The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM) boasts a collection of 118 aircraft, 140 cars, and 37 motorcycles. about 90 percent of them are flyable or drivable. See first-hand the only flyable Aeronca LC, a 1917 Curtiss Jenny (Serial No. 1), a rare Boeing 40C, a 1910 Curtiss Pusher, a 1912 Indian motorcycle, Model A and Model T Fords, and a 1966 Ford Mustang, just to name a few. Hanging in the lobby is the Curtiss Pusher replica that, in 1995, together with the Director of Restorations, recreated the 1912 flight by Lincoln Beachey off the roof of Portland’s Multnomah Hotel to Pearson Airport in Vancouver, Wash. On the second Saturday of every month, activities include antique airplane flights and antique car rides. You may even get to ride in a Model T. (It’s more complicated to operate than you might think.) The second weekend of September, WAAAM hosts a fly-in with upwards of 300 airplanes in attendance. Hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., admission $6–$14, 1600 Air Museum Rd., 541-308-1600.
Ride a train and wind through orchards, lush forests, and fields of wildflowers on the century-old Mount Hood Railroad. Take an excursion to the historic town of Parkdale, or experience the dinner or brunch train. You can also dine on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train wher anyone can be a suspect. Or ring in the holidays aboard the Polar Express; wear your PJs, enjoy caroling and hot cocoa, receive a silver bell, and meet Santa.
Hood River highlights local artists and offers a unique downtown shopping experience. You’ll find jewelers with exquisite creations, stores with stylish garments hand-crafted with alpaca wool, and bookstores stocked with terrific selecions. There are stores with items for your furry friends, and shops to buy local jams, honey, and smoked salmon. A shop aptly named “Made in the Gorge” features jewelry, pottery, handbags and other items made exclusively in the local area. Stores are generally open 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and most are on Oak Street, downtown’s main thoroughfare.
Hood River boasts seven wine tasting rooms downtown. The Pines is one of the oldest vineyards in the Northwest. It is renowned for its Zinfandel, but also has noteworthy Merlot and Syrah. The vineyard was originally planted in the late 1800s by an Italian stonemason, Louis Comini, fro grapevines he brought from his hometown of Genoa. Their downtown tasting room is the place to be on Friday nights with live music, friendly staff, and of course, wine tasting.
