Tucked between Reed College and the Eastmoreland Golf Course, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was founded in 1950 as a rhododendron test garden. Today, the park exhibits more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas and other plants spread across 9.5 acres. One of Portland’s best waterfowl-watching spots, the garden is home to nearly 100 types of birds and other wildlife. I am excited to return in the spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom!
Just a quick ride away is historic Sellwood-Moreland, which boasts an array of shops, vintage vendors and restaurants, as well as a rambling wildlife refuge.
Sellwood is situated on a bank overlooking the Willamette River.
From there, it's a 30-minute ride home along the Springwater Trail. Ideal weather for such an activity!
That week, I met a few veggie ladies at punk bar, Black Water, for dinner and drinks.
The following Saturday was spent at the Hood River Valley Fall Festival. Located at the panoramic crossroads of the Gorge and the Cascade Range (one hour east of Portland), Hood River is the go-to destination for foodies, trekkers, historians and adrenaline junkies. Named the windsurfing capital of the world, it’s chock-full of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, craft breweries, wineries and farm-to-table bounty.
The annual fall festival brings together more than 120 vendors offering local produce and artisan foods, accompanied by live music, family activities, and the usual array of food trucks--plus, wine, cider and beer tastings.
Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, this is the Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty. I am eager to return to explore more of this town... and to try windsurfing!
Windows down and shades on, the drive back to town along the sunny, fall-painted Gorge was pure perfection. Needless to say, I have been enjoying the unseasonably warm and dry weather that has blessed the area since I moved--and will continue to take advantage of it for as long as it lasts!
Before heading home, I stopped by The Grotto, a national Catholic shrine dedicated to Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother. A 62-acre green space just minutes from downtown Portland, The Grotto provides a spiritual and peaceful retreat for visitors from all faiths and walks of life. The heart of the shrine is Our Lady’s Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110' cliff. Outdoor mass is held here every Sunday during the summer. Also located on the plaza level is the Chapel of Mary and lower gardens. The Grotto’s upper level includes manicured gardens, religious artwork, and views of the Columbia River Valley, the Cascades and Mt. St. Helens.
Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, this is the Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty. I am eager to return to explore more of this town... and to try windsurfing!
Windows down and shades on, the drive back to town along the sunny, fall-painted Gorge was pure perfection. Needless to say, I have been enjoying the unseasonably warm and dry weather that has blessed the area since I moved--and will continue to take advantage of it for as long as it lasts!
Before heading home, I stopped by The Grotto, a national Catholic shrine dedicated to Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother. A 62-acre green space just minutes from downtown Portland, The Grotto provides a spiritual and peaceful retreat for visitors from all faiths and walks of life. The heart of the shrine is Our Lady’s Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110' cliff. Outdoor mass is held here every Sunday during the summer. Also located on the plaza level is the Chapel of Mary and lower gardens. The Grotto’s upper level includes manicured gardens, religious artwork, and views of the Columbia River Valley, the Cascades and Mt. St. Helens.
