FEBRUARY 1. 2008 jUSt|OUt|i;
northwest
Rooms with a View
A
Inn's struggle to keep history alive is resolved
Story and photos by James Maxwell
nly 30 minutes from downtown Portland lies the View
Point Inn. Located in Corbett, the inn offers such a rich
history and scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge that
a person might almost fight to the death to ensure the prop­
erty is being used to its fullest potential.
This is exactly the case for the owner of the View Point Inn, Geoff
Thompson. He, along with partner Angelo Simione, had an eight­
year struggle with the Columbia Gorge Commission to allow the men
to run the inn as a private business. Because of strict environmental
guidelines established by the commissions Columbia River Gorge
National Scenic Act in 1986, some of the board wanted the inn stay
a private property not open to the public. However, Thompson’s
persistence and love for the property prevailed. The
couple were finally given the permits to open the inn
Dec. 1,2003.
“That is actually when the work really began,” said
Simione. It took him and Thompson three addition­
al years and close to $1 million in renovation costs for
the inn to open to the public. Their hard work paid
off, and the grand opening of the View Point Inn was The View Point Inn earns its name from this striking scene.
Memorial Day 2007.
“It has been an awesome summer and fall, a dream come true for
up for 2008, and its grand dining hall, bar and garden are perfect for
the both if us,” said Thompson. He and Simione, who have been part­
a variety of ceremonies and events. Thompson and Simione would
ners for five years, live in a beautiful cabin next to the inn.
love to open their doors for same-sex couples looking to celebrate
Not only does the View Point Inn offer great views
their commitment. “Just bring your budget and excitement, and we
of the Columbia Gorge, it also provides world-class
will see what we can do to help you celebrate,” said Simione.
lodging and dining. The five-bedroom hotel offers a
This Valentine’s Day, the inn is throwing a romantic dinner and
variety of lodging choices, all of which have been dec­
dance celebration. “It will be a perfect night for both couples and
orated beautifully for guests to feel welcome and com­ groups of friends looking to have a great evening,” said Thompson.
fortable. The View Point also offers an amazing dining
The View Point Inn offers celebrations for almost all holidays
experience with talented chef Matthew Crone at the
throughout the year, from an Easter Sunday brunch to a relaxing
helm. Crone, who was bom in Memphis, Tenn., has
Fourth of July dinner followed by a fantastic fireworks display over the
studied and worked for some of the most prestigious Columbia Gorge.
restaurants in both Europe and the United States.
“You cannot just create a place like this, with such a great history
Crone and the owners have developed unique brunch,
and views,” said Thompson. “It really just makes people come in and
lunch and dinner menus for the inn that excel in both
say ‘wow,’ and I could not be more proud.”
presentation and taste. “My goal for the inn is to be
one of the top 100 places to visit, and I know we have
The VIEW P oint I nn celebrates Valentine’s Day with the Echo Jazz Trio
the location and staff to reach this dream,” said
and a five-course meal 5 p.m. Feb. 14 at 40301 E. Larch Mountain
Thompson.
Road in Corbett. The cost is $85 with an optional $25 wine flight. RSVP
The inn was the subject of a controversial preservation dispute for eight years.
The View Point Inn already has 80 weddings lined
to 503-695-5811. For more information visit www.theviewpointinn.com.
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