11 minute read
Don't Feel Like Hosting? Try These Alternative Ways to Holiday
New Ways to Holiday
Don’t want to cook this holiday season? Create new traditions instead with these Oregon experiences
written by Jean Chen Smith
One of my favorite holiday memories is the year my husband and I got married and moved into our first home together. It was during the holidays, and we were inundated with boxes of belongings that needed to be sorted through and unpacked. It was a little overwhelming to say the least. Both bogged down with corporate jobs that consumed our days and sometimes nights, there was almost no time to organize our home, much less cook and prepare for the festivities of the season.
Both our families were situated far from our new home, so we did not have plans of visiting for Christmas anyway. On the spur of the moment, we decided to take a break from the stress of unpacking and booked a three-day getaway at an adorable bed and breakfast that offered a full holiday dinner. We were able to enjoy a beautifully decorated property and a traditional meal, and even meet the owners and other guests. It was truly one of the best times we have ever had. When we returned refreshed and relaxed, the boxes seemed much less daunting.
This year, if you want to skip the process of preparing and cleaning up, and if you are up for doing something unconventional, look no further than our list of some of the best places to spend the holidays.
For Couples
BRASADA RANCH | CENTRAL OREGON
The 2,000-acre luxury resort Brasada Ranch, best known for its family-focused hospitality, recently debuted its Cascade Bungalows, sixteen adults-only accommodations. The private bungalows exude sophisticated elegance with stunning views of the Cascade Range. Rooms are open concept with a spacious sunken living room, fireplace and luxe bathroom with a rainfall shower. Guests have access to their own private patio with a hot tub and outdoor shower. There is also a complimentary in-room breakfast.
The property hosts many activities during the winter and holiday season. Take a fitness class at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or book a spa treatment at the top-notch spa, where couples can enjoy a wide variety of services, including massages, facials and salon treatments. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, or explore the resort with your own Ranch Rover golf cart. The resort will hold its live Winter Music Series every Friday throughout December.
The location is central to other nearby experiences as well. For those who love to ski, there are world-class slopes less than an hour away. Visit downtown Bend, which is about a twenty-five-minute drive, where you will find lots of retail therapy along with streets lined with holiday decorations.
The Ranch House and Range Restaurant & Bar will be serving meals throughout the holiday season and offer a menu led by Chef Karl Holl, best known for his achievements in farm-to-table cuisine. For New Year’s Eve, Brasada will host a party in the barn with live music, dancing, food and a midnight champagne toast.
For Pet Parents
THE BENSON | PORTLAND
For an urban holiday adventure with your beloved hound, look no further than The Benson Portland, which is a gorgeous historic hotel in the heart of downtown. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, the hotel recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation, spanning the palatial lobby, restaurant, fitness facilities and guest rooms. Updated accommodations are outfitted with furniture from Milan and feature marble floors and spacious bathrooms.
The hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes them with customized gifts such as treats and a snuggly pet bed. The Benson allows two pets in select rooms for a fee of $40 per visit.
The hotel’s legendary Gingerbread Masterpiece, a fifty-one-year tradition, will be on display and will take your breath away. Each year features a different theme, and in 2022 it was a majestic replica of Multnomah Falls, using 150 pounds of homemade gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, approximately 20 pounds of chocolate and more than 10 pounds of Rice Krispies. To support the local community, the hotel is collecting donations of new and unwrapped toys for the Fox 12 Les Schwab Tire Centers Toy Drive. Toys can be dropped off at the hotel lobby through December 15.
The Benson’s Palm Court Restaurant, with food executed by El Gaucho, will be open on Christmas day, offering a festive menu for both hotel guests and non-guests. Best known for its steakhouse classics such as steak Diane and A5 Miyazaki Wagyu New York, it will also offer some holiday favorites, along with a children’s menu.
Higgins restaurant, a Portland staple in farm-to-table fare, is offering a traditional Thanksgiving prix fixe menu at $85 per person and $50 for children. For those who want to celebrate, but forgo the work at home, this is an excellent family-style option. The restaurant will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. and is taking reservations. In December, it will feature a New Orleans Réveillon menu with a southern twist on classic holiday dishes.
For Friends
Westfir Lodge & Mountain Market | Westfir
The historic Westfir Lodge & Mountain Market sits in the center of the Willamette National Forest, with easy access to hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In warmer weather, it is a hub for mountain cyclists and rafting. Built in 1925, the beautifully maintained property offers nine rooms updated with modern amenities. Perfect for friends-giving gatherings, each accommodation offers privacy and space to lounge and relax. The large great room is an ideal setting for cozy nights spent around the authentic wood stove, playing games, telling holiday stories and reflecting on the year ahead.
Westfir wins for its central location to many activities and attractions. It is about an hour drive from Eugene, and within an hour of some good Cascade skiing. This winter, the Willamette Pass shuttle will run from Westfir Lodge to Willamette Pass ski resort, making it convenient for overnight guests. The shuttle is free for guests staying at the lodge and $20 per person for the public.
Book a Willamette Pass snowshoeing tour through Cascades Outdoor Center, where your expert guide will lead you on a hike to view two waterfalls. Or consider an evening stargazing snowshoe tour, where you will be provided with the necessary equipment and led to a viewing area to be rewarded with beautiful views and hot chocolate.
From November 25 through December 31, the Willamette Valley Visitors Association is hosting its annual holiday hunt for ornaments in the Willamette National Forest. Hundreds of ornaments will be hidden along trails for guests to find. It is a fun and festive event that gets people outside and moving.
For Families
COLUMBIA CLIFF VILLAS | HOOD RIVER
Hood River is a great location as your home base because it is within an hour of Portland International Airport and has a host of activities for all members of the family. It can be challenging to find accommodations big enough for larger families, so Columbia Cliff Villas is the perfect space because of its spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Each of the suites offers a full kitchen, separate bedrooms and living rooms, along with a formal dining area for those holiday meals, whether you are cooking or ordering takeout.
The hotel is within minutes of Hood River’s historic downtown, brimming with boutiques and eateries. Because you are in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, there is also plenty of hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and access to hot springs. Every winter, the town hosts an annual holiday parade and tree-lighting ceremony.
Book reservations at Votum Restaurant, known for its fine-dining experience, using high-quality and local ingredients whenever possible. It is offering an upscale holiday buffet with seafood and prime beef the week of Christmas (December 21-25). Dinner service begins at 4:30 p.m. and is $95 per person.
To ring in 2024, Votum is offering a curated ten-course tasting menu on New Year’s Eve. Some highlights include A5 Wagyu, caviar, white truffle and champagne pairings. Two seatings are available at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. The cost is $350 and an additional $125 for an optional wine pairing.
More Picks for Holiday Getaways
ASHLAND
Head to Ashland to celebrate the season’s festivities. During the holidays, the downtown is transformed into a winter wonderland, with streets aglow in twinkling lights. Starting November 25, the town has nearly daily events to celebrate the season. Whether it is caroling, attending the annual tree lighting or catching an Oregon Shakespeare Festival performance, holiday cheer is all around.
Stay at the historic and elegant Ashland Springs Hotel, home of Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, an award-winning restaurant plating New American dishes with a twist. Decadent desserts will win even the most discerning over in a heartbeat.
There are tons of shops for those searching for last-minute gifts. Head to the charming TreeHouse bookstore, which has a good selection of new authors in addition to notable classics. Visit Branson’s Chocolates for small-batch sweets and treats and Heart & Hands, which has been in business for more than twenty-six years and carries one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories. The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink provides fun and laughter for adults and kids of all ages. Break out the skates and try your balance on the ice.
The Havurah Synagogue hosts Hanukkah Fest on December 10, a celebration that includes menorah making, a concert, storytelling time and homemade potato latkes for sale.
INDEPENDENCE
Less than two hours from Portland is the quaint town of Independence, which stretches fewer than 3 square miles and exudes small-town charm. Once known as the epicenter of the booming hops industry from the early 1800s until the 1940s, it is now brimming with antique shops, restaurants and a picturesque main street. Check in at The Independence hotel, which opened in 2019. The boutique hotel sits along the Willamette River, offering modern and spacious rooms along the riverfront. Artwork by local artists is featured inside the rooms and hallways. Reeve Carter, who works at the hotel’s restaurant Territory, sells his handmade cutting boards and bowls, which make perfect gifts, right in the hotel’s lobby.
The city of Independence lights up Riverview Park with the town’s annual holiday light display. For a festive brunch, head to Jubilee, a cheerful establishment that serves everything from eggs Benedict and tiramisu to champagne and mocktails, located right on main street. They also allow well-behaved dogs to dine with their owners.
Thinking about a nontraditional holiday dinner? Kin Dee Thai Eatery, located in Monmouth, is a nine-minute drive from The Independence hotel. The small restaurant serves traditional Thai cuisine, using fresh ingredients. Kin Dee translates to “eat well” in Thai, and owner Vichuda Stine is eager to help with recommendations on the most popular fare.
Territory restaurant at The Independence will offer a classic Thanksgiving sit-down meal, which includes a turkey-carving station, prime rib, mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, cranberry sauce and fresh baked pies.
The weekend after turkey day, wineries in Willamette Valley kick off the holiday season with a range of holiday events such as wine tastings, food pairings and opportunities to shop for local gifts.
