Thursday Tidbits
Everybody’s Brewing’s Slow-roasted Pork Chili Verde
Labor Day weekend is almost here, and the Gorge is making the most of the shift between seasons. We’ve got the last peaches and summer specials sharing space with apples, cider, pumpkins and even a whole lot of pickles. Plus, the Hood River Fruit Loop is absolutely popping right now.
Around Hood River & White Salmon
Start Up Coffee has a back-to-school special that ends tomorrow. Catch them for a burrito + any size drink, or stop in for a Pumpkin Spiced Chai, S’mores Mocha or Banana Bread Latte. Find them at 310 13th St., Hood River. Open 7 AM–12:30 PM Monday–Saturday and 7 AM–2 PM Sundays.
At Riverside, snag one of the last tastes of summer with their peach burrata salad before the menu gets a new fall makeover. 1108 East Marina Way, Hood River.
Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon is showcasing a special that won’t last long: slow-roasted pork swimming in chile verde, with black beans, cilantro-lime rice, warm tortillas, sour cream, pickled red onion, and a hint of chile crisp.
The Cauldron Café has cowboy beans on Thursdays, and pancakes are back on the menu Monday–Friday. They’re now open seven days a week, 8 AM–3 PM. 1810 Cascade Ave., Hood River.
Solstice Pizza has added Eggplant Caponata to the specials menu: Oak Rose Farm eggplant caviar, sautéed summer squash, sweet peppers, celery, golden raisins, and Nature’s Finest Farm corn ribs. Delicious and vegan. 501 Portway Ave, Hood River.
The Hood River Fruit Loop is Hopping!
Start your loop at Pearl’s Place Fruit at 1860 Hwy 35, right outside downtown Hood River. They serve the famous Gorge Glacier, which is insanely delicious—an apple cider slush made from Sonata apples from their orchard, topped with ice cream, caramel and whipped cream. Plus, they’re bringing back hot apple cider for the cooler days ahead.
Next, head to The Gorge White House, Stop #2 on the Hood River Fruit Loop, at 2265 Hwy 35. They’re open Thursday–Monday with cider and wine, a food cart and U-pick fields.
Right nearby, Mt. Hood Winery is having a 2021 Petit Verdot sale. Stop by and stock up on this bold red with notes of dark berries, black pepper and subtle oak. Find them at 2882 Van Horn Drive, Hood River.
Across the way, hit up Smiley’s Red Barn and Fox Tail Cider at 2965 Ehrck Hill Rd., Hood River. This Saturday, September 5, join them for cider pressing, smash burgers and live music starting at 11 AM.
Packer Orchards at 3020 Thomsen Rd. is celebrating the weekend with pickles. Yep, Pickle Palooza is back September 5–7! Pickles by the bucket, pickle snacks, pickled veggies, pickle kettle corn, their Big Dill pickle beer, and plenty of farm fun.
Draper Girls Country Farm is showing off the first hints of fall with dinosaur gourds, Bumblebee pumpkins, and all the good things this time of year brings: new apple crops, U-cut flowers and hard cider on tap. Plus, U-pick apple season starts Friday, September 4. Come pick Honeycrisp, Gala, Tokyo Rose, and Golden Supreme straight from the orchard. Find them at 6200 Hwy 35, Mount Hood/Parkdale.
McCurdy Farms at 2080 Tucker Rd., Hood River, has a few new arrivals at the fruit stand: Bosc and Flemish Beauty pears, Hosui Asian pears, and Italian plums. They still have a good supply of Starkrimson and Bartlett pears, along with the first Gala apples.
And we’ve only just begun! See the whole loop, get travel tips and more by visiting Hood River Fruit Loop.
More Good Eats Around the Gorge
Love and Hominy has brought back the Southwest salad, downtown Hood River.
Brigham Fish Market is serving FroYo Nachos in Cascade Locks.
Thunder Island Brewing has introduced the 9-to-Pie: roasted apple galette, house-made caramel, whipped cream, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. It’s available all September long. (Cascade Locks)
Noodle Legs Pasta, a small-batch, organic, family-owned company based in Hood River, is selling its pasta at the Hood River Farmers Market on Saturdays, and now you can find it at Riverside Restaurant. Noodle Legs uses organic semolina and 100% U.S.-grown wheat, and the Hood River Eats team recently cooked up a batch. Yum!
Hood River Distillers Tasting Room has posted new hours. They’re open noon–6 PM six days a week and closed Wednesdays. Stop by to sample your favorites, discover something new or sip a mini cocktail. (Hood River)
Wine + Music for Labor Day Weekend
Hawkins Cellars is hosting its final Friday Wine Down September 4. It’s also the last weekend for Frosé—and yes, they’re open Labor Day Monday. Head to Underwood for live music all weekend. No reservations are needed for their live music events. 10401 Cook-Underwood Rd., Underwood, WA.
Maryhill Winery will also have three days of live music. Settle in with your favorite Maryhill wine and explore their full menu, led by Chef Brad Masset. 9774 Highway 14, Goldendale, WA.
Jacob Williams Winery will be pouring a new 2025 Pinot Noir, serving light bites and hosting music Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 PM. 3 Avery Road, Wishram, WA.
A Little Further Ahead
Mt. Hood BBQ will be at the WAAAM Museum September 12–13 for the annual Fly-In. 1600 Air Museum Rd, Hood River.
And mark your calendar for Logtoberfest, coming up the first Saturday in October (Oct 3, 2026, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM) in Carson, WA, with beer, wine, vendors and more. 312 Chapman Ave, Carson, WA.
So much more is on the horizon as harvest season continues. Happy eating, drinking, and exploring!
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