Golf Getaway

The perfect Golf Getaway Weekend - with two unique styles of golf, plenty of local watering holes and cultural hot spots, Union County will keep you planning return visits.  There is no “par” here.

If you arrive on Friday around lunch time, stop and grab some great food and a beer at Benchwarmers Pub & Grill (the second longest continually operating bar in the Pacific Northwest!).  Located in downtown La Grande, “Benchies” is home to the best wings in town – the 20 taps will keep you satisfied and hydrated.  Don’t forget to take stroll past the many unique downtown shops before heading out to the course.

The La Grande Country Club (LGCC) is a fantastic place to play.  La Grande Country Club is a nine-hole private club, but open to all guests outside of the County - just make sure to call ahead for tee times!  Established in the 1920’s, this tree-lined course is as beautiful as it is welcoming for both the new and experienced golfer.  Make sure to enjoy one of LGCC custom cocktails or a club soda on the deck after a great round while taking in the breathtaking views of Island City, Cove, and the Grande Ronde Valley.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for dinner and the chance to enjoy a locally brewed beverage. Side A has a great selection of locally brewed beers complimented by satisfying, flavorful dishes.  If you are looking for the perfectly done, juicy steak head out to the Steakhouse at Cove – the 13 mile drive out to Cove is well worth it.

Following your restful evening.  Enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the mountains, followed by a hearty breakfast at The Smokehouse in La Grande or LJ Brewskis in downtown Union on your way to Buffalo Peak Golf Course for your first round of the day.

Buffalo Peak Golf Course, an 18-hole links-style course is a do-not-miss course: "From the elevated tees of the first hole to the gently sloping fairway of the eighteenth, your senses will be captivated."  This is the course to "experience golf as it was intended."

But one cannot live on golf alone.  Once you have completed the scenic 18 hole Buffalo Peak Course it’s time to head north to Island City and grab a lunch-to-go from Island City Market & Deli, create your own custom-made sandwiches, pizzas, and refreshing beverages.  Hit the next course ready to swing.

Wrap your day of golf up with the chance to improve your score at the La Grande Country Club.  Saturday night is the perfect time to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at The Landing for a gourmet dinner.  Dining at the Landing is a locals' favorite for casual fine dining cuisine - a "destination dining oasis" with a focus on fresh, local foods, creative flavors to intrigue your palate.  Unique specialty dishes offer a taste-overload satisfaction.

If you seeking more casual, there is Raul’s Taqueria for some authentic Mexican fare and an excellent bar or just down the block to Tap That Growlers.  Tap That offers up to forty taps of beers, ciders, craft root beers and kombuchas to quench your thirst - not to mention some excellent late-night wood-fired pizzas and bar-bites.  The dessert pretzel at Tap That Growlers provides a sweet ending to your day, no matter how things went on the course.  If you are looking to head over to the Elgin Opera House stop in at Duke's Saloon & Grill in Elgin for a true Eastern Oregon Steak.

If you've timed your trip just right, you catch a show at the McKenzie Theatre, located on the beautiful Eastern Oregon University campus, the Liberty Theatre offers spectacular performances, or the Elgin Opera House where you can dazzle your senses with musical fun before you prepare for another round the next day!  If you're into symphonies, community performances, shows, musicals, and more - any of these options are sure to please.

Enjoy a leisurely start to your Sunday by heading to the North Powder Cafe for bigger-than-your-face cinnamon rolls and a menu full of some serious homestyle cooking.  Then back to Buffalo Peak for a morning of golf before heading to the Union County Museum for a dose of history and culture.  No one likes to go home empty handed.  Stop at Kauffman's Market in Island City or Hines Meat Co. in La Grande for some local wares to bring home as souvenirs - and some delicious munchies for the road trip home!