Category : Autumn

Thanksgiving – An Authentic American Holiday

There are many things we can truly call American, but one of my favorites is the Thanksgiving Holiday.  It isn’t centered around commercialism, but around food and family.    Did you know that there is actually a law that says when Thanksgiving is? In 1941 the US Congress passed a law officially establishing the celebration of Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.

Another truly American tradition is the pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey.  Since 1947 the National Turkey Federation has presented the President of the United States with one (and in recent years – two) live turkey(s) in a ceremony known as the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. The live turkeys are pardoned and live out the rest of their days on a farm or, since 2005, sent to either Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World in Florida, where they serve as the honorary grand marshals of Disney’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While it is commonly believed that this pardoning tradition began with President Harry Truman in 1947, the Truman Library has been unable to find any evidence for this. The earliest Thanksgiving Presidential Pardon on record is with President George H. W. Bush in 1989.

There is a tradition here at Black Butte Ranch and it’s one that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. That is the Thanksgiving Day Buffet.  It is resplendent with all the traditional trimmings, but with a few delicious additions such as herb crusted prime rib and maple cheesecake with roasted pumpkin seeds.  What could be better that enjoying our sumptuous buffet with all the fuss and muss and slaving over a hot stove.  You could actually enjoy time with your family, playing in the snow (I hope) or strolling down to the lodge for a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider and enjoying the warmth of the Lodge fire-pit.

We here at Black Butte Ranch would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

See ya around the Ranch!

Katie

Ben Crane visits Black Butte Ranch

Ben Crane recently visited the Ranch with his family and according to his thank you card to director of golf, Jeff Fought, had a great time. He wrote, “What a treat to come spend a week with you guys at the Ranch.” Jeff says that Crane (a Portland, Oregon native and alum of U of O), and his family visit the Ranch often and enjoy their anonymity while they are here. Black Butte Ranch is still one of the few places where “celebs” can actually getaway and enjoy some down time without all the fanfare.

Did I mention that autumn golf at the Ranch is spectacular? As the weather gets a little colder that will cause the leaves to really begin turning, so be sure to get in 18 before the snow flies.

Plan a Fall Foliage Trip

There’s no need to travel all the way to Vermont to see incredible fall foliage. There are many amazing areas here in Oregon for viewing the beautiful autumnal hues of red, orange and gold. There is even a web-blog called Oregon Fall Foliage where you can get information about the best areas in Oregon for viewing the changing colors. You can also call the Fall Foliage Hotline at 800.547.5445. If you really want to get your fill of fall you need to come to the Ranch. As you drive in along Hawks Beard you’ll pass through a grove of Aspens that is absolutely stunning. There is one section of Hawks Beard where you are completely engulfed by aspens on both sides of the road and if you’re there during the afternoon you will experience the “glow” from the fluttering, golden leaves. If you’re riding along the bike paths at the Ranch you’ll most likely go through an area I like to call the “enchanted forest” where the pathway cuts through an aspen grove that is awe-inspiring. The Ranch is surrounded by fall foliage and there are many vistas of the surrounding mountains rife with color.

Autumn is also a great time to get in some hiking. Near the Ranch is the short but steep trail up Black Butte(see blog post dated August 27, 2009), or you can follow the Proxy Falls Loop Trail just off Highway 242 where patches of red and orange vine maple decorate the lava fields along the trail. Also, while staying at the Ranch, another “must do” hike that is particularly great for families, is along the Metolius river (Camp Sherman – Wizard Falls Hike). This is quite special during autumn. Check out our “What’s Happening at the Ranch” guide for a complete listing of guided hikes that take off from the Ranch, including the Wizard Falls hike.