Authentic Oregon

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!

Here's a special you won't want to miss in the Oregon Wine Country!  

Roselyn, innkeeper of the R. R. Thompson House in Carlton, invites you to enjoy a Spring Break Special.  For the rest of March 2013 and through the month of April 2013 only, you can:

• book one night and get the second night half off;
• book two nights and get the third night free! 

Please call the inn directly to reserve this special rate: (503) 852-6236  

Spring is a special time to visit the Willamette Valley.  The daffodils are in bloom and soon many flowering trees will be at the peak of beauty. 

The R. R. Thompson House is walking distance to nearly 20 wine tasting rooms and a short driving distance to many world-class wineries found in the Oregon Wine Country.  Located only 40 miles from Portland, Oregon, and 60 miles from the Oregon Coast, this inn makes a perfect central location for your Spring Break getaway.

And you'll stay in luxury.  Although the house was originally constructed in 1936, today this authentic Oregon home boasts two spacious suites and three intimate guestrooms, each appointed with marble tiled baths and jetted tubs and either a king or queen-sized pillow top mattress and crisp, luxury linens.

Hungry yet?  Make your Spring Break a culinary vacation too.  The R. R. Thompson House features a bountiful breakfast with specialties like Brie omlettes and house-baked pastries.  You can read more about this wonderful inn from a previous blog post here.

Visit the R. R. Thompson House soon and "like" them on Facebook too!

Here at the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild we encourage guests who've stayed with any of our member inns to tell us their story.  You can do that by visiting our blog and clicking on the "Stayed at an OBBG member inn?" button on the right side of the blog page.  

What do we do for you? Remove your personal information from your blog post, but keep it so we can enter you in a drawing for $100 of OBBG lodging gift vouchers.  Tell everyone what you did--go for a bike ride?  Birdwatching?  Geocaching? A great dinner downtown?  

We know our inspected and approved member inns are great.  We want to know what YOU did while you were there.  Give us your authentic Oregon experience and we'll share it for others to plan their getaway vacations.

Here's a post from inn guests Barry & Kaye:

Another enjoyable stay at Bybee’s, our 6th visit. You’ll step back in history at this historic inn dating to 1857. It the perfect place to relax and get off the beaten track, while being a short distance to downtown Jacksonville. Charming Hostesses Tina Marie and Vikki Lynn make you feel very welcome and you’ll love the whole place. Tina’s gourmet breakfasts and other treats (the cookies are great!) are superb. You’ll surely come back again and again after your first visit!

Ah, the fall in Southern Oregon!  Vikki, innkeeper at Bybee's Historic Inn, a romantic bed and breakfast in Jacksonville, has a few tips about things to see and do in Jacksonville.  

What better way to enjoy autumn than visiting Historic Jacksonville? The town gardens are still brimming with flowers while the cool nights begin to tint the trees with color. The trolley is still touring about and our quaint streets beckon you to wander through town admiring our historic buildings. The Woodlands trails offer you the opportunity to crunch leaves underfoot, breathe in crisp fresh air, and admire the changing colors; every image you conjure up with thoughts of autumn is yours to experience in Jacksonville. The shops are brimming with great new products and restaurants are serving the bounty of the harvest. And who can resist harvest time in the vineyards? There is no more perfect season to visit the wineries. Plan a day driving through the now colorful vineyards, sipping wine, and munching on a perfect fall picnic full of goodies you picked up in town!

So many things await your visit; step into Jacksonville and discover another world.  "Meet the Pioneers" October 12th and 13th where Pioneer spirits in costumes share their stories of life in and around Jacksonville and the Rogue Valley www.friendsjvillecemetery.org. Ticket price is $12.00 for adults, children under 12 are $5.00 and the Family Pack (2 adults and up to 3 children) is $29.00, contact the Chamber office at 541-899-8118 or email  chamber@jacksonvilleoregon.org

And you'll need a place to stay in Jacksonville.  Bybee's Historic Inn, an authentic Oregon lodging on the outskirts of town, offers romantic weekend getaways for your time in Southern Oregon.  Get on out there while the autumn weather lasts!

No one knows a town quite like the innkeepers who live there.  And Jacksonville, Oregon, is no exception.  Southern Oregon innkeeper Tim Balfour of the iconic TouVelle House provides a few ideas of how you can master Jacksonville in just two days. . .and consider the authentic Oregon TouVelle House as home base for your Southern Oregon explorations.  Give Tim a call at 541-899-8938 and let him know you're ready to start your romantic weekend getaway that might just include a little bit of education on the side.

Giving History a Personal Perspective – Many towns claim a historic status, so it is fun to come across a place like Jacksonville Oregon where people are “living history”.  The town is fortunate to still have the look and feel from its heyday in the late 1800’s.  That is because during the first part of the 1900’s it fell into an economic coma that allowed for its preservation by neglect. All of the commercial buildings and homes remained untouched by “updates”, which had the unexpected benefit of retaining the town’s historical architecture.  In addition to being able to appreciate the charming setting you can also get a peek at the personal histories behind the town through a combination of presentations and tours being offered.

The second Saturdays of the month through November offer two special history programs, a cemetery tour in the morning and tours of the town’s wealthiest pioneer family in the afternoon.  Start the day with “History Saturday in the Jacksonville Cemetery”, a guided tour focusing on a specific topic or section of the cemetery provided by the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery.  Tours begin at 10:00 am and are about 1.5 hours long.  June’s tour focuses on the Independent Order of Odd Fellows section and the stories of the pioneers buried there.  Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes, and meet the docents at the top of Cemetery Road.  The program is free however, donations are always appreciated to support the restoration and preservation work.  Additional tours are scheduled for July 14, August 11,

Next, make reservations for a special narrated “Closets and Cupboards” tour of The C.C. Beekman House, home to one of Southern Oregon’s most prominent pioneers.  Built and lived in by only the one family, the home remains completely furnished with family artifacts.  This special living history tour of the home and its newly restocked closets and cupboards will be offered at noon and 2:30 pm on June 9, July 14, and August 11.

“The year is 1932.  Julia Beekman has passed away. Daughter Carrie has moved to Portland where her brother Ben has been living for the past 43 years. Carrie and Ben are going through the closets and cupboards prior to closing up the Beekman House and reminiscing about “growing up Beekman”.  And you are invited to visit.”

Cost for the tours is $20 which includes the history talk and either a picnic lunch or a “strawberry tea.”  Tours require a minimum of 10 people, limited to a maximum of 15 and are by advance reservations only.  Additional dates and times are possible for group bookings.  Call 541-245-3650 or email info@jvilleheritage.org to make your individual reservations or to book your group.  Proceeds of the tours go toward the preservations and maintenance of the Beekman House, through the Jacksonville Hertiage Society.

There will also be themed historical tours focusing on different aspects of the Victorian era and the Beekman family on the 3^rd Saturdays of each month through November.  Topics include architecture, art, cooking and menus and travel.

You can cap your day off with a narrated trolley tour of the historic homes and commercial district.  The trolley runs hourly and gives you an overview of the town in addition to some special personal histories that you won’t hear anywhere else.  In addition to the history, Jacksonville is once again bustling with independently owned boutiques, bistros and restaurants and is proud to be the epicenter of the Southern Oregon Wine Region with over 70 wineries.  A great getaway that is still relatively unknown.  You can check out what all is going on in Jacksonville at www.JacksonvilleOregon.com.

The innkeepers of Bybee's Historic Inn near Jacksonville, Oregon, want to make sure their guests know what's going on nearby.  Coming up soon on Saturday, June 9, 2012, the Britt Festival opens in Jacksonville!  Vikki and Tina invite you to stay at their inn on the outskirts of Jacksonville while you attend the Britt Festival.  Give them a call toll-free at (877) 292-3374 and let them help design your authentic Oregon vacation experience. 

Bybee's Historic Inn is also a great place to think about for special gatherings and family events.  This inn is also a wonderful Oregon wedding location.  With extensive grounds, guests can wander inside and out of this historic home.  Check it out!

The opening of the Britt Festival starts with a celebration downtown Jacksonville.  Britt website is www.brittfest.org .

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)