Tag Archives: eastern oregon

It’s Finally Here – National Plan for Vacation Day January 25, 2022

January 25, 2022 Mary Pellegrini

National Plan for Vacation Day is January 25, 2022 is finally here and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild would love to assist and inspire your 2022 travel plans.

National Plan for Vacation Day, January 25th

Ah, that feeling of vacation bliss, when you can truly unwind, unplug and relax.

For so many of us, that feeling seems like a distant memory. The pandemic has caused us to largely put vacation planning on the back burner, despite the fact that close to eight in 10 Americans believe vacations are important to their overall health and well-being.

Chances are you’ve been carrying a heavy load. Break free from burnout and on this National Plan for Vacation Day, let’s do something to give ourselves a lift, ignite that spark we get from your “booking confirmed” page from an Oregon Bed and Breakfast

Between January 25 – 28, take time to plan your time off for the year. And if you need some inspiration let the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild assist and inspire your 2022 travel plans.

Mt Hood Region:

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 OregonVacation when booking through their online booking platform. The Old Parkdale Inn has extended their ‘book by’ date through the weekend, January 30th.

Willamette Region

Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is a little known gem located in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country. Use promo code
Oregon Vacation 2022 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 OregonVacation when booking through their online booking platform.

MaMere’s Guest House, located in the heart of wine county, and the perfect place to call home while you explore the surrounding wineries or visit Western Oregon University (WOU). Use promo code
Vacation2022 when booking through their online booking platform.

The DreamGiver’s Inn is a beautiful Bed & Breakfast situated on 10 acres with views of Mt. Hood, vineyards and the Southern Valley. We are located in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country, and conveniently located just 7 miles from the I-5 Freeway. Use promo code Vacation2022 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
OregonVacation when booking through their online booking platform. A’Tuscan Estate has also extended their ‘book by’ date through the weekend, January 30th.

Southern Oregon Region

Prospect Historic Hotel in Crater Lake National Park’s closest full service town and showcased by the nationally registered. The Historic Hotel is a 10 room Bed and Breakfast Inn with private baths and beautiful quilts on every bed. Hearty, full, breakfasts. Use promo code
OregonVacation when booking through their online booking platform.

Central Oregon Region

Experience true Pioneer hospitality at Wilson Ranches Retreat. Enjoy scenic horseback rides, cattle drives, and hiking on a 9,000 acre working cattle ranch. Close to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, bass fishing, river rafting, and golfing. Use promo code OregonVacation 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.

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: Watch for updates as mask restrictions may lift soon under guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon is still requiring masks in some outdoor public spaces and all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild.

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of the CDC. Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Want that ‘I just booked a Vacation’ feeling? National Plan for Vacation Day January 25, 2022

January 23, 2022 Mary Pellegrini

National Plan for Vacation Day is January 25, 2022 and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild would love to assist and inspire your 2022 travel plans.

National Plan for Vacation Day, January 25th

Ah, that feeling of vacation bliss, when you can truly unwind, unplug and relax.

Between January 25 – 28, take time to plan your time off for the year. And if you need some inspiration let the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild assist and inspire your 2022 travel plans.

Mt Hood Region:

Willamette Region

Southern Oregon Region

Central Oregon Region

The Bronze Antler in Beautiful Joseph Oregon

January 16, 2022 Mary Pellegrini

The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph, Oregon

The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast is a delightful, award-winning Bed and Breakfast located in Joseph, the premiere art colony town of Eastern Oregon. Walking distance to local art galleries, restaurants and unique shops. Nearby are Wallowa Lake, Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and snowmobiling are popular winter activities.

The Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast offers three guestrooms and one upscale, modern suite, all with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and private attached bath and is the only AAA 3-diamond & Select Registry lodging in Joseph, Oregon. Walk into downtown Joseph, sprinkled with specialty shops and galleries, world class fine art & foundries, local clothing, baked goods, chocolates, wines, and coffees and the majestic Wallowa Mountains as a backdrop.

‘Perfection The Bronze Antler is perfection. It is beautifully decorated, exceptionally clean, has comfortable beds, a large and well stocked bathroom with each room, a tasty breakfast, and friendly hosts.‘ a TripAdvisor contributor.

The Bronze Antler recently added a Tesla and Clipper Creek Electric Vehicle EV Charging Stations on site for your use and included in your stay.

A wholesome, savory breakfast is prepared from many local ingredients along with a variety of juices, a breakfast meat (vegetarian meat substitute available) and fresh fruit.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon is still requiring masks in some outdoor public spaces and all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild.

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of the CDC. Our inns are doing everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Plan your Next Winter Retreat in Oregon’s Winter Wonderlands

December 2, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Plan Your Next Winter Retreat, starting at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast

If you enjoy snowy landscapes, great exercise, wood stoves and cozy bed and breakfasts then you’re sure to like snowshoeing in Oregon’s Winter Wonderlands.

Oregon offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor winter recreation. Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, or looking for backcountry trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, Oregon has it all.

Some inns offer special ski packages and all are glad to share their favorite spots with you. After your day’s adventure, curl up at a cozy and warm bed and breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Plan Your Next Winter Retreat

Central and Eastern Oregon Bed and Breakfasts: Anthony Lakes is home to nearly 20 miles of groomed and track-set trails ideal for Nordic skiers of nearly any ability. The Wallowa Mountains are known in the backcountry skiing community as one of the more underutilized ski areas.

Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfasts: The Willamette Pass Ski Area is located 66 miles from Eugene, Oregon and offers a wide variety of activities including snowshoe, cross-country ski, and snowmobile from several sno-park locations in this winter recreation area.

Mt Hood Bed and Breakfasts: The Mt Hood National Forest is minutes from the Oregon Bed and Breakfasts in the Mt Hood Region. Plenty of snow parks, trails, and our favorite, forest roads to explore.

In Crater Lake National Park cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular. There are nine different skiing trails available, ranging in difficulty. Choose a Southern Oregon Bed and Breakfast

These are but a few of your Oregon winter sport options. Many inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are within minutes of world class outdoor adventures. Begin planning your Winter Ski Trip today with bed and breakfast accommodations at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast.

36 Hours in Joseph, Oregon – What to See, Do, Eat and Where to Stay

November 14, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

36 Hours in Joseph, Oregon –
What to See, Do, Eat and Where to Stay

What would you do if you only had 36 hours in and near Joseph, Oregon? See? Eat? Where would you stay? The innkeepers with the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild have offered suggestions to make your day-and-a-half Oregon adventure worth every second! Check out these insider tips below.

36 Hours in Joseph

Where to Eat Lunch in Joseph

The Dog Spot is a unique boutique-cafe combo. The chef is excellent and has created an eclectic fusion menu. The shop features a curated line of clothing, accessories, home goods, and pet essentials with a focus on vendors from the Pacific and Inland Northwest. Indoor and outdoor seating is available; pets are welcome for outdoor seating during summer months, per the innkeepers at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph.

Where to Eat Dinner in Joseph
Terminal Gravity in Enterprise, just 10-minutes from Joseph, is a local brewpub with tasty American eats in a rustic setting with outdoor picnic tables. The Gold Room, 3 to 4-blocks from the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph, has excellent wood-fired pizza as well as signature cocktails. The Embers Brew House has a nice garden to sit in and occasional live music. It’s renowned for having the largest selection of micro-brews in Eastern Oregon.

Things to Do in Joseph
If you only have 36 hours, you’ll want to take a stroll down Main Street beginning on the north end. Heading south you can visit unique shops, galleries, and eateries along the way. Continue south through town to the very end of Main Street and you will arrive at the Iwetemlaykin State Park Heritage Site. As you gain a little elevation you’ll possibly see on a clear day The Seven Devils mountain range in Idaho. From there continue south to the shores of Wallowa Lake and Chief Joseph’s monument.

Wallowa Lake is a ribbon lake 1-mile south of Joseph. It’s located between the south end of a scenic glacial lake and the towering peaks of the Wallowa Mountains. There is a large day-use area along the lake that features a beach, fishing spots, and picnic tables. The park continues a mile upriver at Little Alps day-use area, which also offers picnicking along the river and access to the Wallowa Lake Trailhead, the gateway to the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area.

Zumwalt Prairie has the largest remaining areas of Pacific Northwest bunchgrass prairie in North America. The narrow trails lead to great sightings of hawks, eagles and other wildlife. How many eagles will you see in 36 hours?

Best Waterfalls in Joseph or Near Joseph

BC Creek Falls lies within the Chief Joseph Mountain Trail, approximately an 8-mile out-and-back trail near Joseph. In less than 3-miles on the trail you’ll find two rivers and Wallowa Lake views, in addition to the falls. Click here to print a map to the trail. Also, Wallowa Falls, seems more like a long rapid than a fall but its location, nested in a deep gorge is beautiful. While in the area, check out the new Wallowa Falls Campground and enjoy a picnic with a view!

Where to Stay in Joseph
Relax on the front porch any time of the day or enjoy a round of bocce ball on the regulation size court at Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph. The view from the breakfast room is spectacular. The laid back, inviting atmosphere, will make you want to stay forever; what 36 hours?

The Bronze Antler in Beautiful Joseph Oregon

November 1, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph, Oregon

The Bronze Antler recently added a Tesla and Clipper Creek Electric Vehicle EV Charging Stations on site for your use and included in your stay.

A wholesome, savory breakfast is prepared from many local ingredients along with a variety of juices, a breakfast meat (vegetarian meat substitute available) and fresh fruit.

Hospitality Update: With guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon will again require masks in some outdoor public spaces and all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild. This measure is intended to slow the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant and went into effect Friday, Aug. 13.

Discover the Historic Oregon Trail

October 30, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Time for you to hit the highway, inspire your own pioneer spirit, stand in the actual wagon ruts pioneers left behind, and visit the numerous interpretive sites, monuments and cultural centers along the way.

“Trailed ten miles over the roughest county I ever saw, Burnt River being hemmed in by hills on both sides. Encamped in the bottom.” James W. Nesmith, 1843

The Oregon Trail traversed 2,170 miles of what today is Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon. Travel the Oregon National Historic Trail through Oregon, from Idaho, along the Columbia River and around Mt Hood.

There are several trail sights from the Idaho border to Baker City, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center offers living history demonstrations, interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, special events, and more than four miles of interpretive trails. From the top of Flagstaff Hill you can still see the trail running out across the plains.

Ezra Meeker, a pioneer in 1852, marked this trailer segment with a granite marker in 1906.

“On such a journey as this, there is much to interest and amuse one who is fond of picturesque scenery, and of wild life.” – Randolph Marcy, 1859

The cemeteries along the route reveal so many Oregon Trail stories: where the emigrants came from, how they lived, and died, as they headed for Oregon and the awaited promises.

The last hurdle for emigrants on the Oregon Trail was the Cascade Range. Early pioneers either had to barge down the treacherous Columbia River, make their home in The Dalles, or travel the Barlow Road through the Cascades along the south side of Mt Hood. Lodging option on Mt Hood: Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum reveals the cataclysmic floods that helped shape the Columbia River Gorge. Here also you’ll experience interactive exhibits of the Lewis and Clark expedition, The Oregon Trail and 10,000 years of Native American life in the Gorge.

At the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Historic Site in Oregon City, visitors can learn about the journey, discover what it was like to be a pioneer and what life was like for those who reached Oregon Territory. Lodging options: Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfasts

Elkhorn Scenic Byway and Oregon Ghost Towns

October 28, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Elkhorn Scenic Byway

The Elkhorn Scenic Byway ‘packs plenty of sights into a 106-mile loop through the mountains west of Baker City, long the lucrative hunting grounds of the Plateau Indian tribes and, later, where miners came to seek their fortunes. The true treasures are the Elkhorn Mountains and Baker Valley themselves, rich in beauty and history.’ Travel Oregon

The byway passes through farmlands along the Powder River before climbing up into a beautiful area of mountain lakes and outdoor adventure. The fall foliage starting here around October is absolutely gorgeous.

Miners and Farmers

Around 1900, thousands of miners chiseled and dredged millions in gold from the Elkhorn Mountains and Powder River to Sumpter. The massive Sumpter Valley Dredge still floats here, and has been recently restored. The dredge left much of the rocky footprint that you’ll see on your trek along Highway 7, and is an important link to Oregon’s pioneering past and development. It is one of the largest and most accessible gold dredges in the U.S.

Ghost towns of Oregon

The town of Granite was also big during the gold-rush, and many buildings here, now abandoned, remind us of a once flourishing place in Oregon. John Cabell operated the La Bellevue Mine in Cabell City. All that remains of the settlement is the cemetery, which houses the graves of Fred and Johanna Cabell and their 8-year-old daughter, as well as a few abandoned buildings and mining equipment.

There is plenty to do on this road trip: hiking, biking, picnicking and oh, so many photo ops. We traveled this route the first part of the week, performing some quality assurance inspections on Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns. We drove the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway to Wilson Ranches Retreat, then explored the Ghost Towns on the Elkhorn Scenic Byway. Quite a bit of snow over the summit so you might plan this trip for next summer. Today we’ll head up to the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph Oregon,

Oregon has 29 designated Scenic Byways! So, get in the car, take some pics, and reignite your soul. Quick note: please check for travel alerts, as well as the road and weather conditions. This free guide to Oregon scenic byways might come in really handy too.

You’re going to need road snacks for sure.

Oregon food trails and several Oregon food loops serve local fare with scenery on every side included for you keep you full. And Food Pods, popping up across the state. All the growers and crafters along these trails are committed to sustainable practices and supporting the agricultural legacy of their regions. So, go ahead — eat your heart out!

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

October 17, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in the US. And you don’t want to wait too much longer to see it before winter sets. The fall foliage is amazing right now.

Start planning your Oregon Road Trip. Oregon has more designated scenic byways and tour routes than any other state. The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is the only State B&B Association and a welcoming inn awaits you as you travel the backroads. Thanks to Travel Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation for sharing this information.

Listed in an article of the deepest, longest, tallest, etc., record-setting places to visit in the US are two Oregon Locations: the deepest canyon, Hells Canyon and the deepest lake, Crater Lake which will be mentioned in a future Scenic Back Road blog. Both are also listed as one of the 7 Wonder of Oregon. Oregon geo-tourism at its finest!

‘A Mile-Deep Gorge and Two-Mile-High Mountains. Oregon’s northeast corner has always been wild and untamed. From the unfathomable depths of Hells Canyon to the 10,000-foot peaks of the Wallowas, much of it remains inaccessible. The middle of this incredible drive is usually closed by snow from October through May.

Joseph is the premier small town for art and culture and is home to art galleries, unique shops, interesting restaurants and the delightful Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast, a member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. The Bronze Antler features three cozy guest rooms and a modern Asian Suite with many upscale amenities.

Winter and spring guests will enjoy unencumbered snowmobiling, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing opportunities. But if it’s the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway you’d like to travel now’s the time to start planning your fall trip. A reminder: The center section of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is seasonal – it usually closes in early November and doesn’t open again until May or June depending on the snowpack. If you’re planning to drive entire Byway, check in with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Office at (541)426-4978 or 426-5546 or by visiting their website.

Hospitality Update: With guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon will again require masks in all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild. This measure is intended to slow the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant and went into effect Friday, Aug. 13.

Say farewell to Summer in Eastern Oregon ~ Plan your end of Summer Escape

September 9, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Say farewell to summer in extraordinary Eastern Oregon. Plan your end of summer escape that includes a stay at the Wilson Ranches Retreat, authentic Eastern Oregon Ranch.

Pioneer hospitality and an authentic ranch vacation await you at Wilson Ranches Retreat Bed & Breakfast providing exceptional lodging in central Oregon. Immerse yourself in a peaceful ranch environment rich in history and love on a 9,000 acre working cattle and hay ranch in the beautiful Butte Creek Valley, three miles west of the small town of Fossil, Oregon.

Travel the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway to Wilson Ranches Retreat and the abundant activities that await

Ranch Activities

Saddle up for a ride into the high desert hills, join in a cattle drive, hike, walk, or just plain mosey along while soaking breathtaking views and big-sky horizons in all directions. Enjoy a couple of hours in the saddle for spectacular views of the Columbia River Plateau, John Day Basin, and the Cascade Mountain Range.

Hike on one of the many game and cattle trails through the high desert hills surrounding Wilson Ranches Retreat. Explore miles of unique geology, flora, fauna and awe-inspiring viewpoints.

Flora and Fauna: The juniper and sage-covered high desert hills are magnificent for riding, birding, hiking, and photography. Wildflowers of lupine, mariposa lilies, Indian paintbrush and many more begin painting the range in late spring. Wilson Ranches is teeming with wildlife: Mule deer, pronghorn, elk, coyotes, badgers, squirrels, beaver, and birds of prey. Soak up nature and be replenished.

Birding: Wilson Ranches Retreat is nestled in the Butte Creek Valley and is home to Upland game birds (Chukar, Quail, and Hungarian Partridge) and birds of prey (Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, and Great Horned Owls).

Hunting: Upland game birds (Chukar, Quail, and Hungarian Partridge) hunting is available exclusively to Wilson Ranches Retreat guests from October through January.

Outdoor Activities

Explore the Natural wonders of the John Day River Territory

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The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a treasure of Earth’s history that covers the past 55 million years of time since the Dinosaurs died out and mammals took over the world.

Visit the Painted Hills: distinguished by varied stripes of red, tan, orange, and black, this area preserves a sequence of past climate change.

The John Day River is noted as a United States Wild and Scenic River and an Oregon Scenic Waterway and runs through the most geologically interesting country around.

For more than 50 years, people have been collecting remarkably preserved and beautiful fossils from an area behind Wheeler High School in Fossil, Oregon.

Museums and Cultural Activities

With plenty of cultural activities and museums in Oregon, there are many great ways to celebrate the heritage of the John Day River Territory! Visit museums with exhibits that tell the story of ancient fossil beds and display Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years.