Gourmet chocolate and a wee draft of Guinness strike you as a sane way to savor life? Us too, and the good folks in Oregon agree. If you want to wash the world away for a couple of weekends this March head to the Pacific Northwest. That’s where you’ll find the Oregon Chocolate Festival in Ashland, and a Wee Bit ‘O Ireland in Heppner.
Nah, we’re not going to save dessert for last. That’s because the chocolate conclave is coming up soon: March 2 – 4. Held at the Ashland Springs Hotel it’s an all-you-can-eat extravaganza highlighting the creations of more than 30 Oregon chocolate companies. May we suggest a nice cabernet paired with a cube of bittersweet bit of chocolate? You can probably sneak in some nuts too.
Heppner prides itself on its Irish heritage, and the locals have been known to lift a pint or two on special occasions. Join them around Saint Patty’s Day—March 15 to 18 to be precise–and celebrate the way people do back on the old sod. There’s more than food and drink to be had here (although you can live on that alone). Wee Bit O’ Ireland doings include a green parade through town, terrific entertainment and sheep dog trials. This is about as close as you can get to rural Ireland without booking a transatlantic flight to Shannon. Leave your trials behind you the first and third weekends and take off for Oregon.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Images: Ashland Springs Hotel)
