Fruit Loop
Apple Picking. Apple Cider. Apple Cider Donuts. Apple Pie. The perfect recipe for a fall day.
My first full day of exploring in Oregon took me on a very fall trip through Hood River, OR. In Hood River, OR there is a picturesque route, called Fruit Loop, that takes you through local farms sprawling with fall foliage, apple trees, vineyards, vegetable gardens, and shelves of fresh baked goods. I’m a firm believer in supporting local businesses*, especially in these crazy times, so I made it a point to visit as many places as I could and purchase a little something from each.
From Damascus to Hood River, I took the long way around Mt. Hood to revel in its enormous beauty and check out the mesmerizing tree lined highway. Nothing but greenery for miles and miles with awe-struck moments of the sheer vastness of the sprawling trees. Tunes that day included Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. The best thing about the Fruit Loop, there is no direct path to take. You can explore in your own direction, fulfilling all your autumn needs. I definitely overloaded myself on sugar and carbs 😊
Fruit Loop Farms:
- Draper Girls Country Farm: Apples
- Smiley’s Red Bard: Apples
- Gorge White House: Lunch – great food truck
- Packer Orchards: Apple pie empanada – saved for later and heated up when I got home
- Packer Orchards and Bakery – Apple cider donuts
- Hood River Lavender Farm: Lavender candle – smells amazing!
- Fox Tail Cider and Distillery: Warm apple cider
When I was researching places to visit, I was saddened to see some of the places had closed for the season due to COVID related issues or the fires. I wish nothing but success for them in 2021. I am appreciative of those farms, who’ve been around for generations, and the strength they have to open their doors in the midst of craziness to bring joy to my life and countless others that day.
A wonderful thing I’ve noticed about Oregon are the people. Everyone is so nice and wants to have a conversation with me, something no one in California wanted to do. I was asked multiple times, how I was, what I do for a living, and how am I enjoying Oregon? And everyone was very open about their favorite places to visit when asked. I love that people take such pride in their state.
As I was looking for a fun inspirational quote to end my entry with I discovered the state moto of Oregon,
“Alis volat propriis.”
In English it means, “She flies with her own wings, " represents the independence of women and those who identify themselves as such.
I have chills.
That right there is the perfect phrase to describe me and this journey. Thanks Oregon.
*I do indulge in the Amazon Prime shopping guilt quite a bit as well, sometimes I just need a new cotton tee asap.