Hood River Real Estate Update

Few may have heard of Bickleton, Washington. Even fewer may know  about the Bickleton Carousel Museum located there. Yes, one of the oldest carousels on the West Coast is located at the Bickleton Carousel Museum. The carousel was purchased from Portland's Oaks Park in 1929 and brought to Bickleton. It was originally built by the Herschell-Spillman Company of North Tonawanda, New York.

Bickleton, a wheat farming community-population 113, is located in rural Klickitat County Washington about 20 miles north of the Columbia River. The town of Bickleton was founded in 1879 by Charles N. Bickle. Bickleton is also known as "The Bluebird Capitol of the World" for the thousands of the feathered visitors that flock there each spring.

If you take the drive to Bickleton you won't find a gas station in town but you will find a tavern. The Bluebird Inn opened in 1882. It is the oldest operating bar in the state of Washington complete with it's original pool table, a 1903  Brunswick, still being used by regulars.

Rasmussen Farms is located at 3020 Thomsen Road off of Hwy 35 just 6 miles south of Hood River.  Rasmussen farms has been a family owned and operated farm since 1945.  Every year Pumpkin Funland has displays, a corn maze, and other activities for the kids. You can buy u-pick pumpkins, other fruits, vegetables and fall holiday produce and decor.

 This year Pumpkin Funland opens for the season September 27 through November 12

Here are some highlights from last years Pumpkin Funland.

Pumpkin bowling was a big hit with the kids. Last years theme was "Then and Now"

The 24th Annual Hood River Harvest Festival is coming!  It will be held Oct. 17-18-19, 2008 at the Hood River Expo Center, just off I84, exit #63 

Did you know: The 15,000 acres of orchards in the Hood River Valley produce nearly 50% of the entire nations winter pear crop.

The Hood River Harvest Festival features freshly harvested pears, apples, other locally grown produce, many locally made arts and crafts, and food booths. There will also be live music and entertainment.  Hood River Harvest Festival is always a lot of fun! 

There will be 7 fine Hood River Homes featured in the 18th Annual Delta Kappa Home Tour on Sept. 28, 2008 from 1-5 pm. This year the proceeds of the home tour will go to the new Hood River Waterfront Park. You can get your tickets for $10.00 at Waucoma Bookstore or Tammy's Floral in Hood River. You can also purchase tickets the day of the tour at Hawks Ridge-1795 Eight St. in Hood River where the tour begins. Maps, information on the tour and refreshments will be provided.  

I don't have information on all the homes that are on the tour yet, but I do know my neighbor's home at 4075 Stonegate Dr. in East Stonegate is included.  This is a 2876 Sq. ft. custom home that is FSBO for $749,999.00

I may do an open house also for my listing at 636 Hunter Rd. in the same neighborhood. This custom home is listed for $755,000.00, 3365 sq. ft. including a separate 1 bdrm legal apt, and many upgrades.

I think this sounds like fun. I wanted to see this last year but wasn't able to make it, so maybe this Saturday. This event begins and ends at the History Museum of Hood River County which is located at 300 E. Port Marina Drive. There will be two routes this year for the vehicles. The first route which features all pre-1949 vehicles will run on the Historic Columbia River Highway and through the Mosier Twin Tunnels. Returning for a quick trip through downtown Hood River at about 11:45 a.m. before it ends at The History Museum for a car show.  The second route will include all other classic vehicles and will be a tour of the Hood River Valley. A barbecue will be held at the museum from noon to 2 p.m.

Al these are upcoming events at Rasmussen Farms located at 3020 Thomsen Rd. 6 miles south of Hood River off of Hwy 35.

Pear Party-Sept. 20-21, 2008- There will be 14 kinds of pears, pear cider, pear pie, recipes, live music from 1-3

Apple Express-Sept 27-28, 2008- Many varieties of apples to sample. Famous aebleskivers will be served from 11-4 , live music from 1-3 and you can preview Pumpkin Funland. fall fruits and vegetables, pumpkins, flowers and sunflowers will be  available to purchase.

Pumpkin Funland-OPENS Oct 1, 2008 and continues through Nov. 11, 2008-  Pumpkin Funland has been an annual tradition in Hood River for many years. Each year has a different theme. There is a corn maze and plenty of fun for the kids. U-pick pumpkins, also apples, cider, and fall decorations.

As of Sept 15, 2008 there are currently 85 homes sale pending and 29 unimproved lots/lands sale pending in the Gorge. 

Skamania County-Total  14: single family homes-5   cabin on leased land-2   unimproved lots/land-7

Klickitat County-Total-34: single family homes-13  manufactured homes-4  condo-1  cabin on leased land-3   unimproved lots/land-13

Hood River County-Total-36: single family homes-27  condos-3  townhomes-1 MH in park-1 unimproved lots/land-4

Wasco County-Total-30:  single family homes-18  manufactured homes-5  condos-2  unimproved lots/land-5

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.  

I thought this sounded interesting. Sept 15, 2008 there will be a Harvest Moon Walk at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Museum in The Dalles starting at 6:30 pm

The walk is 1 1/2 miles. Along the way there will be stops inspired by wildlife, planets, stars, and other sights/sounds. The walk is free. Participants are to meet in front of the museum and you are asked to please not bring any pets.

Rooster Rock State Park in Oregon is located just off I-84  a short drive from Troutdale and Corbett. This day use park has a beautiful beach along the Columbia River, two disc golf courses, room to run or jog, a windsurf launch area, group shelter, and picnic tables. You can enjoy the wonderful views of the gorge with the boats and kiteboarders along the Columbia River.

I noticed these large metal art sculptures on my walk near the new Hood River Waterfront Park yesterday. They are rather interesting to look at. They were created by cjrdesignstudio.