Mt Hood Vacation Rentals' "Creating Memories That Matter" Contest Winners

Thank you to all of our 20th Anniversary "Creating Memories That Matter" Contest Entrants.  We had dozens of entrants through November reservations and online sign-ups.  The winner of a 2-night stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental from a random drawing of all entrants is Jeannie Lihs of Scappoose, Oregon

The 2nd winner of the 5-night stay was awarded for telling us about a "Favorite Memory that Matters" that was created while on vacation. We received over 30 stories which were all wonderful to read, but a few really stood out.  We received the best story from Brenda Harkabus of Lakehead, California.

Here is her story!

"'Memories that Matter' In March of 2010 my beautiful, vivacious, 26 year old daughter died. I thought I was going to die from the horrible grief and pain. If there is anything more difficult than losing a child, I hope I never know what it is. My best friend of 20 years, who lives 9 hours away was my lifeline. She called me EVERY DAY for 6 months. Not many people are willing to enter into another persons grief like that. There are no answers or things you can say to make it better, but making the commitment to be on the phone every day to listen kept me from sinking. I wanted to do something to show her how much that meant to me and to spend some time with her. So, I made reservations for the Hidden Creek Log Cabin at the end of September 2010. She lives on the Oregon Coast and I in Northern California. I was so emotionally exhausted I had to take 2 days to drive to Welches. We met up at the office and proceeded to the cabin. From the moment we walked in the door I knew it was going to be a great experience. We enjoyed everything about the cabin and the area. We shed tears together and for the first time in 6 months I laughed again. I will never forget how that felt. My healing began there. She still calls all the time and we talk often about our stay there and how nice it would be to go back sometime."

Brenda will have the opportunity to re-visit the Hidden Creek Log Cabin because she won the 2-night stay at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for her great story!

We had a tie for the 2nd place story, both of which we thought were good enough to share, too. The first story is from Carol Hoecker of Portland.

"We are 3 couples that share an annual weekend trip in January. This particular year there was a lot of snow and we barely made it to the cabin in Zig Zag. While hot tubbing one night we heard a creek, a crack and then a rumbling noise and the next thing we knew our quite, tranquil and relaxing time in the hot tub was shattered by most of the snow falling off the roof and into the tub. Once we found out that no one was hurt, we started laughing so hard we could barely get out of the tub. I think the temputure went down to 80 after the snow hit. That happened about 8-10 years ago and we still talk (and laugh a lot) about that story."

The other 2nd place story was submitted by Kim Marshel of Vancouver, Washington.

"I had seen the email promoting this contest once before and had dismissed it thinking that I didn't have a sound argument for "Creating Memories that Matter". We have never had any holiday celebrations there, or been there for a significant event, so I think my thoughts went directly to what fun times we may have had while spending time at one of the cabins we have rented. There were quite a few to choose from! But unless you were there-they may not be that funny! So I dismissed it. Until I looked at the calendar the other day and realized that it had been almost 2 years since we lost Denny. Denny was our cocker spaniel and he was considered the baby of the family. We contributed to that completely on our own by always giving him whatever he wanted! He always knew we would take care of him. And that always included carry him when he didn't want to get his feet wet. I'd never had a dog that didn't like the water or the dampness of the pavement, but rather than drag him everywhere we would pick him up on occasion. So when we booked a cabin during the winter we knew we were taking a chance. The winter meant snow, which also meant we'd be carrying Denny. To our surprise Denny never looked at the snow with fear in his eyes. He walked in it, rolled in it and (of course) ate it like he had been doing it all his life. It was the most remarkable thing I had ever seen. Stunned actually but it made for one of those unbelievable happy stories that-you wouldn't get unless you were there. I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. Denny is no longer with us, but if that's the last thing I could ever remember about him I will take it."

Five runners-up each won one adult lift ticket for their choice of Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline or Mt Hood SkiBowl Adult lift tickets to be used between January 1 - March 31, 2012 in conjunction with a paid reservation in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental.  Our lift ticket winners are: Michael Dado, Cara Barstad, Maria Moiel, Jenna Gribbin and Michelle Plotner.

Congratulations to everyone!

Why Not Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental

To our surprise and excitement, the holidays are nearly upon us! With reports of snowfall already hitting the airwaves and real sightings of snow at the ski areas, Thanksgiving Weekend is bound to be fun for families visiting Mt Hood. If you’re planning on spending your Thanksgiving vacation in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental, you can certainly expect to have a seamless and relaxing weekend because our cabins, lodges and homes are perfectly equipped for the holidays.

For our guests who will be preparing a traditional turkey dinner in their Mt Hood Vacation Rental, we have made it easy for you with kitchens that are completely stocked with all the pots, pans, dishes and utensils you need to make a big family dinner. From casserole dishes to pie pans, blenders to platters, wine glasses to bread baskets, the only additional items you might want to consider bringing is a roasting pan and thermometer for your turkey. Also, if you’ve forgotten a food item (or just don’t want to haul all those groceries with you), both the Hoodland Thriftway and Mt Hood Foods in Rhododendron will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

If you’re more inclined to sit back and let someone else do the cooking, there are lots of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Drive up to Timberline Lodge for an intimate and delectable dining experience while you watch the snow flurry outside, and enjoy Chef Jason Stoller Smith’s root beer brined natural turkey. The Resort at the Mountain will be hosting an extravagant Thanksgiving Buffet from 11 am to 7 pm featuring turkey with apricot-pistachio stuffing among many other delicious items. Later in the weekend, visit the Rendezvous Grill for their 2nd annual Holiday Open House and Wine Tasting from noon to 5.

From our kitchens to yours, here is some our favorite Thanksgiving recipes that are easy to make and pleasing to everyone’s palate…

Spaghetti Squash Gratin

1 to 2 1/2 pound spaghetti squash
9 fresh sage leaves, 6 of the leaves finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced and crushed to a paste
2 1/2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated Swiss Gruyere cheese
3/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and place halves, flesh side down, in a baking dish with enough hot water to come 1/4-inch up the sides of the squash. (The water prevents burning and helps steam the squash so it cooks more evenly.) Cover with aluminum foil and bake until the squash is soft when poked with a knife, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Discard the seeds. Scrape along the pulp with a fork and pull out and reserve shreds. Rub the bottom of a medium (8-cup or slightly larger) gratin or baking dish with butter.

Toss the "spaghetti" with the chopped sage, garlic, 2 cups of the cheese, cream, salt and pepper. Spread mixture in gratin dish (the squash layer should be about 1 inch thick). Sprinkle the remaining cheese over "spaghetti." Arrange the 3 remaining sage leaves on top of the gratin. Bake for about 45 minutes. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over gratin and serve.

Note: The squash can be baked a day ahead, following the above directions. If the top of the gratin doesn't turn golden brown, place it under the broiler for about 1 minute.

Yield: 6 side-dish servings.

Sausage Cornbread Stuffing
 

2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 pound spicy sausage, broken into bite-size pieces
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
10 sage leaves, finely chopped
10 cups cornbread, crumbled into bite-size pieces
2 cups dried cranberries
2 cups pecans, chopped
3 to 4 cups chicken stock
Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add olive oil to a large saute pan, add the onions and celery and saute over medium heat until soft.  Add the sausage and cook until the sausage begins to brown. Stir in the garlic and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pecans, sage and rosemary and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

In a large bowl mix together the cornbread, cranberries, and the sausage mixture. Add chicken stock and stir until well mixed and corn bread is moist. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Transfer to a casserole dish.

Bake the stuffing until it is hot all the way through and is crusty on top, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Serves 12.

Martha Stewart’s Mile-High Apple Pie – Makes one 9-inch pie
Note: Bake this pie at least 24 hours in advance to allow the filling to set.

Crust: Deep Dish Pate Brisee
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp sugar
1 ½ cups (3 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
½ - ¾ cups ice water

Make your pie dough in two batches, dividing ingredients approx 60/40.

1. Place flour, sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade; process until combined. Add the butter pieces; process until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds.
2. Add the ice water in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube with the machine running, just until dough holds together. Do not process more than 30 seconds. Test by squeezing dough; if it is still crumbly, add a bit more water.
3. Turn the dough out onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Grasping the ends of the plastic wrap with your hands, press dough into a flat circle with your fists. This makes rolling easier than if the pastry is chilled as a ball. Wrap the dough in the plastic and chill for at least one hour.

Apple Pie Filling
½ cup all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
Deep-dish pate brisee
8 medium sized Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into ¼ inch slices
Juice of 2 lemons
1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg yolk

1. Preheat oven to 450º. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the smaller piece of pate brisee into a 15 inch round about 1/8 inch thick, dusting surface with flour to prevent sticking, as needed. Brush off excess flour. Roll dough around rolling pin, and place over a deep dish 9 inch pie plate. Line plate with dough, pressing it into the corners. Trim dough to within 1 inch of the pie plate. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate.
2. Roll out remaining piece of dough into an 18-inch round. Transfer round to a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
3. Place apple slices in a large bowl; sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar and cinnamon; toss with apple slices.
4. Place apple mixture into pie dough in pie pan, mounding into a tall pile. Dot filling with butter. Place dough round over the apples. Tuck edge of top dough between edge of bottom dough and rim of pan. Using your fingers, gently press both layers of dough along the edge to seal, and crimp as desired.
5. Using a paring knife, cut several vents in top dough to allow steam to escape. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and 2 tbsp water to make a glaze. Brush surface with egg glaze; sprinkle with sugar. Place on a baking sheet to catch overflow juices. Bake until crust is golden, about 15 minutes.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350º and continue baking until crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling, 60-75 minutes. Tent with foil during baking time if crust is getting too brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Fall Foliage on Mt Hood

Mt Hood is renowned for year-round skiing and snowboarding, and countless miles of hiking and biking trails. Most people visit during the winter and summer months to enjoy these activities. What these folks are missing out on only happens in the fall, and it is such a spectacular occurrence we want to share it with Mt Hood Vacation Rental guests…the brilliant fall foliage! As the seasons transition from summer to autumn, the days get shorter and leaves change from green to the many colors of fall—gold, amber, red, orange and even pink. Once winter is in full swing, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis, and the leaves dry up and fall to the ground. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer.

Besides evergreens, the Mt Hood National Forest is full of vine maples, oak, huckleberry and Oregon grapes shrubs with colors that strike a remarkable contrast to the dark greens of Douglas fir and hemlock in the fall. Vine maples, in particular, show off the brightest and most diverse color spectrum, from deep dark red to the most vivid yellow.

Photo courtesy of Gary Randall Photography

For a magnificent, sweeping view of the Welches Valley and the abundant autumn colors of the Mt Hood National Forest, hike up Hunchback Mountain, accessible from the Zigzag Ranger Station. While it is a somewhat strenuous hike up (an hour each way), you will be well-rewarded with sweeping views of the colorful valley and the Salmon River below once you reach the top. For a more relaxed experience, meander along the Old Salmon River Trail and watch as the fall leaves float peacefully into and down the Salmon River while the salmon are spawning.

To experience Mt Hood’s fall foliage from the comforts of your car, cruise along the Mt Hood Scenic Byway and the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, which join to create a breathtaking loop around Mt Hood. Fall colors are particularly glorious through Hood River Valley, on Highway 35 between Government Camp and Hood River as you drive from forest to field. Take breaks along the Hood River County Fruit Loop at the many orchards and wineries that dot the beautiful landscape, and watch apple, pear and grape harvest in full swing before tasting the fruits of the farms’ labors. Apples, pears, cider and other fall harvest fruits and vegetables are available for sale at many locations.

Photo courtesy of Gary Randall Photography

If curling up in the front of a blazing fire with a good book and gazing out the window at the leaves falling is more your style, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals’ fall special continues until Thanksgiving! Stay in one of our warm and inviting homes for 4 nights and you will get your 3rd night half off and 4th night free.

Also in November, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is Celebrating 20 Years of Creating Memories That Matter. Stay with us in November and you will automatically be entered to win a 2-night stay at one of our welcoming vacation homes for each paid night of your visit. Share with us your Favorite Memorable Story that was created while on vacation, and the best storyteller will also win a 2-night stay. Plus 5 runner-ups will win an adult lift ticket for the 2011/2012 ski and snowboard season.

Northwest Search and Rescue Conference in Welches, Oregon

Mount Hood, Oregon is the perfect backdrop for this highly popular Search and Rescue Conference.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is hosting the 5th annual Northwest Search and Rescue Conference (SARCon) on October 13-16 at The Resort at the Mountain. Established in 2007 in response to then-Governor Ted Kulongoski’s Search and Rescue Task Force findings, SARCon provides ongoing training, a crucial element for successful outcomes, for volunteers, SAR emergency responders and supervisors, police, firefighters, and military and medical personnel and search and rescue animals including dogs and horses.

This training is especially vital to volunteers, whom are the backbone of SAR operations. In 2010, volunteers contributed almost 150,000 hours to SAR missions in Oregon. Volunteer organizations, such as Portland Mountain Rescue (PMR) and Pacific NW Search and Rescue (PNWSAR), provide important support in the Mt Hood area and its beautiful and occassionally treacherous terrain of forest, lakes and rivers, and the mountain itself. PMR is a volunteer group of 70+ highly-skilled climbers dedicated to getting people out of trouble in mountainous and high-angle areas (Mt Hood). PNWSAR was on hand to help with the flood on Lolo Pass Rd this past January, and assists with rescuing lost and injured skiers, snowboarders and hikers.

The Mt Hood area provides the perfect backdrop for the conference, with its wilderness serving as a “classroom” for field exercises. The conference includes classes focusing on SAR management, wilderness, technology, medicine, K9 training and water rescue. A complete list of seminars can be found on the SARCon website.

We look forward to hosting SAR teams in Welches next weekend. Without this invaluable group of volunteers and service people, we would not be able to provide a fun, safe and reliable vacation destination for guests visiting the Mt Hood area and staying in our vacation homes!

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offers a variety of homes and lodging options in Welches in close proximity to the Conference site at The Resort at the Mountain.  Most homes are dog-friendly, too, so are ideal for attendees bringing dogs to the conference.

For Reservations:

877.352.4277   Email    Book Online    Live Chat    Push to Talk

Dog Day at Mt Hood SkiBowl Benefits Guide Dogs for the Blind

Bring your best friend (woof) up to Mt Hood on Sunday, September 18th for the 2nd annual Dog Day at the Adventure Park at Mt Hood SkiBowl. Start the day with a fun run/walk, recover with a tasty beverage in the dog-friendly beer garden, and finish that day with some laughs at the Best Pet Trick Contest. There will be three courses offered for the fun run/walk—an easy, 1-mile course great for families with kids, a moderate 2-mile round trip course, and a 7-mile extreme course for the more adventurous dogs. Registration is $15 per dog with proceeds benefiting Guide Dogs for the Blind.

• 10:30 a.m. Registration opens on site at Skibowl West
• 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Vendor Fair
• 11:15 a.m. Start of Extreme Course
• 11:30 a.m. Start of easy/moderate and moderate course
• 12 Noon Dog-Friendly Beer Garden Opens
• 1:30 p.m. Best Pet Trick Contests

Stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for Dog Day, September 18, 2011 and your dog stays free for the first night! Valid for reservations of at least 2 nights including September 16 - 18, 2011

Dollar Lake Forest Fire in the Mt Hood National Forest Burning in Wilderness Area on NE side of Mountain

A lightning strike-caused wild fire has been slowly growing in the Mt Hood National Forest for the past 10 days.  The Dollar Lake Fire was first sparked in the late evening on August 26, 2011 from a lightning strike.  The site of origin is in a very rugged, roadless area of the Mt Hood National Forest.  The fire has grown to just under 3000 acres in the past week and a half.

The forest fire is located about 7 miles SSW of Parkdale on the northeast side of Mt Hood and about 16 miles NNE of Welches "as the crow flies".  Of course the direct line from the fire to the Village of Welches goes through the mountain, several lower mountain ranges and a very large river gorge created by the Sandy River, all of which create obstacles to movement in this direction.  This fire is adjacent to the burned-out area of the 2008 Elk Meadows Fire.


Photo of the Dollar Lake Fire taken from Parkdale on or around Sept 1, 2011

The winds have been blowing west to east since the fire began until September 3rd, when the winds shifted to very strong east winds which blew the smoke overhead in the Welches area and all the way to Portland, some 50+ miles away.  Interestingly, areas north of Highway 26, especially the Lolo Pass area had a lot of brown smoke in the sky and haze settling in the river valleys.  However, most areas south of the highway including The Resort's golf course still had clear, blue skies.

The 5-day weather forecast for Welches calls for high temperatures in the 80's and winds from the ESE around 5-7 MPH and gusts up to 12 MPH.  The weather forecast for Parkdale is for highs close to 90 and winds coming from the East at about 6 MPH, switching to a NNW direction in the evening.

As a precaution, the forest service closed Lolo Pass Road at the turn-off to McNeil Campground, Ramona Falls Trailhead and Lost Creek Campground. All campers and hikers in this area were evacuated on Saturday, September 3rd.

Photo courtesy of USFS

There are two very good resources for up-to-date and factual information about the fire (it is getting a bit dramatic out there, especially on Facebook), visit the USFS official Incident Website or visit the Hoodland Fire District Facebook Page.

How does all of this affect your vacation plans to Mt Hood?  The winds have died down and the skies are clear and blue on Sunday morning, September 4, 2011.  While a few trails and campgrounds have been closed, most areas are still open for recreation in the Mt Hood National Forest.

And there is no threat of fire anywhere near any Mt Hood Vacation Rentals.  So you can still head up and enjoy your vacation.

Gary Randall photo taken at Sunset on Sept 3, 2011.

Mt Hood Festival of the Forest at Wildwood Park, September 10-11

Weekend of Live Music includes Cajun & Zydeco Sunday Sashay

Sunny & warm summer weekends will soon be transitioning into cooler fall days. So if you’re looking for ways to maximize your summer of fun, head up to the mountain for a great weekend of live music. Stay at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental home during Festival Weekend, and we’ll give you a little something extra… (read on to find out what!).

On Sept 10 & 11 from noon to 6 PM, bring your groove and your dancing shoes to the Mt Hood Festival of the Forest at Wildwood Park in Welches. The first annual Cajun & Zydeco Sunday Sashay of the festival will feature live music by the New Iberians, Too Loose Cajun Band and Atomic Gumbo all day on the Wildwood Stage. Other attractions include the Garcia Birthday Band, the Bob Voll Band, belly dancers, and crafts booths. When you’re not dancing among the trees, take a leisurely stroll on one of the 600 acre park’s trails, relax in the beer garden, sample a treat from one of the food vendors or take a nap by the Salmon River.

When you stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental during Festival Weekend, we’ll give you a free admission pass to attend the Mt Hood Festival of the Forest!

Make your reservation today!  877.352.4277   Email  Book Online

Western States Blacksmith Conference and Blacksmith Wars at Mt Hood, August 18 - 21

Twenty-five years ago the first Western States Blacksmith Conference was held on Mt Hood, and this year it’s back! The Village of Government Camp will host blacksmiths and enthusiasts from all

over the US for this year’s conference and Blacksmith Wars World Championship August 18-21. Fittingly, opening ceremonies take place at Timberline Lodge, which features hand-forged iron spanning 75 years of craftsmanship. 

 

A highlight of the event is the Blacksmith Wars World Championship, a competition that gives “Iron Chef” a more literal meaning! In a contest that simulates a customer-inspired job, complete with last minute changes, teams of 4 blacksmiths will compete to win the coveted title (and prize money) of “Blacksmith Wars World Championship.” The Wars will take place each day of the conference and culminate in a final showdown on Sunday, Aug 21. These competitions are open to the public to demonstrate the talent and camaraderie in blacksmithing and give people the enjoyment of seeing the craft in process. After the final showdown, the Blacksmith Wars creations will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the teams’ respective associations. The Blacksmith Wars World Championship is open to the public; check with the Cascade Ski Club or Valian’s Ski Shop to confirm locations for the public events. 

• Thursday, Aug 18, 6 PM to 9 PM


• Friday, Aug 19, 6 PM to 9 PM


• Saturday, Aug 20, 1 PM to 5 PM


• Sunday, Aug 21, 9 AM to 1 PM: Blacksmith Wars conclusion, judging and auction 

For a complete schedule of events, go to the Western States Blacksmith Conference website. There will be many demonstrations around Government Camp, however, these are closed to the public as the registrants have paid to attend these classes, lectures and events. The Hand Forged artwork and pieces available for sale will be located in the Valian’s Ski Shop building right on main street in the center of Village of Government Camp.

 

The entire Northwest Blacksmith Association Archive Collection will be on display in The Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum during the conference. 9 AM till 5 PM daily.

Wine and Dine on Mt Hood

There’s lots to do during the day when you vacation on Mt Hood: hiking around Trillium Lake, watching your kids tear it up at snowboarding camp, golfing at the Resort at the Mountain, mountain-biking the Pioneer Bridle Trail, fishing the Salmon River and more. After a long and eventful day of playing outside, what better way to unwind than with a glass of wine or two? Whether you enjoy it along with a home-cooked meal at your Mt Hood Vacation Rental or head out to one of the area’s fantastic restaurants, this is your guide to where to find and enjoy great wines:

WINE EVENTS

Saturday, August 13
Join Sokol Blosser Winery for an absolutely stunning view and 4-course Dinner at the Resort at the Mountain. Enjoy Sokol Blosser wines paired with Chef Paul Bosch’s cuisine outside on the golf course greens and under the stars. Dinner begins at 6 pm. Call Bonnie at 503-622-2220 to make reservations or simply to learn more about the specific menu and wine pairings.

Friday, August 5 & 19

Nine & Wine at The Resort Golf Course. Greens fee, cart rental, three appetizer and wine stations on the course, prizes and awards at Mallards Cafe & Pub for only $50. 4:30 PM Shotgun Start.

Saturday, August 27

To coincide with a sunset start time, The Resort at the Mountain’s Executive Chef Paul Bosch has designed a magnificent four-course menu to be paired with delightful wines of Oak Knoll Winery. As unique as the menu is its awesome location -- on Foxglove Nine of The Courses! Call Bonnie at 503-622-2220 to make reservations or simply to learn more about the specific menu and wine pairings.

Wednesdays

Wine Down Wednesdays at The Rendezvous Grill: 2-5 PM, $2 off all wines by the glass and $8 off bottles over $20. Buy a bottle to have with dinner at the Rendezvous or a bottle to take home—they have their retail license too!

Every Night

Check out Timberline Lodge’s renowned and award-winning extensive wine library of current and past vintages of Northwest wine paired with the inspired cuisine of Chef Jason Stoller Smith at the Cascade Dining Room. Splurge on a special night out to one of his intimate Winemaker’s Dinners at Silcox Hut.

Where to Buy Wine at Mt Hood

The Villages of Mt Hood are only a one hour drive to Hood River wineries to the east and about 1 1/2 hours to the world-famous Willamette Valley wineries to the west making it easy to take a day trip and go wine tasting. Also, since we are in the epicenter of several great grape growing regions, our local stores have pretty amazing selections of wine too!

• Hoodland Thriftway, Hwy 26 & Welches Rd, Welches, OR, (503) 622-3244
• Mt Hood Food and General, 73265 E Hwy 26, Rhododendron, OR, (503) 622-4652
• Govy General, 30521 E Meldrum, Government Camp, OR, (503) 272-3107
• Rendezvous Grill & Tap Room, 67149 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR, 503-622-6837(the restaurant sells wines from their list plus a few special selections on a retail basis) 

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Last Minute, Late Summer Specials in Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

It’s Not Too Late to Save on Summer Travel by Reserving a Mt Hood Vacation Rental: Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Offers a Varied Selection of Last-Minute Accommodations for Less

Welches, Oregon (August 1, 2011) – For trips planned during the late summer months, savvy travelers are looking at every way they can stretch the family budget to maximize enjoyment without sacrificing comfort while building life-long memories.

The Villages of Mt Hood (Brightwood, Welches, Zigzag, Rhododendron and Government Camp) are within a 1-2 hour drive from the Portland metro area and just 4 hours from the Seattle area. Guests traveling from the California Bay Area can drive to Mt Hood in one day. Many area visitors are saving on the rising costs of airfare by hitting the road. Lodging is the largest vacation expenditure, and one way traveling families can save without cramping style before summer’s end is by staying in a multi-bedroom vacation rental home.

Professionally managed vacation cabins, cottages, chalets and lodges are fully equipped, and provide travelers more space, amenities, special guest services and privacy. Also the option to dine-in saves on the second largest vacation expense, meals, and guests who drive can save even more by loading up a care package with food and beverage items enjoyed at home – things like their favorite snacks, cereal, spices, coffee and libations. Vacation rental guests enjoy preparing large family-style meals in well-appointed kitchens. Many homes offer riverside alfresco dining on the back deck.



For last-minute trips to Mt Hood, Oregon this summer, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offers a wide range of vacation homes to suit every budget and vacation desire including cozy cabins, romantic cottages, spacious lodges and beautiful chalets in a variety of settings with riverfront, secluded and golf course views providing the perfect lodging choice for Mt Hood, Oregon. Each private home has its own personality and charm and is close to Mt Hood recreational activities; guests enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, skiing and snowboarding and mountain and rock climbing just minutes from their Mt Hood Vacation Rental throughout the Villages of Government Camp, Rhododendron, Zigzag, Welches and Brightwood.

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are the ideal base camp for families, friends and couples celebrating family reunions and weddings, on a romantic getaway such as a proposal, honeymoon or anniversary, participating in golf tournaments, bike races and summer ski & snowboard camps or just looking for a quiet relaxing vacation away from the city.

End of Summer Specials:

LATE SUMMER LAST MINUTE RESERVATION SPECIALS
• Stay 4 Nights & the 5th Night is Free!
• Valid on new reservations in a Featured Vacation Rental booked August 1- 14, 2011
• Arrival and Departure Dates must be August 15-31, 2011

River Dance Retreat

Salmonberry Retreat

Rapid River Retreat

Cedarwood Lodge

PREFERRED CUSTOMER DISCOUNTS AT THE RESORT AT THE MOUNTAIN
• 20% off daily greens fees, Sunday through Friday after 1 PM
• $25 greens fees on Wednesdays
• 10% off at the Altitude and mallards restaurants
• 20% off massages, facials and nail treatments Sunday through Friday
• 15% off purchases in the Golf shop and Riverstone Gift Gallery

RESERVE 7 NIGHTS & THE 7th NIGHT IS FREE

AAA, AARP or MILITARY - Take 5% off the Regular Rate

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is recommended to travelers by Discover Vacation Homes, the official public resource on vacation rental travel, operated by the long-standing Vacation Rental Managers Association. All of the organization’s member companies, including Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Practices to ensure guests are provided a quality lodging experience.

ABOUT MT HOOD VACATION RENTALS
Mt Hood Vacation Rentals has been the premiere professional vacation rental management company on the south side of Mt Hood since 1991. Homes managed by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals have a reputation for their cleanliness, comfort, quality and amenities. Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is proud of their reputation for excellence, which is testimony to their commitment of providing the most professional and friendly customer service in the area. Guests return to Mt Hood Vacation Rentals year after year with confidence, knowing that the accommodations and the service they receive is top notch and will make their vacation memorable.

ABOUT DISCOVER VACATION HOMES
Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice on vacation rentals, providing an official resource for vacation rental travel information. As the awareness initiative of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, it represents tens of thousands of professionally managed rental homes, condos and villas from hundreds of the most well established vacation rental companies in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.



Reservations & Information:
866-761-8029   Email   Book Online   Live Chat   Push to Talk

Off to Mt. Hood: An Autobiography of the Old Road

"It took us an hour and a half in those days to drive just from Rhododendron to Government Camp"

"How's the road?" That was the question that was most frequently asked of us who drove the motor stages over the old road to Mount Hood. It was a question that had to be answered differently to different people. If it were asked by an "oldtimer" who knew the road well, the answer was a simple "good" or "bad." If the questioner was a stranger, one had to find out what he considered a "bad" road to be. If he were a person used to mud and dust, corduroy and plank, bumps, sand and rocks, with trees here and there that nudged in close to the ruts, it was easy to give him an idea of the conditions that prevailed for the particular day. If he were not used to such things, it was far wiser to change the subject, else you might lose a passenger before ever getting started."

This is how Ivan M. Woolley describes driving to Mount Hood from Portland.  His first road trip from Portland to Mount Hood was with Bert Higley in his 1909 Peerless.  The followin year, during summer breaks from college, Mr. Woolley's acquired a job as a driver for a commercial car service.  In those days, most visitors would not drive their own vehicle on this somewhat sketchy road; they hired a driver.  And only the adventurous even made their way to the mountain.  It could be a multi-day trip, with the first day's drive from Portland to Sandy and the 2nd day's drive ending in Welches.  The most difficult part of the drive was to Government Camp where the road ended.

"Horseless Carriages" such as those seen in this August 1915 photograph will return to Government Camp on July 28, 2011 when the Horseless Carriage Club of America tours
Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge. Over 100 pre-1915 Horseless Carriages will travel a
portion of the Loop Highway proposed in 1915 and constructed in 1922. The drivers in
this photograph were promoting construction of the Mount Hood Loop Highway.
 

 
To learn more of the history of the history of driving to Mount Hood, you can read Ivan M. Woolley's book, Off to Mt. Hood, written in 1959, in full online.  The online version is scanned from the original book including several photos of early "horseless carriages" making their way along the Mt. Hood Highway during the early 20th century.
 
For more information about the history of Mount Hood, you can also visit: mounthoodhistory.com online or tour The Mt Hood Cultural Center and Museum in Government Camp, Oregon.

Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory to host Episode for New TV Series Getting Away Together

New series showcases the ‘togethering’ trend of sharing vacation rentals with friends and family.

Getting Away Together, a new TV series airing on PBS member stations, is featuring Mt Hood, Oregon in an episode of the show’s premier season. Unlike other travel shows, Getting Away Together brings the concept of “togethering” to television. Getting Away Together will feature the benefits of staying in a professionally managed vacation home as well as travel tips for patrons visiting The Villages of Mt Hood. The show will be filmed at a Mt Hood Vacation Rental in Zigzag, Oregon as well as several locations throughout Clackamas County this month.

Slated to air in October 2011, the Getting Away Together series features a new group of travelers each episode as they unwind with meaningful travel experiences in fun locales, with vacation rentals as their home base. As this “togethering” trend continues, people are selecting vacation rentals for multi-bedroom accommodations and a sense of comfort under one roof.

The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) is introducing the show as part of its Discover Vacation Homes awareness initiative, together with series sponsors TripAdvisor®, CSA Travel Protection and 13 dynamic travel destinations.

“Getting Away Together is a unique opportunity to showcase the benefits of staying in a professionally managed vacation rental home and the remarkable attractions Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory features,” said Alex Risser, president of VRMA. “Staying in a professionally managed vacation rental home is a unique lodging option which allows families and friends to stay together, under one roof, in a fully furnished home. Patrons are able to have a comfortable, relaxed vacation while experiencing all facets the location offers,” said Risser.

Vacation rentals are one of the fastest-growing hospitality categories in North America, with groups of friends and families discovering them now more than ever. There are millions of vacation rental choices across North America, from individual owners to professional companies who maintain and service vacation rental properties and their guests each day which includes all of the proper inspections, secure reservation services, housekeeping, landscaping, laundry, etc. Professional vacation rental companies provide all the benefits of other lodging options with additional amenities and value, including extra values or coupons for local activities, shopping and dining, as well as free rental cars, gift cards, home features and more.

“One of the core issues facing the vacation rental industry remains the lack of awareness surrounding the lodging option,” Risser said. “Getting Away Together is an ideal outlet for increasing awareness and serves as an educational tool for traveling patrons, which in turn, increases tourism revenue dollars for each destination the series features.”

The series is being produced by the Emmy Award-winning PineRidge Film & Television Company, who has proven travel series success with Great Hotels, Great Vacation Homes, Passport to Europe and more. Getting Away Together portrays the professionally managed vacation rental experience in an authentic and informative manner.

Visit http://www.gettingawaytogether.com/ for more information about episodes, best-kept trip secrets, expert takeaway tips and other links and resources to help you make travel decisions along the way. “Like” the TV series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GettingAwayTogether and follow the show on Twitter @GetAwayTogether.

About the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
VRMA is the professional trade association of the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries. Founded in 1985, VRMA has more than 600 property management and associate members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean representing approximately 150,000 vacation rentals, condos and villas.

About VRMA’s Discover Vacation Homes Initiative
Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice on vacation rentals, providing an official resource for vacation rental travel information. As the awareness initiative of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, it represents approximately 150,000 rental homes, condos and villas from more than 500 of the most well established vacation rental management companies in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

About PineRidge Productions
As a division of Jerry Smith Film & Television, PineRidge Film & Television Company develops, produces and delivers quality television programs, utilizing an Emmy Award-winning production team. Since 1985, PineRidge has commissioned more than a thousand half-hour shows and 34 hour-long Prime Time specials. Perhaps best known for their series on Discovery Travel Channel including Great Hotels, Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America and Samantha Brown's Weekends, PineRidge also produces for HGTV, Fine Living Network, Food Network and PBS stations nationwide.

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, Vacation Rentals, TripAdvisor Mobile and TripAdvisor Trip Friends) with seamless links to booking tools.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection, a Europ Assistance company, is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers’ valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.

For More Information:

Amanda Drake
727.420.8395
Amanda.drake@ypartnership.com

Betsy LaBarge
866.794.6813
betsy@mthoodrentals.com