Historic and Fun past right here in the present!

When my husband and I first moved to Pendleton we just didn't "get" the Rainbow (known as the bow by the locals) and why so many locals hung out there. It's not the atmosphere although that grows on you. It's not the great quality micro brews, but an expensive and fun time can be had. It certainly isn't the gourmet food, but some fine fried chicken is on the menu. It's the people on both sides of the bar that make this place fun and a Pendleton Icon. One crowded night a couple came in just about the time we were finishing up our dinner and last beer, it was very crowded and not a seat to be found. They turned to the two of us sitting in a booth for 4 and asked in a very heavy accent if they could join us. My husband who doesn't deal well with strangers didn't know what to say, but I wanted to know who they were and why they were in Pendleton. I encouraged my husband to join me on my side of the booth and let our new found friends have the other side. As it turns out they were journalist from Europe doing a story on a convention in Walla Walla but due to the convention and the County Fair could not get a hotel in Walla Walla so found themselves in Pendleton. They told us their tour book told them the food was not very good at the Rainbow and I laughed and said that may be accurate. I asked what possessed them to come with that recommendation? They said their tour book also stated that if you really wanted the local flavor of the town this is where you would find it. I said that was also accurate! We recommended they order the Rainbow special; fried chicken, jojo potatoe's, and soup or salad. They loved it and he said it was the jojo's were the best potatoes he ever had in America! So if your looking for a little local flavor and some flavorful fried chicken give the Rainbow a try.

This community took lemons and turned them to lemonade! They took the former train station remodeled and made a beautiful museum! The special exhibit was- Celebrations I, Abraham Lincoln and Oregon's Birthdays: Celebrating the 200th birthday of America's 16th President of the United States and Oregon's Sesquicentennial, 150 years of being the 33rd state in the Union. Displays, photos, artifacts, and stories surrounding these 2 important events in history. After viewing the exhibits, attend the one room Byrd Schoolhouse, experience life on the Homestead and visit our Union Pacific caboose.

Not only was my steak great but the atmosphere at this restaurant is super! They also feature a wine list that you could only imagine in your dreams. My 24 year old daughter said "Mom you really have to go and eat there the food is really good and the atmosphere is special, especially for such a small town like Pendleton." I asked her to describe the decor and she said it has lots of beautful wood and lighting. Her description wasn't really churning up that "special" she was referring to and I said well what would you call the style of decor? That is when she cracked me up and said it was Western Sexy!

I attended the opening event for their annual Holiday event "The Art of the Gift". The main gallery was transformed into an amazing collection from some of the Northwest's finest artisans. A great place to find that something special for that person who has everthing or as in my case that one of a kind piece for myself. The event goes through December 31st but of course you can find beautiful art there all year round. In addition to the beautiful works inside, the building is an historic Carnegie building that has been beautifully renovated and preserved.