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

Sandy Mountain Festival

“Sandy Celebrates 100 Years of Pioneer Spirit!”

The 39th annual Sandy Mountain Festival in Sandy, Oregon celebrates the city’s 100th birthday this year. The nearly week-long party kicks off with the parade down Proctor Ave on Thursday, July 7 and continues through the weekend with live entertainment, over 150 artists and 20 food booths on display in Meinig Park, a carnival and events for kids.

The best way to make sure you don’t miss any of the festivities is to stay in a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for the long weekend. Reserve one of our Featured Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, July 4-8 and receive an automatic 10% discount.

Kids' Pet Show on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:30 am behind the Sandy Aquatic Center. Bring your pet and show off some tricks.

Kids' Bike Derby on Thursday, July 7 at 10:30 am at the Cedar Ridge Middle School track. Categories for kids ages 3 and up.

Sandy Mountain Festival Parade, Thursday, July 7 at 7:00 pm. Enjoy a true home town parade that features horses, antique cars, floats, marching groups and Sandy's five-generation court.

Sandy Music, Fair and Feast in Sandy's Centennial Plaza.  Thursday Night is Family Night, 6:00 -11:00 pm featuring Anything Goes Band (the band will not play during the parade). Free to attend.

The Junior Talent Show is on Friday, July 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm (with cake and ice cream!). 6:00 pm to 12:30 am is entertainment for people 21 and over. Enjoy the beer and wine garden, margarita booth, concessions and main stage entertainment with live music from Dirt Farm Cowboys and Crush.

Open Microphone Session is on Saturday, July 9 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Those 21 and over will enjoy live music featuring Lock, Stock & Barrel and Crush from 6:00 pm to 12:30 am in the beer garden with beer, wine and margaritas. Get your $2 off admission coupons from Sandy Les Schwab!

Kids' Carnival and Events will open after the Parade on Thursday and continue through Sunday, July 7 - 10. Other kids’ events include a pet show, bike derby, puppet shows and a kids’ parade.

Birdcage Theater Performances throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, July 9 - 10. Enjoy Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, Penny’s Puppets, the Sandy High Jazz Quartet and more!

Dale Nicholls Front Stage features live performances of music throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, July 9 - 10.



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