Tag Archives: explore oregon

Shop Small Online

We invite you to Shop Small Online 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.

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 our 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.

Emily at MaMere’s Guest House stocks her bed and breakfast with natural skin products from Botany Barn. They have put together some sweet gift packages or you can mix and match to create your own.

The delectable, small batch spreads from Mt. Hope Farms whose goal is to provide customers with a quality product that can be traced from farm to table, are included in their gift boxes. And then there are the handcrafted fudges and truffles made by the The Brigittine Monks in Amity, Oregon. These decadent indulgences are to be given, savored, shared and send.

While online you might consider purchasing a gift certificate for a stay at MaMere’s Guest House, either for yourself when you’re ready to travel again, or as a thoughtful gift.

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.

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.

Shop Small in Monmouth Oregon

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.

MaMere’s Guest House is located in the heart of wine county, the perfect place to call home while you explore the surrounding wineries or visiting Western Oregon University. The property is on the National Register of Historic Places and is only a block from Western Oregon University and Monmouth’s Main Street. From the Inn tour local vineyards, visit the coast, or just relax and enjoy a glass of wine amongst the beautiful flowers, while listening to music from the Monmouth Amphitheater in Main Street Park.

Two restaurant ideas
Crush Wine Bar – A good for lunch & dinner. Ovenbird Bakery for baked treats and sandwiches. The Sippery – coffee, treats, gelato, dinner and live music.

Gift Boutiques
For adorable gifts and fun things you’ll want to keep for yourself: The Find and Western Oregon University Bookstore – Get all your WOU apparel and gifts!

Walking Trails/Parks
For a nice easy walk and some birdwatching: Independence River Walk – walk along the Willamette River and then grab lunch in downtown Independence and Baskett Slough – Easy drive from MaMere’s Guest House to this bird sanctuary.

Inspiration Gardens – Originally the land was part of the Mt. Fir Lumber Mill. It was donated to the city in the early 90’s and is a project of the Polk County Chapter of OSU Master Gardeners

Something Unique – We have wild peacocks in Monmouth! There is a good chance you will spot one on a walk or drive around town. Rumor has it a Peacock Festival is in the works!

We’d like to extend an invitation to reserve your room at MaMere’s Guest House, visit Monmouth and Shop Small on November 28, 2020, any day really, because shopping at a family-owned business such as an inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild or purchasing specialty items from your favorite, local online business or store helps to promote more vibrant communities. We thank you in advance.

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 MaMere’s Guest House is.

Oregon Leaf Peepers

Oregon Leaf Peepers are sure to enjoy the vibrant fall colors

Oregon Leaf Peepers have come to expect a stunning fall color show and this year’s changing of seasons will not disappoint as a variety of deciduous trees begin to change against a bold evergreen background.

Typically one can expect the Willamette Valley peak color change to happen during the third week in October. The higher you go in the Cascade Mountains the earlier the color change. Road passes often peak 10 days to two weeks earlier than the lower elevations.

The earliest fall color display happens in the Wallowa Mountains and northeast region of Oregon, peaking the first part of October.

Begin planning your Fall Foliage Tour, first by choosing a region, then by calling an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn and asking when the peak near them will occur.  We may not hit it right on but since we live and play in our regions we have a pretty good idea what’s happening around us.

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 MaMere’s Guest House is.

Shop small in Newberg oregon

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.

Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast shares ‘besides having over 10 winery tasting rooms in downtown Newberg, we are home to George Fox University and the childhood home of Herbert Hoover.’
Hoover-Minthorn House Museum.

Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast sits atop Chehalem Mountain, overlooking the Willamette Valley and is only about 3 miles from downtown Newberg. The inn’s four guest rooms and one suite, all with en suite bathrooms, offer a peaceful retreat between adventures with spectacular views of both mountain and valley. Book your stay at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast though their secure online reservation system then set out to Shop Small in Newberg, Oregon.

‘The abundance of 4+ star restaurants and eateries will make your choice difficult: for lunch we suggest Good Company: amazing cheeses, meats and some cheese & charcuterie-based sandwiches. For dinner we suggest Subterra. Our favorite appetizer: baked brie with Maple Fig Bourbon filling

‘Newberg is a friendly place to gather, shop & play. Shop for women’s clothing and housewares at Lineage. For fine art, including ceramics, wood and jewelry its Art Elements. Pulp & Circumstances has lots of gift ideas and a lovely selection of cards. Enjoy a bike rental experience or wine tour with Newberg Cycle and Skate.

Champoeg State Heritage Area features a rare combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated south of Newburg along the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg’s forests, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.

We’d like to extend an invitation to Visit Newberg and Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast and to Shop Small on November 28, 2020, any day really, because shopping at a family-owned business such as an inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild or purchasing specialty items from your favorite, local online business or store helps to promote more vibrant communities. We thank you in advance.

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.

hops beer

How do Oregon hops get into your beer? Once known as the ‘Hops Capital of the World’ from the late 1890’s to the 1940’s, Independence, Oregon is located twelve miles southwest of Salem, on the west bank of the Willamette River. You’ll still find acres of hops growing in the area. Just a few miles south of Independence is the 42 acres Hop Farm for Rogue Brewery and the Rogue Farms Chatoe Tasting Room

Located in Monmouth Oregon, just across a city boundary from Independence MaMere’s Guest House is charming, unique and colorful inside and out!  The property is on the National Register of Historic Places and is perfectly placed with a very rich history. Built in 1891 as a boarding house for female students, it has since housed hundreds and continues to do so today in its present form as a B&B/Guest House.

The City of Independence is the third largest urban area in Polk County, Oregon.  The first group of wagon trains to arrive in Independence set out on the Oregon Trail from Missouri in May, 1844, arriving in Independence in June of 1845.

Discovered while researching for the post that Rogue Farms also has a barley and rye growing operations just over the ridge from us here in the Hood River Valley.  We share more on that after we check it out.

While in the area consider the Ale and Cider Trail.  Choose your designated drive.  Pick up your passport ($5) at any of the participating locations.  Collect a stamp from each brewery and cidery and redeem your passport at Travel Salem for a complimentary drinking vessel.

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.

The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast

Built in 1915, The Carlton Inn Bed & Breakfast is located within the charming community of Carlton, known as “The Wine Capital of Oregon”. A short walk out the front door you’ll discover over a dozen tasting rooms and wineries as well as unique shops and wonderful restaurants.

Within this charming Willamette Valley bed & breakfast find four comfortable bedrooms each with private bath and queen size bed, living room with wood burning fireplace and a separate TV area. You can also relax on the shaded back porch overlooking the garden. The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast has air conditioning and wireless internet throughout.

Best of all is the multi-course gourmet breakfast prepared using local and organic products when possible. This means cooking with eggs from their flock of chickens and locally grown/raised foods whenever possible. Weekly farmers markets and honor system farm stands abound in Oregon Wine Country and our own garden provides fresh herbs and vegetables that make their way into our breakfast menu. Should you have any special dietary needs or restrictions your hostess will be happy to do their best to accommodate.

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 Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway

“Oregon Scenic Bikeways are chosen with cyclists in mind: endearing historic downtowns, breathtaking scenery, and bicycle lanes where possible. Oregon’s first designated scenic bikeway celebrates the Willamette Valley, its people and its splendor.”

And we might add some welcoming Bed and Breakfasts along the 127-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. The WVSB travels through one of the most diverse agricultural regions on earth, and showcases the sites where Oregon’s history was made”  Thanks to Travel Oregon for creating the only Scenic Bikeway program in our Nation.


“The Willamette River meanders north through the valley, eventually flowing into the Columbia River at Portland, Oregon’s largest city and is home to many of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns, some urban, some rural.  We can help you plan an Oregon Inn to Inn bike Tour.  Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or short day trips April through November brings drier weather, lots of flowers and warm days, family farms and fruit stands, making them the best months to ride.

Looking for shorter day trips?  Consider an Oregon B&B as your home base, start your day feeling refreshed and ready to ride.  We’ll share with you our favorite scenic backroads, parks, and bike trails near.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild thinks it’s high time to book your ride through the Willamette Valley, one Inn at a time.  And yes, we can tell you where to stay, park your bike and enjoy our Oregon countryside, sweet downtowns and the best places to dine! 

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.

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.

MaMere's Guest House

The Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway stands today as an Oregon Rails to Trails, stretching more than 50 miles, including the woodsy Banks-Vernonia State Trail

The Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway extends through friendly downtowns, fertile farmlands and peaceful natural areas. The bikeway stretches more than 50 miles, including a paved, 21-mile portion of the woodsy Banks-Vernonia State Trail capturing the best of the northern Willamette Valley. This section of the Scenic Bikeway stands today as Oregon’s rail-to-trail.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild recognizes the biking and hiking culture and we have dedicated a Biking and Hiking target page on our website where our innkeepers share biking options near their inns.  You’ll find an Oregon B&B inn waiting for your arrival on your eco friendly journey through Oregon.

Many of our inns are designated as Bike Friendly Business’ through Travel Oregon, that is we must provide at least five services and amenities from their approved list.

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.