Why Don't You ... Wear A Princess Bun for Glamorous Hiking

Why don't you ... take a dog-friendly vacation to Hood River, Ore., and take ridiculous family photos in a gorgeous vineyard?

One of my favorite bloggers, The Glamorous Housewife, has an amazing Pinterest board called Why Don't You.... 

These silly, wonderfully decadent ideas make me laugh and inspire me. Why don't you ... match your nails to your champagne?

So, as I pulled my hair into a princess bun updo Saturday morning, I thought I would treat you all to some fun and silly Why don't yous... from my trip with Darling Husband Dane and loveable golden-cocker pup Ralphie during our dog-friendly weekend in Hood River, Ore.

Why don't you ... 
Have a fancy breakfast in your hometown before heading out on your vacation?
Forget the rush of trying to get on the road. Sleep in, pack slowly and wind your way into downtown Olympia for a breakfast at The Bread Peddler. Get lost in the real estate section of the paper drooling over far too expensive homes and share an apple fritter. Don't mind if I do.

Why don't you ...
Get lost in a romance novel while your significant other does all of the driving? 100 pages later and you're at your destination - beautiful Hood River, Ore.

Why don't you...
Savor hush puppies with honey butter on the patio of a delightful brewery? Totally worth the 30-minute wait at Pfriem Family Brewers on the riverfront. Dog parking right off the patio was easy and Ralphie loved the attention of passers by. We shared a beer sampler and took home a growler of the Wit. We didn't taste a beer we didn't like and my cold fried chicken sandwich hit the spot.

Why don't you...
Take a hike donning a princess bun and pearl earrings? It was 96 degrees and hotter than the blazes. I was thankful my hair was off my neck and face while hiking the Columbia River Gorge Catherine Creek Bird Loop.

We loved the stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge on our hike at Catherine Creek.

Why don't you...
Veer off course and add in a family side trip? Dane has relatives buried in White Salmon, Wash., across the river from Hood River. We wound our way over to the cemetery and got to see what a cute little town White Salmon is turning into.

Why don't you...
Eat every crumb of a giant wood-fired s'more at Solstice Wood Fire Cafe & Bar? It was hot and felt like summer. This place was so fun. Sipped a Long Weekender martini with peach- and huckleberry-infused vodka. The color was fantastic! Plus, the restaurant was 100 percent dog-friendly and Ralphie got to chill under our table at Dane's feet while we enjoyed our supper.

Why don't you...
Gloat with a sweet smile all weekend? We called two weeks before our trip and got the last pet-friendly room at the Best Western Plus - Hood River Inn. I tried not to look too smug checking in at the hotel when the front desk staff turned a gentleman away and told two separate callers that Hood River was booked for the night. Score 1 for Type A personalities.

Why don't you...
Watch sappy, predictable Hallmark Channel sappy movies in bed with a glass of local chardonnay when your husband falls asleep? Divine.

Why don't you...
Order the healthy sprouts and veggie sausage breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel? Variety is the spice of life! Savor it slowly while enjoying an almond milk latte at Doppio Coffee. Also dog friendly on the patio and husband friendly with a huge mocha adorned with mile-high whipped cream and a ham and cheese breakfast sandwich.

Ralphie hangs with Dane on the patio of Doppio Coffee in Hood River. We saw two other pups also enjoying their morning.

Why don't you...
Take the dog shopping for an indulgence? Ralphie picked out his favorite new toy, a stuffed pig, at the cute Gorge Dog boutique in town.

Why don't you... 
Have only gelato for lunch? We did at Cicci Gelato, a sweet little cart by the river - gorge berry and melon. Yum!

Thank you Cicci's Gelato for offering TWO dairy-free alternatives!

Why don't you...
Stop by Home Goods on the way home (tax-free in Oregon!) and buy all new bedding? After traveling this summer and staying in many fabulous hotels, our master bedroom was looking worn. Thanks to Dane and Ralphie for hanging in the car waiting for me to scour the shelves for bedding and coffee mugs. The search is still on for the coffee mugs.

Mt. Hood peeked at us on the left during our hike along the Gorge.

Dane was obviously more prepared than I for our hike. He brought a pack. I brought ... a Kate Spade purse.