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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

VISITING AN OREGON ORCHARD

Today, my husband and I visited our favorite Oregon orchard, Mt. Hood Organic Farms (www.mthoodorganicfarms.com) .  It is located just outside Hood River, Oregon. We are usually there on a weekend when it is crowded but today we had the place to ourselves. 

 

 
 
No this isn't Switzerland, it's Oregon - with some haze from nearby wildfires almost obsuring Mt. Hood.  This is the scene that greets us as we arrive at the orchard's main courtyard.
 

 
Love the crafted architectural style the owners are creating to exist alongside the original houses and buildings  . . .
 
 
 







 
 
This is a small, quality orchard.  The fruit ripens on the trees until the last minute.  It means the fruit doesn't store as long for large grocer consumers but tastes better than fruit picked too early.  Can you see the Canal Red pears on these trees? 
 
 
 
 
While the owners have 200 acres only 40 are planted in pear and apple trees.  Owner John has decided to keep his orchards small and high quality.  Here are some Oregon Gala apples which will be picked in the next few days before the fall rains start this weekend.

 
 
We selected some of these Honey Crisp apples  . . .
 
 
And some of these Bosc pears . . .
 
 
 
We enjoyed the open foyer for selecting our apples and pears . . .
 
 
 
 
 
Mt. Hood Organic Farms hosts a lot of weddings.  Here is a recent menu for one of them . . .
 
 
 
Wouldn't you love to go to a wedding here, or maybe have your wedding here? 
 
Here is the guest cottage available all year, so darling . . .
 
 
 
 
The owner's home also has a carriage house for guests . . .
 
 
 
 
Our rescued golden retriever, Ravenna, loved the cool grass and the view!
 




 
Mt. Hood Organic Farms sells their apples and pears at our neighborhood Hollywood Farmer's Market in Portland.  Get there early as they sell out!  If you have a quality grocery in your neighborhood, ask them to carry this farm's wonderful apples and pears.  This is a small American farm offering the best in orchard fruit.  This fruit has no spots, bug holes, bruises, marks or fake waxy film. All that we saw were picture perfect and grown without chemicals. I love supporting them! 
 
 

 

 
 
 



12 comments:

Athena at Minerva's Garden said...

Hi Michele: I loved your post! What a great apple farm--I'm just across the river in Camas, but I've never heard of this place before, so we'll have to check it out. I have some apple trees and they are producing right now as well. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today for a visit, and glad you liked my vintage bar cart. Ravenna is a beautiful dog!

Janet said...

This is such a beautiful place to go apple picking! Such a great fall activity, too! Thanks for your visit and sweet comment! Hope you have a nice weekend!
Blessings,
Janet

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty place to visit. Fruit ripened on the tree always taste so much better.
Thanks for stopping by and nice comment on the necklace. Enjoy your weekend.

Doni said...

Hello Michele and thank you so much for coming by my blog! Those photos make me want to travel and see those gorgeous views! And the sweet little guest cottage would make a perfect place to stay...enjoying the sweet apples and pears by the fireside, chatting with friends....
Sigh....
Blessings,
Doni

helle said...

Wonderful surroundings you live in!!

Have a nice weekend-

Helle:-

Mina fotostunder said...

Så fantastiskt vacker plats!
Beautiful!

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

What a beautiful place to visit, and a perfect spot for a wedding. I love visiting places like this. Thanks for taking us along!

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

What an absolutely gorgeous place to visit. Stunning views. I can just imagine how romantic a wedding would be here.

Little Miss Maggie said...

What an idyllic setting for a farm and a wedding. I love produce from the local farmer's markets. It's so much better than the supper market.

20 North Ora said...

What beautiful scenery for that farm. The produce almost looks artificial - it is so perfect. Thanks for sharing.

Judy

Crafty Texan said...

WHat a gorgeous place to visit! I have to admit I am missing fall here, and loved seeing your pictures.

Anonymous said...

What a fun place to spend the day!! Love to go apple pickin so this is my kind of place!

bee blessed
mary