Tag Archives: columbia river gorge

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.

Drop Dead Savings

Drop Dead Savings

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, alpaca and 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.  Hope to see you next month!

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.hospitality with ambiance by staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Vineyardview

Vineyardview Bed and Breakfast in Oregon’s Hood River Valley

The Vineyardview Bed & Breakfast offers elegant, finely appointed rooms, beautiful vineyard and mountain views at an affordable price.

Enjoy lovely patio outdoor seating or our wooden swing in the herb garden or inside in the sunny solarium, perfect for early morning coffee, afternoon tea and evening wine sipping.

Fresh Himalayan Blackberries, Italian Plums and Pears grown on the property served up with gourmet coffee & tea, fresh scones or proscuitto parmesan frittata are seasonal breakfast specialties.

Vineyardview Bed and Breakfast has four guest rooms and sleeps up to 12 people.  The family suite sleeps 6, has a private half bath and is great for parents and children.  The queen room sleeps 2, has a lovely window seat perfect for curling up with a good book.  The twin room has two twin beds, sleeps 2 and shares a full bath with the queen room.   The Honeymoon Suite has a private full bath with indoor hot tub and shower for 2 with a generous walk in closet and mini-fridge. All rooms have TV, wireless internet and DVD players.

Nestled among their own Pinot Gris Grape vines, Vineyardview Bed and Breakfast is less than 3 miles from downtown Hood River and minutes from the hiking and biking trails of Post Canyon recreational area.  The inn is neighbor to both Cathedral Ridge Winery and Phelps Creek Winery, to name a few.

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.

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 Apple Dumpling Day

National Apple Dumpling Day

National Apple Dumpling Day is September 17 and these Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings come to you from the the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in Oregon’s Hood River Valley.  The Valley’s reputation for quality apples dates back to the 1900 Chicago World’s Fair, where 16 blue ribbons were awarded to local growers.  A Chicago newspaper reported that, “Since the Centennial Exposition, everybody in the world knows about Hood River apples.”

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

1 cup water
2/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon

For the dumplings:

1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
4-5 tbsp milk
4-5 small apples

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a small saucepot, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon and butter. Bring to a boil and stir until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat and let cool while you make the dumplings.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and shortening. Mix with your fingers until dough has a grainy texture (will look sort of like cornmeal). Add the milk and mix until combined.

Roll out dough to 1/8th inch thick on a well floured surface. Cut into 4-5 large squares.

Peel and core your apples then place one apple on each square of dough. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over top of the apple then gently wrap dough around apple, sealing edges with a little water. Don’t worry if the dough doesn’t completely enclose around the apples—just do the best you can.

Place the dumplings in a greased pan and pour the sauce over the dumplings and around the sides of the pan.

Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.

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.

Dining with a view

You’re sure to work up an appetite exploring the great outdoors in Oregon’s Mt Hood Region. Here are but a few Outdoor Dining with a View options

Solera Brewery ~ a short block walk from the Inn leads to the Beer Garden of Solera Brewery ~ A close-up of Mt. Hood, and the Hood River Valley orchards in the rural setting

Riverside Grill ~ a Hood River restaurant situated on the edge of the Columbia River with panoramic views of the Columbia River and it’s Gorge

Rams Head ~ Timberline Lodge ~ You can’t get much closer to Mt Hood!  Casual food and drinks with stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson

Vertical ~ Mt Hood Meadows ~ of the 9 dining options at the Ski Resort, Vertical has the most amazing view

Full Sail Brewery ~ Hood River ~ Overlooking the Columbia River

Horsefeathers ~ Overlooking downtown Hood River and the Columbia River

3 Rivers Grill ~ Great Views of the Columbia from both the inside and outside on their deck

The Hood River Valley has no shortage of spectacular Mt Hood Views.  There is an abundance of quality places to eat and dine and certainly some great places to explore on your own.  Imagine relaxing at a panoramic site, sipping on cider and snacking, all the while looking out over the Hood River Valley, Mt Hood or the Columbia River.  Our Innkeepers will share with you some of our favorite spots.

There are 6 Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns in this spectacular region.  For the perfect stay in the Columbia River Gorge visit the Hood River Lodging page of the Guild website.

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.

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.

Hood River Valley

Apple Valley Country Store in Hood River Oregon is one of the Hood River Valley’s favorite.  Located amongst picturesque orchards, forests and farmlands, the Wright family has been making homemade jams, jellies, and pies for over 25 years.

During the months of September and October we invite you to join in the harvest celebration. Fresh-picked local pears, fresh pear pies, scones, cookies and hand pies.  Huckleberry and pumpkin milkshakes. Weekend specials:  Our Famous Pear Dumplings, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, cobblers and crisps.

Fall in the Hood River Valley and Columbia River Gorge.  Experience warm days, cool nights, events, fall foliage and harvest aromas. Something for all your senses.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild use many of the abundant fruits in the Hood River Valley, serving up amazing Oregon Bounty breakfasts.  Come up during the week, take the road less traveled and enjoy much of the same tantalizing treats.

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.