McMenamins Grand Lodge | Hotel, Art, Cocktails & Secret Rooms | What did the Grand Lodge use to be?

If Oregon was a hotel, it would be the historic McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove -- mysterious, big, intriguing, artistic, musical, and with just enough gilded hippie flair and farmer flair to make both work. It's a confusing and eclectic mix of all of the things we love, within the benevolent and protective walls of what had been -- for 77 years -- a care home for elderly and infirm Master-level Masons and their widows and their orphans.
It's a redemption story, of sorts -- a history glow up that pays respect to the past without requirement or gloss or explanation. A bedazzled and enhanced paint by numbers canvas with just the right amount of poetry and glitter paint mixed in.
Now, nightly, visitors celebrate vibrancy and experience and each other -- with the food and drink and music offered here -- in the same place that for nearly a century hosted those who had lost their vibrancy and were past most of their life experiences. Ironic juxtaposition, also, is truly "Oregon" as well.
That explorer, devil-may-care attitude may be in the water, since this green valley was once the pot of gold for the Oregon Trail pioneers. Many of the people who once resided here were immediate dependents of those trail pioneers, and who worked and cared for what we in the Pacific Northwest now call the Century Farms. As I've travelled the world, it's never lost on me how fresh and new the Pacific Northwest is, compared to places like Barcelona, Athens, and Rome.
I'm not sure if, at this point, McMenamins has helped create the Oregon ethos and spirit, or if Oregon has helped develop the McMenamins ethos and spirit. It's that big of a PNW brand. Intertwined, now, and inseparable.
With the addition of the Grand Lodge Concerts, it really has become a destination for lovers of Oregon -- and all that that love entails -- not just a place to stay.
Safe travels, my friends!
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[@JoeMmt347]

Just went there to explore and get lunch. Heard there is a book of weird experiences guests have had. Wish I could have search it.

[@cbrue1896]

Going there next week to stay a couple of nights. I have been to many McMenamins, especially all of the ones in Washington. I have my McMenamins Passport and hope to fill a couple of pages while on the west side of Portland. Great vid and a perfect warm-up for out stay next week!

[@trishatravelstheworld]

@@cbrue1896 enjoy! Funny story - I was leaving for Barcelona one time and grabbed my McMenamins passport on accident. I figured it out about half way to the airport…. Now I keep them in separate drawers. :)

[@sallyfourth]

Another great video by @trishatravelstheworld ! Oregon? You had me at cocktails... :)

[@trishatravelstheworld]

Thanks Sally!

[@naturenamaste]

Fascinating look into a hidden part of Oregon,,,

[@aaronwest6588]

The Grand Lodge is one of my favorite places

[@trishatravelstheworld]

One of my favorites too Aaron!

[@solocruiser8039]

On the list!

[@trishatravelstheworld]

It really is a near place. Thanks for the comment. :)

[@WelindaAttenborough]

Great vid

[@trishatravelstheworld]

Thanks!