Eastern Oregon is for (Wine and Chocolate) Lovers
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air in Eastern Oregon. With award-winning wineries, innovative chocolatiers, and cozy accommodations, the region practically oozes romance 365 days a year. It’s the perfect place to treat your special someone to something special.
Chocolate Lovers Mountain Retreat
If a romantic ambiance is what you’re after, look no further than the community of Joseph. Nestled in the spectacular Wallowa Mountains, Joseph’s Main Street is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and wine and coffee shops. Pop into Arrowhead Chocolates for their signature drink: A mocha made with Stumptown Coffee, melted chocolate and homemade whipped cream. Settle in with your sweetie, a mocha, and a sampling of Arrowhead’s 40 plus flavors of chocolate truffles, barks and bars. For a special treat, book the romantic Mirror Lake Suite at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast. Cuddle up by the fireplace and marvel at the majestic Wallowas rising in the distance. Add a bottle of wine and a luxurious spa tub and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable weekend.
Wine Lovers Paradise
If your main squeeze is a wine lover, you can’t beat the gorgeous Walla Walla Valley and newly minted Rocks District AVA. Stop by Zerba Cellars’ comfortable log cabin tasting room to sample one of their award-winning wines. A few miles away, Watermill Winery’s tasting room offers visitors world-class wines and, in a unique twist, cider. Watermill Winery shares a tasting room with Blue Mountain Cider Company, one of just 100 artisan cideries in the United States. Order a glass of the Praying Mantis Syrah or a Cherry Cider, which just begs to be eaten with a slab of dark chocolate. Find one at Petits Noirs, whose innovative chocolate creations are inspired by the flavors found in the Walla Walla Valley’s abundant orchards and beautiful wines.
Snow-Bound Getaway
For lovers who love to hit the slopes, you can’t top Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. With the highest base elevation in Oregon at 7100 feet, Anthony Lakes offers pristine powder and awe-inspiring scenery. Get cozy in one of Anthony Lakes’ yurts, which come fully equipped with a wood stove and firewood, a propane stove for cooking, a small kitchen with cookware and other basics. Stop by nearby Baker City’s Copperbelt Winery and Peterson’s Gallery & Chocolatier for a few last minute romantic touches.