Fifty years ago when this Florida surf chick wannabe was graduating from high school in Hollywood Florida an icon of Pacific Northwest hospitality opened its doors in Hood River. Last weekend my daughter and granddaughter and I enjoyed another wonderful “girl trip” experience at Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. With “new” properties vying for your vacation attention pop up all the time it is refreshing and grounding to enjoy the amenities and customer service 50 years in the making. The culture of Hood River Inn greet you from the first moment.
On April 29, 1967, the Eddie Mays Inn original hotel-restaurant complex opened as a 64-unit, two level motel, two level restaurant that incorporated a lounge, main dining room, 24-hour coffee shop, two banquet rooms, and fruit grower’s sales building. Its opening attracted thousands of people, for tours of what would be a premier destination for lodging, dining, business and social events in the Gorge.
This weekend under the sunny skies of Hood River, surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Columbia River just steps away from the newly renovated riverfront dining areas and deck, we enjoyed the first night’s sunset wine and dinner outdoors. Were we hungry for the fresh and local fare? Absolutely! We had sunned and splashed at the outdoor pool protected from the wind by clear glass that allowed a full view of the river and sweeping panorama views.
It’s an easy walk to the event center where you can rent SUP, windsurf or kiting equipment and lessons. A mile will take to downtown amenities and you are close to the fruit, berries and wineries Hood River is known for. World class fishing is literally a stone’s throw away.
Think modern, clean, attention to detail and comfort when thinking about the accommodations. In 50 years, the Hood River Inn has more than tripled in size by many measures, into a 194-unit hotel, vibrant restaurant and lounge, providing 12,000 square feet of meeting space. Some of the hotel’s mid-nineteenth century “modern” design character remains, but the operations are firmly planted in the hospitality standards of today. The Best Western Plus Hood River Inn currently ranks as one of the best hotels in Oregon*on top review site, TripAdvisor, for “Best Value + Top Rated.” It’s among the top five most-reviewed hotels in the state on the same site. Its many awards and honors are evidence that, in its 50-year history, the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn has become one of the best destination and convention hotels in Oregon.
It’s summer – make your reservation now. And plan ahead for Fall. That’s a season the Hood River Inn is stellar for water athletes and lovers of fruit, leaves and fine dining.
In the “Progression Project” film again and a again each of the water athletes is interviewed and each share what they observe, respect, appreciate and can analyze from the very people they perform against in competition. One small thing, one observation could bump a skill up a level. It was great to experience the camaraderie and fun these elite athletes maintain. The shared respect for each other and for their sport – and the most amazing SUP surfing footage you’ll enjoy again again – make this a unique and special project!
In order to drink I did need to grab the bite-nozzle and bring it up to my mouth. Even during a race it seems like a quick movement, practically effortless. There is a neoprene holder near the front of the Sidestream. The bite nozzle fits easily and securely into that holder, so the hose/nozzle stays out of the way while paddling and is easily available.
After checking in and a car ride with a wiggly 2-year-old granddaughter we were ready for some outside play. A short walk along the river in view of incredible Fall colors we came to the shoreline pool. The sparkling blue water is heated year-round so you can swim with a view of Columbia River and Gorge. If that’s not enought there’s both an indoor and an outdoor hot tub. No worries about bare feet in winter, the pool deck is heated in the cooler months.
Obviously, with 
The next morning as we were heading into the 
Take advantage of the uncrowded wonder that is Hood River in Fall and Winter. Immerse yourself in comfort, friendly ambiance and amazing value on so many levels. After all the fun, good night.
I have walked in to 
The Suncoast Surf Shop started back in 1966 when no other surf shops existed in the St. Petersburg, Florida area. Owner Joe was going to be an airplane mechanic, only they sent him home to get a haircut, never to return, hence the new job, surf shop owner. Suncoast started with $300, a few surfboards, 12 tee shirts, a bottle of red wine and some surfboard stickers. In the 60s things were a little different.
The goal of meditation is to diminish the self into focus and mindfulness so we can be free, compassionate (with ourselves and others) and discover stress-free calm.
It was time for me to switch gears, be grateful for the opportunity of three days with friends, in the outdoors and in an incredibly beautiful part of the world. It was time for me to be open, to learn from what I basically did not believe that I liked.
Elder SUP 