Situated on the green banks of the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River, Oregon, this is a great place to experience the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest. Just an hour east of Portland, the Gorge is a setting of exquisite dramatic beauty. The hotel first opened in 1921 and quickly developed an international reputation for elegant hospitality amidst rugged beauty. Presidents Roosevelt and Coolidge were visitors, as were Myrna Loy and Jane Powell. It's rumored that Rudolph Valentino and Clara Bow used the Columbia Gorge Hotel as a romantic hideaway.
The hotel sits not far from the base of Mt. Hood and the 206-foot Wah-Gwin-Gwin Falls are nearby. Recently renovated, the hotel's forty-two rooms and its elegant public areas have been designed to allow the gorgeous surrounding scenery to dramatically infuse the interior.
One of the most amazing meals you'll ever see is "The World Famous Farm Breakfast" where you can "gorge" yourself. Here's all of what you get: seasonal fruits, apple fritters with sugar and spice, old fashioned oatmeal with brown sugar and sweet cream, three farm fresh eggs, bacon, a smoked pork chop, apple and maple flavored sausage, hash browns, baking powder biscuits and honey, a stack of buttermilk pancakes with hot maple syrup, and coffee. Of course you can also enjoy a breakfast drink from their outstanding selection of champagne and other cocktails.
If you're ever hungry again, there's a fantastic dinner menu, including items such as fresh Columbia River salmon in lemon-butter Chardonnay sauce and grilled medallions of venison. And save room for the Apple Tart, Columbia Gorge style: Hood River apples, thinly sliced and blended with a rich butter caramel sauce, are baked under a covering of puff pastry. This delicious treat is served hot with French vanilla ice cream.
Travel writers have called the hotel, "one of the most romantic places on Earth," and it's easy to see why. The spectacular views and lush gardens, fantastic food and rural seclusion make this a romantic's dream spot. The Columbia Gorge Hotel is a great place to have a wedding, featuring five different reception rooms and a varied banquet and hors d'oeuvres menu. And the hotel has its own in-house florist to take care of flower arrangements.
|
Sponsors
