The Sweet Spot is Hood River's newest addition to downtown: A candy shop filled with novelty sweets and fun art like gummy bear chandeliers.

By Laurel Brown Columbia Gorge News – Many of us see an empty storefront and wonder what the space will someday become. Others, like the owners of The Sweet Spot, 104 Oak St., see an empty space as a blank canvas to paint their daydreams on.

​Savor the sweetness of the season with these chocolate chip marshmallow cookies, a mouthful of gooey, chewy perfection. See the full recipe by Registered Dietitian Sarah Harper.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the abundance that surrounds us here in the Columbia Gorge. From our incredible orchards along the Fruit Loop to local farms, wineries, bakeries, and restaurants, our community is rich with flavors worth celebrating…

Festivities are plentiful this time of year and so is the food! As we come together to enjoy all the delights that make the holidays special, it’s also a time to reflect on how we can extend that joy to others.

Sip into the season and explore these irresistible wine specials!

Festive times call for festive measures, and luckily, local wineries are offering exclusive seasonal specials that make gifting (and sipping) even more memorable. Here’s what’s uncorking nearby:

Tidbits this week include more Turkey-Day meal-planning options, date night and holiday gathering spots, operating-hours updates, and even holiday cookies. Enjoy!

This week, we highlight helpful Thanksgiving planning tidbits and top menu updates. See who’s taking orders for Thanksgiving courses to make your Turkey Day planning easier. Plus, plenty of local businesses are dishing out rich, hearty delights and cozy seasonal creations.

Celebrate Halloween with these delicious tidbits from spine-tingling sips to frightfully good treats. There’s something for every ghost and ghoul! 

Visit ShadowBuck Winery any day of the week to savor award-winning wines and experience the panoramic beauty of rolling vineyard-covered hills and majestic mountains surrounding the winery. Indulge in the finest wine with ShadowBuck’s superb wine collection.

Foodies, don't miss out on these tidbits highlighting an amazing salad, a celebration with special sandos and tasty bev's, and an apple-tasting weekend ahead.

This week’s tidbits feature four upcoming events and a Thursday special. The Hood River Harvest Fest returns with a mouthwatering selection of food vendors like Mount Hood BBQ, live music, and autumn activities. Find out more…

Savor the season in the Gorge with pumpkin bisque and chestnuts.

By Registered Dietitian Sarah Harper

​This cozy autumnal recipe, ready in about an hour, transforms a can of pumpkin purée and cooked chestnuts into a rich, aromatic bisque. 

Dive into an exciting week of delicious Fall happenings starting with Pearls Place Fruit’s new Fall hours, Draper Girls Country farm kicks off apple season, a harvest taste tour, and so much more…

Beloved dishes, upcoming festivals, tasty cooking classes, and more top this week’s Thursday Tidbits. Check it out to learn more.

Oktoberfest celebrations take over this week’s Tidbits. Read about these fall festivals plus a special brewery dinner and a farm-to-table feast prepared by local chefs at two favorite hot spots.

It’s harvest season and there is so much to see, taste, and do. Local food producers are stocking their farm stands with gourds, squash, apples, and more while wineries share their latest events, serving up specials, and even carnival treats.

As fall settles in, Hood River is buzzing with exciting events and flavors. Dive into the details and discover what’s happening around town. Plus, it’s a great time to celebrate one of the season’s finest forest-to-table ingredients: the chanterelle.

Celebrate Fall’s Arrival with One-Bowl Acorn Squash Bread

By Registered Dietitian Sarah Harper

If you enjoy banana bread, pumpkin bread, or zucchini bread, you’ll love the unique twist of acorn squash bread. Moist, tender, and mildly flavored acorn squash comes together harmoniously with cinnamon and vanilla to create a sophisticated twist on traditional quick bread.

Gorge happenings in the food and drink scene this week include where to get homemade lemonades and a yummy smash burger, plus events, an award, and a chance to cut lavender before the season wraps up.

Bistro 1907 at the historic Balch Hotel in Dufur held a soft opening earlier this spring that introduced guests to new Executive Chef Kevin West. West has developed seasonal dishes that are all about the Pacific Northwest flavors, including many that are specifically local to the Gorge…