Nestled in the heart of the 292,500-acre Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, along a wide river lined with 4,000-foot cliffs, lies the small, friendly town of Hood River, Oregon. This spot's boundless recreational opportunities and progressive lifestyle inspired both Men's Journal and Outside Magazine to name it one of America's best places for outdoor lovers.

Close to the center of the 83-mile gorge, Hood River's 30-knot winds draw thousands of boardsailers to the area each year. Although it's known as the ?Windsurfing Capital of the World,? this sport is only one of countless activities that residents can participate in. Dozens of waterfalls offer hikers spectacular scenery, and the numerous rivers that feed them are havens for kayakers and fishers. To the southwest, the Cascades' fourth highest peak, Mt. Hood, rises 11,240 feet into the sky. Locals can climb or ski on Mt. Hood in the morning and windsurf in the afternoon.

People who prefer to see the outdoors can circumnavigate Oregon's biggest mountain in their vehicles via the Mt. Hood Byway. This route follows parts of the original Barlow Road portion of the Oregon Trail, which carried wagon-bound settlers to the Oregon Territory and on to the Willamette Valley. Drivers can also check out the annual Hood River Valley Blossom Festival, which takes them on a 47-mile loop to see dozens of pear orchards sporting thousands of trees in full bloom. The numerous fests and fairs also support a burgeoning performing and visual arts community, which is also supported by the Columbia Center for the Arts and the busy Columbia Gorge Community College. Growth in the arts and culture scene reflects the overall growth in the economy.

In recent years tourist dollars have flowed into a region already supported by a solid timber and fruit packing industry, flourishing wineries, and the floating highway of the Columbia River, which brings commerce to and from the Pacific Coast. Newcomers include a variety of telecommunications and software design businesses. New or old, sporty or artsy, the community-oriented residents of Hood River County all flock to the town's many local hangouts. At the Full Sail Ale brewpub residents can find tasty brews made with locally grown barley, and at many local cafes residents will find fresh cups of Hood River Coffee Company java. Hood River offers the full gamut of charming amenities, and is clearly one of the country's hottest new spots.

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