Here & There: Looking to ruff it? Try Oregon
At my house, we’re absolutely ridiculous about our dog. She goes to work some days, sleeps on the bed some nights, stars in a DVD production my husband created and has her own theme song – composed by Tom, natch.
We’re not alone, it seems. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, more than 29 million of you have taken your pets on vacation in the last three years.
Recognizing a financial wellspring when they see one, the good people of Astoria and Warrenton stand ready to welcome all visitors, human, canine and feline alike. (Horses stay home.)
The historic Oregon Coast communities open a number of their hotels, restaurants and boutiques to your furry friends. See what they think about this:
The “luxurious” Cannery Pier Hotel provides dog bowls, healthy treats, special beds, a bottle of spring water, leashes for river walks and the general adoration of the staff. A one-time pet charge of $40 covers it all, no matter how long you stay.
Should your critter tire of too much indolence, Fort Stevens State Park, one of Oregon’s largest, beckons with six miles of hiking trails – all open to leashed dogs.
Keep on exercising at the Astoria Column. According to the news release sent my way, the column’s 164-step spiral staircase leads to a “spectacular” view of the Pacific, the Astoria-Megler Bridge and the mouth of the Columbia.
All this may be lost on Fido, so maybe The Wet Dog Cafe warrants a drop-by. You’ll have your choice of beers, but your companion will have to make do with a bowl of fresh water.
More continental canines may prefer the European air of the pet-friendly Clemente’s. And your patient cat would probably appreciate a doggy-bag from the restaurant’s selection of fresh, local seafood.
As you head out of town, you can reward the pets for their good vacation behavior with a visit to LaDeDog Boutique, purveyors of treats, toys and this season’s “doggy couture.”
If a visit to Astoria and Warrenton looms in your future, there’s plenty of information to help you plan your trip at www.oldoregon.com or (800) 875-6807.
Sea-Tac when it sizzles
Forget Paris. When I dream of romance, Sea-Tac comes immediately to mind.
And then I swoon.
Capitalizing on this, I’m sure, widespread reaction, the Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center recently announced the extension of the “Flights of Fancy Romance Package” through Sept. 8.
You’ll start out with a helicopter tour of Mount Rainier National Park. (I’ve never been on a helicopter myself, but those scenes in “Courage Under Fire” looked super sexy.)
The flying continues with a biplane survey of Puget Sound and the city stretched out below. Presuming you’re not susceptible to motion sickness, later you’ll enjoy a custom dinner prepared by Chef Preston Hagen from Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops.
Dinner comes with paired wine flights (get it?), and is followed by a night in an “exclusive” Hilton Serenity bed.
Put a few fives in your pocket before you go, as the $1,500-for-two price tag doesn’t include tips or taxes.
Reserve your spot at (800) 445-5667 or www.hilton.com.
Wine and song
From April through June, the Columbia and Yakima valleys really hit the sauce.
And they’d like you to join them at celebratory events like the Saint Laurent Lucky Release Concert in Malaga on May 31.
“Rockin’ tunes” from Nightheart will accompany the debut of the winery’s 2007 Lucky White and Lucky Red releases. Admission is $15.
The theme continues July 5 with Saint Laurent’s Red White and Blues concert featuring special guest Bump Kitchen “cooking up the hottest funky blues and grooves.” Tickets run $16.50 apiece.
Later in the month, the Horse Heaven Hills trail drive event conveys you through those hills to the Chateau Champoux, Columbia Crest, Canoe Ridge Estate and other tasting rooms on the 19th.
Saint Laurent is back on Aug. 9 with The Fiasco Concert. Tickets for the Seattle acoustic trio’s appearance go one sale June 1.
Learn more at www.winecountrywashington.org or (206) 285-0514.
Regional events
“Bigfork Whitewater Festival, Saturday-May 26, Bigfork, Mont. At the height of spring runoff, the Swan River’s Wild Mile earns a class V rating. So load up the kayak, swallow hard and take the plunge. Or sign on for Sunday’s mountain biking, running and canoeing triathlon. ( www.visitmt.com/406-837-5888)
“The Natural Singer: Finding Your True Voice, May 29-June 1, Detroit, Ore. Breitenbush Hot Springs offers to help you overcome the “physical and psychological that limit us and uncover a rich, authentic voice.” Multiplatinum record producer Claude Stein will lead the way. ( www.breitenbush.com/503-854-3320)
“Montana Dinosaur Festival, June 6-7, Malta. The grand opening of the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station headlines the festival. A dig pit, Dino Camp with fossil mold-making, educational programs and vendors in the park round things out. ( www.visitmt.com/406-654-1776)