Tag Archives: geotourism

Joseph Railriders

Joseph Railriders is a relaxing way to explore Eastern Oregon through the stunning Wallowa Valley.

‘Six of us discovered a great way to explore some beautiful country last fall as we peddled two by two on the semi recumbent railriders on the old Joseph Branch railroad track no longer used by trains.  We were not avid cyclists, so we chose the 12 mile ride from Joseph to Enterprise, instead of the 20 mile option.  Our ride was about two hours and very comfortable and doable with beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way.

‘The railrider units have four wheels and adjustable seats and can be propelled at your own chosen speed with either one or two peddlers.  A guide is along with a motorized unit to aid if riders tire on the way back.

‘The venue has been so popular that the owners have opened Oregon Coast Railriders from Bay City to Tillamook and back, a two hour trip as well.’

After you’ve reserved your excursion on the Joseph Railriders you’ll want to book your room at either the Bronze Antler, or Belle Peppers B&B in Joseph, Oregon.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy your trip so much you’ll want to give it a go on the other side of the state.  Reserve your excursion with Oregon Coast Railriders and choose an Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast near Tillamook for a restful evening.

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.

4T

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4T and some B&Bs

I really am a country girl.  That’s why my inn is in the country, in a little town about 10 blocks square, near the Mt Hood National Forest where I can hike to my hearts content and enjoy quiet quiet nights.  But every once in awhile I like to go into the city.  Take in the hustle and bustle, visit shops and coffee houses, enjoy culinary surprises, ride mass transit.  I love it.  So when I overheard my Portland guests suggesting to our Portland bound Minnesota guests the 4T Trail I was all ears.  We had to go into Portland so after a bit of research on the trail we headed out Monday morning.  Plan:  Drive the hour and a half into Portland, do the 4T Trail then run errands, mixing adventure with necessity.

We started at the parking lot of the Washington Park Max Station at the Oregon Zoo.  The Trail section takes you through the thick forests of the West Hills, to Portland’s highest point, Council Crest, and on into OHSU.  Oregon Health and Science University has a campus on the hills overlooking Portland and the Cascade Range.  A few years ago a Tram was built to connect OSHU and the Waterfront and it has become quite a tourist destination.  Take the tram down to the waterfront, disembark and walk about 50 steps and catch the Portland Trolley to downtown.  Then the Train (Max) back to your car.  There you have the 4 Ts

One can begin the loop at any point and the trail is marked numerous places, even downtown.  Since we hiked the trail first, we arrived downtown in time for lunch and a gelato, with plenty of time to stroll, before heading taking the Train back to our car.

This is one of many urban hikes in Portland.  Combine one of these with an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member in either the Portland or Willamette Valley region and take the short drive to the Washington Park Max Station.

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.

bookdirect

Bookdirect:  It’s a thing we can all embrace and benefit from

When you commit to booking 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

When booking direct:

  • You usually are 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
  • Managers and homeowners know the properties and the area better than anyone and can better match travelers to homes and help plan a better vacation experience.

How can you, the traveler Join the Movement and make sure you’re always booking direct?

  • Always verify you are on the hotel, inn, or bed and breakfast 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.

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.

Lightship Columbia

Lightship Columbia is the last lightship serving the Pacific Coast

Lightship Columbia, a 128-foot welded-steel lightship, was built in 1950 for the U.S. Coast Guard. It was stationed at the mouth of the Columbia River near Cape Disappointment between 1951 and 1979. Retired in 1979, after 28 years of service the Lightship Columbia was sold to the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria in 1980.  Lightship Columbia, is afloat, open to the public as part of museum admission. On December 20, 1989, the Lightship Columbia was added to the National Register of Historic Places as National Historic Landmark #89002463.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum has the largest collection of Pacific Northwest maritime artifacts in the country and works to preserve the rich maritime heritage of the entire Columbia River region.  Exhibits take an exciting look at the legendary Columbia River entrance, where the forces of the mighty Columbia River and Pacific Ocean meet to create one of the most dangerous bar crossings on the planet.  There have been approximately 114 vessels wrecked, stranded, sunk in collisions, or capsized in the Columbia River estuary, on the nearby beaches or at sea within a few miles of the entrance giving it the name “Graveyard of the Pacific.  Here, waves can exceed 40 feet in height during the most severe winter storms.  This museum is one of the country’s finest displays about shipwrecks, lighthouses, fishing, navigation and naval history.

Guests staying at these Oregon Coast bed and breakfasts enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking the rivers trails, paths and surf.  Over 600 Victorian homes are tucked away throughout Astoria along with museums, galleries, antique shops and small intimate gift shops and fine restaurants.

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.

 

Blossom Festival

Hood River Blossom Festival celebrates spring

In the Hood River Valley 15,000+ acres of pears, apples, cherries and other fruits, that’s over 2 million trees, will burst into blossom in April and May.  It is a true sign of spring as we dust the snow off our back steps.

Blossom Festival, celebrated the Month of April, welcomes the arrival of spring with a full plate of events from BBQs, to arts and craft shows, to antique sales.  You won’t want to miss the Blossom Fest Quilt Show with some 80-100 beautiful handmade quilts will be on display, many for sale.  Another can’t miss event is the Dessert Party at the Apple Valley Country Store.  A variety of desserts, jams and jellies, all made with fresh local fruit, will be available.

Start your day at one of the many Oregon Bed and Breakfasts near Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge with a breakfast prepared from fresh local products.  Ginger baked pears, fresh Blueberry Scones, Apple Quiche, we’re talking Northwest Culinary breakfasts!

With Nine Unique Inns in OBBG’s Mt Hood Region to choose from this will only be one of the hard choices you’ll face on a weekend of events for all the senses.

Take the scenic 35 mile Fruit Loop through the valley’s orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities.

Just want to sit back and relax?  The Mt Hood Railroad travels through thousands of acres of orchards in blossom and has a layover in Parkdale and the Art and Music Festival.  Enjoy live music and art in the park while taking in stunning views of Mt. Hood.

Visit us in the Hood River Valley at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn and prove to yourself that spring has definitely arrived!!

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.

Seafood and Wine

The annual Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival, April 26 – 28, 2019, is one of Oregon’s most popular spring events. The festival focuses on the bounty of the Pacific as well as on the region’s famous wines. Seafood lovers can savor shrimp, salmon, oysters, halibut, and clam chowder. The Northwest’s awesome microbrews and and wines are also featured. In addition to the freshest of seafood, you’ll be able to enjoy live music and crafts booths.

The Oregon Coast is the place to be for Oregon Geotourism and unique Oregon Coast Lodging and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has accommodations waiting for you.

Crab, seafood, wine and Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast Accommodations.  The perfect combination for the perfect Culinary Travel experience.

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.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

The Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild is proud to host the first ever Bed & Breakfast Instagram Photo Challenge!  And the start date is right around the corner.  We invite all innkeepers, vendors, associations, anyone really, to join us in flooding Instagram with our photos,  each day working on the prompt listed for that day of the month of April.  The entire month is planned out in the graphic here, but you can also find today’s prompt on the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild’s Instagram profile @oregonbedandbreakfastguild

We have some great sponsors who have donated prizes.
Check them out here and on Instagram:

The Comphy Co
Boca Terry
Victorian House Scones
Professional Association of Innkeepers International
The Bed & Breakfast Magazine
The Turkish Towel Company
Botany Barn

 

If you’re on Instagram, join us! If you’re not, now’s the perfect time to join the party.

To participate: Add a photo to your Instagram profile based on the daily prompt you’ll see on @oregonbedandbreakfast on Instagram.  Use #BnBPhotoChallenge19 in the caption of your photos and have a public profile to show up in the hashtag feed.  Follow the hashtag #BnBPhotoChallenge19 to find out what others are posting.

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.

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

Now the captivating artwork is coming to the real world, 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.  And while you’re there, visit the landmarks and businesses that make these towns just so magical.

The featured mural is in Ontario’s Red Apple Mall. At Oregon’s eastern edge and in a different time zone, Ontario is the gateway to desert beauty, stunning river canyons and towering mountain ranges. Any time of year, this little town is a great sunny destination and basecamp to outdoor adventures at the Owyhee Canyonlands, Lake Owyhee, Pillars of Rome and more. Make time for Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum, which honors the area’s cultural heritage, Native American, Basque, European, Hispanic and Japanese.

There are several Oregon Trail Sites 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.

Baker City Blue Door will be the first member in of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild as you travel into Oregon.  The historic home of two prominent Oregonians, the Inn is a simple and elegant get-away to rest and relax. Located on a tree-lined residential street, the inn is in the heart of historic downtown Baker City.

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.

Oregon Mural Trail

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

Now the captivating artwork is coming to the real world, 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.  And while you’re there, visit the landmarks and businesses that make these towns just so magical.

The featured mural was dedicated yesterday in The Dalles,Oregon. A historic city on the sunny eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles is fortunate to have easy access to rivers, hiking trails and scenic drives.

Lodging options in the Columbia River Gorge, the inns of the Mt Hood and The Gorge region

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.

Hood River Valley

October is National Apple Month

October is recognized as National Apple Month and Oregon is among the leaders in fine apple production.  Apples are a member of the rose family of plants and the blossoms are much like wild-rose blossoms.  Oregon produces over 21 commercial apple varieties, with Fuji and Gala leading the state’s production but we know of one orchard, Kiyokawa Family Orchards in the Hood River Valley that grow over 90 different varieties! The state’s rainfall and mild climate make it a prime location for apple orchards. The most orchards can be found in Oregon’s northwestern region near and around Portland.  In 2015 Oregon produced an estimated 110 million pounds of apples.

History of the Apple – Oregon Growers

In 1847, Henderson Luelling brought more than 700 one year old grafted fruit trees from Iowa to Oregon by ox-team along with his wife and 8 children.  Today, in front of a military building in the city of Vancouver, WA, an historic apple tree with a plaque on it records the following story: ‘In 1847, Henderson Lewelling, know for promoting the fruit industry in Iowa, Oregon, and California, came to Oregon in a covered wagon with his wife, children and 350 fruit trees that had survived the long journey.’  It goes on to say ‘By 1850, their first crop produced 100 apples. It was the time of the Gold Rush in California, and when they rushed to San Francisco with the apple crop, prospectors were so hungry for fresh fruit that he sold them for $5 each. They used the money to build more orchards.’

Today, the Hood River Valley is one of the major growers of apples.  Kiyokawa Family Orchards in the Hood River Valley have been growing the finest produce available since 1911. The fertile soils found at the base of Mt. Hood and rarified, glacier-fed water sources create a unique growing environment.  The Kiyokawa’s take pride in promoting local and sustainably grown produce and utilize a farm management system that incorporates best management practices.

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.