The Sentinel Hotel is a Portland classic. It was designed as Portland’s first boutique hotel in 1909, blending unique elements of Viennese and American Crafts styles. A recent renovation makes it one of Portland’s most stylish luxury hotels today.

This afternoon, step out into the heart of Portland. All of Portland’s central attractions are just short walk from the Sentinel. Stroll up to the Portland Art Museum, get lost in the famous Powell’s City of Books or simply relax in your luxury suite.

After dinner at one of Portland’s most beloved restaurants we’ll head out into the heart of the fashionable Pearl District for some classic jazz at Freddie Macs.

Portland is home to the largest urban park in America. Forest Park boasts 73 miles of hiking trails but this morning we will be concentrating on our favorite six. Though it is only a 10 minute ride from our downtown lodgings, this is a glimpse of the Northwest the way that Lewis and Clark found it over 200 years ago.

After a warming lunch at one of our favorite bistros, we’ll walk to the nearby Pittock Mansion. We have visited town palaces from Versailles to Florence and castles from the hillsides of the Rhine to the banks of the Hudson yet if we were to choose one to live in, this would be it.

This evening, we’re off to our favorite restaurant. Their local market menu includes signature dishes such as roasted dates and almonds wrapped in prosciuto, Osso Bucco or Duck Confit. We will also enjoy a preview of the wine region we will soon be exploring as the wine list boast over 40 wines by the glass!

The spectacle of Multnomah Falls, the second highest constantly flowing waterfall in the nation draws tourists year round but the true magic of the region lies above and beyond its rim. Our path this morning takes us into a wonderland of water, forest and mist punctuated by beams of brilliant sunlight.

After a fine lunch of Northwest specialties at the rustic Multnomah Falls Lodge, we continue up the Columbia River to our historic new home in Hood River, The Columbia Gorge Hotel.

Hood River is a lovely little town which has thrived in recent years as a base of all sports, winter and summer. It’s main street offers a pleasant ramble of shops, wineries, brewpubs and fine restaurants, one of which will be our destination this evening.

Oregon shares two diverse, almost schizophrenic geographical personalities. The western part of the state is saturated in lush green forest and the eastern plains are fondly referred to as the High Desert. Today we will venture over to the dry side into a landscape of gently sloping ranchland. Pine trees give way to leafy oak and our view extends over the river where newly planted vineyards hug the shore and windsurfers skip across the water.

Hood River long ago embraced its love of beer with the town’s Full Sail Brewery being one of the first craft brewers in the nation. Today, a handful of small breweries dot the downtown and before we head off to the wine country tomorrow, will enjoy a tasting stroll before dinner this evening.

Just above Hood River there is a modest trailhead on an old gravel lane that a century ago was the main road towards the east. The surroundings don’t look like much but here begins what the locals refer to as “our secret hike.” Our path gently rises through spacious woods that become ever more dense until it seems the trail might disappear. And then, suddenly, we break free into one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Cascades.

Beneath us, the Hood River Valley stretches out into thousands of acres of apple orchards. Mt. Hood reigns above it all, capped with white even in summer. To the north we see Mt. Adams and on a clear day all the way to Mt. Rainier. After this glorious experience, it’s time fun and a special lunch.

Just a few miles to the south of Portland lies the town of Newberg, a sleepy hamlet recently transformed into the hub of the Oregon Wine Country. It is a culinary destination and the home of the recently opened Allison Hotel and Spa. Time to settle in, take a swim, enjoy a massage and rest up for a lovely meal at the Allison’s acclaimed Jory Restaurant.

The rolling hills of Dundee are perhaps the most precious agricultural real estate in Oregon. This is the Willamette Valley and its rich soil, gentle slopes and foggy climate are the ideal home for the state’s famous Pinot Noir varietal. Our plan today is to wander a bit, taste a bit and picnic a bit. This is a deeply personal, friendly winemaking culture and we will learn from various winemakers what makes it quite so special.

Back in Newberg this evening, the focus is on all products local for a special dinner bringing together all the culinary elements that we have a sampled throughout our week together. It’s the Portland motto: local, sustainable, delicious!

After enjoying another lovely breakfast at the Allison (and perhaps one last spa treatment), we have arranged for transportation back to central Portland or the airport.

Of course we are happy to make additional recommendations should you choose to extend your stay.