Take Your Pick at the Hood River Harvest Fest

Image courtesy of the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce

Seated at the confluence of the Columbia River and the fertile Hood River Valley, the town of Hood River is perfectly positioned to allow visitors to pick and choose from exhilarating activities and delicious food. These two offerings are highlighted each year with the Hood River Harvest Fest (Oct. 19-21). The weekend-long, old-fashioned fall celebration has been happening for 30 years and offers many ways to get a taste of Oregon, no matter which flavor is your favorite.

Along the festival’s Produce Row, you can buy goodies, from Anjou pears to heirloom apples — all grown along the Fruit Loop, a 35-mile driving route just outside of Hood River that’s the nation’s largest pear-producing region. Meanwhile, the live entertainment tent is a cool place to sample some local talent, in the form of family-friendly folk music, or Full Sail Brewing’s Hood-River-made beers. Also on offer: handmade arts and crafts from more than 100 vendors; freshly prepared foods like pies, jams and smoked salmon; kids’ activities; and the carving of an 800-pound pumpkin!

While you’re in Hood River, swing through downtown for some window-shopping  and head to the river to watch kiteboarders and wind surfers. Wherever you go around town, Hood River is the best pick to enjoy a perfect autumn day.