Tag Archives: columbia river gorge

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 5 through March 20, 2021 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.

Come mealtime, head for craft beer and a wild rice burger at Solera Brewery, just a block 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.

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 dream comes true.

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.

Hospitality Update: A two-week freeze was announced by our governor, Governor Brown. These new measures are intended to limit group activities and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. The Two-Week Freeze measures will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2, state-wide. These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care.

The mandate hurts all of us, especially our inns and small businesses. Restaurants, bars and tasting rooms can only sell take-out. There is no in-restaurant dining or on-site wine tasting. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

shop small online

Shop Small online adds up to Big Things. The coronavirus and our state’s wildfires have upended daily life in Oregon, with travel and tourism being the hardest-hit industries. Small businesses have been crippled and are counting on all of us to rebuild, promote, and sustain our resilient communities.

America Runs on Small Businesses and small businesses are the retail backbone of our communities and our economy. Shop Small is a nationwide movement dedicated to supporting thousands of small businesses and encouraging shoppers to think small.

Of course, we’d love to have you stay with us, let us provide some of the best hospitality Oregon has to offer, eat a home-cooked meals and get the inside scoop to the area’s best attractions and shopping. But if traveling isn’t in your plans just now and you need some sweet gifts, or something for yourself, we asked our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild innkeepers to share a few local stores that have an online option so as to extend a show of small business camaraderie and economic optimism.

In the Upper Hood River Valley on the north slope of Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt. Hood, is the Old Parkdale Inn, a B&B in the quaint town of Parkdale. Much of Hood River’s Bounty is utilized at the Inn.

While online you might consider purchasing a gift certificate for a stay at Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakast, either for yourself when you’re ready to travel again, or as a thoughtful gift.

Future Folks: Custom furniture, finishes and home decor. Artisan metal fabrications and earthy candles.

Moby Coffee Roasters: Roasted around the corner and enjoyed at the Old Parkdale Inn. Perhaps a gift of a monthly subscription? Brew and enjoy at home

The Fruit Company: offers the world’s finest fresh fruit, sourced from local orchards in Hood River, Oregon. Baskets, Gift towers and monthly fruit clubs, the ideal choice for a birthday gift, a sweet romantic surprise, a celebration of friendship, a holiday remembrance, a business gift, or “just because.”

Hood River Lavender: handcrafted merchandise ranging from bath and body products to various culinary items. Made with 100% PURE Lavender Essential Oil which is processed right here in the Columbia River Gorge.

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.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake

The Hood River Valley fall harvest is in full swing. This Upside Down Cake has been well received by guests at the breakfast table of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, a member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Old Parkdale Inn Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake

Place 1/4 cup butter in 8″ round baking pan and place in an oven preheating to 400º until melted. While it heats prepare about 10 plums by slicing them into wedges, getting about 8-10 wedges per plum. When the butter has melted swirl it around the pan. I use a pastry brush to make sure the sides are buttered too. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, mix it well into the butter then arrange the plum wedges in rays around the pan.

Buttermilk Cake Butter:
1 cup flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ stick of butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
½ cup buttermilk
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.  In another bowl, cream the butter and ¾ cup of sugar together, then add the vanilla extract, egg and buttermilk and whisk till smooth. Add to flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Scrape the buttermilk cake batter onto the plum slices and smooth. Bake for around 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto serving platter. We’ve been serving this Oregon Culinary Delight slightly warm with a dab of Greek yogurt and some sliced fresh plums as garnish

The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is mid way between Hood River, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood and is a unique inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  The inn, with Pacific Northwest decor, is at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood in the bountiful Hood River Valley, Parkdale, Oregon. The perfect base for outdoor adventure or a quiet retreat.

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.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Shop Small Parkdale

Shop Small in Parkdale, Oregon, as Shopping Small adds up to Big Things. The coronavirus and our state’s wildfires have upended daily life in Oregon, with travel and tourism being the hardest-hit industries. Small businesses have been crippled and are counting on all of us to rebuild, promote, and sustain our resilient communities.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild asked our innkeepers to share what’s not to miss in their communities: restaurants, shops, parks, and we’d present a series of blog posts, extending a show of small business camaraderie and economic optimism.

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.

Outdoor Dining with a View:
Solera Brewery ~ a short block walk from the Inn leads to the Beer Garden of Solera Brewery. They’ve some pretty cool signature items, too, like tees, mugs, caps, hoodies and more

Shopping for gifts or for yourself
Lady Fern Parkdale: Local Art. Gifts. Creators Workspace.

Fresh fruit and the yummies made with it:
Kiyokawa Family Orchards: In addition to the seasonal fruit, Kiyokawa’s fruit stand offers turnovers, local honey, jams and fresh cider.

Parkdale is only about 10 blocks square so sometimes we encourage our guests to venture out a bit, drive the Hood River County Fruit Loop and visit the family farms and wineries the perfect gift for you and yours

‘Our backyard is the Mt. Hood National Forest and majestic Mt Hood.’ Just north of the Inn is the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Both have recently been named two of Travel Oregon’s Seven Wonders of Oregon. The innkeepers are excited to share with you their favorite places to hike, cycle or take a motor tour.

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.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Drop Dead Savings

Drop Dead Savings have been extended through November 18

Drop Dead Savings are back at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast. We invite you to Stay two nights, mid-week in October at the Old Parkdale Inn and take 20% off your room rate. Any room, midweek, Sunday through Thursday at the Old Parkdale Inn that comes with our hearty Northwest Breakfast, of course.

The Hood River Valley is a spectacular place to visit in the Fall.  Tour the valley and stop in at the fruit stands, family farms, lavender farms, and wineries on the Fruit Loop. Less crowds during the week. More apples and pears for you to taste and take home. The Mt Hood National Forest is just minutes away where the awesome fall foliage has begun to put on a show. A little bit later in the month, after the harvest is in, the acres and acres of fruit trees begin to turn. Or you may just want to relax in our gardens, a throw over your lap, watching the family of quail that have called our garden home this summer.  These savings come once a year. 

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.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke. And the harvest of Pumpkins, Pinots and Pears will go on.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

National Pancake Day

National Pancake Day

Pancakes are good any day of the year as is proven by the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. 

Today let’s honor the pancake.  Does the mere mention of pancakes send your senses reeling?  A plate of steamy hot pancakes can instantly lift your spirits and certainly can make your tummy happy.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Innkeepers sure know how create pancakes that are tender, light and oh so tasty. Fresh local ingredients like crispy Hood River County Apples or sweet Willamette Valley Berries or fresh peaches picked up at a weekly farmers market make these unique ‘cakes’

Apple Pancakes with warm Apple Cider Syrup have become a guest favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast and thanks to Ryan’s Hood River Juice Company for the Apple Cider Syrup recipe. In the Hood River Valley, known for its abundant apples and pears, this innkeeper’s been using a wonderful sourdough starter for the pancakes and mixing in one teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 cup grated fresh apple.

At the Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast their farm fresh eggs will make their way into gourmet breakfasts at the inn like their Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

The Old Parkdale Inn B&B also serves hot-off-the-griddle Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes often throughout the year, made with fresh and frozen berries of the Hood River Valley.

And then there’s the Blueberry Pancake.  And Dutch Baby Pancakes.  Reserve your room today and ask the innkeeper what their signature pancake recipe is and maybe, just maybe, if the fruit they use is in season you’ll be treated to awesome pancake goodness.

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 Banana Split Day

National Banana Split Day August 25

Banana Split for breakfast?  How about this healthy, delicious and nutritious variation from the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast? Oatmeal Breakfast Banana Split is a fun breakfast recipe that will kickstart your day with the energy you’ll need to power through exploring Oregon.

You’ll need about one cup of prepared oatmeal for each ‘split’.  Use your favorite oatmeal recipe making sure it’s on the thicker side. You’ll be using a cookie or ice cream scoop to scoop into banana

  • Slice the banana lengthwise and lay in your bowl
  • Drop two or three scoops of oatmeal onto banana
  • Add fresh fruit.  Try peaches, pears , apples, and berries
  • Top with a tablespoon or two of Greek Yogurt
  • Sprinkle chocolate chips, hemp hearts and chia seeds
  • Drizzle with maple syrup or any fruit syrup
  • Don’t forget the Cherry on Top

The great thing about this meal is you can top this banana split oatmeal with whatever you like. In the Hood River Valley we have an abundance of berries, cherries, stone fruit, apples and pears. Try some fall flavors with pumpkin puree and seeds. Or go tropical with mangos, pineapple and oranges. The options are virtually endless.

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.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

tourist hood river valley

A Tourist in the Hood River Valley

The innkeepers at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast enjoy playing the tourist in their own Hood River Valley, driving the Fruit Loop, a 35 miles driving tour through orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities. “Sample delicious fruits and take your favorites home, visit a winery, experience fields of fragrant lavender, and savor delicious baked goods at Fruit Loop locations throughout the year.”

‘We stopped by the Mt Hood Winery, Oregon’s 2016 Winery of the Year.  The 8000 square foot Tasting Room facility was built with event hosting in mind.  A conference room, large meeting hall, a private dressing room. They thought of everything. Surrounded by newly planted vineyard the winery has breathtaking views of Mt Hood and the Hood River Valley.

The Fruit Loop is just an hour away from Oregon’s largest city, Portland. Located just outside the national scenic area called the Columbia River Gorge, our Valley is the nation’s largest pear-growing region, one of the few places that offers the complete experience of growing, producing, and then enjoying fruits and wines.

‘At the Gorge White House the flower fields bloom from April until first frost, usually in October. U-cut or they-cut flowers. This year they have tulips, daffodils, peonies, dahlias, gladiolas, rose mallow, sunflowers, delphiniums, cosmos, asters, zinnias, lilies, iris’s, snapdragons, echinacea, black-eyed Susans, marigolds, crocasmia, veronica, and more. Make an afternoon out of arranging your bouquets at the picnic tables or on the spacious patio.

‘Our last stop was at Packer Family Orchards and Bakery. The bakers use pears in just about every one of their products. By using pear concentrate, they have reduced or in some cases, eliminated the need for refined sugar in many of their recipes!  Enjoy the sweet taste even more, knowing that their products make for a healthier alternative.   I went in for some fresh peaches, so juicy and sweet, and one of their giant cherry/white chocolate cookie. Ended up with that one and the macaroon and one other that had an amazing lemon flavor.’

The harvest season will soon be in full swing. The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakast along invite you to enjoy the fall season in the Hood River Valley.

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.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know that Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakast is welcoming guests.

Seven Oaks Bed and Breakfast

Seven Oaks Bed and Breakfast

Seven Oaks Bed and Breakfast was built in 1928 by French craftsman and renowned inventor August Guignard.  The homestead featured acres of farms and orchards as well as manufacturing operations for the fruit grading equipment he pioneered.

The lush gardens surrounding the Inn are bordered by mature Douglas Firs that provide complete privacy and the feel of country living.  Views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams provide a dramatic backdrop for serene and peaceful seating nooks and gardens within the meticulously kept grounds.

Spacious dining and living rooms, a shady porch, and a sunny deck offer places to enjoy the views over a glass of wine and good company while nooks for reading or meditating provide peace and quiet.

With an emphasis on healthy, fresh food, Seven Oaks is proud to feature vegetarian specialties, homemade jams and pastries, and organic, locally roasted coffees.

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. Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know that Seven Oaks is welcoming guests.