Tag Archives: Hood River

Cheers to Wine and Pears

Brittany By on

Last weekend, some of us here at Pear HQ drove out to the lovely valley of Hood River to sample pears at the Columbia Gorge Wine & Pear Fest. As you and I both know, pears and wine are BFFs. They’re meant for each other from the start: they even grow in the same area and climate. We sampled Green and Red Anjou pears to eager attendees, teaching them how to “Check the Neck” for ripeness so that they can enjoy pears at their sweet and juicy peak at home. Whether they were drinking Pinot Gris or a red blend, hard cider or Syrah, wine aficionados agreed that pears and grapes are a match made in heaven. (Which is what some visitors call Hood River, not incidentally.) Some of our pear growers joined us to sing the praises of their favorite Continue reading →

A Simple Pear Crisp

Lynsey By on

Last week I made a trip to Hood River, in the heart of one of USA Pears’ four growing regions, for the Hood River County Fruit Loop Pear Celebration.  Although it was overcast, which prevented the spectacular views that you’ll see on a clear day, the orchards were loaded with the new season crop of USA Pears in every variety.  Harvest is a few weeks late this year, but lucky for me, I was still able to pick up fresh Bartlett and Starkrimson pears at the many fruit stands on the loop. With my bounty, I decided to make a pear crisp, one of my favorite ways to kick off autumn.  I combined several different recipes to come up with a crisp that’s just how I like it – feel free to experiment and make your own adjustments! A Simple Continue reading →

Harvest is Around the Corner!

Brittany By on

Aren’t these teeny Red Anjou pears adorable? A new season of USA Pears is on its way! I took some guests to visit our pear shippers and growers in Hood River this week, where the sun is shining and harvest is just weeks away. Check out these photos for a look at what you’ll find in your local store in just a few weeks! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

Spring is Slowly on its Way!

Lynsey By on

On one of the few sunny days we’ve had here in Oregon since about, October, I made the drive up the beautiful Columbia River Gorge for Hood River’s annual Blossom Festival.  It’s always fun to visit one of our USA Pear growing regions – in addition to the beautiful pear orchards that are near-and-dear to my heart, the scenery, mountains, and rivers in each region are absolutely gorgeous! Unfortunately, Mother Nature’s timing didn’t quite match up with that of the festival, but with a closer look, you’ll see that the buds are just beginning to bloom.  And while I’m content to enjoy spring and summer, I can’t help but also be anxious for the clear autumn days of harvest! Here’s a bonus photo to give you a better idea of what I mean when I say that USA Pear country is scenic: the majestic Continue reading →

Hood River Harvest Ride

Brittany By on

I’ll be at the Hood River Fairgrounds bright (cross your fingers) and early on Saturday morning for the second annual Harvest Ride. I won’t be on a bike, but you should be! The Harvest Ride offers five different riding paths through the beautiful countryside surrounding Hood River. While on your ride, you can take a break at one of the many farm stands and purchase a healthy natural snack. If your eyes are bigger than your appetite, you can leave your purchased pears or apples behind and the HRHR crew will bring them back to the fairgrounds for you! Join hundreds of other bike enthusiasts for food, a great ride, and a celebration of the Columbia Valley’s bounty. Registration includes a finish-line lunch. Space is going quickly, so sign up now! Check out the site for more info: www.hrharvestride.com. If Continue reading →