Tag Archives: explore oregon

Meet the Innkeeper at The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast

April 14, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Meet the Innkeeper at The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast

Meet Joka-Elisabeth Moree at The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast

‘Born and raised in the Netherlands, I stayed for the first time in a tiny country hotel on the border of Belgium, Germany and Holland, and knew then, at 11 years old, that one day I would have my own little country inn. And here I am, in the Great Little Town of Carlton, where you can walk to a variety of nearby restaurants and tasting rooms just a few minutes from the front door of The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast.

‘I am so lucky to do what I love to do, and to have hosted many, many special guests. Looking forward to meeting you soon.’

Built in 1915, The Carlton Inn Bed & Breakfast is located within the charming community of Carlton, known as “The Wine Capital of Oregon.” The Inn has four comfortable bedrooms, with central air conditioning and wireless internet throughout.

A short walk out the inn’s front door you’ll discover over a dozen tasting rooms and wineries as well as unique shops and wonderful restaurants.

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: We all may be a little rusty, and a little leery, on planning trips just yet. While it’s almost safe enough to climb aboard that travel train, we’re ready when you are! Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe and welcome you back. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Oregon Heritage Trees – Trees that Tell an Historic Story

April 11, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Oregon Heritage Trees – Trees that Tell an Historic Story

What does it take for a tree to be recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tree?

‘Honored groves, single trees or groups of trees have something in common with one another no matter what the species: they are trees that tell a story; trees that confound and astound; trees that educate both Oregonians and visitors about significant people or events from the past; trees that have survived natural disasters or stand as silent sentries to the passage of time. And that’s only a small part of what makes an Oregon Heritage Tree compelling.’

We spent the last couple of days exploring around Eugene, Oregon: chasing waterfalls, geocaches, covered bridges and Oregon Heritage Trees. We are aware of the need to travel to destinations that make it easy to maintain social distancing practices. Here in Oregon we’ve got your social distance travel needs covered.

Owen Cherry – 174 years in Eugene Oregon

Folklore is the Owen Cherry tree, pictured above, was planted in 1847 by Eugene Skinner, co-founder of the City of Eugene in 1853. By 1950 the site of the tree was owned by George Owen, a former Eugene City Councilor, lumberman, and philanthropist. Mr. Owen donated the site to the city. The Owen Rose Garden has more than 4,500 roses of over 400 varieties. The magnificent Owen Cherry was in spectacular spring bloom when we visited this past week.

Ellmaker Grove – Ellmaker Oak, Maple Row and Incense Cedar

The trees that make up the Ellmaker Grove include the 300-400 year old Ellmaker Oak and numerous large big leaf maples that were planted by the Ellmmaker family. Of particular historical significance was the proximity of the Ellmaker Ranch to the Applegate Trail. The Ellmakers planted a row of maple trees, which they called “Maple Row” leading from the wide Applegate Trail to their smithy.

Suggested lodging in Eugene, Oregon

C’est La Vie Inn in Eugene, Oregon, offers a quiet urban oasis for the traveler with discriminating taste. C’est La Vie Inn proudly offers four rooms to choose from, each with its own distinctive charm and luxurious amenities.

Hospitality Update: We all may be a little rusty, and a little leery, on planning trips just yet. And while it’s almost safe enough to climb aboard that travel train, we’re ready when you are! Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe and welcome you back. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Join the Movement and BookDirect with Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

April 10, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Join the Movement and BookDirect with Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

Join the Movement and BookDirect with an Oregon Bed and Breakfast member inn. Book > Direct is a reservation platform where you, the traveler, while visiting our association site, can book directly with our inns, no middle man. Just put in your dates and select other filters. You’ll see our member properties that have availability on those dates including rates. Select an inn and go directly to the inn’s booking engine to complete your booking.

There are many great reasons why booking direct is beneficial for both the innkeeper and the guest.

You are always 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
Innkeepers know their properties and the area better than anyone. If you have a specific need or wants more detailed information about a property, you’ll be able to communicate with our hosts directly who are well acquainted and who are well-equipped to address your needs.

Another great reason to book direct is because you will always have direct access to our innkeepers. There is no middle man. If a guest has a specific need or wants more detailed information about a property, you’ll be able to communicate with our hosts directly who are well acquainted with our locations and who are well-equipped to address your needs. As a privately owned small business we have the power to offer our guest world-class customer service via our staff and our business.

When you commit to Book>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. How can you, the traveler Join the Movement and make sure you’re always booking direct?

Always verify you are on the bed and breakfast’s 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

Tree- lined Streets of Forest Grove Oregon and the Oregon Mural Trail

April 4, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Tree-lined streets Forest Grove Oregon and the Oregon Mural Trail

The videos of Travel Oregon’s Oregon, Only Slightly Exaggerated reveal whimsical scenes of enchanting forests, vineyards, rivers, mountains and share with you that magical feeling of being in Oregon.

The captivating artwork is proudly hand-painted on walls in Oregon where the illustrations represent the destinations. Let the Oregon Mural Trail inspire you to get outside and experience the wonders of each community. Take photos of the murals and use the hashtag #OregonIsMagic in social posts to share the love. While in Forest Grove visit the landmarks and businesses that make our small Oregon towns just so magical.

Tucked into the Tualatin Valley not far from Portland, Forest Grove lives up to its name with tree-lined streets that are home to Oregon’s largest sequoia tree at the historic Hinman House. The city is just minutes from the area’s award-winning wineries and an impressive collection of breweries, distilleries and cideries.

The Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway spins through town and past vineyards and dairy farms before joining the Banks-Vernonia State Trail further north. From an Oregon Bed and Breakfast in the Willamette Valley check out this lovely mural, explore Oregon’s wine country, the Tillamook Forest and Oregon’s North Coast.

Meet the Innkeepers ~ MaMere’s Guest House in Monmouth Oregon

April 3, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Meet the innkeepers – sister and brother duo Emily and Eli keep things going at MaMere’s Guest House in Monmouth Oregon.

‘MaMere’s Guest House is located in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. As brother and sister we are 10 years apart in age and miles in personality. Eli likes to sleep in and stay up late. Emily goes to bed early and rises to early morning chatter of her young offspring. Eli is musically talented. Emily can’t carry a tune. Emily is a talker, while Eli tends to be the strong silent type (especially early in the morning). But despite our differences, we complement each other and have a lot of fun working together!

‘Our parents, Bill & Sarah, were super supportive of Emily’s passion and in what seemed like a blink of eye, the stars aligned and our parents decided to buy the charming B&B in August of 2016. Giving Emily the opportunity to turn her “what if” into a “why not?”.

‘Our family has owned MaMere’s Guest House for 4.5 years and have met so many wonderful people during that time. We are ramping up for a busy and active 2021 and hope to meet you in person soon!’

MaMere’s Guest House is located in the heart of wine county, and is 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 WOU and Monmouth’s Main Street.

MaMere’s Carriage House as an Event Space

The Carriage House is located adjacent to MaMere’s Guest House and comfortably accommodates 25 people for special events.To extend the space and accommodate more people, consider also reserving our courtyard or historic B&B. Perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies, receptions, showers, family reunions, retreats and meetings. Surrounded by roses, our Oregon bed and breakfast provides the perfect backdrop for memories to last a lifetime.

From elegant, formal bridal showers and afternoon tea parties to leisurely retirement parties and festive baby showers, you can mold the event space into whatever theme you choose.

Meet the Innkeepers ~ Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

April 1, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Meet the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Innkeepers

‘It just so happens that the first prompt for the B and Bs Around the World #bnbphotochallenge21 is ‘Meet the Innkeepers’ and today happens to be the beginning of the 19th year of innkeeping for the Steve and Mary Pellegrini of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.

‘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’ve 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 Smart TVs with satellite reception, 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.

7 WONDERfully Glorious Lighthouses on the Oregon Coast ~ One of Oregon’s 7 Wonders

April 1, 2021 Mary Pellegrini 1 Comment

While visiting the Oregon Coast, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, you won’t want to miss exploring the historic Lighthouses, the beacons of light of bygone days. Perched on the very edge of land and sea, Oregon Lighthouses were built to warn ships of the dangerous rocky shores. The treacherous Pacific storms wrecked many a ship but the lighthouses prevented even more from such fate.

Most were built in the late 1880’s and of the Eleven Lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, nine are on the Historic Registry and seven are open to the public.

Cape Blanco, Port Orford ~ This lighthouse is on the westernmost point in the state of Oregon.

Cape Meares, Tillamook ~ The shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast

Coquille River, Bandon ~ Not used since 1939, but it has a nice interpretive center

Heceta Head, Florence ~ This one has the strongest light and can be seen 21 miles offshore

Umpqua River, Reedsport ~ When they first built this one, it fell into the river

Yaquina Bay, Newport ~ This lighthouse was only operational for four years back in the 1870s

Yaquina Head, Newport ~ The tallest lighthouse you can find along the Oregon Coast

Tulips in the Heart of Oregon Wine Country

March 31, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Tulips, Daffodils, Iris soon to bloom in the Willamette Valley

Tulips, Daffodils and other cut flowers will soon be in full bloom from now through April in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Enjoy the flowers along with a variety of activities each day and special events on the weekends. This time every year they open their fields and expand their operations to include taking bulb orders, cut flowers, potted tulips, a gift shop, other plants, and all sorts of food and activities on weekends.

Are you a painter or a photographer? Whether amatuer or professional I would imagine this would be an amazing place to spend some time. After a day in the fields, just up the road from Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm rest your head at the Willamette Valley member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

A field report from Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm: ‘Our field looks amazing as you can see below. We are proud to say we have never seen a better field and we are hoping things continue to bloom nicely. We expect some color the entirety of the festival but the first week will not have a lot. We are currently at 10% bloom, so it is exciting to see some color around the farm.’

‘Giant rabbits jumping over tulip fields? Okay, the giant rabbits might Only be Slightly Exaggerated in Travel Oregon’s whimsical marketing campaign.

Let’s Fill that Post-Pandemic Bucket List in Oregon

March 29, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Remember that incredible Oregon vacation you had planned in 2020? Remember how Covid-19 fears and travel restrictions made you shelve that trip “until further notice”? Let’s Fill that Post-Pandemic Bucket List in Oregon.

The joy of vacation planning is stronger than ever as travelers have the opportunity again to take up travel where we left off.

With travel plans dashed in early 2020, many people have been dreaming about their next big vacation for more than a year, so it’s no surprise that travelers are extra conscious of getting it just right. We encourage you to visit The Oregon B&B Guild website ~ offering ‘one stop shopping’ when planning your Oregon Vacation.

Browse by region, specials, amenities.Inns that use online reservations have direct links to their personal on-line reservation systems and on the Oregon Guild website you’ll find direct links to on-line reviews. Review before you reserve.

This Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Blog. An amazing social media tool. We post about happenings and events all across Oregon. Search the blog for posts on winery events, bird watching sites, farmers markets, recipes and oh, so much more!

Visit the Target Market page to begin your search for an inn that will fulfill your interests, birding, hiking, biking, wine tasting, historic destinations, etc.

Social Distance Travel

Travelers will be much more aware of the need to travel to destinations that make it easy to maintain social distancing practices. Here in Oregon we’ve got your social distance travel needs covered.

Join the Movement and Book>>Direct

Our Bed and Breakfasts offer flexible booking policies knowing many travelers will only feel comfortable with making last-minute reservations. Be responsive to windows of opportunity and become much more spontaneous in 2021.

Book>>Direct and always have direct access to our innkeeper. As privately owned small businesses we have the power to offer our guest world-class customer service via our staff and our business.

Oregon Bird Watching Adventures in the Willamette Valley

March 28, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Oregon Bird Watching in the Willamette Valley

There is an amazing wildlife show at these three Oregon wildlife refuges. Oregon Bird Watching is amazing. Especially this time of year when activity along the major flyways increase.

The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail (OCBT) is a great place to begin your birding adventure. From there you can decide where you’d like to visit. When you have made that decision turn to the website for the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and I am sure you will find an inn close by.

The Willamette Valley is known for its unique Bed and Breakfasts, fertile land with orchards, vineyards and rolling grass fields. Nestled between the snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascade Mountains and the forests of the Coast Range it’s no wonder the valley offers an abundance of birds and bird habitats and the Willamette Valley Birding Trail will take you there.

Willamette Valley National Wildlife Complex provides protection for historically abundant oak savanna, native prairie, riparian forest and wetland habitats. In these three protected places, endangered plant populations grow, summer songbirds nest, and wintering waterfowl find sanctuary in vast wetlands.

A hungry flock of Canada Geese soar high and then land to munch the grass across deep lush pastures at the Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge near Dallas, Oregon. They arrive at Baskett Slough from far off arctic nesting grounds and have come to this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge for the habitat.

Located near the confluence of the Willamette and Santiam Rivers, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1965, the refuge provides wetlands and riparian woodland sanctuary for migratory and resident wildlife which range from the tiny Pacific chorus frog to the black-tailed deer.

Established in 1964, the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge’s primary management goal is to provide wintering habitat for dusky Canada geese. Driving through the 5,325 acres of the refuge and the 341 acres of its Snag Boat Bend Unit, is like taking a step back into the natural history of the Willamette Valley.

The State of Oregon is a bird watcher’s paradise. There are extensive reserves and habitats that serve as excellent nesting and brood rearing areas for waterfowl and colonial nesting birds including American white pelican and several heron species. Many of our Member Inns have habitats on their grounds or are located near land ideal for birding. Grab your binoculars, choose an inn, and set out on your bird watching adventure.