I had been anticipating this day-trip for awhile. The Fruit Loop is a 35 mile scenic drive on the Columbia River Gorge just south of Hood River, Oregon. It's named quite appropriately since it's a loop in which you will find a treasure trove of fruit orchards, stands and u-pick farms - and much much more.
My picks:
- Rasmussen Farms: Amazing u-pick sunflowers in so many varieties and colors. They give you a giant Coca-Cola cup and you can fill it as much as you want for $5.25 - my sister and I definitely picked our money's worth. They also had all these very creepy gourd people, most of them which were decapitated from their bodies and interacting in some sort of Olympic game trials. I mean, their were A LOT of these things.
- Cascade Alpacas & Foothill Yarn & Fiber: I love alpacas! Ever since my time with them in Peru I have become smitten. They are just the coolest, most lively little guys. Plus, their fur makes amazing yarn. We got to feed and pet them and then sink our hands into a huge variety of fresh roving and spun yarns. A fiber lover's dream :)
- Hood River Lavender Farms: 70 varieties, u-pick (all you can fit in a zip tie for $5), views of Mt. Hood, awesome.
- Draper Girls Country Farm: Great u-pick orchards. The only thing in season this late in summer were the peaches (although they sold lots of other pre-picked fruits and veggies). They give you a bin and you set out into acres of orchards and pick whatever you want. Really good prices. They also make their own unpasteurized apple cider, yum.
- Apple Valley BBQ: Barbecue smoked ribs, period.
- Apple Valley Country Store: Different location. Huckleberry milkshakes, yes please!
We also checked out a winery (there are several) and ate more than I care to mention. We finished our day in Hood River, watching the kiteboarders glide on the river. We sunk our toes into the water and bathed in the setting sun. Then we headed over to Double Mountain Brewery before making our way home to Portland.
If you live in Oregon, or even if you don't, this trip is a must. Best times to go are July - mid-August, but they also have a Fall season with apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds and chestnuts. Oh, I'll be back...
