Tag Archives: willamette valley lodging

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.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke.

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. We know MaMere’s Guest House is.

Shop small in Newberg 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.

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.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke. And the harvest of Pumpkins, Pinots and Pears will go on.

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.

Extravagant Romance Package

The Extravagant Romance Package at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast will take the romance up a notch.

When making your reservation via the Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast online service, be sure to add the Extravagant Romance Package which includes

• A dozen long-stemmed roses
• 6 Briar Rose Fromage Blanc Truffles
• A bottle of Roco brut méthode champenoise sparkling wine or Eyrie Pinot Noir (please specify when making your reservation)

• Silk Rose Petals scattered in a heart on your bed

Perched on eight acres atop Chehalem Mountain overlooking the Willamette Valley and Coast Range, Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast offers a peaceful retreat between adventures in the valley below. The contemporary house reflects the spirit, history and character of Oregon in each of the four uniquely decorated bedrooms.

On weather-friendly mornings breakfast is served on the guest deck with great views of the town of Newberg, pinot noir vineyards and fruit and nut orchards.

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.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke.

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.

hops beer

How do Oregon hops get into your beer? Once known as the ‘Hops Capital of the World’ from the late 1890’s to the 1940’s, Independence, Oregon is located twelve miles southwest of Salem, on the west bank of the Willamette River. You’ll still find acres of hops growing in the area. Just a few miles south of Independence is the 42 acres Hop Farm for Rogue Brewery and the Rogue Farms Chatoe Tasting Room

Located in Monmouth Oregon, just across a city boundary from Independence MaMere’s Guest House is charming, unique and colorful inside and out!  The property is on the National Register of Historic Places and is perfectly placed with a very rich history. Built in 1891 as a boarding house for female students, it has since housed hundreds and continues to do so today in its present form as a B&B/Guest House.

The City of Independence is the third largest urban area in Polk County, Oregon.  The first group of wagon trains to arrive in Independence set out on the Oregon Trail from Missouri in May, 1844, arriving in Independence in June of 1845.

Discovered while researching for the post that Rogue Farms also has a barley and rye growing operations just over the ridge from us here in the Hood River Valley.  We share more on that after we check it out.

While in the area consider the Ale and Cider Trail.  Choose your designated drive.  Pick up your passport ($5) at any of the participating locations.  Collect a stamp from each brewery and cidery and redeem your passport at Travel Salem for a complimentary drinking vessel.

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.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke. And the harvest of Pumpkins, Pinots and Pears will go on.

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.

The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast

Built in 1915, The Carlton Inn Bed & Breakfast is located within the charming community of Carlton, known as “The Wine Capital of Oregon”. A short walk out the front door you’ll discover over a dozen tasting rooms and wineries as well as unique shops and wonderful restaurants.

Within this charming Willamette Valley bed & breakfast find four comfortable bedrooms each with private bath and queen size bed, living room with wood burning fireplace and a separate TV area. You can also relax on the shaded back porch overlooking the garden. The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast has air conditioning and wireless internet throughout.

Best of all is the multi-course gourmet breakfast prepared using local and organic products when possible. This means cooking with eggs from their flock of chickens and locally grown/raised foods whenever possible. Weekly farmers markets and honor system farm stands abound in Oregon Wine Country and our own garden provides fresh herbs and vegetables that make their way into our breakfast menu. Should you have any special dietary needs or restrictions your hostess will be happy to do their best to accommodate.

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. We know The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Airlie Farm

Airlie Farm Bed and Breakfast ~ A Willamette Valley Inn
Airlie FarmAirlie Farm Bed and Breakfast is a gracious 1910 farm home that has been lovingly remodeled.  It is set amidst rose-scented country gardens with tinkling fountains and furnished with beautiful antiques, original paintings and whimseys, all located on 226 rolling and wooded acres of the Airlie Farm Quarter Horse Breeding Farm.

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast, snacks & beverages, including wine, beer, sodas & juices, afternoon and evenings of port & sherry.

Airlie Farms 2 guest rooms have private baths and amenities include luxury linens, down comforters and pillows, soft cuddly robes and special comforts.  For groups, three to five bedrooms are available as a suite.  Ask for group rates for retreats, seminars and equine clinics, longer-stay specials & senior discounts.

Horses are encouraged to visit the farm with you as boarding is available should you want to get out and see the sights. You can both have a luxurious getaway, with acres of trails plus indoor arena!

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. We know Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast is.

R. R. Thompson House

When you choose R. R. Thompson House as your lodging choice in Carlton you’ll create the perfect wine country get-a-way.  Stroll just a few blocks to the explore dozens of small wineries, unique shops and wonderful restaurants in Carlton’s historic pioneer downtown.

The historic R. R. Thompson House features original mahogany woodwork, fir floors and lighting fixtures.  The colonial revival home was completely refurbished in 2007 and today these features are blended with modern amenities, private, marble-tile baths with jetted tubs for each suite and room.

R. R. Thomspon House has five beautifully appointed suites and rooms, each named after a flower which can be found in the artistically designed gardens. The spacious Rose and Lavender Suites and the more intimate Magnolia, Lilac and Garden Rooms all have deluxe, pillow top king or queen mattresses and crisp, luxury linens.

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. We know Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast is.

National Waffle Day

National Waffle Day with Hazelnut Waffles

The temperate climates and volcanic soils of Oregon’s Willamette Valley combine to create 99 percent of the U.S. hazelnut crop. Oregon hazelnuts are recognized for their large size and distinctive flavor and about 50% of the crop is exported annually. That leaves plenty for the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild to share with guests in unique and delicious ways.

You’re sure to enjoy these Hazelnut Waffles

1 c. spelt flour
⅓ c. oat flour
½ c. hazelnuts, toasted and finely ground
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. soda
¼ c. sugar
2 eggs
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ¼ – 1 ½ c. buttermilk

Mix dry ingredients, then add remaining ingredients, starting with
1 ½ c. buttermilk, and mix well. If too thick, add remaining buttermilk.

Bake in hot waffle iron. Serve with ground hazelnuts and powdered sugar on top. Serve with a warm syrup or fruit topping. Or both!  I found this Hazelnut Syrup recipe on oregonhazelnuts.org:

Hazelnut Syrup
½ cup chopped Oregon hazelnuts
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
¾ cup maple syrup
In saucepan, sauté hazelnuts in butter until lightly browned. Add syrup and heat through. Yield: about 1 ¼ cups

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.

Lane County Covered Bridges

With 20 covered bridges, Lane County has the distinction of possessing more covered bridges than any other county west of the Mississippi. Seventeen of these bridges are listed in the National Register of Historic Places

Just last week we took a road trip for seek some of the 20 covered bridges in Lane County, a county that has the distinction of possessing more covered bridges than any other county west of the Mississippi.  Seventeen of these bridges are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

We started our journey in Eugene, Oregon, first heading west for a couple of bridges and waterfalls, then  headed east on Hwy 58, finding 6 along this road. You could easily do them all in one day using C’est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene as your home base. Take a trip back in time and discover all Lane County, anc C’est La Vie Bed and Breakfast, has to offer.

C'est la Vie Inn bed and breakfast

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.

Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway

“Oregon Scenic Bikeways are chosen with cyclists in mind: endearing historic downtowns, breathtaking scenery, and bicycle lanes where possible. Oregon’s first designated scenic bikeway celebrates the Willamette Valley, its people and its splendor.”

And we might add some welcoming Bed and Breakfasts along the 127-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. The WVSB travels through one of the most diverse agricultural regions on earth, and showcases the sites where Oregon’s history was made”  Thanks to Travel Oregon for creating the only Scenic Bikeway program in our Nation.


“The Willamette River meanders north through the valley, eventually flowing into the Columbia River at Portland, Oregon’s largest city and is home to many of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns, some urban, some rural.  We can help you plan an Oregon Inn to Inn bike Tour.  Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or short day trips April through November brings drier weather, lots of flowers and warm days, family farms and fruit stands, making them the best months to ride.

Looking for shorter day trips?  Consider an Oregon B&B as your home base, start your day feeling refreshed and ready to ride.  We’ll share with you our favorite scenic backroads, parks, and bike trails near.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild thinks it’s high time to book your ride through the Willamette Valley, one Inn at a time.  And yes, we can tell you where to stay, park your bike and enjoy our Oregon countryside, sweet downtowns and the best places to dine! 

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.