Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

Geotourism is a great way to see the United States. Keith Riggs at the US Department of Agriculture recently posted a really good blog post about touring through Northern California and Southern Oregon on the national Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.  The route runs from Lake Almanor in Northern California to Crater Lake in Southern Oregon, passing through seven national forests along the way.  Riggs writes: 

Along this journey from volcano to volcano you’ll find opportunities for adventure, exploration, communion with nature and an appreciation for the culture and history of the region. You’ll also find residents eager to share the beauty and mystery of this land that is dotted with evidence of an eruptive past.

We'd like to make sure you know about some of the residents along the way--the innkeepers of Southern Oregon bed and breakfasts ready and eager to host you as you explore the volcanic region of Southern Oregon.

You'll find six Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild members in Southern Oregon here on the OBBG website.  Each one is a different lodging experience, but all are inspected and approved members of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

• The Prospect Historic Hotel & Dinner House is the closest bed & breakfast to Crater Lake and offers a full range of meals in the dinner house.  
• Lonesome Duck Ranch and Resort is a close 35 minutes to Crater Lake in the Chiloquin area and offers hiking, flyfishing, birding, or just relaxing on the porch.
• TouVelle House in Jacksonville, Oregon, is the elegantly restored home of Judge Touvelle, complete with bocce court, swimming pool & sauna.
• Just outside of Jacksonville is Bybee's Historic Inn, a classic revival Victorian home on 3.5 acres.

Driving the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is just a taste of the range of Oregon geotourism.  Whether it's Crater Lake lodging you seek or a broader based experience, there's an Oregon B&B waiting for you!

 
Oregon has more designated scenic byways and tour routes than any other state and I'd like to present a few of them in a series of blogs to create amazing getaways and tours in Oregon.  Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information

Cottage Grove is known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon". There are seven bridges along the route, including Dorena Bridge, Stewart Bridge, Mosby Creek Bridge, Currin Bridge, Chambers Railroad Bridge, Centennial Bridge, and Swinging Bridge. Many of these bridges are used for weddings or are near swimming holes


May we suggest starting your backroads experience at the Apple Inn Bed and Breakfast in Cottage Grove, Oregon. An inspected and approved member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild , the Inn peace and quiet on 200+ acres of forest land with walking trails and beautiful landscaping. Comfortable rooms with quality linens, satellite TV, frig, microwave, cozy socks, heated neck wraps and delicious food. Enjoy our great hospitality. In the country yet close to services. Come be pampered!
 

Mt. Jefferson, Oregon's second highest peak, is bordered by dry sagebrush and juniper flats and dense forested corridors.   Harlequin Duck reaches it highest density here and the high mountain lakes host typically east-side species.  You'll find bird-rich riparian zones along major rivers like the Metolius and Deschutes.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild can help you navigate to the bird-rich trails of the Oregon Cascades Birding Trails near Sisters and Bend Oregon.

Get to know our State like a local.  Select a Bed and Breakfast from where to start and end your trip.  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, 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.

On the birding trail again.  This time on the Three Sisters Loop of the Oregon Cascade Birding Trail.  This loop is a bit south of the Mt. Jefferson Loop so you could spend a few days, using an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Inn as your home base to observe the region's birds and spectacular scenery that is the Central Oregon Cascades.

At the heart of the Oregon Cascades lies the Three Sisters Wilderness, named for three 10,000-foot volcanic peaks.  The Three Sisters Loop traverses some of Oregon most stunning scenery with nearly 50 prime birding sites.  Eleven species of Woodpeckers nest the between Santiam and McKenzie Passes.  Hidden lakes and marshes are home to many species, including the yellow headed blackbird and the Western Meadowlark, Oregon's state bird.

The Blue Spruce Bed and Breakfast, in Sisters, Oregon, would be an ideal spot to start your birding adventure.  Located in Sisters, Oregon, close to shopping and dining the Blue Spruce was built expressly as a bed and breakfast in a two-story farmhouse design and has all the ambiance of Sisters and the rustic area surrounding it.   

May we also recommend Long Hollow Ranch, just minutes from downtown Sisters?  This working cattle ranch offers at home atmosphere with quiet and comfortable guest rooms.  Guests of Long Hollow Ranch can schedule a trail ride, with a horse suitable to their size and riding skills.  What better way to explore the mixed conifer forests, high desert rim rocks and diverse birding habitats?

We will continue to write blogs with insight to the many options for bird watching in Oregon.  If you want to see them all, type "birding" in the search box on the right.  The spring migration is about to begin, the festivals are being planned.  For the very best lodging in Oregon choose an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inn, grab your binoculars and discover nearly 500 species of birds in spectacular landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to verdant forests, from desert playas to alpine meadows.

"The northern coast of Oregon stretches from the mouth of the historic Columbia River south to fog-shrouded Cascade Head, an area of broad tidal estuaries and rugged headlands that flank stretches of sandy beaches."  This from the North Coast map of the Oregon Coast Birding Trail   From Astoria, to Seaside, the town of Tillamook, to Lincoln City.  Close to 375 species of birds have been recorded on the Northern Oregon Coast and quite a few Oregon Bed and Breakfasts are awaiting your arrival.

Start your Oregon coast adventure at an Astoria Bed and Breakfast overlooking the mighty Columbia River.  The Rose River Inn has five well appointed guests rooms and is a short three blocks to the Historical Downtown and minutes from the floodplains and open wetlands of the lower Columbia River ecosystem.

The Necanicum Estuary is one of the best sites on the north coast to watch shorebirds during migration and the 10th Avenue Inn is the perfect Seaside Oregon Bed and Breakfast when birding here.  For a short drive to the tidal estuary and active sand dunes or a even shorter walk to the beach, choose the 10th Avenue Inn with its three guests rooms and all the amenities.

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway winds through flooded pasture, river frontage and estuaries surrounding Tillamook Bay.  Estuaries, bays, plentiful river systems, coastal rainforests and an extensive watershed ecosystem offers unmatched bird watching opportunities. 

Pana-Sea-Ah B&B, near Lincoln City, has four uniquely decorated guests rooms featuring panoramic ocean views and is steps from the Pacific Ocean!  Also near Lincoln City is the Cascade Head Nature Preserve where spectacular sitka spruce forests end with views of the Salmon River Estuary.  Roosevelt elk graze the open grasslands that are habitat for the endangered Oregon Silverspot Butterfly.  

We've mentioned only three of the Oregon Bed and Breakfasts between Astoria and Lincoln City.  Take your pick, grab your binoculars and be prepared to be dazzled by the abundance of wildlife and spectacular scenery on the Oregon Coast.

Get to know our State like a local.  Select a Bed and Breakfast from where to start and end your trip.  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, 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 Willamette Valley, Oregon's largest AVA (American Vitaculture Area), stretches 150 miles from Portland, Oregon. to south of Salem and consists of six sub-appellations.  200 wineries and 10,000 acres of quality Oregon wine grapes.  The rich, diverse soil and relatively mild climate make for ideal grape growing conditions.  All this combined with warm summer days and cool nights allows the wine grapes to develop their flavor and complexity.

Being "stewards of the land", a large percentage of Oregon's winemakers are certified as sustainable, organic, or biodynamic.  Sustainability is both a priority and lifestyle even for those not certified.

The Willamette Valley region there has numerous Oregon Bed and Breakfast inns, unique amongst themselves yet each providing the consistent high standards of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Oregon Wine Country Lodging is a place where visitors can visit the wineries and find great shopping, fine dining and lively art communities.  During the summer months roadside farm stands and farmers markets appear all through the Valley.  Other outdoor adventures include birdwatching, hiking, and nearly 40 public golf courses!  

Get to know our State like a local.  Select a Bed and Breakfast from where to start and end your trip.  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, 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.

Visit the Willamette Valley in Oregon and experience fine Oregon Wine Country Lodging at the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Salut!

March brings the beginning of the southward movement of many migratory land birds through Oregon and as an avid birder I wanted to share the many birding opportunities that can be found in throughout our state.  The Oregon Cascade Birding Trail (OCBT) is a self-guided auto tour highlighting nearly 200 prime birding destinations designed to showcase the region's birds and spectacular scenery.  This blog will focus on the Mt Hood Loop of the Oregon Cascade Birding Trail.  Let's get settled first before we begin our birding adventure.

There are Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns all along the OCBT where you can begin your trek with a belly full of a hearty breakfast and a brain full of local knowledge.

Check into the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast with magnificent views of Mt. Hood.  Pick the brain of the innkeeper who always has the binoculars ready to view the birds at the backyard feedes.  Located between the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood whose gardens have been recognized as a National Wildlife Backyard Habitat

The Mt. Hood Loop of the OCBT rises from the Columbia River to Mt. Hood, the highest point in Oregon, and combines some of the best of the region's birding with legendary Oregon scenery.  This loop traverses the Columbia River National Scenic Area and the Mt. Hood National Forest and visits 19 birding sites.

Lewis and Clark traveled the Columbia Gorge corridor.  The Lewis' Woodpecker, Clark's Nutcracker and Clark's Grebe were named in their honor.  Many species of waterfowl and raptors including the Bald Eagle inhabit the river and further up the mountain you'll observe woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and so many more.

One of my favorite hikes, and I have many, is the Tamanawas Falls trail.  The falls are amazing at 100 feet high and 40 feet wide.  The trailhead footbridge is the midpoint of a 8-mile stretch of the East Fork of the Hood Riverhosting nesting Harlequin Ducks.  A riparian habitat and mature mixed-conifer forest surrounds the trail to the falls.

After you've explored the trails on the north side of Mt. Hood head on around to the south and western flanks where the Sandy and Zig Zag Rivers lead you past Trillium Lake and through Wildwood Recreation Area home to the elusive Pileated Woodpecker.

Bring out the hiking boots and binoculars, pack your bags. Get to know our State like a local.  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, 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.

"Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.  Geocaching.com is the headquarters for the activity"  On this site you can read the history of Geocaching.

* On May 2, 2000, at approximately midnight, eastern savings time, the great blue switch* controlling selective availability was pressed. Twenty-four satellites around the globe processed their new orders, and instantly the accuracy of GPS technology improved tenfold. Tens of thousands of GPS receivers around the world had an instant upgrade. Now, anyone could "precisely pinpoint their location or the location of items (such as game) left behind for later recovery." How right they were.

* On May 3 a GPS enthusiast, Dave Ulmer, computer consultant, wanted to test the accuracy by hiding a navigational target in the woods. He called the idea the "Great American GPS Stash Hunt" and posted it in an internet GPS users' group. The idea was simple: Hide a container out in the woods and note the coordinates with a GPS unit.  On May 3rd he placed his own container, a black bucket, in the woods near Beavercreek, Oregon, near Portland.

* Within three days, two different readers read about his stash on the Internet, used their own GPS receivers to find the container, and shared their experiences online.  Like many new and innovative ideas on the Internet, the concept spread quickly - but this one required leaving your computer to participate.

* Within the first month, Mike Teague, the first person to find Ulmer's stash, began gathering the online posts of coordinates around the world and documenting them on his personal home page. The "GPS Stash Hunt" mailing list was created to discuss the emerging activity.

* Geocaching.com was released to the stash-hunting community on September 2, 2000. At the time the site was launched there were 75 known caches in the world.  There are now over 1.5 million caches around the world, in only 12 years.'

This is certainly the condensed version.  Visit Geocaching.com history for the full story.  I checked to see if the Original Cache was still available, but alas, it has been archived and the Un-Original Stash placed in it's honor.  The links will take you to their listing on Geocaching.com but if you are not logged in I'm not sure if you will be able to view.  

Geocaching is Eco Friendly Travel at it's best .  Get to know Oregon like a local from the locals, the 100+ hosts of our member inns located in all of Oregon's 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, for a World Class City experience, a geocaching adventure 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

Social media.  One either likes it or they don't.  We of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild actually love it.  Today's travelers' are web savvy travelers' who use many different social media sites to make wise travel choices.  Social media listings direct you to us and then our innkeepers take over to make your lodging choice the perfect choice for your Oregon vacation.

The Oregon B&B Guild website ~ new and improved with loads of information, serving as a 'one stop shopping' website:  

• Visit the Target Market page to begin your search for an inn that will fulfill your interests, birding, hiking, biking, wine tasting, historic destinations, etc.
• Weddings and Retreats - many of our innkeepers will host weddings and retreats
• Culinary Tourism - for our food loving guests, that would be all of you! 
• Browse by region, specials, amenities
• Each inn has direct links to their personal on-line reservation systems.  There is also an availability calendar for all regions
• Purchase Lodging Gift Vouchers which are redeemable at all our member inns
• Each inn has a direct link to their on-line reviews.  TripAdvisor, Yelp, BedandBreakfast.com and iLoveInns.  Review before you reserve.

This Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Blog.  An amazing social media tool.  We post about happenings and events all across Oregon and the lodging options close by.  Search the blog for posts on winery events, bird watching sites, farmers markets and oh, so much more!

facebook - join almost 2000 fans that 'like' the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  You'll get live updates on specials, events, and state wide happenings. 

twitter - follow us on twitter @oregonbbguild and @ORinnquire for short timely Q&A with innkeepers.  We live here.  We know Oregon like the back of our hands and would love to help you create a memorable visit at our inns and in our regions

Flickr - where our innkeepers have uploaded photos of their inns, events, and scenic shots of Oregon

Pinterest - photos and more photos!  Of our inns, our innkeepers, our food, and of course our Oregon.

There are over 400 bed and breakfasts in Oregon but only ours are inspected and approved by the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, making them a exceptional lodging choice for your perfect vacation.  Thank you for choosing one, or more, of our member inns as a lodging option on your next Oregon vacation.  You'll be glad you did.

Our innkeepers are so very talented and creative.  Not only do they provide unique bed and breakfast accommodations, delightful breakfasts and all the amenities to present a unique lodging experience, we also spend time exploring our regions so as to have the very best local information for our guests.  Where to watch the best sunset, see a magnificent waterfall, the best stroll on the beach or hike in our forest.  We've been here and done that!  That's what makes staying at a member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild the perfect getaway.  Whether it be only for a night or an extended weekend.  

This video was created by Diane Emineth, Innkeeper of the Sandlake Country Inn, to be shared with her guests and with her permission, to all of you.  Located just 10 minutes north of Pacific City, is this secret hideaway nestled on the scenic Oregon coast. The historic farmhouse built from shipwrecked bridge timbers in 1894, is located in a country setting approximately 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean coastline.

Enjoy the video and thanks, Diane.
 

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild on the Oregon Coast are ready to assist you in planning your getaway.  Any time of year is a beautiful time to visit the Coast.

Historic Columbia River Highway

Traversing between Hood River and Mosier, the five mile section of the Historic Columbia River Highway passes through the Twin Tunnels and two climate zones and being closed to auto traffic is an amazing trail for hikers, bikers, rollerbladers, anyone human powered. Starting at the east Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead near Mosier, the trail leads through semi-arid terrain dotted with ponderosa pine for about a mile until you reach the Twin Tunnels. Spectacular geologic formations tell the story of the gorge's creation.

After passing through the tunnels, you'll emerge into a forest of fir trees and other common western Oregon plants and stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.  Viewpoints along the 3.5 mile segment from the tunnels to the west Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead overlook the river.  Consider a stay at an inspected and approved B&B in the Mt Hood and The Columbia River Gorge Region, just minutes from the Historic Mosier Tunnels 

Get to know Oregon like a local from the locals, the 100+ hosts of our member inns located in all of Oregon's 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, 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.

Guest Blogger Barb Mitchell
Feller House Bed and Breakfast
Aurora, Oregon

When you think Willamette Valley Oregon, the first thing that comes to mind are the acres and acres of wine grapes, the wineries and the Oregon Wine Country.  But did you know that the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm has over 40 acres of Tulips, Daffodils and other cut flowers in full bloom from now through April?  And 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.

'Spring is here and a beautiful time to plan a trip to the Willamette Valley.

Plan to come and enjoy the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival , which opens on March 30th and runs through April 30th.  Enjoy over 40 acres of tulips and daffodils along with variety of activities each day and special events on the weekends.  Activities and  events are planned for all ages.

Order your bulbs for fall planting, buy cut flowers, visit the gift shop and even enjoy  good food while you’re there.

http://www.woodenshoe.com/tulip-fest/'

Every time another storm comes through the Columbia River Gorge and into the Mt Hood National Forest we say, "This has got to be the last one".  And then comes another.  Seems like Winter and Spring are playing a bit of tug-a-war and we are hoping winter holds on a bit longer.  
  
The ski resort on Oregon's tallest peak, Mt Hood, have received about 15 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours.  All this is making for some awesome spring conditions on Mt Hood and in the Mt Hood National Forest. Take advantage of these longer, warmer days of Winter and the substantial snow pack to explore the back-country side of Mt. Hood, just minutes from Hood River Oregon and the member inns there of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  No Sno-Park passes needed after April 15 and you'll find no crowds, the trails less traveled, great spring snow adventures and an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Inn.  What more do you need?

This is an exciting opportunity to sample the best that the Columbia Gorge  Winegrowers have to offer.  Passport holders will be entitled to a variety of benefits, including special reserve tastings, wine discounts, case discounts and more.

"Nestled within and just beyond the stunning beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area sits a wine region like not other.  Tour our wineries, relax in our casual tasting rooms and discover A World of Wine in 40 Miles."

Passports are still available for $15 and  can be purchased on-line, at Gorge area wineries, and at select Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inns.

The Columbia Gorge Winegrowers and our Hood River Oregon Innkeepers ask you to taste responsibly and please, "Do not Drink and Drive".  Instead contact Martin's Gorge Tours and book your Passport To Wine winery tour. 

Guest blogger Vikki Lynn from Bybee's Historic Inn at Jacksonville, Oregon, sends in the following announcement about the Britt Festival, an annual music event in Jacksonville:

The stars are out for Britt 2013!

Britt has launched this year's lineup! As always, you can expect their signature mix of classical, blues, rock, pop, country and more. You'll enjoy great performers that are new to the Britt stage like Cyndi Lauper, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Scotty McCreery, Tegan & Sar and the Steve Miller Band, as well as some returning favorites such as Pink Martini, Martina McBride, John Hiatt, The Doobie Brothers, Ziggy Marley and much more! Check out the full lineup at www.brittfest.org/performances.

Britt members may purchase tickets beginning next Thursday, April 11, 2013. Nonmembers can still make a membership contribution online and be part of the presale!

General public sales start Thursday, May 16. Get ready for yet another season of concerts under the stars in Jacksonville!

Vikki Lynn notes, "Britt Festivals is an open air amphitheater here in Jacksonville.  Bybee's Historic Inn provides free shuttles (to and from) for our guests to the VIP gate.  Most of the month of August is a classical orchestra made up of musicians from all over the United States and June, July and September are a mix of genre from pop, blues, country and more." 

In the Hood River Valley 15,000+ acres pears, apples, cherries and other fruit, will burst into blossom this month.  It is a true sign of sping as we dust the snow off our back steps. 

Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of spring with a full plate of events from BBQs, to arts and craft shows, to antique sales. 

You won't want to miss the Blossom Fest Quilt Show with some 80-100 beautiful handmade quilts will be on display, many for sale.  Another can't miss event is the Dessert Party at the Apple Valley Country Store.  A variety of desserts, jams and jellies, all made with fresh local fruit, will be available.

Start your day at one of the many Oregon Bed and Breakfasts near Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge with a breakfast prepared from fresh local products.  Ginger baked pears, fresh Blueberry Scones, Apple Quiche, we're talking Northwest Culinary breakfasts!

With Nine Unique Inns in OBBG's Mt Hood Region to choose from this will only be one of the hard choices you'll face on a weekend of events for all the senses.

Take the scenic 35 mile Fruit Loop through the valley's orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities.

Just want to sit back and relax?  The Mt Hood Railroad travels through thousands of acres of orchards in blossom and has a layover in Parkdale and the Art and Music Festival.  Enjoy live music and art in the park while taking in stunning views of Mt. Hood.

Visit us in the Hood River Valley at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn and prove to yourself that spring has definitely arrived!!

Guest blogger Karen Wickman, owner of the Prospect Historic Hotel, lodging near Crater Lake, Oregon, wants you to know!  She writes:

Prospect is a sleepy little town on the side of the road off of Highway 62 in Southern Oregon. It’s right on the way to Crater Lake National Park and is nestled in the middle of the Rogue River National Forest.  It is surrounded by astonishing natural wonders that you would never know were there if you didn’t do a little exploring. Within a half a mile of the Prospect Historic Hotel Bed and Breakfast Inn, you can find yourself in a pristine medieval forest cut through by the Rogue River and riddled with streams, waterfalls and mysterious trails to follow.

This image of me at the Avenue of Boulders gives you an idea of the wonderful hiking destinations that are close by.  Fred (my doting husband and fellow innkeeper) and I have wonderful free hand drawn maps to assist you on your explorations.

When you’ve explored enough to work up an appetite, you can walk back up the trail to our National Register of Historic Places-listed hotel and step back into time to an authentic Oregon Victorian-styled Dinner House. There, you will enjoy some of the finest food you will find anywhere on your travels. Pair your meal with a local Southern Oregon wine or microbrew to complete a wonderful day.

When you wake up in the morning, you’ll think it was all a dream. But you can go back out again and continue exploring for days and still not see the same thing twice. You’ll never forget where to find the Prospect Hotel.

Karen and Fred Wickman know about Oregon geotourism.  Crater Lake National Park is a popular destination in Southern Oregon, but there's more than just the lake to visit.  Make the Prospect Historic Hotel your home base for exploring the best eco friendly travel that Southern Oregon can offer.  Thanks, Karen!

The Old Parkdale Inn is are located in the beautiful Hood River Valley.  After a rejuvenating night at the inn and a hearty Northwest breakfast you'll be ready to head up to Mt Hood Meadows for awesome spring skiing conditions.  Or perhaps some cross country or snowshoeing in the morning before the sun warms the snow?  Come back to the inn, grab a bite of lunch, change gear, then head on down to the Gorge as the afternoon winds pick up for some ideal windsurfing conditions on the Columbia River.

Or bring your bikes for a grand afternoon bike tour along the Fruit Loop.  The combination of sports is certainly flexible and we are sure you can have it all!!  Get to know Oregon like a local from the locals, the 100+ hosts of our member inns located in all of Oregon's 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, 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.

Roselyn from the R. R. Thompson House in Carlton, Oregon, writes about what you can can do for Spring Break in the Oregon Wine Country:

Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark in nearby McMinnville will be open every day during Spring Break and Easter period -- the last week of March and the first week of April.  The educational waterpark includes ten waterslides and a wave pool.  In addition, a children’s museum is dedicated to teaching students about the power of water.  The building housing the waterpark is topped by a Boeing 747 aircraft.  Here's a video of the huge plane being hoisted to the top of the building:

The waterpark includes ten different waterslides for everyone's taste. In addition to just plain fun, the waterpark teaches youngsters about the wonder of science and the power of water through interactive exhibits and learning tools.  Here's a video of one of the waterslides:  

Wings and Waves is part of the impressive Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum complex, a jewel in Yamhill County.  This is an attraction visitors to the north Willamette Valley will not want to miss.

The waterpark meets all ADA guidelines, according to the Evergreen website.

After the Spring Break and Easter periods, the park will be open Thursday through Sunday until June when it will again be open daily.  Please check the website for days and times of operation before your visit.

Thanks, Roselyn, for sharing things to do near your bed and breakfast!