Get Mugged at KV Ceramic Studio

Another Columbia Gorge tidbit from the Team at http://www.travelthegorge.com/

At 1082 Tucker RD (a continuation of 12th street if you're coming from the north) - on the heights in Hood River - between a small apartment building and a garden center- hides a very special recreation destination for the crafty among us.  Ken and Verna, lord and lady of this quiet little kingdom, greet each visitor by name.  If they knew you were coming, your customary chair is ready and your personal treasures are set out ready for your continued attention.  A supply of cold sodas (diet Coke, a must) are in the frig.

It feels like home, if your home is warm, friendly, and your tables are surrounded by shelves and shelves of paints, glazes, greenware, bisque and wonderfully created ceramic and glass decor.   Everything is here for the amateur or crafting pro to make personalized gifts for friends and self, spend a few rainy hours keeping kids busy and quiet, or throw a party where everyone makes the same thing differently.  The possibilities are delightful.

Last Saturday the Team spent two noisy hours creating our own personal versions of ceramic travel mugs.  We had seen the mug at the KV Ceramics booth at the Hood River Blossom Festival and decided we just had to do this.  There was another table full when we arrived with 3 generations of the same family each painting merrily away at their own levels of ability.  (We also had very diverse levels of competence - which doesn't matter a bit.) 

While at the studio, take a break to look at the truly lovely selection of handcrafted gifts at their adjoining Gorge-Us Gift Shop.  Ken creates some very unique glazed ceramics and pottery and their daughters have obvious talent with fused and etched glass.  You can call ahead (541-386-4664) to reserve a table or a whole party, but just dropping by is also totally acceptable.

Columbia Gorge Wineries Passport Weekend

Another bit of "wining" from the Team at Travel the Gorge

Your passport to a great wine time in the Columbia River Gorge can be found at the Columbia Gorge Wine Region website.  The Passport to a World of Wine in 40 Miles, is a great opportunity to visit Gorge wineries, experience Gorge dining options, learn a little bit about wines - and Gorge wines in particular, and take advantage of specials on wine purchases and lodging. 

The official Passport Weekend is april 9-11, 2010, but there are fun wine happenings earlier in the week, too.  Nora's Table at 110 Fifth St in Hood River is offering a six-course, six-wine gourmet experience Wednesday evening, April 7th,  and the Columbia Gorge Community College (541.506.6011) is presenting a class on the affects of Gorge Geology on local wines at Mt. Hood Winery, at 6:30 on Thursday April 8th. 

For lodging, the Columbia Cliff Villas, The Dalles Inn, The Lyle Hotel and Mt. Hood Hamlet Bed and Breakfast are all offering specials or discounted rates for the weekend.

This is historically a lovely weekend in The Gorge and a good time is had by all.  So come Gorge yourself.  Your wine cellar will thank you!

The TTG Team