October Balch Banter
Owners, Claire and Josiah Balch Hotel

BY: JOSIAH DEAN

 

Greetings,

Fall is gorgeous around here. The warm crisp sunny days and cool nights. The hills are warm and golden–with harvest complete it’s a great time for a drive. The air is crisp as you wind through roads lined with turning leaves of crimson and gold. It’s delicious.

Speaking of delicious, our monthly Saturday Supper Series is back! We’ve been talking to a few local culinary stars from well-known Hood River dining establishments. We’re all very excited! Read on for details below.

Don’t forget that here on the Eastern end of the Gorge we have 300 days of sunshine a year, so the Balch is the perfect place to base your autumn wine exploring expedition. We really love getting a chance to explore the region and visit many of the great wineries – each with its own distinctive personality – from the quirky, historic Sunshine Mill Winery, along with 15 Mile Winery and Moody Toll Bridge Winery in The Dalles, to the renowned Maryhill Winery, located across the Columbia River in Washington , near Maryhill Museum and Jacob Williams Winery next door, with a tasting room that boasts a spectacular Columbia River and Mt. Hood view.

And craft brewed beer and cideries are coming to the area as well! We know of a couple of businesses opening soon. We’ll keep you updated as we “vet” them–i.e. we get to taste their offerings :)!

With cooler temps our free outdoor concert series is over but we’ve been talking with musicians about for some indoor house concerts this Fall/Winter. More details to come.

And the holidays are coming….we’re getting calls and yes, we’ll be open and offer special holiday meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Keep an eye on our Events page for more details. Or… create your own holiday party. Think of it: we’ll cook, decorate and clean up, so you have more time relaxing in the parlor with your guests. Reply here or call 541.467.2277 for more info.

Blessings on your Fall Bounty,

Claire and Josiah


Events: Here and Near

Balch Bounty: Saturday Supper Series Returns: Experience seasonal, local and organic farm to table dishes, for some really inspired meals! 40 guests will savor a 3 course meal, for $45 per person, plus gratuity. We’ll have suggested wine pairings from local wineries available for purchase. Menu is exquisite and adventurous–you can see more on our events page. Call 541.467.2277 to reserve your seats now, (we’re sure to sell out.) And don’t forget to reserve your room, too. Saturday, November 21 at 6 pm

Harvest Fest in Dufur: Experience delightful, small town Dufur Halloween and harvest festival. The town offers all kinds of fun activities like pumpkin carving, games, Trick or Treats, Jack-o-Lanterns, and other Halloweeny activities. Free. October 31 Reserve your room today!

Appraisal Fair. Learn more about objects you love, from family heirlooms to garage sale treasures, as leading regional art dealers and appraisers donate their time and expertise in the areas of American Indian art, books, jewellery, fine and decorative arts, coins and metals. The opinions and appraisals are informal but always educational. Cost: $10-25 (includes free museum admission). Maryhill Museum of Art. October 24 from 10am – 4pm http://www.maryhillmuseum.org/visit/calendar

Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival: Ladies Get Your Fiber Fix! The 5th annual Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival returns in a brand new location in The Dalles, and features three days filled with fibery fun. With a larger marketplace, more amazing workshops and a keynote banquet, the CGFF is the premier fiber event in the Gorge. Best of all, attending the market is free and open to the public. November 6-8, 2015

Planning Ahead? Thanksgiving at the Balch. Yes, we’re open for the holidays so let’s have some fun! Walk the golden fields, lounge around with a good book, sip wine or tea, and of course play that all-American game…croquet? We’re doing a simple traditional Thanksgiving farm to table feast. And of course dessert. With suggested wine pairings available. $32 per person  Call 541-467-2277 for reservations or book online. November 26.

Then be sure to stay for…

Thanksgiving Wine Weekend. Enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving weekend with more than 30 wineries hosting open houses. Special releases, great discounts and more. November 27-29 

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