Oregon Trail Christmas - Baker City, OR - Brief Article

Sunset, Dec, 2000 by Julie Fanselow

Baker City blends revelry with history

About 300 miles from Portland and 140 miles from Boise, Baker City is a long way from anywhere. But with its Oregon Trail history and a fascinating home tour, Baker City is a wonderful place to celebrate the holiday season.

A mid-l9th-century emigrant way station, Baker City really got rolling with the discovery of gold in 1861. The community's modern revival began with the 1992 opening of the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center at Flagstaff Hill, and many in the town of about 10,000 have since come to believe that Baker City's past holds the key to its future. "Just about everyone here is engaged in the town's history," says Barbara Sidway, who, with her husband, bought and restored the once dilapidated Geiser Grand Hotel. Built in 1889 but shut down in the late 1960s, the hotel now stands as the downtown's showpiece.

Baker City ushers in the holidays with Victorian Christmas events the first weekend of December (December 1-3 this year). Late Friday afternoon and evening, Father Christmas greets visitors at the interpretive center's annual open house, which also features 19th-century music.

At dusk Saturday, townspeople gather for the annual holiday parade. There's plenty of room on the sidewalks, since half the town seems to be in the parade itself. Afterward, everyone sings carols and rings bells at the lighting of the town Christmas tree before wandering off to enjoy warm drinks in Geiser Grand's saloon or tasty Mexican fare at El Erraderro.

Sunday's big event is the Historic Baker City Holiday Parlor Tour. The showcased residences typically date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Guests delight in the chance to wander amid lovely rooms scented with spiced cider and pine--and get plenty of ideas for their own holiday decor. Sunday also features guided tours at the Geiser Grand, where costumed docents tell of Baker City's glory days as "Queen City of the Mines."

Baker City planner

Baker City is just off 1-84 in eastern Oregon. Be sure to bundle up: December daytime highs average 35[degrees]; nighttime lows can drop below 0[degrees]. For information, contact the Baker County Visitor and Convention Bureau at (800) 523-1235 or www.visitbaker.com. Area code is 541 unless noted.

Dining

El Erraderro. The sweet-and-spicy chicken in mole is perfect winter fare. 2100 Broadway; 523-2327.

Geiser Grand Hotel. Venerable hotel offers a wide menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 1996 Main St.; 523-1889.

Lodging

Baer House Bed and Breakfast. An 1882 Italianate home. From $65. 2333 Main; 524-1812

Geiser Grand Hotel. Beautifully restored 1889 hotel has spacious rooms. From $79. 1996 Main; (888) 434-7374.

Attractions

Historic Baker City Holiday Parlor Tour. Self-guided tour begins at noon on December 3. $10. (800) 523-1235.

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center at Flagstaff Hill. Impressive exhibits of life on the Oregon Trail are open daily year-round except December 25 and January 1. $5, $1 December 1-January 31. State 86, 5 miles east of Baker City; 523-1843.