July kicks off with plenty to celebrate around the Gorge, from refreshing summer sips and seasonal menus to holiday weekend happenings and fresh cherry harvests. This Thursday Tidbits is full of delicious reasons to get out and about this week.

Sip Into Summer

Nativ Café in White Salmon has unveiled a colorful lineup of summer drinks:

Sunny Daze Latte – vanilla, lavender, and lemon vibes
The Pollinator – salted honey shaken espresso
Berries & Cream Matcha – triple berry goodness
Tropical Mate' Spritz – P.O.G. sparkling yerba
Butterfly Mango Boba – fresh mango with butterfly pea flower

Columbia Gorge Crepes has rolled out its July coffee specials, including a S'mores Mocha, Strawberry Shortcake Latte, and an Affogato featuring two scoops of Mike's Ice Cream vanilla ice cream. And don't worry—the Banana Bread Latte is still sticking around. Find them @hoperanchlavender W, TH & FRI 11-4 / SUN 12-4, and @hoodriverfarmersmarke t every Saturday 9-1.

Over in The Dalles, The Riv Café is pouring its refreshing July Fizz. Made with house-made sour mix, sparkling water, and your choice of strawberry syrup or blueberry vanilla syrup, it's tart, fizzy, and made for hot July afternoons.

Beer & Wine Worth Trying

Kings & Daughters Brewery has released a new seasonal beer, Direct Sunlight, a 5.7% grapefruit and lime pale ale brewed for warm summer days. You'll find it on tap at The Walled Garden Pub in downtown Hood River.

Congratulations are also in order for Full Sail Brewing Co., which has once again been named Oregon Brewery of the Year at the New York International Beer Competition—its second consecutive win. Cheers to another year of award-winning beer! Downtown Hood River.

Over in White Salmon, Clyzm Wines is now pouring its newly released 2023 Grenache. Described by the winemaker as "prettier than Syrah, more robust than Pinot... a previously undiscovered path," it's bright, expressive, and impossible to forget. Stop by the tasting room Thursday through Sunday from 3–9 p.m.

Summer Dining Around the Gorge

Uncle Buck's is making the rounds this week with two chances to grab one of those crave-worthy Smash Burgers.

Friday:Hood River Common House, beginning at 5 p.m. until sold out.
Monday, July 6:Le Doubblé Troubblé Wines in White Salmon, with food service starting at 5 p.m.

If barbecue is calling your name, Grasslands Barbecue at the Hood River Waterfront is now opening 30 minutes earlier each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Stop by starting at 11 a.m.

Hiyu Wine Farm (Hood River) is now accepting reservations for lunch, dinner, and tastings through the end of August. Their summer menu is showcasing the season's first berries, freshly dug La Ratte potatoes, and tender fava greens—another reminder that summer dining in the Gorge is officially here.

Celilo Restaurant (Hood River) has fresh coho salmon from @fish.and.familyat the ready for you this weekend.

Meanwhile, Pixan Taqueria (White Salmon) continues to tease us with hints that lunch service is coming soon. We'll be watching...

Holiday Weekend Happenings

Volcanic Bottle Shoppe will keep special Fourth of July hours, opening early at 10 a.m. for the parade and closing at 5 p.m. (12th St, Hood River)

The Hood River Farmers Market will also be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pick up local meats, fresh fish, seasonal produce, artisan buns, and everything else you need for your holiday cookout. Sneak down while the parade is underway if you'd like to beat the crowds.

Cherry Season Continues

Draper Girls Country Farm will once again be open this weekend with all varieties of cherries ready for U-pick. You'll also find freshly picked cherries in the country store, along with cider and plenty of locally made treats.

Happy summer, everyone! Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend, and we'll see you next week.