Fall is un-officially here!!

Like it or not the chill in the morning is back in full force. The last few days have reminded us of what we have been missing here in the Gorge. . You know, that reason why everything is so green. The rain is back and it is October, hard to believe the summer season has officially ended and winter is creeping it's why back toward our direction.

As we reflect back on this, some what hasty summer season, we have accomplished and welcomed more then just great guests. In June Latisha joined us from her six month stint in India. During her travels she collected a wide range of handmade jewelry complete with precious stones and silver as well as fantastic handmade silk scarves and numerous other foreign treats. This has allowed us to expand our gift shop immensely to a regular "candy store" for the young at heart.

Another by-product of her return has been our new addition which we are very excited about, the Gifford Lodge. The rustically new -aged Indian themed room officially became available late August 2009. This Gifford Lodge features a custom hanging bed, 7ft Jacuzzi bathtub and a 5x7 walk-in shower to name a few. This new addition along side the time of year has marked an official starting point of our upcoming expansions throughout the CR property. By next spring you will have the option of three more cabins on our property as well as expanded garden and water feature areas.

Keep in mind our additions and expansion are planned precisely to the nail and will be quick and painless . . and of course we will keep you posted along the way via twitter and face book, so be sure to follow!

Oh and we can't forget our other new additions to Carson Ridge. Penny & I am pleased to introduce you to Lexy & Bear, they were adopted in July and have quickly adapted to the B&B life. Although these Miniature toy Shepard's are typically a work oriented breed, you will find them lounged out, paws first, on the greens or near the front door to welcome you.

As we lightly tread towards a retreat center for those bound for rejuvenation and relaxation we are asking you what you would want in a destination property? What do you look for?

Make sure to follow us on one or all of our social sites as this winter will be crammed full of get-a-way deals, crazy discounts and the ultimate in relaxation packages. Keep in mind you can be the first to know all of our deals by signing up for our monthly newsletter .. http://tinyurl.com/yb33c7r

Until next time!

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

The statement could not be any more true. Our second day of sunshine after some well deserved days of continuous rain has the flowers popping up all over the property. The cherry blossoms are blooming and color is quickly entering the Gorge once again.

From a birds eye view the best is yet to come. The waterfalls in the area are gushing with winters left overs and yet I saw my first Kite Boarder out on the Columbia yesterday.. He was by himself which may say something.. but none the less he was out their attacking the waves and the wind. If this is not a sign of summer being on its way I don't know what is.

Another sign is the golfer's I keep noticing out on the tee's. We have partnered up with Skamania Lodge to now offer golfing packages for our guests. Their course is a PGA certified layout with some of the top professionals in the business to assist in your experience. They also have a full service pro shop to get you all the "must have" gear.

Our guests this weekend were thrilled after their scheduled wine tour with Martin's Gorge Tours. In celebration of their first anniversary they planned a delightful day of winery hopping together only to find out the night before the excursion that Mrs. Guest was pregnant. Needless to say they enjoyed it just the same and it allowed for great conversation each place they went. We would like to send out another congratulation to them from all of us here at Carson Ridge.

Keep in mind that you can now follow us on both Twitter and Facebook. Doing so will get you some "Tweet" deals on accommodations and packages.

Enjoy the weather and we will see you next time!

The Sun is Shining!! The Birds are Singing!!

Do you smell it? That refreshing aroma as you walk outside? The scent that seems to be traveling through the breeze? SPRING.. it is here.

Finally the sun is out and the flowers are pushing their way to the surface. The birds are back and the guests are planning their hiking and golfing days.

We have been updating our packages and have some exciting new things on the way. Next time you visit Carson Ridge you are going to be able to choose from a variety of activities such as windsurfing and kite boarding lessons courtesy of Hood River Water Play or Golfing at Skamania Lodge. Also choose from fishing on the Columbia River Gorge or if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.

April means it is time for all those spring break vacations . Where are you going? How about you keep it simple.. you can always justify a "staycation". That's right we qualify, being only 45 min. from the Portland/Vancouver metro area Carson Ridge can give you a action packed getaway close to home.

Also don't forget when it comes to those summer weddings Carson Ridge also offers a beautiful venue right in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge.

So don't waste anymore time book your reservation now as summer months are already filling up!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! 

2009 has welcomed some absolutely beautiful sun sets in recent days a far cry from the Arctic blasts that 2008 closed out with. With the morning chill at a steady 28 degrees the cars and the roads sheeted with a thin layer of ice you cannot help but love to be in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. 

Rain or shine sleet or hail summer, winter or fall there is always something to see and embrace in this beautiful country. With this quick melting of near by areas we have seen numerous water ways that either have never been their before or are double and triple their usual flow. The waterfalls in their area are a must see as they shoot out of cliff and mountain sides.

This weekend we are hosting guests from not to far away. They made the quick drive from portland and Vancouver to get lost in the ridges and mountains. We would like to invite you to come get away as well and envelope yourself in the Columbia River Gorge while staying nice and cozy in front of your fireplace with a wonderful book. 

Christmas in the Gorge

Looking out the window at 2 feet of snow is not something I had planned to be viewing today. The gorge has been blanketed with the beautiful white flurry's off and on for about two weeks however today starts a series of snow days that are not going any where to fast.

Our guests are not afraid, chains and all cabin five was determined to get their vacation even if it meant a very slow trip from Puyallup WA. The snow sets the mood and let me tell you we are open and waiting for your reservation. The is the perfect opportunity to disappear for a few days and get lost in a book, curl up next to the fire place or simply be.

Paradise is just 45 min away!

Are you taking advantage of this beautiful weather? A Columbia River Gorge day during November is far from this sunshine that we have experienced and 60 degree days. Soak it in and live it up, this is the perfect opportunity for an amazing hike to punch bowl falls.

Strawberry Mountain has been a prime location to view some of the most amazing sunsets this country has to offer not to mention the great trails and viewing locations from every angle of the island. Strawberry islands access points are from either the Bonneville Dam access points or beyond the North Bonneville ball field. 

Tis the season and it is approaching quickly. Thanks Giving will grace us with its presence in only six days and the holiday shopping spree has now begun. Don't forget that Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins offers the best gift around... Gift Certificates. Hassle free you will be giving a gift of pure luxury, soul and rejuvenation.

You also have 5 days left to enter for a chance to win a FREE all inclusive stay at Carson Ridge. Only $20 gets you an entry for one of three stays and the odds are pretty good right now if I do say so myself.

Heres to another beautiful day! 

Happy Holidays!

Gools, Goblins and Ghosts in the Gorge

Tomorrow is Halloween and the gorge is the place to be!

Cascade Locks is hosting a Halloween Haunted House. 

The 2nd Annual Haunted House held at Marine Park in Cascade Locks. Bring the kids for fun, games, prizes, food and lots of goblins and ghouls! Volunteers and donations needed. Call Donna at 541-374-8795.

Stevenson is hosting their 1st Annual Halloween Costume Party sponsored by the Stevenson Business Association. 

Live music from local electric dance band "The Love Skunks". Food and spirits with prizes for best costumes! Check out the amazing decorations. Admission to the party is $5.00 per person. Babysitting will be available at Rock Creek Center beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Check out Skamania.org for more information

Have a safe and Happy Halloween from all of us at Carson Ridge!

Savanada Math Charity & Carson Ridge

Wanna stay with us and just can't justify it in the budget?

Right now we are offering a raffle in which we are working with a charity in one of the most neglected and poverty stricken areas of India, Sivananda Math Charity. Our goal is to stop human suffering by alleviating poverty, provide free educational programs, and medical services to the undeveloped sections of society.

In December, we will be traveling to India to personally deliver the funds that we have raised as well as give our time to assist at the local orphanage, which is now attempting to feed 5000 children.

With the goal to raise $50,000, we invite you to be apart of this experience with us. For only $20 you can enter for a chance win one of three evenings at Carson Ridge. The top prize being: Overnight accommodations for two, a in cabin 60 min. couple’s Massage, Gourmet Breakfast in bed and much more!

100% of the raffle will go to the cause. With your $20 you will be providing one child with a months worth of meals, and keeping them off the streets and out of child prostitution. For more information on Sivananda Math, please visit www.yogavision.net/sm/about.html

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. It indeed is the only thing that ever has.”– Margaret Mead

The drawing will be held November 20, 2008
Call 1-877-816-7908 to enter

"Staycations"

With all this talk about "staycations" a term used in reference to the high costs of just about everything and the more reasonable way to travel being on staying closer to home. Have you heard it? It is every where from the radio to the news, even sitcoms are joking about.

Where are you traveling to? Cause let me tell you from Seattle to Portland we are going to be thee destination to retreat to!

We got some beautiful sunshine yesterday and though it is a bit hazy this morning I think today is going to turn out just as breath taking. The frost is appearing towards the higher elevations and when that morning sun crest and shoots off all the random colors that are out there, it truly is breath taking. 

Tomorrow is opening night of the First Annual Hidden Treasures Alpaca Auction. This event is being held down at the Skamania County Fairgrounds until Sunday. Check out Skamania.org for more information! 

Also make sure not to miss the North Bonneville, Washington Woodland Fairy Pumpkin Hunt this Saturday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. 

Wonderful Happenings Here in the Gorge

Well it is a little grey out there and the rain has continued to fall as the days turn to nights and the nights to days. We had a bustling weekend that has continued into this fine Monday morning.

This weekend catered to Hopsfest in Hood River, Oregon and with that came a wide variety of beer, wine and good company. Rain aside the streets of Hood River were full.

Are you making your holiday plans yet? Myself and Latisha are traveling to India working with a charity in one of the most neglected and poverty stricken areas with the Sivananda Math Charity. The goal? To stop human suffering by alleviating poverty, provide free educational programs, and medical services to the undeveloped sections of society.

With the goal to raise $50,000, we invite you to be apart of this experience with us. For only $20 you can enter for a chance win one of three evenings at Carson Ridge. The top prize being: Overnight accommodations for two, a in cabin 60 min. couple’s Massage, Gourmet Breakfast in bed and much more!

100% of the raffle will go to the cause. With your $20 you will be providing one child with a months worth of meals, and keeping them off the streets and out of child prostitution. For more information on Sivananda Math, please visit www.yogavision.net/sm/about.html

Try not to get wet and of course if you have any questions give us a call!

The sun is back in the Columbia River Gorge!

Yesterday was the first day of fall and today is really welcoming it in! The sun is cresting and the sky's are bright blue. I have to say though with fall sure does come with some quick and hasty temperature changes. Just last week ago we were waking to 75 -80 degrees and as I turned my defrost on this morning 48 is what my dash said it was.

Take a drive this week, quit making excuses and just go for a drive. Breath the fresh air and gaze at the beauty that is so close to all of you in the city! You will be amazed at how refreshed and energized something as simple as a drive through the gorge will do for your mind, body and soul.

Stop by on your way through and we will give you a tour and treat you to a fresh baked snack!

Share with us some of your favorite fall spots in the gorge?!

Harvest Moon

Well their is a little bit of a breeze this morning along side some gloomy clouds but we have been spoiled with sunshine for so long I am not going to complain to much. 

The fire crews have been busy this week with wildfires through out the gorge area.  Last Thursday right down by the marina in Hood River (only about 28 miles away) a wild fire started and burned over 76 acres before it was contained and yesterday another popped up. According to KATU it is a wild fire that originated in August of this year, this fire which is also adding to the gloomy haze through out the gorge is only 10 percent contained as of today. 

On a brighter side tonight we have some action in the area. The Golden Garter Theatre is performing at the Rock Creek Center in downtown Stevenson.  Bring the family and enjoy a good-old fashioned Magical Melodrama. You can laugh along with this live comedy stage play where "good always triumphs, true love is always mutual and evil is always vanquished." The play is 7:45-10:00 pm and you can reserve your tickets by calling 888-473-7869

Well thats all we hope you have a wonderful day and we will look forward to talking to you soon!