Tag Archives: geotourism

Bicycle Oregon

What better way to social distance than to Bicycle Oregon?

It’s time to get your bikes out of the basement, the shed or garage. Dust the seat off and grab your helmet and you are good to go!

One of the most scenic places in the country to ride bikes, Oregon plays host to cyclists from all over the world every summer. It’s not unusual for some our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inns to be filled to the brim with bicyclists when the weather is perfect here!

Oregon’s innovative Scenic Bikeways program offers the very best of Oregon’s scenic, historic, natural and cultural experiences for you to explore from the seat of your bike. The website provides the resources you’ll need to plan your bicycling trip.  Some of these trails take you through some of the most beautiful countryside you have ever seen. Small towns, villages, covered bridges, you name it you can experience it on your bike this season!  It’s no surprise that Oregon’s other favorite thing to do, “eating” and sharing their “really good” food is a perk and available along many of the trails found here.  Restaurants and deli’s along the bikes routes are expecting you and we have heard nothing but positive experiences from our cyclists.

Many inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are located along these bike trails too!  Most have storage for your gear, can fill your water bottles, point you in the right direction for pasta to get you through the next day and then send you off with a hearty culinary experience you will not forget!  They’ll even share some of their favorite scenic back roads nearby.

So, plan your trip, pack your bikes and we’ll see you bicycling in Oregon this season!  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.

Book Direct

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is excited to announce the launch of our Book > Direct 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 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
  • 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

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.

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.

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.

Hells Canyon

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Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in the US.

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 in the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Back Road blog.

‘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.

Hells Canyon

Joseph is the premier small town for art and culture and is home to art galleries, unique shops, interesting restaurants and two member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast features three cozy guest rooms and a modern Asian Suite with many upscale amenities.

Belle Pepper’s Bed and Breakfast:  4 comfortable guest rooms, each with a private bath.  Breakfast is served family style at 8:30 every morning, with eggs from happy chickens and a variety of foods, in season, from their gardens.

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 summer 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.

Begin or end your journey at the Baker City Blue Door Inn.  The inn has four comfortable guests room, two with private baths, and all are comfortably air-conditioned and include robes, luggage racks, fresh filtered water and chocolates upon arrival.

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.

Youngberg Hill Event Center

“Our event and wedding season has typically ended in October, and April and October events were always subject to weather,” said Wayne Bailey. “Our Event Center now allows our guests worry-free, year-round access to everything Youngberg Hill has to offer.”

Youngberg Hill Event Center complements the existing structures of Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn.  Located on a gorgeous hilltop setting outside of McMinnville, the expansive, All-Weather Event Center will allow for year-round wine events, weddings, concerts and more.

This handsome 3,600 square-foot building on the lawn behind the inn overlooks the vineyards and valley.  With a seating capacity of 200 guests, the building is enclosed and protected from the elements and takes advantage of the magnificent natural setting by way of eight glass rolling garage door-type openings that open up to the views while providing full shelter when inclement weather arrives.

The expansive Event Center has a poured and polished concrete floor and a ceiling trimmed with parquet fir strips.  Bright white walls provide the perfect backdrops for wedding decorations and photography. The eight glass garage doors offer views from three sides of the building, let in tons of natural light, and open quickly to seamlessly integrate the outdoors. Siding on the outside of the building mimics the stained cedar siding of the nine-room, lodge-style inn.

A new patio added approximately 900 square feet of poured and stamped concrete flooring and existing restrooms on the property are tucked into a hillside behind the new building and reached via covered walkway. The event site includes a catering kitchen, an outdoor wine-tasting bar and a circular concrete pad, all back-dropped by astonishing views of vineyards, farmlands and wooded hills.

Bookings for the Youngberg Event Center will be handled by Nicolette Bailey at 503-472-2727, or by emailing info@youngberghill.com.

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.

Carlton Crush

Carlton Crush Puts the Focus (or the Feet) on Oregon Wine
Guest Blogger: Roselyn, innkeeper at R.R. Thompson House

‘Carlton Crush Harvest Festival is approaching its fifth anniversary and has become one of the signature wine events in the north Willamette Valley. The 2019 Crush is scheduled for September 7th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features an array of exciting activities for young and old.

‘Watch as teams stomp on grapes, or sign up if you’re adventurous! The winning team will receive special prizes.  The Carlton Business Association (CBA) sponsors the Grape Stomp Competition with teams of four people each.  “Grapes are stomped in bare feet, in a half-barrel, with each team member stomping for one minute apiece.”  Visit Carlton Crush on the web and follow it on Facebook for updated posts.

‘Visitors and town folk not stomping can visit the Artists’ Market, listen to live music and enjoy food from Main Street restaurants or vendor booths. Crush has activities for kids as well. In addition to their own Grape Stomp, there will be a kids’ watermelon eating contest. All events are held in the Upper Park or downtown Carlton.

‘Jeff Lorton and Valerie Anctil, proprietors of Opus Desserts, originated the idea for Carlton Crush as fun event that would bring the wine industry and local community together and it has been a hugely successful event from its start in 2012.

‘The R. R. Thompson House is a five minute walk to the park and downtown Carlton. Choose from two spacious suites and three beautifully appointed rooms;  each has a private bath with jetted tub.  Book your two-night stay and spend a weekend in Wine Country! Free parking at the B & B and all over town, and no entrance fee to this event.’

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share with you their version of Oregon Culinary Tourism and Geotourism.  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.

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.

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.