimentary spa access, kitchenette, indoor lounge area, and outdoor seating area with table and hammock. The one- and two-bedroom cabin options include one king bed, two queens or ADA-accessible queen plus bunk beds. (Rates: $180-$316)
The three accommodation options are perfect for the variety of travelers who are drawn to the Gorge for its incredible diversity of activities in a stunning setting – from hiking, cycling, and whitewater rafting and other watersports, to wine, beer and cider tasting, to exploring the famous Hood River County Fruit Loop and nearby Mount Hood and Mount Adams.
RELAX, RECHARGE AND CONNECT IN THE COMMUNITY SPACES
Warm and welcoming community spaces are also a signature of The Society Hotel, and the new property features numerous gathering places for groups. In the schoolhouse, The Library Café & Bar provides a bright and airy space with ample seating and serves regional coffees, teas and pastries and light fare such as salads, sandwiches and bowls, as well as cocktails, beer and wine. The hallowed, restored School Gymnasium & Gameroom serves as a multipurpose room for everything from shooting hoops to corporate meetings.
In the center of the property, the Spa & Bathhouse features a saltwater soaking pool, sauna, hot tub and cold plunge, as well as massage rooms and a Spa Café. Guests staying in the cabin ring have full access to the spa, while guests staying in the schoolhouse and bunk rooms can access it for a day fee. Passes for non-guests are $20 for 2 hours; passes for standard or bunk room guests are $10 per day.)
Literally tucked in the corner of the property, The Sanctuary is a unique subterranean building that can be reserved for retreats or other groups of travelers for yoga, team-building activities, family gatherings, etc. It’s flooded with natural light through a roof cupola and south-facing glass doors from the courtyard entry.
The property is located close to the Bingen-White Salmon Amtrak Station at Highway 14 and Walnut Street. Service from Portland is $14 and takes about 90 minutes.
The Society Hotel is a collection of experience-focused boutique hotels built within unique reclaimed buildings. The design-focused minimalist aesthetic, authentic staff and one-of-a-kind amenities have made the hotels a celebrated destination for travelers from all over the world. The hotels offer social spaces that encourage worldly and adventurous travelers to convene, connect and collaborate. The original Society Hotel opened in fall 2015 in Portland’s Old Town/Chinatown, and the second Society Hotel opened in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Bingen, Wash., in May 2019. For more information, visit www.thesocietyhotel.com.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07081036/C55E27B5-6592-43C9-83F2-2E31B5B9B424.jpeg8621482Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-06-25 15:31:302019-06-25 15:33:11The Society Hotel Bingen Opens Its Doors to Columbia Gorge Travelers
With world-class fruit blossom displays and wildflower hikes, Hood River always welcomes spring with open arms. Here are the top three ways for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the splendor:
1. Explore the Hood River County Fruit Loop, the epicenter of Hood River’s blossom bonanza. Just driving along this 35-mile self-guided route, past acres upon acres of cherry and apple blossoms, is a feast for the eyes. Starting in early April, the cherry, apple and pear trees in the Hood River Valley welcome spring’s return by releasing vibrant pink and white flowers. They start in the lower elevations and, like a domino effect, move up the valley creating a patchwork of color.
The Fruit Loop experience is enhanced exponentially by stopping at one or more of the many orchards for cider, jam, fresh-baked goods and other farm-made goodies, or visiting the cideries, where you can sample hard ciders made with local fruit. During Blossom Time, which takes place throughout April, various Fruit Loop stops hold special events, from family-friendly farm events and craft shows to wine tastings and culinary specials. The centerpiece for Blossom Time is the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest (April 20, 2019), which brings together 29 local and regional cideries and more than 50 hard ciders on tap for one spectacular, cider-infused afternoon. (See below for more information on this year’s festival.) Photo credit: Bear Boot Productions
Photo credit: Bear Boot Productions
2. Hike among the wildflowers. The Columbia River Gorge Natural Scenic Area is known for its amazing wildflower displays. The Mosier Plateau Trail, located just five miles east of Hood River in the town of Mosier, offers more than 30 different flower species. This 3.5-mile loop follows Mosier Creek through Pocket Park and ends on Mosier Plateau, which is owned by Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust. More wildflower hike ideas are here.
Enjoying spring weather. Photo credit: Peter Marbach.
3. Pair blossom viewing with wine tasting. Hood River’s numerous wineries are the perfect place to relax and take in the blossomy views during the spring. Stave & Stone’s new tasting room, tucked high up in the Hood River Valley, is one such perfect place to do so. Photo credit: MountNbarreL
On April 20, 2019, Hood River will again be the epicenter for the region’s hard cider scene, thanks to the sixth annual Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest. The 2019 festival – which appropriately takes place at a fruit-packing house in the heart of Hood River Valley, surrounded by fruit orchards in bloom – features 29 local and regional cideries, including five that are new to the festival. The 2019 cidery lineup is at hoodriver.org/cider-fest/.
The participating cideries will be sampling more than 50 original ciders that showcase the wide variety of styles coming out of the Pacific Northwest’s cider scene. To add to the festivities, there’s live music all day, plus local food carts.
Families and those with ‘fur babies’ should take note: New for 2019 is an expanded interactive kids’ zone, hosted by Our Children’s Place Academy, with games, crafts and cider-centered projects, plus a new “dog parking” service, thanks to Kind Animal Services. The latter is by reservation only; space is limited, and there is an hourly fee. For reservations, email [email protected]. (Note that dogs are not allowed within the event area.)
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/07081759/04D9834B-44A7-47E9-A503-70CEA6C9DCDF-e1554324826844.jpeg4921200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-04-03 14:03:132019-04-03 14:03:21How to Get Your Blossom on This Spring in Hood River Valley
Abbey Road Farm Open House September 29th & 30th in Willamette Valley Wine Country
Weekend Festivities Include Music, Artisan Fair, Food Trucks, Wine Tastings, and Cornhole Tournament
September 4, 2018 – Carlton, OR – Abbey Road Farm, newly-revitalized in the heart of Oregon wine country, will hold its first open house “Silobration” at the end of September. Named for the refurbished grain silos that house the bed-and-breakfast lodging, the Silobration is intended to re-introduce the community to the farm, thank supportive vendors and friends, and celebrate the beginning of the grape harvest. Entry to the weekend-long event is free and open to all ages, taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30th.
Local restaurateurs Sandi and Daniel Wilkens, owners of Quaintrelle in Portland and Hanko’s Sports Bar & Grill in Lake Oswego, purchased the property in October 2017 and immediately began improvements to the 82-acre farm to turn it into an all-encompassing agritourism destination. Today, Abbey Road Farm boasts one of the most unique lodging opportunities in the area, offering five silo guest suites, and a three-bedroom guest ranch house. The property’s vegetable garden and chicken coop provide fresh ingredients for gourmet breakfasts. Sweeping lawns provide breathtaking views and a gathering space for up to 200 people. Abbey Road Farm’s permanent residents are available to greet guests: mini donkeys, chickens, mini goats, ducks, llamas and alpacas. The facility offers a variety of lawn games including horse shoes, cornhole, croquet and giant Jenga. With close proximity to some of Willamette Valley’s premier wineries, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey, and Agrivino Fine Dining Event Center, there is no shortage of activities, wining and dining.
The Silobration will include a mix of food, beverages and fun for all ages with 28 artisan vendors and four wine tasting stations featuring wines from Marshall Davis Wines, Suzor Wines, and Abbey Road Wines.
All food and beverage will be available for purchase. To register and purchase classes, or enter the cornhole tournament, sign up at http://abbeyroadfarm.com/silo-brationnw.html.
About Abbey Road Farm
Located at 10501 NE Abbey Road in Carlton, OR, Abbey Road Farm is a destination in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country offering lodging, gathering spaces, Agrivino restaurant and a working farm. To reserve a stay or for more information, please visit www.abbeyroadfarm.com or call (503) 852-6278.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/07093857/E794139D-6D76-4E8A-85D3-4DDAB70E1BA2-scaled.jpeg34484600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2018-09-05 08:13:522018-09-05 08:13:52Newly-Renovated Abbey Road Farm to Hold “Silobration” Open House
We tried this recipe at a recent camping trip at Cold Creek in Yacolt. The result is a fun food activity that’s easy to prepare and when fully cooked, the rolls have a flavor of smoked orange. It’s delicious!
Two Cooking Methods
Cooking Method #1: On Pan Over Coals
Cut four oranges in half, and scoop out fruit (eat for breakfast with your cinnamon rolls).
Put one Pillsbury Orange Cinnamon Rolls in each of the orange halves (cinnamon side up).
Put orange halves on old baking pan on grill over campfire. Cover loosely with foil.
Bake until they rise and look done (keep checking on them).
Cool a few minutes, then top with icing.
Cooking Method #2: Directly On Coals
Cut the tops off of four oranges (save tops), then hollow out the oranges.
Stick one cinnamon roll in each orange and put the cap back on.
Put the oranges in heavy duty foil and wrap up the bundle fashioning a handle at the top.
Rest them in the coals of your campfire, and bake them for about 12 minutes.
Cool, then take the caps off and drizzle with icing.
If you ever wanted to explore Italy’s famous places along with its special, lesser-known areas, you may want to consider the Insider’s Italy Tour. There a multiple tours from which to choose, including two this Fall — and all are organized by local professional artist, Elida Field, and guided by Catholic priest, Father Bruno Segatta, who ran Gonzaga University’s Study Abroad program for 25 years.
The September 20-27 tour includes stops in Venice, Cinque Terre, and Florence. In Venice, explore famous sites and experience some very special, lesser-known areas of the city that contain beautiful architecture, art, and an abundance of history. In Cinque Terre, you’ll get to hike and explore five towns via train or boat, and soak in the beaches and scenic coastline. As a bonus, Father Bruno and Elida will introduce you to Porto Venere. Florence includes a walk with Father Bruno as he highlights the city’s most amazing treasures and history. You’ll also experience a private tour of a leather shop, a visit to Fiesole, or a walk through the lesser-known parts of the city.
Tour Details
The cost of the September 20-27 tour is $2,795 per person (excluding airfare), which includes:
8 days and 7 nights in Venice, Cinque Terra, and Florence
Accommodations (double occupancy)
Two meals per day
Transportation between cities
Walking tours and museum entrance fees
Painting and Sharpie sketching instruction and materials
The second tour, which can be added to the first tour, or taken separately, runs from September 27-October 5, and includes stops in Florence, Rome, and the Italian countryside. In Florence, explore famous sights and unknown corners, enjoy majestic views of the city from Camp Michelangelo, climb the dome of the Duomo and sketch Michelangelo’s “David” at the Academy. Florence is Father Bruno’s old stomping grounds and he knows all the great stops, secret alleys, and best restaurants. In Cagli, you can escape the tourists, hike the countryside, and connect with locals.
Elida says they are often invited into someone’s home to enjoy their homemade wine, tour ancestral homes, or take a personal tour of historical areas. In Rome, you will be able to take in breathtaking views of the city, walk the ancient ruins and special sites, along with a semi-private tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel before it’s opened to the public.
Tour Details
The cost of the September 27-October 5 tour is $3,245 and includes:
9 days and 8 nights in Florence, Cagli, and Rome
Accommodations (double occupancy)
Two meals per day
Transportation between cities
Walking tours and museum entrance fees
Semi-private tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
Italian cooking class and artistic instruction
Each tour requires a $500 deposit, and final payments are due by July 15.
Elida said they started the tours in 2010, the year after she met Father Bruno, who is a fellow artist.
“We met while I was in California visiting my grandma,” said Elida. “I went to his art show, which was at a private home, and we just connected. I later invited him to my art, women and wine class in Washougal, and he suggested we take a tour of Italy. At first, I thought I had no business planning a trip to Italy, but here we are. We’ve gone on 20 tours already!”
She encourages people to learn more about these great experiences, and to consider traveling on one of the tours. She also offers tours during Spring Break.
”Each trip is different and we work hard to make sure each tour is filled with fun, leisure, and good company,” said Elida. “You’ll have a great time!”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/07095628/66912207-5A7A-4837-B4D1-0CC889E895A7.jpeg12001600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2018-06-10 11:39:422018-06-10 12:13:19Experience Italy in a Way Like Never Before — An Insider’s Tour
Hood River, OR — This February kicks off the inaugural Hood River County Foodie February, a month-long celebration of the area’s outstanding dining scene that gives visitors and locals alike the chance to support local restaurants and discover some of the best food and menus in the region.
Located in the agriculturally rich Hood River Valley, Hood River has an innovative, regionally inspired food scene that rivals its big-city neighbors but is infused with small-town charm. (Heads-up on great Valentine’s Day destination idea!)
Foodie February specials include:
Camp 1805: Taco Tuesday! Happy-hour tacos all day, along with $6 Mt. Hood Mules and $6 margaritas
Full Sail Brew Pub: On February 8 (5-8 PM), join the February Brewmaster Dinner, which features five courses paired perfectly with five tasty beers. $45 per person, limited seating. Reservations: 541-386-2247.
Riverside: 2-for-1 Winter Pasta Special, Sunday-Thursday
Hood River Farmers’ Market: Go right to the source every first and third Saturday of the month (1-4 pm), when the winter farmer’s market is held indoors at Springhouse Cellars (1st and Cascade Streets). The market features a variety of local food, including local produce, veggies, meats, eggs, cheese, baked goods honey and other artisanal food stuffs. Customers can also shop for unique products from local artists and makers. Foodie February live music: Feb. 3 – Henry Schifter; Feb. 17 – Ole Rusty
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/07104707/3B8911D9-CC2A-4278-8F6B-D2D909C37B3E.jpeg6001200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2018-01-28 12:02:292018-01-28 12:02:29Foodie February: Enjoy Hood River’s Dining and Music Scenes This Winter
Beacon Rock State Park, WA — We intended on climbing Beacon Rock, but due to a rock slide, that hike was closed, so we moved across the freeway to check out Mount Hamilton Trail — and what a treat!
This hike is full of the best things the Columbia River Gorge has to offer — easy access and parking, a well-maintained trail, stunning waterfalls, and some incredible views.
As part of Beacon Rock State Park, you can approach this hike a couple ways — by hiking straight up and back for a six-mile journey or by taking the fun 7.5 mile loop.
The first mile is a steady, easy uphill pace with a wide trail (enough for passersby from either direction to get by). You’ll hear the waterfalls then head to the Hardy Falls viewpoint. Keep going until you see another trail leading up to Rodney Falls and the breathtaking Pool of the Winds. The hike to this enchanting pool is easy for people of all ages, and just seeing Pool of the Winds is worth the short trip.
There are lots of protective rails to keep one from falling, but they don’t detract from nature’s beauty.
Half way to Pool of the Winds.
The trail gets steeper past the falls, and it gives you two options: Hamilton Trail — More Difficult, and Hardy Creek Trail — Difficult. The More Difficult option takes you up the Hamilton Mountain Trail, and switches back for 1,400 feet. You can take the Hardy Creek Trail for a 3.2 mile loop.
At the summit, you have walked three miles up. The highest part of the trail is 4 miles in with signs pointing toward the Hardy Creek Trail. You can enjoy a picnic lunch near Hardy Creek. To get back, continue on the Hardy Trail, and after 1.4 miles you’ll be back on the Hamilton Mountain Trail and make your descent.
Mount Hamilton Trail Directions
From Camas, drive 22 miles east on Highway 14 until you arrive at the Beacon Rock State Park entrance. Go past the ranger station, and take the road that angles up to the hill (to the left, on the north side). Look for the brown hiking sign. After .3 miles turns right into the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead parking area.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/07105114/49A7F662-0423-47CC-B377-3BC76D9AAF88-scaled.jpeg30244032Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2018-01-22 14:54:392018-01-22 14:56:29Travel: Mount Hamilton a Great, Quick Getaway — For All Family Members
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