Discovering Off-the-Beaten-Path Eats These beloved eateries, recommended by locals, are especially worth seeking out on your trip. Breakfast fans will love Pine Street Bakery, located in the Heights neighborhood, for its fresh breads, rolls and pastries with Shepherd’s Grain flour and produce from local farms and orchards. Nearby, The Mesquitery has a great patio and neighborhood feel. It’s known for its charming service and global flavors, including homemade pierogies. Definitely don’t miss two classic drive-ins in the area. The giant soft-serve ice cream cones at the Eastwind Drive-In were locally famous in Cascade Locks even before it was featured in Cheryl Strayed’s bestseller “Wild.” A fixture since the 1950s, Twin Peaks Drive-In near Hood River Airport might be the only place you can enjoy a freshly made old-school burger on a patio with views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. For mouthwatering meats fresh off the smoker, try Apple Valley BBQ in Parkdale — where options include pulled pork and jerk chicken. On a hot summer day on the Fruit Loop, stop for a famous huckleberry milkshake at Apple Valley Country Store. Another amazing barbecue stop is the food truck Grasslands Barbecue, located on the Hood River waterfront behind Ferment Brewing Company. It’s run by serious students of the art of brisket, pork belly and sausages. Hood River County’s vibrant food-cart community offers everything from Italian to Thai to fish and chips. The community food blog, Hood River Eats (HoodRiverEats.com), is the local go-to for updates on locations of mobile trucks, as well as restaurant openings. Equally relaxing after a round of golf or sightseeing on the Fruit Loop, Divots Restaurant at the Indian Creek Golf Course has an excellent happy hour. Enjoy an ahi tuna poke bowl and local pinot gris on an outdoor covered patio with views of Mt. Hood. If you’re fresh off the Pacific Crest Trail, drop by Whiskey Flats Tavern or Thunder Island Brewing Co. for a cold microbrew and pub grub. Something for Everyone BREAKFAST SPOTS For traditional breakfasts, dine at Egg River Cafe or Bette’s Place. Downtown Broder Øst serves Nordic-influenced breakfast boards and egg dishes. Freshies, Doppio Coffee and Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe offer coffee to go. PLANT-BASED OPTIONS Remedy serves up healthy juices, burritos and bowls, while KickStand Coffee & Kitchen has a killer veggie burger. Golden Goods Sandwich & Bake Shop hawks meatless sandwiches and jackfruit burritos. Farm Stand in the Gorge offers fresh superfood smoothies. Mugen Noodle, Sushi Okalani and Riverside at the Best Western feature many plantbased soups and salads. FAMILY-FRIENDLY On the waterfront, Solstice Wood Fire Pizza has a play area for kids. Mike’s Ice Cream is the place to go for a treat, and Bistro Flix offers pizza slices and movies for the whole family. Working Hands Fermentation welcomes families to its cozy taproom and dog-friendly patio. Inspired by the flavors you experienced in Hood River County? Download our digital community cookbook, Tastebound, with recipes from local chefs at VisitHoodRiver.com/Cookbook. Broder Øst Thunder Island Brewing Co. FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF THUNDER ISLAND BREWING CO.; SMILE4TRAVEL visithoodriver.com 25
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