Tag Archives: columbia river gorge

Oregon Birding

It’s that Time of Year again:  Time to follow the Spring Bird Migration

With the Spring Bird Migration about to begin it’s time to book your room, pack your binoculars and set out on your bird watching adventure to 7 superb Oregon Birding locations.  The state’s diverse and spectacular landscape provide varied habitats ranging from sandy beaches to verdant forests, from desert playas to alpine meadows. More than 500 species of birds call Oregon home year round or migrate through, sometimes stopping to nest.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has over 40 quality assured inns scattered throughout the state, each near a unique birding opportunity.  Our innkeepers know the most favorable viewing areas and after providing a comfy bed, hearty breakfast and useful information, will send you off on an extraordinary birding adventure.  The Guild recognizes this popular activity and has dedicated a page to Birdwatching that includes inns where innkeepers can share the best observation sites and what you might expect to see.

1. Watch surfbirds and black oystercatchers scramble over rocky headlands along the Oregon Coast.

2. Explore the alpine meadows, picturesque lakes, mountain streams, and dense conifer forests of the Cascades in search of Lewis’s woodpecker and Clark’s nutcracker.  Listen to the song of hermit warblers among majestic pines framing the snowy volcanic peaks. Mt. Jefferson, Oregon’s second highest peak.

3/4. The murmur of thousands of snow geese will mesmerize as they settle to rest in the tule marshes of the Klamath Basin and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

5. Salem, is a leader in urban forestry, with tree-lined streets and 40 city parks and is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River so no wonder there are many birding sites in its backyard.

6. Supporting one of the highest concentrations of breeding hawks and eagles in North America, the Zumwalt Prairie in Eastern Oregon, is also home to falcons making this a haven for birds of prey and 17 species of grassland songbirds. The nearby Wallowa Lake has a wide variation in habitat and terrain drawing a large number of species.

7. The Mt. Hood Loop of the OCBT rises from the Columbia River to Mt. Hood and combines some of the best of the region’s birding with legendary Oregon scenery.  This loop traverses the Columbia River National Scenic Area and the Mt. Hood National Forest and visits 19 birding sites.

When your journey ends, your bags are unpacked, and you’re scrolling through your vacation photos you will reminisce on memories of great accommodations, food, conversation and of course birding in Oregon.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

WildSpring Guest Habitat

Contemplating travel right now is confusing and frankly quite frightening. Peruse the web and you’ll oodles of advice from experts on how to navigate the changing landscape.

Here’s a idea for you: A staycation at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast

Sensational Staycation Ideas for a break from the household grind and the fretful health warnings surrounding us. When you’re on a real vacation, you don’t cook, clean, do chores or fret. Do as much as you want. As little as you want

It’s obvious the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild work in the travel industry and cleanliness has always been a high priority for our guests, our innkeepers and our employees. Our inns are inspected regularly by the State Health Departments and we inspect ourselves to make sure we’re following the guidelines presented by them. Food handler cards are a must and we’ve always taken pride in our cleanliness. Most all of us have instituted some new protocols in our inns, going above the practices we have in place.

Want to support struggling local businesses while limiting social contact? Now’s a great time to purchase Gift Certificates from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. They can be redeemed at every Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member inn across the state

So Keep Calm and Stay with Us!  And here, I’ll put in a little jingle about Book Direct. As small business owners we are already starting to feel the ripple effect of this health scare. Our innkeepers truly appreciate your direct bookings. When you commit to booking direct, you will enjoy many perks and amenities that you would not have access to when booking through a travel agency. Not to mention, you will almost always pay less and stay in some very sanitized inns.

We can’t guarantee you’ll not catch a travel bug but we’re doing everything in our power to make sure you don’t catch anything from us. Thank you for your trust in the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. We will continue to provide the relaxing, comfortable, and immaculately clean solitude our guests expect and appreciate.

Lavender Daze

Contemplating travel right now is confusing and frankly quite frightening. Peruse the web and you’ll oodles of advice from experts on how to navigate the changing landscape.

It’s obvious the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild work in the travel industry and cleanliness has always been a high priority for our guests, our innkeepers and our employees. Our inns are inspected regularly by the State Health Departments and we inspect ourselves to make sure we’re following the guidelines presented by them. Food handler cards are a must and we’ve always taken pride in our cleanliness. Most all of us have instituted some new protocols in our inns, going above the practices we have in place:

One inn has replaced community cookie jars with individual jars in each guest room. Another added a little sanitation center at the front door with wipes and some bottled water. One tried to buy some jars of hand sanitizers but, of course, they were sold out so she made her own. Placed them in the rooms and guests are loving them. Used these wipes to wipe down every surface, keys, remotes, etc., and the rooms smell wonderful! Individually plated meals instead of family style. Some have brought in extra cleaning detail workers and are disinfecting surfaces continually.

So Keep Calm and Stay with Us!  And here, I’ll put in a little jingle about Book Direct. As small business owners we are already starting to feel the ripple effect of this health scare. Our innkeepers truly appreciate your direct bookings. When you commit to booking direct, you will enjoy many perks and amenities that you would not have access to when booking through a travel agency. Not to mention, you will almost always pay less and stay in some very sanitized inns.

We can’t guarantee you’ll not catch a travel bug but we’re doing everything in our power to make sure you don’t catch anything from us. Thank you for your trust in the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. We will continue to provide the relaxing, comfortable, and immaculately clean solitude our guests expect and appreciate.

Book Direct

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is excited to announce the launch of our Book > Direct platform where you, the traveler, while visiting our association site, can book directly with our inns, no middle man. Just put in your dates and select other filters. You’ll see our member properties that have availability on those dates including rates. Select an inn and go directly to the inn’s booking engine to complete your booking.

There are many great reasons why booking direct is beneficial for both the innkeeper and the guest.

  • You usually are guaranteed the lowest pricing available. An OTA (online travel agent) may be able to influence the price to get you to book but there is little they can do to improve your stay. Support your local businesses and #bookdirect!  You save on your getaway, receive personalized service and the business saves on steep commissions – it’s a win win
  • The truth is, these booking sites charge at least 15% of each booking to the small business owner and sometimes charge you a ‘service fee’  The independent innkeeper really appreciates it when you book directly with them through their website
  • You work directly with the property in case of changes, delays, or cancellations
  • You typically will not have to pay additional booking, change, or cancellation fees.
  • You will enjoy exclusive benefits and can take advantage of special deals, amenities, and packages
  • Innkeepers know their properties and the area better than anyone. If you have a specific need or wants more detailed information about a property, you’ll be able to communicate with our hosts directly who are well acquainted and who are well-equipped to address your needs.

Another great reason to book direct is because you will always have direct access to our innkeepers. There is no middle man. If a guest has a specific need or wants more detailed information about a property, you’ll be able to communicate with our hosts directly who are well acquainted with our locations and who are well-equipped to address your needs. As a privately owned small business we have the power to offer our guest world-class customer service via our staff and our business.

When you commit to Book>Direct, you will enjoy many perks and amenities that you would not have access to when booking through a travel agency.  Not to mention, you will almost always pay less!

As small business owners our innkeepers truly appreciate your direct bookings. This not only allows you a more specialized experience as you interact directly with us, you also benefit the local economy. How can you, the traveler Join the Movement and make sure you’re always booking direct?

Always verify you are on the bed and breakfast’s website before you book. When in doubt, call the Inn for assistance. Be careful using the blue Book a Room button in Google. It NEVER goes directly to the hotel website. It ALWAYS goes to an online travel agency such as Booking.com or Expedia, or one of their downstream booking partners

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Three Sleeps

Three Sleeps Vineyards Bed and Breakfast

Three Sleeps Vineyards B&B has two beautiful rooms that overlook their mountain vineyard and the little valley in Mosier full of cherry trees and a Mt. Adams view.  Only 15 mins from the heart of the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River you’ll feel like you are miles from anywhere. Both rooms have private baths and patios and their own entrances.

When the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition traveled through the area in 1805 they asked the local Native Americans how far it was to the Great Pacific ocean.  The answer, as you’ve guessed, was “Three Sleeps”.  The Three Sleeps Vineyard is the source of Dominio IV’s Tempranillo, Syrah and Viognier grapes and is farmed organically and biodynamically.

Each well appointed room at Three Sleeps B&B has a private entrance, bath and cozy seating area.  Relax on your patio and enjoy the view of the vineyard, the world famous cherry orchards and Mt. Adams in the background.  Both rooms also feature satellite TV with HBO, a DVD and wireless internet. Fresh coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available around the clock just outside your door.  Start each day with a hardy breakfast complemented by local eggs and seasonal fresh fruits.

Anyone who knows the Columbia River Gorge knows that it offers an extraordinary range of activities throughout the year, including wind surfing, kite boarding and other water sports, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, fishing, birding and many others. And the Wines: ‘A World of Wine in 40 miles’ is the motto of the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers. Three Sleeps is located in Mosier,  just 5 miles east of Hood River.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

McKenzie River Koosah Falls

Expedia released, in November, its 2020 Trends in Travel report, an analysis of U.S. traveler data in 2019 that highlighted the rise of natural wonders and college towns as tourism destinations and top-selling experiences and attractions for the year ahead.

2020 Travel Trends waiting for you

Travelers were chasing waterfalls in 2019: According to Wiki are at least 238 accessible waterfalls in Oregon. A search for Oregon waterfalls on Northwest Waterfall survey resulted in 1591! Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?

Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon and only 20 miles southeast of Salem, our state capital with 9,000+ acres that includes more than 24 miles of walking trails, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4-mile bike path. And 18 waterfalls! The 8.7-mile Trail of Ten Falls runs along the banks of Silver Creek and has 4 walk behind falls.

Hidden beaches up and down the Oregon Coast: Make your visit to the Oregon coast memorable and special with a stay in one of our member bed and breakfasts along “The Peoples Coast, one of 7 Wonders of Oregon

Natural wonders? Yep, we have quite a few. We invite you to not just see Oregon’s 7 Wonders, but experience them. And there are so many more than just Seven. They aren’t just for taking pictures. You really need to get out of the car, hike down from the scenic vista and feel them beneath your feet.

Small college towns near outdoor attractions like hiking and biking trails grew in popularity in 2019. The type of places where there’s energy and stimulation, great restaurants, where you can walk around at night and where there are tons of outdoor recreation options. Here are the best college towns in Oregon for 2019 highlighting those that have member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild:

Activities and attractions are often the top considerations when travelers are choosing where to go and where to stay. Oregon is a beautiful state with stunning natural and architectural wonders. If you are planning a trip anywhere this year, take a few minutes to consider these places to visit in Oregon.

bookdirect

Bookdirect:  It’s a thing we can all embrace and benefit from

When you commit to booking direct, you will enjoy many perks and amenities that you would not have access to when booking through a travel agency.  Not to mention, you will almost always pay less!

As small business owners our innkeepers truly appreciate your direct bookings.  This not only allows you a more specialized experience as you interact directly with us, you also benefit the local economy

When booking direct:

  • You usually are guaranteed the lowest pricing available.  ‘An OTA (online travel agent) may be able to influence the price to get you to book but there is little they can do to improve your stay.’  Support your local businesses and #bookdirect!  You save on your getaway, receive personalized service and the business saves on steep commissions – it’s a win win
  • The truth is, these booking sites charge at least 15% of each booking to the small business owner and sometimes charge you a ‘service fee’  The independent innkeeper really appreciates it when you book directly with them through their website
  • You work directly with the property in case of changes, delays, or cancellations
  • You typically will not have to pay additional booking, change, or cancellation fees.
  • You will enjoy exclusive benefits and can take advantage of special deals, amenities, and packages
  • Managers and homeowners know the properties and the area better than anyone and can better match travelers to homes and help plan a better vacation experience.

How can you, the traveler Join the Movement and make sure you’re always booking direct?

  • Always verify you are on the hotel, inn, or bed and breakfast website before you book.
  • When in doubt, call the Inn for assistance.
  • Be careful using the blue Book a Room button in Google.  It NEVER goes directly to the hotel website. It ALWAYS goes to an online travel agency such as Booking.com or Expedia, or one of their downstream booking partners.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, its environment, culture, and heritage with you.  Get to know our State like a local. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a world class city experience, or a new spin on business travel,  you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance when staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

National Plan for Vacation Day

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National Plan for Vacation Day is today, January 28, 2020 and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild would love to assist you in your 2020 travel plans.

And today is the last day to book your stay at the following inns to take advantage of this great offer. You could travel two/three weeks in Oregon and hit all of them! Just saying! 

These inns have joined the Plan for Vacation Day party: Oregon Bed and Breakfasts participating in National Plan for Vacation Day by offering a 20% discount to anyone who books their vacation on Jan. 28-31 for a future stay. Together, we hope to inspire you to Explore Oregon.

Prospect Historic Hotel and Dinner House: Stay at the closest historic hotel bed and breakfast inn, dinner house and motel to Crater Lake National Park. Prospect Historic Hotel is only 1/4 mile from the Rogue River and three waterfalls. Step back in time and enjoy the elegance and charm of the romantic 1880s hotel and dinner house. (use promo code VacaDay20 when booking through their online booking platform)

Le Puy is an 8-room, 4-season, destination inn for the Yamhill Wine Valley (use promo code NPV2020 when booking through their online booking platform)

MaMere’s Guest House, located in the heart of wine county, a the perfect place to call home while you explore the surrounding wineries or visit Western Oregon University (WOU) (use promo code PlanYourVacation2020 when booking through their online booking platform)

A’Tuscan Estate offers beautiful accommodations and wonderful cuisine in the heart of Oregon’s Wine Country (use promo code VACATION2020 when booking through their online booking platform)

Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast sits atop Chehalem mountain and offers a peaceful retreat from adventure in the Willamette Valley below (use promo code PlanAhead2020 when booking through their online booking platform)

Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast is a delightful, award-winning Bed and Breakfast in Joseph, the premiere art colony town of Eastern Oregon (use promo code VacaDay when booking through their online booking platform)

Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the Upper Hood River Valley on the north slope of Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt. Hood, in the quaint town of Parkdale (use promo code VACAStartsHere when booking through their online booking platform)

Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is a little known gem located in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country (use promo code TOV2020 when booking through their online booking platform)

La Bastide Bed and Breakfast in the Dundee Hills, just 28 miles southwest of Portland, home to the state’s first pinot noir growers. La Bastide is within 2 miles of 30+ wineries and tasting rooms. The inn offers seven charming guestrooms, all with private bathrooms and many with a fireplace. (use promo code PLAN2020 when booking through their online booking platform)

On our website we’ve developed six different ways to find an Oregon Bed and Breakfast. Experience something new. Take in unforgettable sites by searching favorite interest such as birdwatching or visiting historic sites. Find all Oregon has to offer: high desert country in the east, balmy coasts to the west, and mountains, rivers and forests in between.

Last year more than 768 million vacation days went unused. Research shows that individuals who plan are more likely to use all of their time off, take more vacation days at once and report greater levels of happiness at work and at home

You’ve got a lot of ground to cover, and we are here to help you figure out how to get around. Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn. The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild want to enhance your Oregon visit by providing information, resources and trip planning ideas that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon.

 

Pop the Question

Where to Pop the Question in Oregon

Here at the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild, we surveyed our innkeepers for their favorite location to “pop the question” in Oregon.  Here’s our first installment in time for Valentine’s Day.  What could be better than bringing your newly betrothed home to a cozy bed and breakfast after a romantic proposal?

Lost Lake, a pristine Mt Hood National Forest Lake, is the pick for the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in Parkdale, Oregon.   Here’s what they have to say:

“One of the most romantic spots in Oregon to “pop the question” would have to be Lost Lake. With majestic Mt. Hood as a backdrop one might propose sitting on its shores or at any of the many scenic spots while walking the Lakeshore trail.  While it might be a little tough to get down on one knee in a canoe the ambiance experienced while sitting on its glimmerglass waters is so very romantic!

“The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is only 20 miles from Lost Lake and I have had the opportunity to be a part of two surprise proposals that took place at this romantic and incredibly beautiful part of Oregon. I anxiously awaited the return of our guests, knowing what was to take place, and see their exhilarated faces full of hope and love, and a ring!”

Don’t forget that us innkeepers at the bed & breakfasts can be very sneaky and can help you design that perfect proposal.  Call on us anytime!

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles arrive at The Dalles Dam

Visit The Dalles Dam Visitor Center Saturday, January 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the 10th annual Eagle Watch. Watch as bald eagles roost in their natural habitat along the Columbia River.

Bald eagles migrate south each winter in search of food and the Columbia River provides an excellent food source. Westrick Park, near the dam and across from the visitor center, seems to be a favorite winter vacation spot.

The Dalles Dam Visitor Center is a popular site for visitors to see bald eagles in their natural habitat. Join park rangers for an educational opportunity to learn about raptors and other migratory birds and experience seeing them in the wild!

It’s cold along the river, Dress accordingly and be prepared for possible snow on the trails that take you down for a closer look at the convocation of Eagles on the water’s edge.

Plan to spend a day in The Dalles.  The Columbia Gorge Discovery center offers the inspiring Raptor Program, Downtown you’ll find great restaurants, brew pubs, shopping, wineries and of course, the Bald Eagles along the River. To expand your Columbia Gorge Birding experience we have maps of the Oregon Cascade Birding Trails on hand.

Reserve your stay at Hood River Bed and Breakfast and plan to spend a day in The Dalles.  To expand your Columbia Gorge Birding experience we have maps of the Oregon Cascade Birding Trails on hand.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.