Authentic Oregon

FARM to FORK is a "traveling farm-to-table restaurant, local food fundraiser, and community celebration rolled into one! Our unique FARM to FORK dinners are designed to reconnect people to the source of their food, and to honor the talented farmers, food artisans, winemakers, and chefs that contribute to the growing culinary reputation and local food community of Southern Oregon"

Scheduling for the 2012 FARM to FORK events scheduled have begun and the promoters of this event invite you to "meet the farmers, tour the farms, and experience a remarkable artisan meal in the company of friends, neighbors, and fellow supporters of our local food and wine community. Proceeds from the dinners will be contributed directly to local farmers, wineries and organizations that support small farms, food security, and greater accessibility to healthy, local food."

We hope you can make one or more of the FARM to FORK dinners and we encourage you to make your reserve your seat early as these events will surely sell out as will most events happening in Ashland, Oregon.  And the beds of Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns fill up even quicker!

Looking for a dude ranch vacation?  Look no further.  These working cattle ranches, members of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, provide horseback vacations, cattle drives, and fly fishing vacations.   After a day in the saddle the friendly ranch style atmosphere, the cozy guest rooms and home cooked meals will satisfy and refresh hungry, tired guests.

Howdy!  Welcome to the Long Hollow Ranch
Long Hollow Ranch is a guest ranch with good old fashion values. The newly remodeled 100-year old ranch house welcomes you to historic Central Oregon.  Explore the ranch on horseback or hike the bordering high desert rimrock. Fish to your heart's content in the ranch reservoirs or spend a relaxing afternoon reading on the veranda, pitching horseshoes in the yard by the campfire or practicing your roping skills

Long Hollow Ranch is located in the heart of one of the Northwest's most scenic recreation areas, just a stones throw from Bend, Oregon.  Golf courses manicured to perfection abound, whitewater rafting awaits the adventurous.  Roaming the antique and quilt stores of Sisters, a true town from the Old West just minutes away, revives the spirit.

Welcome, Partner, to Wilson Ranches Retreat
Your hosts, Phil and Nancy Wilson, are fifth generation Oregonians, whose families homesteaded in Wheeler and Gilliam Counties over 100 years ago.  A 9,000 acre working cattle and dude ranch takes you off the beaten track to a rustic hideout, located in the beautiful Butte Creek Valley three miles West of Fossil, Oregon off Highway 19. This incredible, secluded scenic Oregon Lodging Ranch with spectacular sunsets and brilliant star-studded nights will captivate you. 

Enjoy horseback riding in a geologically and historically rich area with a magnificent view of the Cascade Mountain Range or a quiet hike to view the wildlife and diverse flora and fauna on Wilson Ranches Dude Ranch. Wheeler County is home of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and has the richest find of prehistoric fossils in the world.

What are you waiting for?
Work with ranch hands on authentic ranch activities from fixing fence to moving irrigation to working with cattle.  These ranch adventures of a lifetime are just a click away and will take you on the ultimate Oregon Geotourism adventure a serve up great Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild hospitality.  Happy Trails!!

Wilson Ranches Retreat is Celebrating 12 Years and 4 Generations

Wilson Ranches Retreat Bed & Breakfast celebrated their 12th Anniversary on March 12, 2012.  Thank you for twelve years of extraordinary memories and for being an amazing extended family!  They've created an amazing Oregon Geotourism adventure in Central Oregon.

Your hosts, Phil and Nancy Wilson's families homesteaded in Wheeler and Gilliam Counties over 100 years ago after traveling the Oregon Trail in the 1800's.  Four generations, from 6 to 98, participate in the daily ranch operations.  Grandpa Morris and Grandma Viola are frequently driving their Chevy S10 to flag for cattel drives and join the picnics at branding.  Calving season is in full swing with the first having been born February 4th.  This is Phil's favorite time of year watching 'new lives' begin and the hill turning green.

Although the ranch has been running for over 100 years the Wilson's opened the farmhouse to B&B guests 12 years ago.  Breakfast with the Wilson’s is about much more than just good food and nourishment, it is truly a unique dining experience.   Phil and Nancy sit down with the guests and share about ranch life, local history, and the funny and serious sides of rural living. Whatever the topic at the breakfast table, expect the conversation to be intelligent, informed and often humorous. You are likely to have a large helping of fun and laughter with Phil’s stories

Let your inner Cowboy or Cowgirl out!  Visit Wilson Ranches Retreat for an authentic Ranch experience.  Not the riding type?  Not a problem.  Sit under the cottonwoods, sipping lemonade while the rest of your party is out 'working'! But you might want to join in. There may be an inner cowhand you've never even met!

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.

As usual, the innkeepers of Bybee's Historic Inn just outside of Jacksonville in Southern Oregon are planning something guaranteed to pique your interest.

February is the month of Love and Fun!

Join us for a weekend of chocolate! Our Chocolate Lovers Getaway weekend February 10th through the 12th includes a two night stay (second night 1/2 off) and a chocolate lovers dinner on February 11th.   Upon arrival you will be indulged with champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries in your room.  The two night lodging and dinner is offered at great package price of $282.50 to $340.00 depending on the room choice.

February 20th is Mardi Gras night at Bybee's Historic Inn.  We will celebrate the the traditions of Mardi Gras with a New Orleans Style dinner and festive atmosphere.  We encourage costumes, masks, and the official Mardi Gras colors of Purple, Green and Gold!  Lodging with dinner package is $190.00 to $235.00 depending on room choice.

Both dinners are catered by Chef William Prahl and each dinner course will be paired with wine or Dry Soda.

We hope to see you!

Bybee's Historic Inn appreciates Oregon Slow Food and often hosts wine pairing dinners at their authentic Oregon property.  Take advantage of their February special events and happy eating!

Enjoy local historic characters that 'come alive' sharing their lives as it was in the 1800's while being captivated by a demonstration of how whiskey was made in a log still.

 When:     Monday January 16th  

                 6:30 - 10:00 pm

 Cost:        $55.00 per person for dinner and wine

                 $45.00 per person for dinner and Dry Soda

 How:       541-899-0106

LODGING & DINNER:      Luxurious room, dinner and gourmet breakfast for two.  $210.00 - 235.00 (depending on room choice).  To help us preserve the integrity of our vintage wood floors we ask that you please do not wear "high heels"on the porches or inside the home. Thank You!  

 Please check our website for more information. www.bybeeshistoricinn.com

The latest word from Vikki at Bybee's Historic Inn is complimentary transportation to/from the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, OR!  Join Vikki and Tina Marie at their authentic Oregon bed and breakfast for a night or two, or a week, while attending the Britt Festival!

Vikki writes:  The Classical Festival at the Britt has started and will continue through the month of August. 

Founded in 1963, the Britt Classical Festival features a professional orchestra of 90 musicians who come from all over the United States for a three-week stay in Southern Oregon. Internationally renowned guest artists such as Emanuel Ax, Pinchas Zukerman, Midori, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Christopher Parkening, Lynn Harrell, Samuel Ramey and Frederica von Stade join the orchestra each August to present a series of extraordinary concerts under a canopy of stars.
 
Prior to each concert, there are informal pre-concert conversations, in the lower garden area at 7 p.m. for those who want to learn a little more about the music and composers. The talks are hosted by Jefferson Public Radio, and often feature conversations with the guest artists, giving the listener a little added insight for in the concert.

Some evenings feature additional special events on the Britt hill such as a catered champagne picnic accompanied by live music.

Please check out the lineup at the Britt website  http://www.brittfest.org/performances  . There is nothing sweeter than classical music under the stars and the August weather is perfect for an evening outdoors.  As a guest of Bybee’s Historic Inn, we provide a free VIP shuttle to and from the Britt.

Ready for another authentic Oregon experience?  Learn the history of Jacksonville's Pioneer Cemetery, Section by Section, on a guided tour through this beautiful 150 year old treasure. On the Second Saturday of each month a different Section will be toured and discussed with background information on the religious or fraternal orders that make up the various Sections of the cemetery.  Meet some of the more interesting and colorful Pioneers who rest under the Madrones and hear about the contributions they made to the community.  Learn about Victorian Mourning Customs and cemetery symbolism as well as the different styles of headstones and monuments.

This type of tour may not be suitable for the very young.

Advance registration is not required.  Meet your Guides at the Sexton's Tool House, top of the cemetery road near the flag pole. Dress for the weather and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. 

After touring the cemetery come back to Bybee’s Historic Inn for a glass of wine while relaxing under the majestic trees or on one of the porches or patios of this 154 year old historic home.  There's a subtle, romantic side to visiting an historic cemetery.  Combine that with a stay at an historic Oregon bed and breakfast and you have the making for romantic weekend getaways.

A suggested donation of $5 goes to restoration and preservation projects in the cemetery. 

Wheelchair accessible by arrangement

For more information, call 541 826-9939 or email info@friendsjvillecemetery.org

• Eastern Oregon lodging:
  • 1910 Historic Enterprise House (valid February 1 to May 1)
• Oregon Coast lodging:
  • Brey House Ocean View B&B Inn in Lincoln City (not on Saturdays in July or August);
  • Lake House Bed and Breakfast in Otis (valid for Lakeside Room or Lakeside Suite on Sunday - Thursday, Oct 1 to April 30)
• Oregon Wine Country lodging:
  • Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast in Newberg (valid November 1 to April 30 except Thanksgiving weekend);
  • Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast in Yamhill (valid June - November Monday-Wednesday only or December - May anytime, special events and holidays excluded)
• Willamette Valley lodging:
  • C'est la Vie Inn in Eugene (valid Sunday to Thursday during 12/4/2011 to 4/26/2012 or 12/2/2012 to 4/25/2013);
  • McKenzie River Inn B&B and Cabins (valid September 1 to June 1)

When vacationing it’s nice not to have every single moment of your itinerary planned so you can enjoy some down time and truly relax.  At TouVelle House Bed & Breakfast in Jacksonville, Oregon, we know that and have created a wonderful retreat with lots of areas where guests can just “set a spell”.  This year we added a bocce court for another outdoor recreation option.  Bocce is an Italian bowling game with aspects of croquet and horse shoes that can be enjoyed regardless of your level of experience.  It is a great way to relax and enjoy the company of your traveling companion(s).

The court is surrounded by the spectacular front garden where the day lilies are ablaze.  For your comfort while playing, Tim’s father made handcrafted benches based on an antique we found several years ago.  The benches are comprised of two seats with a table in between which is a convenient spot to rest your beverage.  You might have trouble deciding where to relax - between the swimming pool loungers and hammock, rockers on the front porch, Adirondack chairs by the pond, and bouncy lawn chairs in the gazebo--there are so many places to enjoy a book, work on your tan, or just sit still in the shade and watch the world go by.

TouVelle House B&B is located in the National Historic Landmark town of Jacksonville in Southern Oregon and is just two blocks from all of the shopping and dining options and only 4 blocks from the fabulous Britt Festival – a summer long outdoor music festival featuring internationally known artists from all genres with a classical festival in August.

submitted by
Tim Balfour, Proprietor
TouVelle House Bed and Breakfast
Jacksonville, Oregon
Reservations: +1 (541) 899-8938

The Prospect Historic Hotel B&B Inn - Motel and Dinner House along with Bybee’s Historic Inn will be card stops for the Poker Run on Friday June 17^th.

For over a quarter century the Medford Cruise has been all about automobiles, good times and good people. The Poker Run is a great opportunity to join in the fun, cruise with classic cars and win some great prizes. Approximately 90 cars will be participating in the run and the poker game. All of the proceeds benefit local youth organizations.

Both of these authentic Oregon Nationally Registered Historic Inns will be open for tours and a chance to stretch your legs on their magnificent grounds. Refreshments will be provided by each of the Inns.

            William M. Bybee, a prominent figure in the development of Jacksonville and the surrounding area built the Bybee House circa 1857. Now run by innkeepers Vikki Lynn and Tina Marie, the six-guestroom house has been restored to all of its original elegance and is known as Bybee's Historic Inn.  The Inn hosts a ‘Historic Characters’ Dinner on the third Friday of each month. (This is happening after the Poker Run)

            Albion Boothby built the Prospect Hotel (originally called the Boothby House) circa 1888, as a stop over for visitors to Crater Lake. Known as the Prospect Historic Hotel and Dinner House, Karen and Fred Wickman have enhanced the traditions set by the Boothbys in providing an elegant yet relaxing stay along with hearty meals, both for breakfast and one of their fantastic dinners. The Signature Prime Rib has been called “The Best in Southern Oregon” and is one of the Northwest culinary delights of Southern Oregon.

            The Medford Cruise Poker Run Cars will start showing up at the Prospect Historic Hotel around 10:30 to 11am on Friday June 17th and come by Bybee’s Historic Inn around 12:00 to 12:30pm.

            If you wish to see a lot of really great classic cars, stop by either Inn on Friday and ENJOY the VIEWING!

The May 2011 issue of Sunset Magazine features the "Top 50 Hotels Under $150" for travelers seeking room for a weekend night where the Sunset staff would really want to be.

From the article:

So we set out to find rooms—weekend rooms—for under $150 per night*. Call us cheap, but for that price we also want our own bathroom, no bedbugs, and rooms, or at the very least lobbies, with a dash of personality. And each one of these hotels is in a place we really want to go. (*All hotels have an under-$150 rate for at least 1 weekend through late spring and summer. Rates do not include tax.) What follows is our list of the best.

24. Chehalem Ridge B&B, Newberg, OR. With a view that it shares only with the hawks, this modern cottage has 4 cozy but unfancy rooms within striking distance of dozens and dozens of Willamette Valley wineries. Breakfast is a multicourse affair that on nice days is served out on the deck. $140; chehalemridge.com   

Innkeeper Kristin Fintel's comment:  "The rumors are true! Sunset Magazine Loves Us! We are listed as #24 of the West's best hotel deals. I might quibble with the word un-fancy (is "doily-free so hard to type?), but we appreciate the love non the less."

And Chehalem Ridge B&B is only one of ten properties that Sunset selected in the Northwest!  Kudos to Kristin & Curt!

What the Sunset staff didn't tell you is Kristin is well-versed in the kitchen, creating a variety of breakfast meals that suit individuals who are gluten-free or avoid eating such common foods as eggs, dairy, soy, corn, nuts, or even sugar.  Or course, if you're not food sensitive, her breakfast cuisine features the best the Northwest can offer.  And, the price of breakfast is included with your room.  Will you find that level of service in most hotels?

If you're looking for a Northwest culinary experience at an authentic Oregon bed and breakfast, look no further than Chehalem Ridge B&B in Newberg.  And maybe you'll see the Sunset staffers enjoying the view.

Now here's a nice little first hand travelogue about Jacksonville Oregon.  Kat of Katty's Cosy Cove took the time to write about her recent visit to Jacksonville in Southern Oregon.  I think it was the title, "A French Inspiration in Jacksonville Oregon" that caught my eye.  But what's thrilling are all of her wonderful photos!

Unfortunately her images won't come across to this blog post, but it's worth clicking through and visiting her blog.  Kat spent time in A French BouTEAque, a lovely little shop in historic Jacksonville and her blog is full of lovely photos of the French-inspired items inside.  Then she moved down the street to Pickety Place and shares images of the antiques and country accents inside.

Historic Jacksonville Oregon is full of wonderful little surprises like these.  If you're planning a trip there, consider doing it up in style and stay at an inspected Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild inn.   You'll find two members in Jacksonville:

TouVelle House Bed & Breakfast features 6 guestrooms with private baths, air conditioning and free WiFi and is walking distance to historic downtown Jacksonville.  The inn's decor is sumptuous American and European Arts & Crafts style.

Bybee's Historic Inn is located about a mile outside of Jacksonville and features 6 guestrooms with private baths, air conditioning, fireplaces, and free WiFi.  If you'd like to experience a Victorian themed inn, Bybee's is for you.