Tag Archives: willamette Valley

Tulips, Daffodils, Iris soon to bloom in the Willamette Valley

Tulips, Daffodils and other cut flowers will soon be in full bloom from now through April in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  Spring is just around the corner and a beautiful time to plan a trip to the Willamette Valley and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival,  which opens March 23 and runs through April 30.   Enjoy the flowers along with a variety of activities each day and special events on the weekends.  This time every year they open their fields and expand their operations to include taking bulb orders, cut flowers, potted tulips, a gift shop, other plants, and all sorts of food and activities on weekends.

Are you a painter or a photographer?  Whether amatuer or professional I would imagine this would be an amazing place to spend some time.  After a day in the fields, just up the road from Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm rest your head at the Willamette Valley member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

A field report from Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm:  “The bloom in the field is behind schedule due to the cold weather.  The tulips are changing daily but we will open with very little color.  We will keep you posted on our bloom status.  Right now, the second week of April on should be a good time to plan your visit.”

‘Giant rabbits jumping over tulip fields?  Okay, the giant rabbits might Only be Slightly Exaggerated in Travel Oregon’s whimsical marketing campaign.

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.

R. R. Thompson House

R. R. Thompson House in Oregon’s Yamhill County

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.

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.

Breakfast begins with a medley of fruits, berries from local farms in season, melons and citrus.  Savor a cup of French press coffee or choose from a variety of teas.  Enjoy a glass of orange juice, a blend of orange and berry or a refreshing mango drink.

Carlton is also home base for the globally respected Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area.

Pick up some gourmet meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, fruit preserves and handmade chocolates to fill your picnic basket before heading out to explore the vine-covered hills  of Yamhill County.

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.

Cornerstone

The Cornerstone B&B was built in 2006 on the south side of Cooper Mountain and is a gateway to wine country overlooking beautiful green pastures, orchards and vineyards.

In the warm summer evenings guests love to watch the crimson sunset from their rocking chairs on the large covered deck surrounding the house.  If you listen carefuly you can hear the owls hooting in the twilight and watch over 20 species of birds coming for their last meal of the day at our feeders.

There inn was built with your safety in mind.  There is not a single step that you have to navigate between your car and your room.  One guest rooms is specifically designed to meet ADA compliance.  Every room has its own private entrance from the deck that surrounds the house.

The Cooper Mountain Nature Park, atop the butte where the south ends of Beaverton and Aloha meet, with spectacular views of the Tualatin Valley and Chehalem Mountain from its open south slope, just minutes from the inn.

Cooper Mountain Nature Park has 3.5 miles of gravel surface trails over its 231 acres. The looping trail system covers well the public land at the summit of the 774-foot high butte.

Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts and 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.

Yamhill Vineyards

Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast

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 offering a relaxed country retreat.  The Oregon Bounty breakfast features one of five varieties of vineyard grape juice and local produce.

Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast offers guests a quiet country setting with spectacular views, sunsets, and star gazing. Each of the two large guest rooms has a queen bed, table, chairs, and private bath.

As part of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Green Certification Program, Yamhill Vineyard’s intention is to care for you and the earth with respect and gentleness.

Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts and 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.

The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the Heart of the Willamette Valley Wine Country

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 inn’s front door you’ll discover over a dozen tasting rooms and wineries as well as unique shops and wonderful restaurants. A short drive and you’ll reach even more places to explore.

The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast has four comfortable bedrooms, 1 with a king size bed and private bath, 3 with private bath and queen size beds, living room with wood burning fireplace and TV area along with central air conditioning and wireless internet throughout.

Freshly prepared homemade food using the best ingredients available is the hallmark of breakfast at The Carlton Inn Bed & Breakfast.  This means cooking with eggs from our own chickens, and locally grown/raised foods whenever possible.   Weekly farmers markets and honor system farm stands abound in Oregon Wine Country.  Our own garden provides fresh herbs and vegetables that make their way into our breakfast menu. Carlton Farms is the source for breakfast sausage, ham, and bacon.  Your hostess makes her own homemade yogurt and granola, and the local hazelnuts add a wonderful sweet nuttiness to the granola and other breakfast entrees.

Wake up to the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Coffee and tea are available in the dining room at 8:00am. Breakfast is served at 9:00am beginning with a beautifully presented plate of fresh fruit or compote, accompanied by homemade yogurt and granola.Should you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, just let us know in advance and we will be happy to do our best to accommodate.

Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts and 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.

McKenzie River Koosah Falls

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Koosah Falls on the McKenzie River

Koosah Falls is the second of the three major waterfalls of the McKenzie River and is just one mile downstream from Sahalie Falls. The word Koosah is a Chinook word meaning “sky”.  These falls were formed 3,000 years ago when lava flows formed the McKenzie River. The volume of the river greatly changes the appearance of the falls. During modest summer river flows, the falls appear as one or two segments, but during the peak of snowmelt, the river spreads across the whole ledge, becoming a 70 foot wide wall of ear-splitting roar.

You can Chase Waterfalls with us by subscribing to this blog, follow us on Pinterest, and on our Facebook Page.  According to Wiki there are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon!  I’m guessing even more than that. Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?  With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone, we’ve set out to find them all plus those in the nearby Mt Hood National Forest, Washington and beyond. And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

The McKenzie River Round House is an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn that can serve as your home base while chasing the waterfalls along the McKenzie River.

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.

oregon wineries

Winter in the Willamette Valley

Winter in the Willamette Valley is just beautiful.  Rumor is visitors will encounter rain and even more rain.  And you might but what a sunny and gorgeous time of year especially for touring some of our finest Oregon wineries.  Winter is typically not as busy as the summer months so you might have the opportunity to meet the winemaker or owner, learn more about the wines and why they taste the way they do.  Some might even break out a library wine or take you to the barrel room.  Many wineries are family operations giving you an opportunity to develop an intimate relationship of the entire operation.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are amazed each and every week with its beauty, but it’s our guests sharing what they love about the Oregon wine country that seems to tempt us to sneak away now and then for a taste. And we do. The Innkeepers in the Willamette Valley of Oregon can direct you to their favorite winery, vineyard and tasting room.  All for the love of good Oregon Wine.

The Willamette Valley is also home to snowy mountain peaks, fine art, rich heritage and a delicious culinary scene.  The many wildlife refuges provide opportunities to view the migratory birds such as the majestic Bald Eagle and the dusky Canada Goose.  Winter rains fill the foothill waterfalls and rivers that flow under the Covered Bridges.

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.

La Bastide Bed and Breakfast

La Bastide Bed and Breakfast in Oregon’s Wine Country

La Bastide Bed and Breakfast is located in Dundee, Oregon, within 2 miles of more than 25 wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley. You’ll appreciate both the privacy of a modern estate and charm of a country inn.

Innkeepers Mark and Elizabeth built La Bastide Bed & Breakfast in 2014 with the goal of creating a special place to enjoy great food and great service in the heart of Oregon wine country.  The name “bastide” refers to a country house in France and La Bastide reflects a French influence that is part of both the innkeepers style as well as the style of the wines made in the Dundee hills.

The inn offers 3 charming guestrooms, all with queen sized beds, private bathrooms, fireplace and vineyard views. The perfect place for a romantic getaway or to relax after a day exploring the Dundee Hills AVA.   An elegant two course gourmet breakfast is made and served from scratch each morning.  The fruit course may be something like fresh local Oregon berries with yogurt and house made granola, poached pears with raspberry sauce, or broiled grapefruit with coconut.  A hot entree will follow, such as poached eggs on toast, oven pancake with seasonal fruit sauce, or smoked salmon egg scramble.

La Bastide strives to create a comfortable, relaxing and memorable experience and the innkeepers are always happy to recommend local restaurants and activities.

We welcome La Bastide to the list of quality inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts and 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.

Oregon Trail

The Historic Oregon Trail turns 175 in 2018.  Time for you to hit the highway, inspire your own pioneer spirit, stand in the actual wagon ruts pioneers left behind, and visit the numerous interpretive sites, monuments and cultural centers along the way.

The Oregon Trail traversed 2,170 miles of what today is Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.  Travel the Oregon National Historic Trail through Oregon, from Idaho, along the Columbia River and around Mt Hood.

There are several trail sights from the Idaho border to Baker City, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center offers living history demonstrations, interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, special events, and more than four miles of interpretive trails.  From the top of Flagstaff Hill you can still see the trail running out across the plains.  Lodging in Baker City, Oregon: Baker City Blue Door

The cemeteries along the route reveal so many Oregon Trail stories: where the emigrants came from, how they lived, and died, as they headed for Oregon and the awaited promises.

The last hurdle for emigrants on the Oregon Trail was the Cascade Range. Early pioneers either had to barge down the treacherous Columbia River, make their home in The Dalles, or travel the Barlow Road through the Cascades along the south side of Mt Hood.  Lodging option on Mt Hood: Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast 

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum reveals the cataclysmic floods that helped shape the Columbia River Gorge. Here also you’ll experience interactive exhibits of the Lewis and Clark expedition, The Oregon Trail and 10,000 years of Native American life in the Gorge.  Lodging: Hood River Bed and Breakfasts

At the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Historic Site in Oregon City, visitors can learn about the journey, discover what it was like to be a pioneer and what life was like for those who reached Oregon Territory.  Lodging options: Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfasts

“On such a journey as this, there is much to interest and amuse one who is fond of picturesque scenery, and of wild life.” – Randolph Marcy, 1859

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.

Willamette Valley Wine Events

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Innkeepers of the Willamette Valley share their choices for Thanksgiving Weekend Willamette Valley Wine Tastings.

One great aspect of the Thanksgiving weekend open houses is the opportunity to visit wineries that are usually only open by appointment.  Add to that the opportunity to Shop Small on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday and Sunday, and you have an adventure that supports the community.  The innkeepers in the Willamette Valley share some of their favorite choices to visit throughout the valley.

Some wineries are participating in the Willamette Cares Food Share in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank Network.  Each winery decides how to participate in raising funds or collecting food for the Food Bank. (https://willamettewines.com/willamette-cares-food-share/). Many wineries have special events the weekend before Thanksgiving, too.

BELLA VIDA VINEYARD (www.bellavida.com/<http://www.bellavida.com/>)  – 9380 NE Worden Hill Road, Dundee | 503-538-9821 Friday-Sunday, 11-5 | Tasting Fee $20 Taste with the owner/farmer, Steven Whiteside: Five estate Pinot noirs from the 2014 vintage crafted by four exceptional winemakers from one location. Wine country bites, logo glass and stunning view from 880′ all included.

BELLS UP WINERY (bellsupwinery.com/) – 27895 NE Bell Road, Newberg | 503-537-1328 Saturday-Sunday, Nov 17-18 and Friday-Sunday, Nov 23-25, 12-4 | Tasting Fee $15 (members free) Herald the holiday season and experience our rarely open, micro-boutique winery. Enjoy a sensory feast of handcrafted, classically-styled Pinot noir and Syrah poured by the winemaker-paired with light fare and spectacular views. Tasting fee waived w/ $75 purchase.

CRISTOM VINEYARDS (www.cristomvineyards.com/<http://www.cristomvineyards.com/> )  – 6905 Spring Valley Road NW, Salem | 503-375-3068 Saturday-Sunday, 11-4; closed Friday | Tasting Fee $20 per person per winery Join Cristom Vineyards as we partner with BETHEL HEIGTS, EVENING LAND, WALTER SCOTT, and LINGUA FRANCA for Thanksgiving Weekend in the Eola-Amity Hills! Cristom will be pouring a five-wine flight with a paired bite for this progressive tasting in the Eola-Amity Hills.

J.L. KIFF VINEYARD (www.jlkiffvineyard.com/<http://www.jlkiffvineyard.com/>)  – 13546 NW Willis Road, McMinnville | 971-237-6745 Saturday-Sunday, Nov 17-18 and Sat-Sun, Nov 24-25, 12-4 Tasting Fee $15 (free with three cans/boxes food donation) Flashback! We’re pouring ’10, ’11 and ’12 Pinots. 2018 barrel samples, too! Great vineyard views, off the beaten path, yet just minutes from McMinnville and Carlton.

LEFT COAST ESTATE (leftcoastwine.com/)  – 4225 N Pacific Highway 99W, Rickreall | 503-831-4916 Friday-Sunday, 12-5 | Tasting Fee: Classic $15, Seated $40 Thanksgiving weekend, we will feature a special tasting flight with holiday deals in the winery and our famous wood-fired pizza in the Cafe. This year we will also host an exclusive culinary experience each day at 1:00 and 3:00. Limited availability; RSVP today.

SOTER VINEYARDS (sotervineyards.com/) – 10880 NE Mineral Springs Road, Carlton | 503-662-5600 Friday-Saturday, 11-4 | Tasting Fee $30 Join us at Mineral Springs Ranch, our 240-acre biodynamic farm and vineyard. You’ll have the chance to taste our current releases, chat with our staff and winemakers, and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, catered by our in-house chef, Alex Daley.

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.