Today we had planned to ride to Ainsworth State Park which we had determined was about 35 miles. We rode out of town on the route we had previewed yesterday and stopped in Gresham for lunch. We were contemplating how to get up to the Historic highway that runs along the gorge, but were frustrated with maps lacking detail. To cut off some miles we were going to angle up to the highway missing Troutdale. However, we were aware that there were many lovely sights to see just east of Troutdale, so we started thinking about just riding to Troutdale and stopping early. We looked on the ACA map for accommodations and saw that one of the hotels also advertised hostel beds, so we called and were pleased that they still had room. That`s how we ended up at McMenamin`s Edgefield Hotel and Hostel in Troutdale. It is hard to describe this place. It was originally the Multnomah County Poor Farm. The residents farmed 350 acres and provided food for themselves as well as residents of most of the state`s institutions. It was at some point turned into Edgefield Manor which was a nursing home. Then it lay vacant. The McMenamin brothers who started with one brewpub have rescued many historic buildings (schools, etc) and turned them into hotels.
But it isn`t just any hotel. It is a work of art. The buildings have been restored beautifully and there is art work everywhere. Some of it is paintings on the wall, but much of it is mural painting. Every single guest room has a mural on it. All along the hallways, the electric panel covers, everything. My description probably makes it sound gaudy but it is not in the least. The scenes capture the history of the place from the days as a farm to the nursing home days. Some of the scenes are fanciful. Every guest room is named after someone. Even the bathrooms are exquisite. We are staying in a hostel room with 8 bunkbeds and our bathroom is down the hall. But it is really 6 private bathrooms within a bathroom with lovely fixtures, paintings, and showers.
Add to that the multiple restaurants, pubs, gardens, spas, vineyards, musical venues that are scattered over the many acres of this place. It is really difficult to describe, but I am so glad we had the opportunity to experience it. So if you are ever traveling in the northwest (Portland) area and you see a place associated with Mcmenamins, check it out.
After strolling the grounds and then sitting on one of the many porches, we went to dinner. While waiting for a table, we met a couple from Portland, Butch and Cynthia. Cynthia was originally from Nevada, Mo. Their table was ready first, so they invited us to join them. They had been hiking for the day in the Gorge and had just stopped for dinner on their way back to Portland. People have been extremely friendly and generous. So despite only traveling 25 miles today, it has been day of wonderful surprises.
But it isn`t just any hotel. It is a work of art. The buildings have been restored beautifully and there is art work everywhere. Some of it is paintings on the wall, but much of it is mural painting. Every single guest room has a mural on it. All along the hallways, the electric panel covers, everything. My description probably makes it sound gaudy but it is not in the least. The scenes capture the history of the place from the days as a farm to the nursing home days. Some of the scenes are fanciful. Every guest room is named after someone. Even the bathrooms are exquisite. We are staying in a hostel room with 8 bunkbeds and our bathroom is down the hall. But it is really 6 private bathrooms within a bathroom with lovely fixtures, paintings, and showers.
Add to that the multiple restaurants, pubs, gardens, spas, vineyards, musical venues that are scattered over the many acres of this place. It is really difficult to describe, but I am so glad we had the opportunity to experience it. So if you are ever traveling in the northwest (Portland) area and you see a place associated with Mcmenamins, check it out.
After strolling the grounds and then sitting on one of the many porches, we went to dinner. While waiting for a table, we met a couple from Portland, Butch and Cynthia. Cynthia was originally from Nevada, Mo. Their table was ready first, so they invited us to join them. They had been hiking for the day in the Gorge and had just stopped for dinner on their way back to Portland. People have been extremely friendly and generous. So despite only traveling 25 miles today, it has been day of wonderful surprises.
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Looks like you guys are having a great time. I'm enjoying your blog quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteGreg