BY: JOSIAH DEAN

It’s full-on summer, so most of us are “busy” relaxing and exploring near and far. Claire is on a pilgrimage to southern France as you read this, furthering her training on The Magdalene Path.

Closer to home, however, we near Vintage Dufur Days (August 11-12) a charming 2-day celebration of our rural farming roots. (We still have a few rooms available – 2 night minimum. Book yours here.)

With the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail approaching and being right on the Barlow Road (the rugged detour developed to avoid the perilous whitewater ending of the trail) it’s an auspicious time to visit Dufur.

Vintage Dufur Days is a chance to step back in time and experience a way of life that is slipping away. Things were done by hand here—far before it was trendy.

With electronic devices and on-line communication so predominant in our lives, Vintage Dufur Days is a hands-on opportunity to reconnect with a slower, easier pace. Every August, our rural village offers a weekend of old-time activities. If you’re looking for a quieter pace to explore out of the maddening crowds, consider staying a few days with us.

The town turns out with artisan craft and food booths, and a quilt show. Local farmers and ranchers dust off antique farm equipment to demonstrate harvesting locally grown wheat. Check out steam engines and blacksmithing. There’s even a petting zoo, tractor pull and parade. Many come just for the yard sales held throughout the village.

Wander over to the Dufur Historical Society Museum to tour the old one room schoolhouse, log cabin, cookhouse & blacksmith shop. There’s even rumor that some of the horses and horse-drawn equipment will be back!

Later that evening, gather on our shady grounds for a rustic community barbeque dinner and music. Chillax on the patio, the warm breeze and umbrellas shading you just right. Or lounge in a hammock out back, then play a rousing game of all-terrain croquet or bocce, assisted by local wine or beer chilled to perfection.

Sunday, the event shifts gears for the annual classic car show. Enjoy wandering the City Park, looking at antique refurbished cars from the 30-70’s, before taking a dip in the pool or wading in the creek.

If slowing the pace is your goal this summer, cruise to Dufur and pedal from here. We’re highlighted on Columbia Gorge Car Free (scroll to Itineraries).

Wander about town. Poke around the museum, shops and exhibits. Chat with locals. Read. Nap. Journal. Lie in a hammock. Get restored with Reiki. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

Take your time. Un-busy yourself. Unwind with us,

Claire & Josiah for Team Balch

P.S. At the risk of being redundant, an exciting report: We’re 20! We now have 20 cozy rooms with views of the patio, garden or mountain. And every evening, locally sourced dinner, wine, beer. Heck, why not enjoy a spa/wellness session too?

You may know, we’ve been upleveling the restaurant, with weekend dinner specials that are getting rave reviews. And to make things run smoother, we now take reservations ahead or at check in, so you have a better experience. Plan to have dinner here. (To reserve a table, call 541.467.2277)