When I lost my job last year my travels were slightly hindered. I still ventured out, but locally. By the end of September, I became gainfully employed again and decided to celebrate this occasion by taking one last mad dash trip before returning to adult responsibilities.
As I was zipping along I-84 on my way to Portland Oregon, I pulled into the town of The Dalles Oregon. I was greeted by quaint brick buildings that lined the streets. Although I enjoy brick buildings of any age, some of these buildings have been around since the Oregon Trail days of the 1840’s to 60’s, making them a bit more admired. Even if you do not have time to stop for a beer, a quick drive down second street is worth the sidestep off of I-84, to take in the buildings. But if you don’t have time for a quick beer, we seriously need to talk.
Oregon is a state that you love if you are traveling with your dog. They practically welcome you with open arms, allowing dogs at the majority of their beaches, state parks and let’s not forget the breweries! We have visited Newport Oregon a few times and absolutely love it there, so much so, that if we ever moved from North Idaho, Newport is at the top of our list! From their beaches to their historic bayfront check out our favorite dog-friendly locations in Newport Oregon.
In between dogs barking and laughter from a nearby group of children playing on the black cobblestone beach I heard a low rumbling. A rumbling that almost resembled the sound of thunder. Despite the low hanging clouds and fog that filled the bay, the sun peeked out to remind us that there is the occasional chance of sun while on the Oregon coast. Although thunder could not completely be ruled out, I decided instead to trace where the source of the noise was coming from.
Back in 2014, I was unemployed for a few months. Fortunately, it was summer and my friends own land “down by the river”, near the town where I live. I took a few days around the 4th of July to camp at their river lot. There was a small army of us, most of us recently unemployed from the same company that had just gone out of business. Like they say, there is strength in numbers. The internet signal was good at the river lot, so we basked in the sun while we searched for new jobs. Boomer also enjoyed this brief stay-cation as he got to spend some quality time doing what he loves best, swimming in the river.
With the faint aroma of fermentation and the saturation of moist, yes I said it, air, I stood in a group of strangers. A rush of air flew behind me, not from the wind, but from a man walking briskly past me. He paused slightly, gaining the group’s attention. And like a fan girl, I perked up and leaned forward to get a better look at the familiar bearded man. No, it wasn’t Santa Claus, but better. It was a brewmaster sighting. And not just any brewmaster, it was the brewmaster, John Maier.
Sometimes I see strange things while out on the road. Like a grown man dressed up as Minnie Mouse wearing combat boots walking into the Buoy Brewery bar and asking for a beer. The real question was, where was Mickey? And what kind of footwear was Mickey wearing?
Perhaps the guy was just bringing a little weird to Astoria.
Well done sir.
I always like a building with a bit of history and Seaside Brewing’s building has just that. Located in the former Seaside City Jail this historic brick building was built in 1914. It may no longer have unsavory men roaming the exercise yard but the bars from the windows are hung up on the walls inside reminding us of this building’s checkered past.
We picked up Jovi early last year from Wyoming. And while Jovi’s history may be unknown, it is probably safe to assume that she had never been to the ocean before. The shelter staffer when we picked up Jovi described the people who had owned Jovi before as less than awesome. Less than awesome people probably do not drive all the way from Wyoming to take their dog to the ocean.
Located on the banks of the Columbia River in Hood River is pFriem Family Brewers. Established in 2012 this brewery may be new to the Hood River beer scene when compared to Full Sail Brewing and Double Mountain Brewing but they are kicking out quality beers and have a location you can’t beat. Who doesn’t like a view of the river while you are drinking beer? There is inside and outside seating, neither of which are dog-friendly, although there is a “dog parking spot” located outside the front door. I wasn’t sure if it was a joke or not, but there was a water bowl there, so maybe I could have parked Boomer and Jovi there while I went inside for a few beers. There is a dog-friendly park across the street from the brewery if you want to stretch your dog’s legs before or after you enjoy some beer.