Tag Archives: lodging

National French Toast Day November 28

Nation French Toast Day is November 28

Remember the orange popsicle filled with vanilla ice cream?  Who didn’t love them then and who doesn’t still love them now? Here at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast we regularly order a case of fresh Organic Valencia Oranges to use in Orange Ricotta Pancakes, Fresh Orange Smoothies, Fruit Salads and more.  Recently I made this creamy French Toast with a Gluten Free White Bread but I prefer using a fresh Challah Bread. Challah makes the best French Toast and when combined with cream cheese, vanilla and orange, a dream comes true.

Creamy Orange French Toast

In a small bowl cream together 1/2 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp sugar and 4 oz softened cream cheese

In another bowl Whip together:

  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • zest from a orange
  • juice from that orange
  • cup of milk
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tsp sugar

Spread the cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread.  I like to lay the sandwiches on a cookie sheet where the milk and egg mixture has been poured, flipping them after about 5 minutes.  The type of bread you are using will determine how long to soak.  Dryer bread a little longer that a very moist bread like Challah. Fry on a hot griddle until golden, about 3-5 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile, combine fresh orange juice from half an orange, 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a small sauce pot. Bring to simmer and take off heat.

Serve piping hot garnished with thinly slices oranges and a dusting of powdered sugar.

You can adjust this recipe to satisfy dietary needs. I’ve used coconut or almond milk for lactose intolerant guests. A Vanilla Soy Creamer adds flavor. There are some very good non dairy cream cheese products available.

The 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: A two-week freeze was announced by our governor, Governor Brown. These new measures are intended to limit group activities and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. The Two-Week Freeze measures will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2, state-wide. These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care.

The mandate hurts all of us, especially our inns and small businesses. Restaurants, bars and tasting rooms can only sell take-out. There is no in-restaurant dining or on-site wine tasting. 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.

December is National Pear Month

December is National Pear Month and here in Oregon we believe pears should be celebrated all year long. But we’ll especially celebrate the bounty of pears in December when it is National Pear Month.

This video reveals the most common pears grown in Oregon and Washington but some growers have expanded their orchards with many more heirloom and lesser known varieties.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Fiber: A medium pear has 6 grams of fiber, which equals about 24 percent of the recommended daily value. Did you know that the skin contains the majority of the fiber found in a pear?
  • Hypoallergenic: With an ever-growing population of food allergies, pears have been coined to be hypoallergenic. Safe food is good food!
  • Pectin: Pectin is an essential water-soluble fiber that helps to bind to cholesterol and remove it from the body making pears an excellent addition to anyone with high cholesterol.There are endless culinary possibilities for the pear: eaten fresh, in salads, baked or added to a skillet meal. This is one of our favorite: Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy at the Old Parkdale Inn
  • There are currently over 350 pear growers in Oregon
  • The pear is Oregon’s Official State Fruit
  • Pears are Oregon’s number one tree fruit crop
  • Oregon’s total pear production ranks 2nd overall in the United States and 2nd in terms of fresh pear production

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.

Pumpkin Pear Panna Cotta

The Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Caramelized Pears has become a favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast table.

Pumpkin Panna Cotta
1 1/2 Cups Half & Half
2 to 3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
3/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Package (1/4 Ounce) Gelatin
1/3 Cup Milk

Caramelized Pear:
1 Large or 2 Small to Medium Pears
1 1/2 Tablespoon Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 1/2 Tablespoon Sugar

Sweetened Whipped Cream

Place the milk in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it, stir gently and leave for 5 minutes to soften. Combine the half and half in a small saucepan with the syrup and pumpkin, and heat until the mixture just reaches the scalding point but does not boil, whisking often. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk in the gelatin mixture until smooth. Divide the mixture into 4 glasses or ramekins and refrigerate.

Cut the pear/pears in half, remove the core and peel, then cut into small dice. In a heavy frying pan heat the butter until sizzling. Add the pears, sugar and cinnamon and stir. Cook over medium heat stirring often until the pears and very tender and obtain a nice golden brown color. Remove from the heat and place in a covered bowl until needed.

To serve, allow the panna cotta to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Add a dollop of sweetened cream to each panna cotta, then spoon on some of the pears in their juice. Serve immediately.

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: A two-week freeze was announced by our governor, Governor Brown. These new measures are intended to limit group activities and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. The Two-Week Freeze measures will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2, state-wide. These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care.

The mandate hurts all of us, especially our inns and small businesses. Restaurants, bars and tasting rooms can only sell take-out. There is no in-restaurant dining or on-site wine tasting. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates

Your purchase of Oregon Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates make a difference by supporting our small, often family run, businesses and our communities. Give the gift of rest and relaxation by purchasing Gift Certificates from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or small historic hotel. No two inns are alike. One thing we all have in common: we are small, owner/manager operated, independent lodging properties. Fact: for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community.

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. Many of our inns offer gift certificates for redemption at their bed and breakfasts.  Visit their websites for details.

However when you give the gift of lodging at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast you will be giving the gift of a unique Oregon experience. And the recipient can decide where and when to use them. So maybe a walk in the sand on the Oregon Coast would soothe the soul. Or a hike or snowshoe along the rim of Crater Lake. Catch a new museum exhibit in Portland. Sample a Pinot Noir in the Oregon Wine Country. Maybe just relax with a good book in one of our inns.

The Lodging Gift Certificates of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild can be purchased online and are redeemable at any one of our
Oregon Bed and Breakfasts, available in $25 increments. When purchasing a Gift Certificate either through our website or directly from the inn of your choice, know that 100% goes directly to our innkeepers, each a small individually owned Oregon Inn. No commissions like some online certificate services. 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.

Hospitality Update: Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

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.

Hospitality Update: A two-week freeze was announced by our governor, Governor Brown. These new measures are intended to limit group activities and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. The Two-Week Freeze measures will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2, state-wide. These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care.

The mandate hurts all of us, especially our inns and small businesses. Restaurants, bars and tasting rooms can only sell take-out. There is no in-restaurant dining or on-site wine tasting. 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 has 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.

Hospitality Update: A two-week freeze was announced by our governor, Governor Brown. These new measures are intended to limit group activities and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. The Two-Week Freeze measures will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2, state-wide. These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care.

The mandate hurts all of us, especially our inns and small businesses. Restaurants, bars and tasting rooms can only sell take-out. There is no in-restaurant dining or on-site wine tasting. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know Chehalem Ridge B&B is.

Oregon Coast Birding

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Three Capes Scenic Drive and two Oregon Bed and Breakfasts

Three Capes Scenic Drive is a spectacular one with dramatic cliffs, old growth forests, crashing waves, hidden beaches, and historic lighthouses.

This gorgeous byway connects three amazing capes: Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares, and loops around on a lovely inland stretch of highway 101.   Along the way, you’ll pass incredible sea stacks, sand dunes, pristine beaches and charming seaside towns, two of which are home to Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns.

At Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast, in Oceanside fall asleep to the sound of the surf and wake up to a delicious hot breakfast.  Oceanside is a cozy little hideaway located just off the Three Capes Scenic Route.  Built upon a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Oceanside offers the ambiance of a quaint European Village.

Also in Oceanside you’ll find turtlejanes bed and breakfast, delightful small inn on the Oregon Coast. Nine miles west of Tillamook, home of world-famous Tillamook Cheese, the inn’s two bedrooms are beautifully appointed with spectacular views, king-size beds, private bathrooms with heated floors, and blackout shades on the windows. You’re invited to help yourself to coffee, tea, hot chocolate, microwave popcorn and Tillamook ice cream, available to guests around the clock.

Located just offshore is the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, the first National Wildlife Refuge established west of the Mississippi. Three Arch Rocks is home to the largest breeding colony of tufted puffins and the only site on Oregon’s North Coast for pupping steller sea lions. A tunnel through Maxwell Point affords access to Tunnel Beach, Agate Beach and other secluded beaches.

The drive only takes a couple of hours in total, but you’ll want to plan on taking some extra time to explore along the way, perhaps create a multi-day adventure, allowing our innkeepers to be your hosts.

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.

Pumpkin Pinots Pears

Serving up Pears at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast

Imagine waking up in the morning to the slight scent of fresh brewed coffee, muffins baking in the oven and knowing someone has already been up for hours just to prepare breakfast for you. That’s what you can look forward to when visiting one of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns.

We recently asked our innkeepers to submit their favorite recipes and were pleased to see that once again, we are all about keeping it local and fresh. The recipe that follows is made with pears. Did you know that 84% of the nation’s pears are grown in Oregon and Washington? The volcanic soil provides pear tree nourishment, the rain and snowmelt provides moisture and of course our ideal temperature is a huge factor.

Mary and Steve Pellegrini have owned the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in the Hood River Valley for over 17 years. Their recipe using Bosc pears is easy, tasty, and the presentation is gorgeous. She calls it, “Microwave Poached Bosc Pears with Raspberry Sauce”

  • peel one ripe pear per person but leave the stem on
  • cut a small slice from the bottom of pears to flatten so they stand upright
  • put pears in a microwave safe dish and pour one tablespoon of maple syrup over each one
  • cover and microwave about one and half minutes per pear until hot
  • place pears on individual small plates and pour about one tablespoon raspberry syrup over each pear
  • garnish with raspberries

If you are planning a trip to Oregon’s Mt Hood Region, stay with Pellegrini’s at the Old Parkdale Inn. We’re sure after 17 years of innkeeping, they has more wonderful breakfast recipes to share with you.

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.

wonderful hikes on the oregon coast

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The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway; ‘Wind, Waves and a Long, Winding Road. Yes, it’s possible to drive the entire Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in a single day. But it’s also pointless. Because you wouldn’t have time to experience any of the breathtaking viewpoints, stunning state parks and quaint coastal towns.

‘This Byway offers many natural wonders. Visit between November and June to watch the storms come in or to scan the horizon to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales. Several rock formations are home to large colonies of seals and sea lions, and shorebirds abound in the countless estuaries. And then there’s the wind-sculpted dunes, marshes, lush agricultural valleys and majestic rainforests.’ The Oregon Coast: one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Thanks to Travel Oregon for sharing this information.

Yes, it’s possible to drive the entire Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in a single day.  But why would you when you have 9 member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild from Cannon Beach to Gold Beach? Take a few days and enjoy the ride.

Oregon is embracing electric vehicles (EVs) with such enthusiasm we are creating Electric Byways across the state. The Oregon Coast Electric Byway allows you drive all 363 miles of the beautiful Oregon Coast and charge your EV along the way.

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.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates

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.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or small historic hotel. No two inns are alike. One thing we all have in common: we are small, owner/manager operated, independent lodging properties. When you stay with us, or purchase a Gift Certificate, you are making a difference by supporting our businesses and our community. Fact: for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community

When giving the gift of lodging you will be giving the gift of a unique Oregon experience. And the recipient can decide where and when to use them. So maybe a walk in the sand on the Oregon Coast would soothe the soul. Or a hike or snowshoe along the rim of Crater Lake.  Catch a new museum exhibit in Portland. Sample a Pinot Noir in the Oregon Wine Country. Maybe just relax with a good book in one of our inn’s lovely gardens.

The Lodging Gift Certificates of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild can be purchased online line and are redeemable at any one of our 40 Oregon Bed and Breakfasts, available in $25 increments. By giving the gift of a Lodging Gift Certificate from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, you’ll be giving the gift of a unique Oregon Experience. And unlike some other Gift Certificate programs that keep upwards of 20% of the face value, know that 100% goes directly to our innkeepers, each a small individually owned Oregon Inn. 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.

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.