One Day In Hood River | What to do & where to eat - Summer Edition
Nestled alongside the breathtaking Columbia River is Hood River, Oregon! This beautiful port city that sits along the I-84 East highway, is just an hour and a half away from Portland and is a must since there is a little of everything.
Hood River itself is a cute, walkable town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and breweries but there is so much nature to explore too. Hood River is the perfect spot to go wind and kite surfing but if that’s not your thing, there’s also beautiful farms to check out. There is great food here too!
Where To Eat
Golden Goods
Golden Goods has a great variety of options that are both sweet and savory. Photo by Vegan Ventures
Mouthwatering plant-based delights at Golden Goods, the ultimate vegan sanctuary for sandwich and breakfast enthusiasts! This vibrant cafe and bakery is a true haven for vegans, serving up a delectable array of fully vegan sandwiches that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. From classic comfort combinations to innovative and unique flavors. But that's not all – their breakfast toasts and sweets are a revelation in themselves, crafted with love since almost everything is made in house. Don't forget to complement your meal with a heavenly espresso, brewed to perfection with beans from Hood River’s Moby Roasters.
111 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031
Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, Cafe & Bar
The vegan Green Wilder pizza at Solstice - Photo by Vegan Ventures
Solstice Pizza has to be on your list of places to eat in Hood River. It is along the Hood River waterfront and has a charming rustic-chic interior with their wood fire oven open on display. They have only one already vegan pizza option (unless you build your own or order a vegetarian pizza and substitute for vegan cheese) but it is worth it! It’s called the Green Wilder and it is topped with a house made basil cashew pesto, Impossible vegan sausage, pomodorracios, shaved red onion, vegan cheese, and topped with fresh arugula. My non-vegan friends loved this pizza more than the non-vegan pizza. They also have small plates made for sharing with vegan options as well. There’s also a gluten-free crust option. Expect a long wait if you’re in a group during peak hours but it well worth it.
501 Portway Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
Romeo Gelato
A food truck along the waterfront that is mainly a gelato spot but it does have freshly made sorbetto flavors that are naturally dairy-free! Made with local ingredients and their sorbetto flavors taste FRESH! Perfect on a hot day.
603 Portway Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
What To Do
Wilderton Distillary & Tasting Room
This is the first non-alcoholic tasting room and distillery in the nation. Located on the waterfront, their spirits are distilled with botanicals and are the perfection addition to any non-alcoholic cocktail or cocktail for a fragrant taste and experience. At their distillery, you get complimentary tastings of their spirits while learning about the process. There’s delicious cocktails you can enjoy too made with their spirits.
Tours of the distillery available upon request.
407 Portway Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
Hood River Lavender Farm
Acres of lavender at Hood River Lavender Farm - Photo by Vegan Ventures
Enjoy acres of lavender that you can wander through at Hood River Lavender Farms. There’s a winery on one side and the fields of lavender on the other. During it’s peak season in July, you can pick your own lavender from the fields while also enjoying the views of the mountains in the distance. There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase lavender essential oils that are pressed from the farm and other lavender products.
407 Portway Ave, Hood River, OR 97031
Gorge White House
Pick fruits like blueberries at The Gorge White House - Photo by Vegan Ventures
A 30+ acre orchard with beautiful mountain views where you can pick flowers, berries, and other fruits in the summer as well as enjoy their cider and tasting room too. There’s a food truck that has a vegetarian sandwich that can be made vegan (it is delicious and worth it) if you want to eat but might as well save your appetite for all of the fresh fruit you can pick. Be sure to check out what is in season but this is my favorite spot to go to in Hood River.
2265 OR-35, Hood River, OR 97031
Walk and Shop Around Downtown Hood River
The town of Hood River itself is a walkable area where you can easily walk from one street to another and check out many of the local businesses. From boutique shops and cafes to restaurants and breweries, there is plenty to see. You can also easily walk to the waterfront from downtown, which is a must!
Where To Stay
You can do a lot in one day but if you want to stay overnight or for a weekend, I love using Booking.com to find the best deals and accommodations!
