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Over the Rivers

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Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway

Over the Rivers and Through the Woods is a 66-mile scenic route beginning in the rich farmlands of the Willamette Valley, winding along rushing streams and through thick forests as it climbs into the Cascades to join the West Cascades and McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byways.

Over the Rivers

To start the journey take I-5 exit 216 about 25 miles north of Eugene east onto OR 228 toward Brownsville,  which was settled in 1846 and is Oregon’s third oldest town.  During winter months, grass fields around Brownsville host wintering bald eagles and large flocks of white tundra swans.  Much of the Byway parallels the Santiam Wagon Road. Take time to visit the historic museums and cemeteries along the way for a view into Pioneer life, many who traveled this road and the Oregon Trail to get to the lush, fertile Willamette Valley.

From Cascadia, the Byway continues along the South Santiam River. Thick forests are dominated by Douglas-fir, western hemlock and red cedar; big leaf maples and red alder provide contrast to the conifers, especially in the fall.

At the junction of Route 20 and Route 126, you can opt for the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass or the West Cascades National Scenic Byways.

Time to start planning your memorable Oregon Road Trip. Oregon has more designated scenic byways and tour routes than any other state. The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is the only State Association of B&Bs and a welcoming inn awaits you as you travel the backroads.  I am presenting a series of blogs to assist you in creating amazing getaways and tours in Oregon.  Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information.

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.

Victorian on 10th

Victorian on 10th in Oregon’s Wine Country

Victorian on 10th is a pet friendly inn that has been lovingly restored to it’s original 1896 Queen Anne Victorian beauty and offers a “home away from home” quality.  Located just a few blocks from McMinnville Oregon’s 3rd street, voted the “Best Main Street in America” by Parade Magazine in 2014, the historic building is a 2,600 square foot Victorian in the heart of the Willamette Valley Wine Country.

Experience a new type of Bed and Breakfast at Victorian on 10th.  The homestay inn has 2 fully equipped apartments each featuring an extra large queen bed bedroom, a separate large sitting room, and a bathroom with antique porcelain fixtures.   Farm to table and local specialties, artisan pastries, fruit, fresh dairy, juice, and premium coffee and teas. are made available in your apartment’s fully equipped kitchen to be enjoyed at your leisure while staying in this historic building.

Victorian on 10th is the perfect retreat for food and wine enthusiasts, those visiting family and friends, and travelers looking for dog friendly options in the Willamette Valley, Oregon.

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..

Submitted by guest blogger Michelle Duarte
Innkeeper WildSpring Guest Habitat
Port Orford, Oregon

The Oregon South Coast is the place for travelers who want to get away from the same old thing – traffic, strip malls, franchise hotels and restaurants. Travelers who’d like to bring home tales of something off-beat, who enjoy exploring the special but quirky.

Oregon’s spectacular south coast is a world all its own, very different from its northern counterpart. It is remote, underdeveloped, without the crowds. A series of authentic small towns scattered along what could reasonably be considered the U.S.’s last accessible, affordable coastline. This is where the ocean and the forests meet the crashing seas. Where rivers pour into the Pacific and people enjoy long, empty beaches perfect for agates and driftwood.

Port Orford is in the middle of it, perfectly situated as base camp to explore the best of the south coast…from redwoods to the south, the sand dunes up near Florence, and everything inbetween.

Hiking. Art. Antiques. Biking. Golf. Birding. Fishing. History. Museums. Shopping. Boating. Surfing. Horseback riding. Wine. Wind surfing. Parks, reserves, floral estates and estuaries. All framed with spectacular ocean vistas on one side and the forests and mountains on the other.

And it bears repeating…all without the crowds.

Visitors will find some unexpected options in Port Orford, 60 miles from the California border and an authentic port town of only 1,200 people.

The Port of Port Orford is probably the heart of the town, home to its commercial fishing fleet that – unusually – does not rest in the water. The Port is one of only two “dolly docks” in the U.S. and six in the world, where boats are lifted in and out of the water by huge cranes and sit on custom-made trailers when not in use.

The area is also known for its active art community, with eight galleries owned and operated by working artists, and some beautifully restored and maintained historic sites, such as Hughes House – an authentic Victorian Mansion – and the old Coast Guard Lifeboat station where brave and hardy men had to jerry-can gas down a thousand steps to Nellie’s Cove where they would start their sea rescue missions during Port Orford’s famous winter storms.

If visitors like to indulge themselves with luxurious accommodations in a naturally beautiful environment, there’s WildSpring Guest Habitat. On five acres in a quiet, residential forest overlooking the ocean, it offers only five cabin suites built like small homes, filled with art and antiques, a Guest Hall, lounging areas, sculpture garden, walking labyrinth and open-air slate spa where guests can whale-watch by day and enjoy the Milky Way at night. Known for its peaceful seclusion, attention to detail and eco-friendly operations, it is an Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member, a Select Registry Inn and has enjoyed some national attention of note, including USA Today and the NY Times.

The most recent addition to the local scene sits on the northern end of Battle Rock Park and offers arguably the most beautiful views of the Pacific ocean in the U.S.: across sea stacks, a beach with sand the color of a mocha late, down to Humbug Mountain, the tallest mountain in Oregon to rise directly from the ocean.

Here, Redfish is that rare restaurant serving food that actually lives up to the view, and looks like it came from Top Chef. The executive chef Patrick Zulick trained at celebrity chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro in Las Vegas, and specializes in Pacific Northwest adaptations of traditional French recipes using fresh local fish, beef, chicken, lamb and produce. It has the Redfish LOFT upstairs, a one-room luxury guest suite overlooking the bay.

Also part of this new mixed-use development is Hawthorne Gallery, with museum-quality art in a space that begs comparison to metro world-class galleries. It shows the unique works of 14 internationally collected artists from across the country, including eight of the very gifted Hawthorne family, who also owns the famous Hawthorne Gallery in Big Sur, California.

Port Orford, beautiful and surprising, is a great place to visit if people want to experience the best of Oregon’s beautiful coast without having to fight their way through crowded streets to reach it.

For more information about Port Orford and WildSpring Guest Habitat please contact:

Michelle Duarte, owner, WildSpring Guest Habitat and webmaster for PortOrford.org and EnjoyPortOrford.com
michelle@wildspring.com, 541.332.0977

www.portorford.org
www.wildspring.com

For more information about Redfish and the Hawthorne Gallery, please contact:

Jeff Mecredy, manager & media relations, Hawthorne Gallery, Redfish LOFT jeff@hawthornegallery.com, 541.366.2266

Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon

The Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon returns to the Willamette Valley in September.  The route features a beautiful course through the heart of Oregon Wine Country in Yamhill County.  The run begins at 7 a.m. Sunday, September 1 at Stoller Vineyards and finishes in the town of Carlton with a warm celebration at the Finish Line Wine and Music Festival presented by Ken Wright Cellars and featuring 20+ local winemakers!

Other events are also planned in conjunction with the race.  Even if you are not running, you’re sure to enjoy watching the race, the music and simply being in the beautiful wine Country of Oregon.  Check out the half marathon web site at www.oregonwinecountryhalf.com.

R.R. Thompson House and The Carlton Inn, Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns, both located just a few blocks from the race’s destination, still have availability for the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon this coming Labor Day weekend.

Should the RR Thompson House fill up I’m sure the innkeeper will direct you to the other Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns located in or near Carlton

This is only one of the many events happening throughout Oregon near the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Visit our websites event page, select the region you are considering travel to and plan your adventure today.

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.

McKenzie River Round House

McKenzie River Round House sits on a forested 4 acre bluff with stunning views overlooking the McKenzie River

McKenzie River Round House is a mid century modern ‘ustonian‘ style home and we welcome them as new members of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  I had to look the term ustonian up.  In the early 1900s, there was talk of calling the United States “U-S-O-N-A” to differentiate America from the new Union of South Africa that had just been established.  Years later, after the Great Depression, Wright took that term and applied it to his new style of homes, while in an attempt to create affordable housing for middle income families.  Using organic architecture Wright fulfilled his vision by including it in every aspect of his homes.  McKenzie River Round House would appear to have come up from the ground and into the fresh air and sunshine, or in Mr Wright’s own words: “out of the ground and into the light!

The three spacious guest rooms at McKenzie River Round House, each with a private bath, are filled with brilliant light and all the amenities to create a comfortable, relaxing retreat.  Views of the surrounding forest and river await and the local handcrafted lavender soap is the innkeeper’s gift to you.  And of course the highlight of your stay at any reputable bed and breakfast, a delightful breakfast is included.

McKenzie River Round House can be your home base when exploring the McKenzie River area.   By car or bike take the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway or Byway or the Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway.   Hike the McKenzie River Trail from one McKenzie River Waterfall to the next. Or perhaps:

  • Float the McKenzie River on a famous McKenzie River Drift Boat
  • Fly Fish with or without a guide
  • Soak at Terrilliger Hot Spring
  • Take a Horseback Ride
  • Golf Tokatee
  • Take a rowboat out on Clear Lake

Never a shortage of things to do from the McKenzie River Round House, located about 35 – 40 minutes from Eugene and the Willamette Valley and about an 1½ hours from Sisters in Central Oregon.

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.

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.

Le Puy A Wine Valley Inn

Le Puy A Wine Valley Inn

Le Puy is an 8-room, 4-season, destination inn for the Yamhill Wine Valley. The inn strives to exemplify sustainability from the food offered, to the products used, to the care for the environment from the exterior to the interior. Their goal is to provide a superior hospitality experience and their mission is to be an authentic “eco-inn”.  LePuy will gladly host meetings, retreats and seminars as well as intimate weddings, anniversaries and reunions. “Guests are invited to come to the inn to re-balance themselves with the tranquil setting, good food, spa amenities and fresh atmosphere.”

Nestled on a hill in the luscious Willamette Valley wine country, Le Puy exudes a peacefulness, a graceful feel and that gentleness you only get while visiting our Oregon wine country.  One could swear they could hear the grapes ripen while they relax and enjoy this region of the state and the guest rooms and common areas of Le Puy furthers the enjoyment with their focus on nature, organic materials and simple perfection that will make your stay refreshing and memorable and ready to plan your next visit!

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.

Bellaterra

Bellaterra Bed and Breakfast in historic Portland Neighborhood

Bellaterra Bed and Breakfast has five nature- and culture-themed rooms with private glass or stone-tiled bathrooms.  This lovingly restored Victorian is located in Lair Hill, an historic neighborhood in SW Portland.  Bellaterra has ample common spaces, a reading nook, traditional moldings and custom carvings.

Nice views of the Willamette River and Mt. Hood.  Pleasant walks in neighborhood, riverfront trail, and Marquam Trail in Terwilliger Woods. Bellaterra could serve as a home base should you hike the 4T Trail in Portland which we recently did.  Highly recommend.

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.

Bring out the golf clubs and try to decide where to golf in Oregon.  I went to Travel Oregon’s website to find “a few” courses to blog about and I found well over a hundred!!  And with Oregon Bed and Breakfast Inns located in every region we would like to encourage you to explore Oregon as you tee off across the state.

The golf courses of Central and Eastern Oregon are well known as are the Bed and Breakfasts in Central and Eastern Oregon

There are so many courses in the Willamette Valley, including the Portland area!  And between the Oregon Inns in the Willamette Valley, the Portland region and the Eugene area there are plenty of beds to accommodate.

We have inns near courses in the regions of Mt Hood and Columbia River Gorge and Southern Oregon.

The Oregon Coast has many world renowned courses and many Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast inns to drop your clubs after a sunny day on the course .

You really can have a golf vacation in Oregon, teeing off at some of the best courses in the country, staying at quality Oregon Bed and Breakfast inns while all along exploring Oregon.

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.