Tag Archives: columbia river gorge

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

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.

Cozy Winter Nights at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

Cozy Winter Nights allows you to experience the quiet Winter Months in the Hood River Valley and surrounding forest.  A spectacular B&B experience at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, situated in the abundant beauty of the Hood River Valley with majestic views of Mt Hood.

Parkdale, Oregon, is the halfway spot along the Mt Hood Scenic Byway, and the Old Parkdale Inn B&B is in the heart of this quiet hamlet. Take 20% off your stay when booking our Cozy Winter Nights special. Stay Sundays through now through March 19, 2020 at the Old Parkdale Inn. Start your day with a hearty breakfast and experience the serenity that comes with spending an evening at the Old Parkdale Inn.  Deal ends the last day of Spring so visit Cozy Winter Nights for a link to directly book online.

Choose any one of our three guest rooms, each with amenities including a private bath, flat-screen satellite TV and DVD player, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, and Free wireless Internet.  You may want to relax in your room or wrapped in our comfy, warm throws on our front porch sling chairs.

Driving an Electric Vehicle?  Old Parkdale Inn has two EV chargers, one Tesla and one ClipperCreek offered as an amenity for their guests.  They are also will be available to those passing through Parkdale along the Mt Hood and Columbia Gorge Electric Byway.

The Old Parkdale Inn is located on the famous Hood River County Fruit Loop,  perfectly situated to tour the area’s gorgeous farms, wineries and orchards.  Some businesses stay open all winter but it is pretty sleepy up here in the Hood River Valley.  That’s one of the bonuses of a winter stay. Should you choose to head outdoors and have a go at an awesome winter sport you’ll enjoy the quiet serenity at the Old Parkdale Inn when you return.

Come mealtime, head for craft beer and a wild rice burger at Solera Brewery, just a few blocks from the inn.  Sorry Folks, they’re closed on Wednesday. Also walking distance from the Inn, Apple Valley BBQ, closed Monday and Tuesday, serves up top-quality meats, amazing side dishes and a hefty dose of small-town hospitality.  Only minutes from the Mt Hood National Forest you can enjoy, depending on your arrival date, to ski Mount Hood Meadows, XC ski or take a hike to Bald Butte or Tamanawas Falls.  Cycling is quite popular and miles and miles of mountain biking trails and scenic forest roads challenge our cycling guests.  Again this year we have discount lift tickets to both Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort and Timberline Ski Area.

The two-night midweek stay must be booked for a Sunday through Thursday stay and cannot include a Saturday or Friday night.   Stay must be two consecutive nights and you can extend your stay by purchasing two packages

Share this special with your family and friends.  Maybe they’d like to join you for a memorable getaway to the Old Parkdale Inn.

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.

National French Toast Day November 28

Nation French Toast Day is November 28

Remember the orange popsicle filled with vanilla ice cream?  Who didn’t love them then and who doesn’t still love them now?  Here at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast we regularly order a case of fresh Organic Valencia Oranges to use in Orange Ricotta Pancakes, Fresh Orange Smoothies, Fruit Salads and more.  Recently I made this creamy French Toast with a Gluten Free White Bread but I prefer using a fresh Challah Bread.  Challah makes the best French Toast and when combined with cream cheese, vanilla and orange, a dreamy

Creamy Orange French Toast

In a small bowl cream together 1/2 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp sugar and 4 oz softened cream cheese

In another bowl Whip together:

  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • zest from a orange
  • juice from that orange
  • cup of milk
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tsp sugar

Spread the cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread.  I like to lay the sandwiches on a cookie sheet where the milk and egg mixture has been poured, flipping them after about 5 minutes.  The type of bread you are using will determine how long to soak.  Dryer bread a little longer that a very moist bread like Challah. Fry on a hot griddle until golden, about 3-5 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile, combine fresh orange juice from half an orange, 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a small sauce pot. Bring to simmer and take off heat.

Serve piping hot garnished with thinly slices oranges and a dusting of powdered sugar.

You can adjust this recipe to satisfy dietary needs.  I’ve used coconut or almond milk for lactose intolerant guests. A Vanilla Soy Creamer adds flavor. There are some very good non dairy cream cheese products available.

The 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.

Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy

Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy

A Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy made with famous Hood River Valley Pears.  The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the Hood River Valley, the largest pear growing region in the nation. Many of our growers have cold storage units where we can pick up fresh pears almost all year round. This Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy has become a guest favorite.

Fruit Filling:

1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbs cornstarch
Pinch of fine sea salt
4 large pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 Tbs lemon juic
1 dry pint raspberries, fresh or frozen
1 Tbs cold butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 400°. Butter 4 small ramekins.
Fruit Filling: Rub the sugar, cornstarch and salt together in a large bowl, add pears and lemon juice and toss until evenly coated. Gently fold in raspberries and divide into ramekins. Dot with butter.

Biscuit:
1 3/4 cup flour
3 TBS plus 1 TBS sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp fine salt
10 TBS cold butter
1/3 cup chopped candied ginger
2/3 cup plus 1 TBS cold buttermilk

Biscuit: Whisk together flour, 3 TBS sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until the size of peas. Stir in the Candied ginger, pour in the 2/3 cup buttermilk and stir until the dry ingredients are moistened. The dough will be crumbly, with large pieces of butter still visible. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and gently press the dough together. Divide into four pieces and place atop the fruit. Brush the dough with the remaining buttermilk and sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350° and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the juices are bubbly and thick. Allow to cool a bit before serving.

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.

Tundra Swans in the Columbia River Gorge

For me the return of the Tundra Swans to Mirror Lake in the Columbia River Gorge, marks the beginning of Winter.

Mirror Lake is at the foot of Crown Point, visible from Interstate 84 just west of the Rooster Rock exit. The Lake can host upwards of 100 Tundra swans, although as of yesterday only a few had arrived from their Arctic tundra nesting grounds.  The Scenic Colombia River Gorge is just one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders and Oregon B&Bs in the Region welcome you.

Tundra Swans dine on plant material, slugs, snails, insects and crayfish, and typically weigh from 10 to 18 pounds, averaging about 53 inches in length.  They mate for life and travel in family groups in roundtrip migrations of up to 3,725 miles.

Tundra Swans winter here and share space with Hooded Merganser, Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Song Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Steller’s Jay, Black-capped Chickadee.

Look closely at the photo for Mallards, a Great Blue Heron and a Hooded Merganser.

Oregon is a bird watchers paradise and many of our Member Inns recognize and are located near land ideal for birding.  Some, like the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, have Backyard Wildlife Habitats recognized by the National Wildlife Federations.  There are extensive reserves across the state.  These habitats serve as excellent nesting and brood rearing areas for waterfowl and colonial nesting birds including American white pelican and several heron species.  Bald eagle and osprey nest in many parts of the state and can sometimes be seen dining on the local wild life.

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.

Sakura Ridge

Sakura Ridge ~ The Farm and Lodge

Sakura Ridge ~ The Farm and Lodge is a working orchard and Bed & Breakfast in the foothills of Mt. Hood and an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Perched on 72 acres in the foothills of Mt Hood, the farm has thousands of fruit trees and gardens filled with vegetables, herbs, and berries.  Fresh eggs are gathered daily and there is always plenty of honey from the hives.

Sitting on the expansive decks, overlooking the orchards and fields, with an awesome view of Mt Hood, you’ll feel like you’re so much more than only 10 minutes from downtown Hood River.  Five well appointed guest rooms, each with a private bath and complete with down comforters, Hudson Bay or Pendleton blankets.  Just the right balance between rustic and classy.  Breakfast is always what’s in season, what’s from the farm and what is always good to eat.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, it’s environment, culture, and heritage with you. Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts in any one of our many regions. Experience romantic getaways, historic treasures, and tucked away rustic retreats.  Whether your trip is for a quiet escape to a quaint rural or coastal town, taking in Oregon Geotourism, for a World Class City experience, or for a new spin on business travel, you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance by staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.