Monday, August 5, 2024

- Breakfast at Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

- Explore the Portland Japanese Garden

- Tour the International Rose Test Garden

- Visit Oregon State University/Oregon Dept of Agriculture Food Innovation Center

- Kimpton Complimentary Happy Hour

INCLUDED

Meals - Breakfast

Lodging - Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

After breakfast, your day begins with a guided tour of the Portland Japanese Garden during member hours, before opening to the general public. From there, you'll walk across the street to the International Rose Test Garden, where you will spend an hour enveloped in the sights and fragrances of a variety of roses.

The tour will stop at the highly acclaimed Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart Pod. There you will choose from an eclectic mix of international cuisines, creative dishes, and unique flavors, before selecting a delicious dessert. The afternoon culminates with a trip to Oregon State University and the Food Innovation Center.

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene and beautiful oasis nestled in the hills of Portland, Oregon. It offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing visitors with a peaceful and contemplative experience.

One of the highlights of the Portland Japanese Garden is the Sand and Stone Garden, a minimalist arrangement of raked gravel and carefully placed stones that encourages meditation and reflection. The Bonsai Garden showcases a collection of meticulously cultivated bonsai trees, each telling a story of patience and dedication. 

International Rose Test Garden

Upon entering the International Rose Test Garden, you are greeted by a breathtaking display of roses in a vast array of colors and varieties. The garden is meticulously landscaped with well-maintained pathways that lead you through different sections, each featuring distinct rose varieties. The fragrance of the roses fills the air, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the garden is the Queen's Walk, a central pathway that offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and Mount Hood. This vantage point allows you to appreciate the beauty of the roses against the backdrop of Portland's scenic landscape.

Oregon State University/Oregon Dept of Agriculture Food Innovation Center

The Oregon State Department of Agriculture Food Innovation Center (FIC) is a hub of culinary creativity and food research located in Portland. A visit to this center provides a unique and educational experience, allowing you to explore the world of food innovation, research, and development.

A key attraction of the FIC is its test kitchen, where food scientists, chefs, and researchers collaborate to develop and refine new food products. Witness the innovation process firsthand, observing chefs experimenting with ingredients and creating unique recipes. The test kitchen serves as a dynamic space for culinary experimentation and the development of innovative food concepts. 

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

- Breakfast at the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

- Tour the Lan Su Chinese Garden

- Focus on sustainability walking tour in NW Portland

- Visit Durant at Red Ridge Farms Estate Garden

INCLUDED

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

Your day begins with breakfast at the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, followed by visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden. After your choice of lunch at a locally-owned restaurant in NW Portland, you will take a walking tour focused on sustainability. Your walk includes a therapy garden and hidden green spaces. Rest for an hour transport to the Willamette Valley, where your guide will present a curated map of dinner options and you will make evening reservations to enhance your dining experience. Arriving in the valley, you will visit the spectacular Durant at Red Ridge Farms and olive oil tasting bar.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Nestled in the heart of Portland's Old Town Chinatown, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is a peaceful oasis that transports visitors to the beauty and tranquility of classical Chinese gardens. This garden is a journey into Chinese culture, art, and horticulture.

Upon entering the garden, step into a meticulously designed landscape featuring classical Chinese architecture, serene ponds, winding pathways, and lush plantings. Each element of the garden is carefully arranged to create a harmonious balance between nature and architecture.

Durant at Red Ridge Farms

Red Ridge Farms is home to an olive orchard and an olive mill. Learn about olive oil production, from harvesting the olives to pressing them into extra virgin olive oil. Savor the different flavors and nuances of the olive oil during a unique olive oil tasting.

The Red Ridge Farms property features beautifully landscaped gardens and scenic viewpoints. Stroll through well-maintained gardens, enjoying the colors and fragrances of the plants, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting. 

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

- North Willamette Extension Research Center

- Swan Island Dahlias

- Portland Women's Forum Overlook

- Vista House at Crown Point

- Multnomah Falls

- Marchesi Vineyards

INCLUDED

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging: Best Western Plus Hood River

Check out from the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel after breakfast, and embark on a journey to the North Willamette Extension Research Center. Travel on to Swan Island Dahlias is a large, family-owned dahlia farm, in business for over 97 years, growing over 375 varieties of dahlias. There you will eat a provided boxed lunch while enjoying the beauty and splendor of the dahlias. In the afternoon, you will visit the Portland Women's Forum Overlook, the Vista House at Crown Point, and the Multnomah Falls on the way to Hood River. After viewing the fields of the Marchesi Vineyards, you will check in to the Best Western Plus Hood River Hotel, and explore the area, where you are on your own for dinner.

North Willamette Extension Research Center

The NWREC focuses on conducting research relevant to the agriculture and horticulture industries in the North Willamette Valley region. Some key aspects of NWREC include researching a variety of crops, including berries, vegetables, nurseries, and small fruits. The goal is to address challenges faced by local farmers, improve crop yields, enhance sustainability, and explore innovative agricultural practices. 

Swan Island Dahlias

A visit to Swan Island Dahlias is a vibrant and visually stunning experience, offering a chance to immerse yourself in one of the largest dahlia farms in the United States. Swan Island Dahlias is located in Canby, Oregon, and is known for its extensive dahlia fields, showcasing a breathtaking array of colors, shapes, and sizes of these beautiful flowers.

Swan Island Dahlias is a popular destination for photographers, given the vibrant colors and picturesque landscapes. Whether you're an avid photographer or just enjoy capturing beautiful moments, the farm provides numerous opportunities for stunning shots. 

Portland Women's Forum Overlook

Surrounding this viewpoint, you'll find native vegetation and trees, contributing to the scenic beauty of the location. The natural elements enhance the overall experience and create a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. 

Vista House at Crown Point

Perched atop a basalt cliff, Vista House provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge and the surrounding natural beauty. Vista House has historical significance as it was constructed as a rest stop and observatory along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It was envisioned as a place for travelers to pause, appreciate the scenery, and learn about the geological and historical aspects of the region. 

Multnomah Falls

Surrounded by tall evergreen trees, fern-covered cliffs, and the sound of rushing water, Multnomah Falls is nestled in a pristine natural setting. The vibrant greenery and the mist created by the waterfall contribute to a refreshing and tranquil atmosphere. Adjacent to the falls is a visitor center where you can find additional information about the geological formation of Multnomah Falls, local flora and fauna, and the history of the area.

Marchesi Vineyard

Franco Marchesi’s passion for vineyards began in his hometown of Borgosesia, Piemonte, Italy. As a child he always wondered what it would be like to be a winemaker like his grandfather Achille. Eventually, Franco found himself settling in Oregon’s Columbia Gorge region, where the latitude is exactly the same as his beloved birthplace of Piemonte. He fell in love with the spectacular landscape defined by Mount Hood, "Where the climate and soil are just like Northern Italy."

Franco began planting his favorite Northern Italian grapes on an abandoned apple orchard in Hood River, which he purchased and started to revitalize in 2003, and has become the Marchesi Vineyard as it is known today.

Thursday, August 8, 2024

- Hood River Extension Office

- Fruit Loop

- Timberline Lodge

- Lavender Farm

- Stave and Stone

INCLUDED

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging: Best Western Plus Hood River

Hood River Extension Office

Visit the Hood River Extension Office of Oregon State University, providing guidance for home gardeners and horticulture enthusiasts on gardening practices, plant selection, and pest management. Learn about their work with Master Gardener programs, workshops, and plant clinics to support the community's gardening efforts.

Fruit Loop Tour

A visit to the Hood River Fruit Loop is a delightful and flavorful experience, offering a scenic journey through orchards, vineyards, and farms in the Hood River Valley, Oregon. The Hood River Fruit Loop is known for its abundance of fresh fruits, artisan products, and stunning views of Mount Hood.

Timberline Lodge

Timberline Lodge was constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression and was dedicated in 1937. The lodge is a masterpiece of rustic mountain architecture and is famous for being featured in Stanley Kubrick's film "The Shining." It sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet, making it the highest year-round ski lodge in North America.

In the summer, Timberline Lodge transforms into a hub for outdoor activities. Hiking and mountain biking trails abound, providing opportunities for exploration in the alpine wilderness. Additionally, the lodge offers scenic chairlift rides on the Magic Mile chairlift, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Lavender Farm

In addition to fruit orchards, the Fruit Loop features lavender farms and fields of vibrant flowers. Depending on the season, you may be treated to the sight and fragrance of blooming lavender and other colorful blossoms.

Stave and Stone Winery

Off of the beaten path in the Hood River valley, the Stave and Stone Vineyard is nestled in between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.  The tasting room, covered patio, and outdoor seasonal garden provide you with “views as good as the wines” in all four seasons, and experience the responsible and committed viticulture of Stave and Stone.

You will be treated to a private presentation by Edwina King of Stamboom Meats, helping to grow the idea and belief that a family can farm and make a living in a sustainable, small scale, land focused farming operation. Edwina and GiGi, Wendy Wilbur's sister, will provide you with a special treat box for your personal enjoyment.

Friday, August 9, 2024

- Breakfast at Best Western Plus Hood River Hotel

- Bonnieville Fish Hatchery

- Drop off at Portland International Airport

INCLUDED

Meals: Breakfast

Transportation: Drop off at PDX

Your final day on the Discover Oregon Gardens and Grapes Tour involves breakfast and checkout at the Best Western Plus Hood River Hotel. During the transport to Portland International Airport, you'll visit the Bonnieville Fish Hatchery, a fascinating and educational experience, where you'll learn about fish conservation efforts and witness the fish life cycle.

Bonnieville Fish Hatchery

Tour the Bonnieville Fish Hatchery, providing information about the hatchery's history, mission, and the types of fish being raised. Knowledgeable staff or interpretive displays offers insights into the significance of hatcheries in supporting fish populations. One of the highlights of the Bonneville Fish Hatchery is the opportunity to observe various fish species in large viewing tanks. This includes species like salmon and trout. The viewing areas often have large windows or observation decks, allowing visitors to see fish at different life stages, from eggs and fry to mature adults.