Tag Archives: columbia river gorge

National Apple Pie Day

National Apple Pie Day is May 13

National Apple Pie Day doesn’t necessarily have to be celebrated with an apple pie, right.  Why not Apple Pie Cookies?  The innkeeper at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast put a little spin on the classic apple pie and the results were amazing.  For quicker, easier assembly she used refrigerated pie crusts

Apple Pie Cookies

  • 6 green apples
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
  • 5 ounces caramel sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Ground cinnamon

1) Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment and non stick spray;  set aside.

2) Remove pie crusts from refrigerator so they warm up slightly. This will make them easier to work with.

3) Peel the skin off the green apples, compost.  Continue peeling so you have bunch of fleshy, white peels of apple in your bowl.

4) Dust work area with flour and slightly roll out crusts. From one pie crust, cut out circles for the cookies.  Cut the second pie crust into 1/2″ strips.

5) Place round pie crusts on cookie sheet. Spread a thin layer of caramel sauce on each cookie, followed by a pile of white apple peels. Using the 1/2” strips, create a tic-tac-toe lattice pattern over each cookie.

6) Beat egg in bowl and add sugar and nutmeg until well blended. Brush cookies with egg wash.

7) Sprinkle cookies with cinnamon.  Use more or less cinnamon depending on your preference.

8) Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until cookies are a golden brown. Remove from oven, allow to cool for 5 minutes, serve and enjoy!

The Old Parkdale Inn is located in the Upper Hood River Valley, a renowned growing region for pears and apples.   Located in the quaint town of Parkdale, Oregon with Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt. Hood, as a backdrop.  Outdoor adventure, farms, wineries and fine dining are nearby.  The complete privacy of the inn and the serene gardens are perfect for romantic and restful getaways.

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.

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.

5 Waterfall Hikes

Wildflowers will soon start popping up across the landscape in Columbia River Gorge.  Spring wildflower hikes are a Gorge specialty you won’t want to miss, so plan your wildflower weekend now. These hikes are on the Washington side of the Columbia River but easy bridge access from Portland and Hood River

Mosier Plateau:

This trail begins in the town of Mosier, follows Mosier Creek up the hill, through a pioneer cemetery, onto the Mosier Plateau.  This trail is part of Gorge Towns to Trails project, a comprehensive trail system that wraps around the Columbia Gorge, linking communities with recreation. The trail was completed in the summer 2013 with numerous partners and volunteers. Enjoy!

Catherine Creek Area

Parking is on the north side of WA14 where you can pick up trails for longer hikes and more great wildflower and bird viewing.  Catherine Creek Trail #4400 is a one mile paved trail with great views of the Columbia River on the south side of WA14.  Catherine Creek Arch (1.9m) and Catherine Creek Labyrinth (5.5 miles) trails can be picked up here.

Rowena Plateau Loop

This easy stroll provides stunning views up and down the Gorge.  In late spring, the balsam root and other wildflowers are abundant.  You can’t talk about the Rowena Plateau without talking about the Tom McCall Nature Preserve. The Nature Conservancy has worked to preserve the fauna and flora here. Starting in spring, volunteers lead interpretive hikes.

You’ll have stunning Columbia River Gorge Views on these trails, through open grasslands, vernal ponds and oak woodlands.  Bring your camera.

Start your day at one of the many Oregon Bed and Breakfasts near Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge with a breakfast prepared from fresh local products.  Or take a relaxing day trip from a Portland region bed and breakfast

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.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee Cake

It is spring in the Pacific Northwest.  The rhubarb in the gardens of our inn, the Old Parkdale Inn, is just about ready to harvest and the Oregon strawberries should begin to come on soon.  Put the two together and we get a favorite of our guests, Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee Cake, on this National Coffee Cake Day, 2019

3 c fresh rhubarb, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 c fresh strawberries
sweeten with agave nectar (or one c sugar)
1/3 c cornstarch

Cook the strawberries and rhubarb for about 5 minutes.  Combine the sweetener of your choice with the cornstarch and add to fruit.  Cook until bubbly and thick.  Set aside to cool

3 c flour
1 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 c butter

1 c buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract

Combine dry ingredients.  Cut in butter until the mixture resembles fine  crumbs.  Beat wet ingredients together and add to flour mix, stirring just to moisten.  Spread half the batter in a greased 9x13x2 inch baking pan.  Spread the cooled rhubarb filling over this and spoon the remaining batter in small portions on top of the filling.

Make a topping by combining

3/4 c sugar, 2 cup flour, cut in 1/4 cup butter and then add 1/4 cup flaked coconut

Sprinkle over the coffee cake batter, bake at 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes.  The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild truely enjoy turning your vacation into a culinary vacation.  Coffee anyone?

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.

Blossom Festival

Hood River Blossom Festival celebrates spring

In the Hood River Valley 15,000+ acres of pears, apples, cherries and other fruits, that’s over 2 million trees, will burst into blossom in April and May.  It is a true sign of spring as we dust the snow off our back steps.

Blossom Festival, celebrated the Month of April, welcomes the arrival of spring with a full plate of events from BBQs, to arts and craft shows, to antique sales.  You won’t want to miss the Blossom Fest Quilt Show with some 80-100 beautiful handmade quilts will be on display, many for sale.  Another can’t miss event is the Dessert Party at the Apple Valley Country Store.  A variety of desserts, jams and jellies, all made with fresh local fruit, will be available.

Start your day at one of the many Oregon Bed and Breakfasts near Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge with a breakfast prepared from fresh local products.  Ginger baked pears, fresh Blueberry Scones, Apple Quiche, we’re talking Northwest Culinary breakfasts!

With Nine Unique Inns in OBBG’s Mt Hood Region to choose from this will only be one of the hard choices you’ll face on a weekend of events for all the senses.

Take the scenic 35 mile Fruit Loop through the valley’s orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities.

Just want to sit back and relax?  The Mt Hood Railroad travels through thousands of acres of orchards in blossom and has a layover in Parkdale and the Art and Music Festival.  Enjoy live music and art in the park while taking in stunning views of Mt. Hood.

Visit us in the Hood River Valley at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn and prove to yourself that spring has definitely arrived!!

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.

‘It just so happens that the first prompt for the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild #bnbphotochallenge19 is ‘Meet the Innkeepers’ and today happens to be the beginning of our 17th year of innkeeping.

‘We bought the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in 2003. The inn is nestled in Oregon’s Hood River Valley on the northern slope of Mt. Hood. I’m Mary and I had always had this crazy dream to be an innkeeper. I like being at home, cooking, decorating, so I convinced my reluctant husband to do this. I’m often asked if I’ve had a B&B before the Old Parkdale Inn and my response: “I raised three kids and a husband, I have been doing the B&B thing for many years!”

‘Steve had steady work as a pipeline welder, which kept him away from the Inn for long periods of time. In 2013 he retired and now shares the workload of housekeeping, yard maintenance, and occasional server to our guests.

‘We enjoy the outdoors, absolutely love Oregon and look forward to sharing our knowledge of the area and its many attractions with guests.’

The Old Parkdale Inn 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.  Outdoor adventure, farms, wineries and fine dining are nearby.  The complete privacy of the inn and the serene gardens are perfect for romantic and restful getaways.

All three Old Parkdale Inn well appointed, Oregon themed rooms have queen beds, private baths, a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee machine with a large selection of teas, coffee, and cocoa.  The rooms are also equipped with a wall mounted flat screen TV with satellite reception, DVDs, hairdryer, alarm clock, fans, and heaters.

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 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 Cherry Pie Day

National Cherry Pie Day

National Cherry Pie Day is February 20.  The Hood River Valley anticipates the Cherry Harvest, due to start around the first of July.  A little earlier in The Dalles Cherry Orchards.  Innkeepers at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, in the heart of the Valley, will be making cherry crepes, cherry scones, cherry cobblers and of course placing big bowls of cold, crisp cherries on the table to nibble on before, during and after breakfast.

Although this is not a cherry pie, this tart is a favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in the Hood River Valley.

1 cup (1/2 lb.) butter, at room temperature
2 large egg yolks
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries, rinsed and pitted
2 Tbs. quick-tapioca
1 Tbs. lemon juice

In a bowl, with a mixer on medium speed, beat butter with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in egg yolks. Stir in flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Divide dough in half. Press one portion over bottom and up sides to rim of a 9-inch tart pan with removable rim. Place other portion on a lightly floured piece of waxed paper. Set aside.
In another bowl, mix cherries, tapioca, lemon juice and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes as you roll out second portion of dough with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 10-inch round.

Pour cherries into tart shell. Invert round over cherries. Press edges into rim of tart pan, pinching off any excess. Sprinkle tart lightly with sugar.
Place tart pan on a baking sheet and bake on the lower rack of a 375 degree over until top is golden brown, about 35-40 minutes.

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.

Old Parkdale Inn

There’s snow better time to experience the quiet of Winter in the Hood River Valley and surrounding forest.  And at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.

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 (scroll down to see additional packages and specials) Stay Sundays through Thursday, January 2 through March 21, 2019 at the Old Parkdale Inn and 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 and for a link to directly book online.

Only minutes from the Mt Hood National Forest you can venture to ski Mount Hood Meadows or Timberline Ski Area, XC ski or snowshoe the many forest road and trails.  For us there is nothing better than a hike in the Mt Hood National Forest, fresh snow, no wind, fresh tracks.  If it’s snowing, it’s even better.

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 Pancake Day

National Blueberry Pancake Day

Today is National Blueberry Pancake Day.  But who wants blueberry pancakes just once a year?  At the Old Parkdale Inn B&B, hot-off-the-griddle blueberry pancakes often throughout the year.

Oregon’s Hood River Valley has acres and acres of Blueberry Farms scattered among the Pear, Cherry and Apple orchards.  Harvest begins usually around the first of July and last for about 5-6 weeks.  During that time we serve up everything Blueberry:  Lemon Blueberry Biscuits, Blueberry Buckle, Fresh Berry Shortcakes, Berry Compote to put on top of Blueberry Pancakes of course.

‘At the inn we freeze quite a few pounds for use through the winter.  Last spring my dear neighbor gave me a sourdough starter.  Now we make pancakes at least once a week using this tangy Sourdough Starter.’

Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes at the Old Parkdale Inn:

The night before:
cup of sourdough starter
1 cup warm water
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Mix well and let ferment overnight

Reserve one cup starter and to remaining batter add:
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tbs sugar
2 Tbs oil
about a half cup of milk
whole wheat flour as needed

When the griddle is hot and buttered up, pour on the batter.  I like to add the blueberries to the pancakes on the griddle before flipping.  Adds a bit of flair to the presentation.  Serve hot-off-the-griddle with a fresh berry compote made with about 2 cups of blueberries, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, what fruit is available.  Put fruit in a saucepan, add a little cranberry juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or fruit liquor. Throw a few fresh blueberries on top.  The best!

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

A fellow birder reported seeing about 80 Bald Eagles near The Dalles Dam on the Columbia River.  We took a ride up to see them for ourselves and although we didn’t see 80 we did count at least 40.  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 weekends in January,  9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 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.

Reserve your stay at Hood River Bed and Breakfast and 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.

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.