Thursday Tidbits
Mid-July is one of the tastiest times to be in the Columbia River Gorge. Cherries are still going strong, lavender is in bloom, peaches have arrived, heirloom tomatoes are finding their way onto local menus, and fruit stands are overflowing with fresh-picked favorites. Here’s what’s happening around the Gorge this week.
Happy National Cherry Day!
Today (Thursday) is National Cherry Day, and there's no better place to celebrate than right here in the Columbia River Gorge. Join pFriem Family Brewers and Sugarpine Drive-In in Troutdale from noon to 5 p.m. for a special cherry pop-up featuring complimentary fresh Northwest cherries, a limited-time cherry macadamia cookie, cherry margarita slushies, grab-and-go cherry sandwiches, and exclusive tastings of pFriem's Estate Kriek cherry beer.
While you're out, swing by your favorite Gorge fruit stand—many are still overflowing with fresh sweet cherries, pie cherries, and the first peaches of the season.
Lavender In Bloom
The lavender is in full bloom at Hood River Lavender, making this one of the prettiest weekends of the summer to visit. Wander through the purple fields, browse lavender products, and don't leave without trying their signature lavender swirl soft-serve ice cream while taking in the views.
The First Taste of Heirloom Tomatoes
Peak tomato season is just getting started, and local chefs are putting those beautiful heirlooms to work.
Riverside Restaurant is serving a fresh heirloom Caprese salad that lets the tomatoes do all the talking. (HR Waterfront)
Meanwhile, Solstice Pizza has welcomed back one of its seasonal favorites—the Heirloom Pie—alongside a Sicilian Pizza featuring peak-season local produce. (HR Waterfront)
Orchard Season is in Full Swing
Peach season has arrived at Packer Orchards, where you'll find fresh peaches, homemade peach pies, and peach jams ready to bring home. (Hood River)
Over at Cousins' Restaurant in The Dalles, strawberry rhubarb pie is making a delicious appearance.
At Mt. View Orchards, u-pick blueberries and lavender are underway, and dahlias are beginning to emerge. After filling a bucket, stop by Grateful Vineyard for a glass of wine and one of the best views in the Gorge. (Parkdale)
Berry season is on full display at Édeske Patisserie, where Berry Tartlets are piled high with locally picked berries like raspberries, blackberries, currants, haskap berries, jostaberries, and more. (Hood River)
Summer Sips & Good Eats
Ferment Brewing has rolled out a colorful summer cocktail lineup featuring the Wells Island Lemonade, Lavender Haze, Marionberry Whiskey Sour, Piña Colada, and Aperol Spritz. (HR Waterfront)
Behind the brewery, Grasslands Barbecue is serving brisket in all its smoky glory throughout the weekend (Friday through Sunday) from their food truck on the lawn (HR waterfront).
Downtown Hood River, Celilo Restaurant has added a beautiful new summer pasta featuring orecchiette, Stepping Stone Farm summer squash, Hood River Organic cremini mushrooms, fresh Thai basil, shiso leaf, chili flake, and pecorino cheese.
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