Each year Americans let hundreds of millions of vacation days go to waste. That's part of your compensation! You wouldn't toss some of your paycheck in the trash, so why let those vacation days go unused? The U.S. Travel Association thinks workers could use a rest and should be utilizing their paid-time-off to do so; and we couldn't agree more. That's why January 31, 2023 is National Plan For Vacation Day. And to help you plan your next trip, here are 12 ideas to get you thinking on how you can use those all-too-important vacation days.
1) Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
(March 17 - April 30, 2023) occurs annually and lures families from all over the world to witness the 40 acres of rainbow colored tulips.
2) White Water Rafting
Experience Oregon's largest gathering of paddlers at the annual Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival
(2023 dates TBD) or utilize the expertise of one of the many rafting guides and outfitters in Mt. Hood Territory throughout the rest of the warmer months.
3) Award Winning Wines
Our region features award winning wines are fantastic year round, but our wineries offer extensive events throughout Oregon Wine Month in May. During this time you can meet the makers, sample new releases and savor the deliciousness in their tasting rooms. Utilize the Mt. Hood Territory Wine Trail mobile passport for special discounts.
4) Mountain Biking
Mountain biking on Mt. Hood features different trail systems on the mountain, giving you days of riding on the Sandy Ridge Trail system and the Timberline Bike Park.
5) Fields of Flowers
Throughout June and July the amazing scent of lavender fills the air from the numerous Lavender Festivals in Mt. Hood Territory. In August everyone flocks to Swan Island Dahlias, which was named one of the 100 Best Destinations in Oregon, to their annual Dahlia Festival
(August 25-27 and September 3-5, 2022). It's a can't miss display of over 15,000 cut blooms plus acres and acres of dahlia varieties.
6) Baby Animals
Who doesn't love adorable baby animals? Each summer our fuzzy friends at Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch and Triskelee Farm start giving birth to baby alpacas, known as "cria". If you're not on cuteness overload yet, then make a visit to TMK Farms to meet the cowlebrities and get some of the most delicious, single-cow cheese your taste buds could ever enjoy or try their farm-made "Cowcohol".
7) Harvest Festivals
Harvest Festivals and pumpkin patches highlight the Fall months in Mt. Hood Territory. With an abundance of farms to choose from, everyone can get their quintessential Instagram shot of them having found the perfect pumpkin for their porch.
8) Dinners in the Field
The wildly popular Dinners in the Field by Field & Vine hits the home stretch of their run come Fall, so its your last opportunity to experience the magic until the next Summer. Many of our animal farms and wineries serve as host venues during this season, making the multi-course meals even more enjoyable.
9) Craft Breweries, Cideries, Distilleries
Mt. Hood Territory is at the forefront of the makers movement and our growing list of craft-brewers tops the list of innovators and collaborators. Explore our craft breweries, cideries and distilleries and use the Tap Trail mobile passport to get discounts along the way.
10) Visit A Show, Gallery, Museum
Take in a show at the theater, visit an art gallery and immerse yourself in our heritage at one of the many museums. They offer the perfect cold-weather activities for those who prefer to not brave the chill but still be entertained and enlightened.
11) Hit The Slopes
Ski, snowboard and tube on Mt. Hood at Mt. Hood Skibowl with the largest night skiing available in the country and their evening cosmic tubing, or enjoy the longest ski season in North America at Timberline Lodge & Ski Area. Both resorts offer top-terrain, fantastic events and appeal to your inner foodie to boot.
12) Midweek Deals
Get great deals on lodging by staying midweek on or near Mt. Hood at one of the many vacation rentals, lodges and resorts. Bonus: your snow play will offer shorter lines, less congestion on the slopes, and easier parking.
If all these fun reasons aren't enough incentive for you to use those vacation days, maybe saving some money is. You can save money at these Mt. Hood Territory lodging properties and attractions. Staying longer for less, what could be better?
