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.

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.

Shop Small in Carlton 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.

Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is a little known gem located in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country. The Inn is surrounded by vineyards, spectacular views and has two large guest rooms, each with private baths,  a loft  and deck area, offering a relaxed country retreat. The Oregon Bounty breakfast features one of five varieties of vineyard grape juice and local produce.

Guests at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast are encouraged to visit downtown Carlton, a little over 3 miles from the inn. Let the shopping begin at one of the nearly two dozen tasting rooms in Carlton. Given the city population of around 2000 people, Carlton has the highest tasting room per capita community in the United States. Now that’s something to boast about considering there are over 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley

Two restaurant ideas
The Horse Radish offers the ultimate wine country experience to visitors and locals alike with their famous sandwiches, made hot to order, alongside local wine, beer and cocktails. Cuvée‘s for authentic french cuisine and a top-notch full course experience

Gift Boutiques
For adorable gifts and fun things you’ll want to keep for yourself shop small at Rough Cut Soap Company or Barn Swallow Artists and Makers. a festive market in the barn with local artists, makers and re-purposers of all sorts. Perfectly unique handcrafted gifts.

Walking Tours
First settled by homesteaders in the 1840s, Carlton has a rich history of agriculture, logging, and, most recently, wine production. Download the Carlton Walking Tour to your phone and explore the history of Carlton.

Bull Run Distillery Carlton Outpost there’s more than Wines in Carlton.

We’d like to extend an invitation to reserve your room at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast, visit Carlton 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 Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast is.

Pear Ginger Jam

Pear Ginger Jam at Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

Pear Ginger jam is a guest favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, An inspected and approved member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild the Old Parkdale Inn is located in the Hood River Valley, the largest pear growing region in our nation. This jam is a beautiful gold color, with a not-too-sweet pure pear flavor, a little hit of fresh and crystalized ginger, and a bright lemony finish.

Pear Ginger Jam ~ Makes about 7-8 half pint jars

  • 5 cups cored and chopped pears
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoons grated fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons peeled, grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup minced crystallized ginger
  • 3 1/2 cups sugar, divided
  • 1 3/4 oz box powdered light fruit pectin (Sure-Jell in the pink box for less sugar)

Process:

Place pears, lemon juice, zest, and ginger in a medium saucepan over high heat. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar, and the pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred), stirring constantly. Stir in the remaining 3 1/4 cups sugar quickly. Return to a rolling boil, and boil exactly for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off foam. Ladle into prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (or longer if high altitude).

The thing about breakfasts at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn is that they’ll be varied, wholesome and nutritious. And almost always local: we do local best. The important thing is that when you choose to stay at an Oregon bed and breakfast you let your innkeeper know (preferably in advance) about your eating preferences and we’ll do our best to comply.

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.

Winery Itinerary Tour Service

Winery Itinerary Tour Service at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast

An Oregon Wine Country adventure would not be complete without a stay at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast. And, since most visits to the Willamette Valley includes wine tasting, we’d like you to know that things have changed a bit from past years. Oregon wineries are requiring masks to be worn by all who are not seated at their tasting table. Easy, right? Also, due to social distancing, wineries have less capacity and most require reservations for tastings. Still easy, but a bit more effort. Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakast wants to help take the effort out of your winery reservation planning.

With more than 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley making reservations can be a daunting task. To help you out Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast offers a Winery Itinerary Tour Service for a $25 fee per itinerary. They have set up eight unique itineraries with some of their favorite, smaller wineries. After you choose an itinerary they’ll set up your day of tasting at 3 unique wineries of the Willamette Valley. You can easily add the Winery Itinerary Tour Service when you make your reservation online.

Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast sits atop Chehalem Mountain, overlooking the Willamette Valley, home to Oregon’s Wine Country. 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. Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast offers a peaceful retreat from adventure and the valley below.

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. We know Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast is.

Shop Small Online

We invite you to Shop Small Online as 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.

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.

Of course, we’d love to have you stay with us, let us provide some of the best hospitality Oregon has to offer, eat our home-cooked meals and get the inside scoop to the area’s best attractions and shopping. But if traveling isn’t in your plans just now and you need some sweet gifts, or something for yourself, we asked our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild innkeepers to share a few local stores that have an online option so as to extend a show of small business camaraderie and economic optimism.

Emily at MaMere’s Guest House stocks her bed and breakfast with natural skin products from Botany Barn. They have put together some sweet gift packages or you can mix and match to create your own.

The delectable, small batch spreads from Mt. Hope Farms whose goal is to provide customers with a quality product that can be traced from farm to table, are included in their gift boxes. And then there are the handcrafted fudges and truffles made by the The Brigittine Monks in Amity, Oregon. These decadent indulgences are to be given, savored, shared and send.

While online you might consider purchasing a gift certificate for a stay at MaMere’s Guest House, either for yourself when you’re ready to travel again, or as a thoughtful gift.

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.

National Pancake Day

National Pancake Day

Pancakes are good any day of the year as is proven by the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. 

Today let’s honor the pancake.  Does the mere mention of pancakes send your senses reeling?  A plate of steamy hot pancakes can instantly lift your spirits and certainly can make your tummy happy.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Innkeepers sure know how create pancakes that are tender, light and oh so tasty. Fresh local ingredients like crispy Hood River County Apples or sweet Willamette Valley Berries or fresh peaches picked up at a weekly farmers market make these unique ‘cakes’

Apple Pancakes with warm Apple Cider Syrup have become a guest favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast and thanks to Ryan’s Hood River Juice Company for the Apple Cider Syrup recipe. In the Hood River Valley, known for its abundant apples and pears, this innkeeper’s been using a wonderful sourdough starter for the pancakes and mixing in one teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 cup grated fresh apple.

At the Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast their farm fresh eggs will make their way into gourmet breakfasts at the inn like their Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

The Old Parkdale Inn B&B also serves hot-off-the-griddle Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes often throughout the year, made with fresh and frozen berries of the Hood River Valley.

And then there’s the Blueberry Pancake.  And Dutch Baby Pancakes.  Reserve your room today and ask the innkeeper what their signature pancake recipe is and maybe, just maybe, if the fruit they use is in season you’ll be treated to awesome pancake goodness.

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.

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.