The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in Oregon's Wine Country

Thursday, June 16, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini
While you are out enjoying and exploring Oregon's Wine Country stop in at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum outside of McMinnville, home of the Spruce Goose.  In March 1990, the current owner of the Spruce Goose, the Disney Corporation, announced that it was closing the exhibit located in Long Beach, Calif. The Aeroclub of Southern California was notified and they immediately began the search for a new home for the Spruce Goose. In 1992, the Evergreen Museum won the bid with a proposal to build a museum around the aircraft and feature it as a central exhibit.

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in the heart of Oregon's Wine Country

The Evergreen IMAX theater was completed in 2007.  Work began on the space museum building in September 2006.   As of mid-June, 2008, there are now two main large exhibit centers open to the public, consisting of aviation, where the Spruce Goose acts to anchor the other exhibits, and space flight, in another, matching, new large building. The current center of the space flight exhibit building is occupied by the SR-71 'Blackbird', which originally rested under one wing of the Spruce Goose. Flight simulators for landing the space shuttle, as well as for Gemini capsule docking and the Lunar Excursion Module moon landing, are available for use by visitors now.

Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark at the Evergreen Aviation Musuem in the Willamette ValleyEvergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark, a nonprofit educational Waterpark that includes four waterslides, a wave pool and a children’s museum dedicated to teaching visitors about the power of water is the newest addition to the Evergreen Complex.

With so much to see and do in Oregon's Willamette Valley Winecountry you'll need to stay a few days.  The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has many unique accommodation choices in the Valley, some near McMinnville and the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.

Kelty Estate Bed and Breakfast ~ Historic Oregon Wine Country Lodging

Sunday, January 23, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini

Whatever your pleasure—romantic getaway, playing hookey from work, change of pace, touring Oregon's Wine Country or even a quiet weekend just for you, you can find it at the Kelty Estate Bed and Breakfast.

Kelty Estate Bed and BreakfastAn inspected and approved inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, Kelty Estate is located in one of Oregon's many wine country regions and is just 48 miles from Portland, 60 miles from beautiful beaches at Lincoln City or zero miles from the most relaxing holiday you have ever enjoyed.

Built in 1872 in historic Lafayette, Oregon, the Kelty Estate B&B is located in the McMinnville area and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The proud, white house with green trim is surrounded by lawns, gardens and two hundred year old native trees. Painstaking restoration has left the interior with a new feeling, while graceful architectural details and selected antiques recall another era.

Enjoy a 3-course, gourmet breakfast made from fresh, locally grown ingredients. You can enjoy local wine in the afternoon, a fireplace and player piano in the parlor, the pond, wishing well and beautiful landscaping. Book our limo for your wine tour.

Enjoy a three course breakfast at Kelty Estate Bed and breakfastAfter a day of touring the backroads of the Willamette Valley return to this 5 room inn and enjoy  omplimentary wine and cheese, take a nap and then go out to dinner in one of the fine local restaurants and enjoy the fare followed by a wonderful rest in one of our fantastic rooms.

From the Coast, Portland, Mount Hood and The Gorge, Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon to the Rogue River Valley or Central Oregon to the High desert of the East the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers unique and comfortable accommodations.

Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our near 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, 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.

Coming To Oregon For The Holidays?...take the epicurean trail!

Friday, November 26, 2010 by Debbie Lusk
Whether you are just passing through, planning to stay or just haven't made up your mind yet, consider visiting one or more of Oregon's quaint villages, small towns or even the big city! Boasting historical districts consisting of vintage homes, downtown buildings and bed and breakfasts from Jacksonville to Albany and from McMinnville to Astoria, finding that perfect place to dine, explore and stay overnight isn't hard!

This time of year is when you find native Oregonians holding on to the edge of their seats.  I've seen and heard them for myself in all their anticipation as they ponder the snow conditions up on Mt. Hood, is there still good hiking found in the hills near Corvallis or is too wet, should we get our skiis out yet and head on over to Mt. Bachelor or Hoodoo or, should we just sit in a little coffee shop in the Pearl and think of trying a new restaurant to have dinner in tonight?

Oh...just so much to chose from!  So, where does one start?  Native or visitor to Oregon? Well, I say one must always start with the food!  I could end this blog right here and just tell you to start in Jacosonville and get on the epicurean bus and eat your way through Oregon!  However, I will suggest that you just take your sweet time and begin at the Jacksonville Inn Bistro and have the Butternut Squash Soup made of course with locally grown ingredients and topped so heavenly with creme' fraiche.  Then, work your way up to Albany and dine at Sybaris where Matt Bennet has cornered the farmer's market on all that is local and so fresh that his menu changes monthly allowing him to prepare and serve only what is in season in the Willamette Valley.  Taking that epicurean trail, you could continue on up in to McMinnville and have a burger and tots on the roof top at The Oregon Hotel and discover why the McMenaman brothers are so famous. After that pitstop, go on and check out brew pub after brew pub and learn why our beer here in Oregon is so popular all over the country. Wherever you choose to dine, taste or sip, you will learn why Oregonians just love it here.  Small town or the big city...doesn't matter...the foods always good in Oregon!

Finding that perfect inn on the trail is part of the fun too!  Some of Oregon's most famous foodies are found right in the kitchens of these Oregon Bed and Breakfasts!  There is nothing like coming in from skiing, snowshoeing, or even wine tasting and seeing the roaring fire in the fireplace and a dish of warm cookies and that special bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir waiting for you.  Choosing Oregon Wine Country or a Mt. Hood Bed and Breakfast as a place to warm up this winter sounds like a good place to stop the bus and get off!

Don't miss your bus and hope to see you on the trail as you visit Oregon this winter.  Stay warm and well fed!

Eco Friendly Travel at Certified Green Inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

Friday, November 19, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini


The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is committed to Sustainable Travel and we are encouraging our members to be "Certified Green" through the OBBG Green Certification Program.  Not that we have to do too much coaxing.  Most of our members already implement many "green" practices, like recycling and composting.  But we don't stop there.  We apply business practices that promote sustainability of our planet's natural resources such as using recycled paper, minimal use of disposables and using greener cleaning supplies and energy efficient lighting.

On the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild website's Green page you'll find information and details of the Green Certification Program and a list of those inns that have gone through the checklist to become certified.  It really is such an easy thing to do, going Green and to provide Eco Friendly Travel.  Visit the following Green Certified inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild who proudly display the OBBG Green Certification Green Inspection Program logo on their website and begin your Sustainable Travel Vacation today. 

Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn located in Oregon's Wine Country

Friday, August 13, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Guest Blogger
Wayne Bailey
Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn

Baby grapes of Youngberg Hill Vineyards in the Willamette Valley Oregon

We LOVE watching the babies grow.  We have been working hard to keep up with all the growth and give the grapes enough energy and sunlight.  Look at the walls of green vines protecting the beautiful grapes.

Have you always wondered what it would be like to work crush?  Crush  happens when the grapes are ready to harvest, usually between late September- October. We notify volunteers as soon as we know, often on short notice — so be ready to roll.  Those that come are treated to our Harvest Dinner on Oct. 17th.  To get in on the action, contact Youngberg Hill at wine@youngberghill.com
 



New Wine Club
Are you already a wine club member?  Have you wanted to join but were waiting for the right time?  No need to wait any longer.  We are offering two wine club options to choose from with wonderful advantages to both.  For those that join we are offering 15% off your next stay at the Inn.  Take a look at the advantages and sign up today!  Click here! for details.

August 12 –Linfield Concert
Our Annual Music on the hill is back again this year.  For more details visit our calendar of events page.   We are looking forward to seeing you!

August 14 - Discover McMinnville AVA Learn more about why grapes grown in McMinnville are developing some of the most distinctive qualities and producing the most amazing wines.  Visit the McMinnville AVA site for more information.

August 14 -Best of Oregon Food and Wine Festival
Join us and enjoy some of the very best of Oregon's culinary culture comes together with the very best of the wine industry.  For more information visit the  Best of Oregon Food & Wine site for more information.

August 15 – Wine & Yoga
Mamastay Yoga with Erin Bowman, with special guest Val Blaha, vocals, guitar and keyboard.   Visit our calendar of events for more details.

Stay connected, visit our calendar of events page and subscribe to "Youngberg's" direct calendar feeds.

Upcoming Dates:
8/10        New Youngberg Hill Wine Club Membership
8/12        Linfield Chamber Benefit @ Youngberg Hill
8/14        Discover McMinnville AVA
8/14        Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival
8/15        Wine & Yoga @ Youngberg Hill


A member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, Youngberg Hill Inn sits atop a mountain with commanding views of the the Willamette Valley below.  Located on 50 acres in Oregon's Wine Country and surrounded by 22 acres of award-winning Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris the spacious house features four suites and four luxuriously appointed guest rooms.

Heron Haus: a Portland Oregon bed and breakfast to remember!

Sunday, January 10, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
Heron Haus Portland Oregon bed and breakfast near Pearl DistrictWhenever my husband Bill & I travel we try as often as we can to stay in bed and breakfast lodging.  This week we spent three days and nights at Heron Haus-- a Portland Oregon bed and breakfast in a beautifully restored 1904 Tudor style home in hills of Portland just over the trendy Pearl District.

It was a dual-purpose stay.  Bill had appointments at the Casey Eye Institute (part of the OHSU hospital/clinic complex on the hill in Portland Oregon).  I was in Portland to attend a meeting of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild board of directors--conveniently held at Heron Haus.  Driving time to the Casey Eye Institute was quick--about 12 to 15 minutes--making this Portland Oregon lodging a good choice for someone in town for medical appointments, especially with the privacy and space that the Heron Haus affords its guests.

The common areas of Heron Haus are extremely spacious--plenty of room for a dozen innkeeper-board-members to hash out the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild's business.  Innkeepers from Crater Lake, McMinnville, Hood River, Portland, the Oregon Coast and Eastern Oregon all came together for two days of productive work (and fun) in a very gracious setting.  Wireless internet?  Of course--and no additional charge as found in many metropolitan hotels.

Pam and Carl, owners of Heron Haus, moved into this Portland Oregon lodging about a year ago.  They're putting their own flavor on this beautiful property.  Just looking out the 2nd and 3rd floor bedroom windows at night over the lights of Portland Oregon was a treat.  But this bed and breakfast is well appointed with spacious rooms, private baths, fireplaces--so tucked away from the bustle of the city but so close to freeway access that it's very convenient.

Ko Room at Heron Haus Portland Oregon bed and breakastWe stayed on the second floor in the Ko Room.  Comfy king-sized bed, huge walk-in closet, sitting areas, private bath, and plenty of windows (with shutters) to let in the light.  We had the chance to peek into most of the other rooms (6 total).  All are beautiful and serene, and many have hillside views over the city.

If you're a business traveler, you'll find everything you need at Heron Haus without the cookie cutter approach.  If you're on vacation, Pam & Carl will make you feel right at home.  Give them a call at (503) 274-1846 or visit them online at the Heron Haus to book your reservation.

Abbey Road Farms Bed and Breakfast, The AgriVino Center and Wine-Inspired Dinners in the Oregon Wine Country

Monday, December 28, 2009 by Mary Pellegrini
Set among the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley wine country Abbey Road Farms is a truly unique bed and breakfast inn with luxurious accommodations.  The old grain silos on the property have been converted into the unique Abbey Road Farm Bed & Breakfast "Silo For Oregon Wine Country Lodging choose Abbey Road Farms Bed and BreakfastSuites".  Each room has a spectacular view of the valley, wetlands, pastures and/or gardens. And although this is a working farm, the accommodations are more like what one would find at a resort with fabulous views, a location in the country yet accessible to nearby cities, and a place surrounded by nature and featuring nothing but the freshest food.  And being located in the Oregon Wine Country is a real bonus.
 
The AgriVino Event Center at Abbey Road Farm lies in the very heart of Oregon's Wine Country. Currently some 18 wineries call the little town of Carlton home and these are just a fraction of the more than 200 that are within a half hour's drive time from the farm, centrally located in the Willamette Valley.

We invite you to reserve your room at Abbey Road Farm Bed and Breakfast, a unique, inspected and approved member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  And consider attending an exciting, new dining and wine experience in Yamhill County. 

 

Lawyers Who Wine and the AgriVino Event Center in Carlton, Oregon have joined to present an amazing array of boutique winemakers, talented chefs and outstanding caterers. Beginning with the January 30, 2010 initial wine-inspired dinner, ongoing events at AgriVino will be offered to discerning subscribers such as yourself.

This joint collaboration will focus on the the pairing of fresh, local produce and succulent entree provisions with locally crafted wines chosen to showcase your delicious meal. Your entertainment and wine education will include introductions to, and presentations by, boutique Oregon winemakers at these events. For selected dates, we will add an opportunity for you to meet a new or renowned local artist or farmer.

Veteran Winemaker Robert Brittan, who left Stags' Leap Winery in Napa after 16 years as Winemaker and Estate Manager to fulfill his dream of making Pinot Noir and Syrah from unique sites in cooler climates, will be our January 30 presenting winemaker! Robert has made wines for Far Niente, Saint Andrews and Stags' Leap Winery and is a rock star! Brittan's 2007 Gestalt Block Pinot Noir release was ranked as one of the top 30 wines in Oregon by Portland Monthly magazine.

With over 30 years of experience growing grapes and making wine, Robert brings a wealth of viticultural and winemaking knowledge. With his depth of experience and his passion for Pinot Noir, he brings a new voice to the McMinnville AVA, and will help form the style and definition of Pinot Noir from this recently designated region. Robert is also the winemaker for Winderlea Vineyards & Winery and Ayoub Vineyards, both in the prestigious Dundee hills. You will be served BOTH Brittan and Winderlea wines.

Ellen Brittan has spent the last dozen years in the wine industry, most recently as GM of Rudd Vineyards & Winery in Oakville. Prior to the wine industry, she spent 20 years in Financial Services. She grew up in Seattle, studying French and Spanish Language and Literature at the U of Washington. Ellen is in charge of sales and marketing at Brittan, possesses an amazing array of information about wine and has an excellent palate.

Our goal is for AgriVino Event Center to be recognized as the source of a distinctive selection of fresh and flavorful cuisines, superb wines you may not readily discover, professional and responsive staff and a warm and inviting gathering place to enjoy the love of food and wine.

The details:
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $150 per person
VISA, MC, AMX or advance check
Contact: Abbey Road Farm at (503) 852-6278
or email: info@abbeyroadfarm.com

Or Contact: Linda Green Pierce at (503) 706-0856
or email: linda@lawyerswhowine.com

to reserve your place

Also available: Subscriptions for six (6) dinners on a pre-paid per person basis at 10% discount. ($810 instead of $900) Subscribers will receive preferred seating and free entrance/tasting fee to a summer 2010 AgriVino (non-dinner) event. Dinners under subscription to be completed by end of year 2010. December 2010 wine-inspired dinner, priced at $165 per person, is included in the possible six (6) dinner date choices -- another $15 saving per diner!

2010 wine-inspired dinners calendared are:
(No February Dinner) March 20 (Saturday), April 10 (Saturday), May 8 (Saturday), June 10 (Thursday), July 8 (Thursday), August 5 (Thursday), September 16 (Thursday), October 15 (Friday), November 12 (Friday), December 4 (Saturday.) We anticipate adding more dates and more seating to the summer outside dinner schedule.

Where to Eat (and Sleep) in Wine Country

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 by Heather Tyreman
Grant Butler, writing for The Oregonian on November 17, 2009, weaves a wonderful article about where to eat in Wine Country.  And he's got some great suggestions:

"Winter is one of the best times to discover the subtle side of wine country. With the exception of Thanksgiving weekend's open houses, tasting rooms are typically less crowded than during the peak of the summer season. So you can sip at a more leisurely pace, asking questions and building your knowledge of what makes prized pinots so wonderful. And the competition for tables at some of the region's best restaurants is not as fierce. Call ahead: Chances are good you can score a spot at one of these wonderful kitchens."

And which restaurants?  How about 10 wonderful choices (you'll have to click to his article to read about them, but they all sound simply scrumptious).

But here's the kicker.  If you're going to eat in the Oregon Wine Country, wouldn't it be nice to stay in some Oregon Wine Country lodging to round out your culinary tourism experience?  The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild boasts a whopping 25 member inns located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.  Many are located directly in the area around McMinnville, Newberg, Carlton and Dundee--smack in the middle of Grant Butler's suggested restaurant list.

Tuscan Suite at A' Tuscan Estate in McMinnville Oregon

For a bed and breakfast McMinnville Oregon, how about a night or two at one of these fine examples of lodging in Oregon:
A' Tuscan Estate: Full of style and centrally located in town for (perhaps) a walk to your restaurant.
Steiger Haus B&B:  Also located in town and walking distance to downtown.
Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn:  Out of town, but if you don't mind driving to dinner you'll awaken to an incredible view over the Willamette Valley.

What Does Wine Tasting In The Willamette Valley and The Spruce Goose Have In Common?

Thursday, June 18, 2009 by Debbie Lusk
Aviation Museum, Mc Minnville, OregonSo, what does the Aviation Museum in McMinnville and wine tasting have in common?  Hopefully nothing and everything! 

All located within a few miles of each other, the Aviation Museum that houses the Spruce Goose among many other airplanes, space capsules and rockets, makes for wine tasting in the Willamette Valley quite the perfect pairing.

My family from Arizona and California visiting this week wanted to experience something new, something tasty and something very "Oregon", so I made a list!  My list included visiting four wineries that included Panther Creek in McMinnville, Adelsheim Vineyard in Newberg, Argyle Winery and Sokol-Blosser Winery both in Dundee.  MySokol-Blosser Winery list also included a visit to Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, the mall at Pioneer Square, and of course a nice cold one at Deschutes Brewery in the Pearl. 

So, backing up a bit, I made my list but you know how lists go.  We only made it to Adelsheim Vineyard and Sokol-Blosser.  We kind of got stuck in a good way at the museum.  Breathtaking and so worth the trip, the Aviation Museum is a "must see" in Oregon. It's a shame if you skip this and head straight for the wine!  Although they offer free wine tasting at the museum from their own grapes grown on sight.  Who could ask for more?

If you are wondering what to do and where to go to get the "entire Oregon experience" in one day, make a list or just "wing" it.  Either way, there is so much to do and see, you may need a week!

Quite a long day in the heart of Oregon wine country with our family, paired with the best of Culinary Tourism in Portland and ending perfectly by going back to Albany for a lovely night's rest in an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn.  Perfectly delightful! 



It's All In A Day...Saturday, July 25th In The Willamette Valley

Thursday, May 14, 2009 by Debbie Lusk
Albany, Oregon Anuual Historic Tour of Homes and GardensJuly somehow seems kind of far off.  However, it is less than two months away and I think it's time now to start planning fun ways to spend those beautiful warm weekends we treasure here in Oregon. 

If you are able to get away for a whole weekend this summer, good for you lucky duck!  If you are day-tripping it, that's okay too cause I have just the perfect day planned with three of the most perfect ways to squeeze all you can out of the Willamette Valley in just one day! 

Saturday, July 25th Albany, Oregon is hosting it's Annual Historic Tour of Homes and Gardens.  For the cost of $10/person, you can jump on the trolly or horse drawn wagon ride and tour several homes, museums and churches.  Boasting the largest number of historic homes and buildings in the state of Oregon, Albany is also the recent recipient of the prestiges Main Street USA award.  Come see why quaint downtown Albany is such a huge draw for photographers, artists and foodies from all over the world. 

Also on July 25th, McMinnville, Oregon is hosting the 23rd International Pinot Noir Celebration.  Beginning on Friday, July 24th, Saturday's celebration starts in the morning with "breakfast on the patio" offering locally baked breads and pastries, Oregon berries and cured meats.  In the evening, dinner at a vineyard is served multi-coursed by a guest chef serving up a salmon bake featuring wild salmon roasted on alder stakes on a huge fire pit with music and dancing under the stars.

Or, if you are just looking for a bit of "the valley" and don't want to spend the entire day away, "go nuts" at Hazelnut Hill just outside Corvallis, Oregon.  This 225 acre farm is open Saturdays, 10-5pm and has a working hazelnut orchard, nut roasting and a candy making facility.  I went "nuts" last fall and it was really fun.  You should try it! 

Harrison House, Corvallis, Oregon.  An Oregon Lodging Facility.So, if you are lucky enough to get to spend an entire weekend in the valley this July, threeWine at Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn Oregon Bed and Breakfasts are ready to take your reservation and help you plan your weekend away.

At the end of the day, whether it's celebrating wine at Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn in McMinnville, Oregon, "going nuts" while drinking wine at the Harrison House Bed and Breakfast in Corvallis, Oregon, or sleeping soundly in a bit of Albany, Oregon's history after a little cream sherry at the Pfeiffer Cottage Inn, you will sleep well knowing you did your best to squeeze all the fun in the sun out of the Willamette Valley.

Abbey Road Farm And Silo Suites At An Oregon Bed & Breakfast!

Friday, May 8, 2009 by Debbie Lusk
Abbey Road Farm, an Oregon Bed & BreakfastIn the heart of Oregon wine country in Carlton sits the most perfect little farm where the view is so spectacular it's hard to believe it's real.  The rolling hills of vineyards, grasses, clover, trees and the sweetest and most gentle farm animals grace this piece of heaven at Abbey Road Farm.

About two weeks ago we took a trip to check out the farm and "silo suites".  An hour and a half from Albany and the Corvallis area and an hour and a half South of Portland, sits 82 acres of pure bliss.  John and Judi have created what they call, the "real farm experience" and invite those seeking just that to participate with tasks around the farm such as gardening, managing animal related chores, weeding, stacking hay and even mucking stalls.  (Not sure what the latter is but sounds like it could be interesting and maybe even involve a good pair of boots).

Opened since July 2005, the "Silo Suites" at Abbey Road Farm offer a bed and breakfast stay out of the ordinary with quite a unique experience. The guest rooms are all situated in real grain silos with five guest rooms that include king beds (with one a queen), Jacuzzi tubs, radiant "Silo Suites" at Abbey Road Farmfloor heat, towel warmers, air conditioning and music systems.  The "country contemporary" design of the suites according to John and Judy is simply uncluttered and provides for a minimalist approach leaving comfort as the highest priority. 

In the heart of wine country in the midst of the thriving gardens, rolling hills of clover, gentle farm animals, and all the comforts of a real "farm stay", the facility also is the perfect setting for events such as weddings, meetings, and receptions.  Providing a stage for a memorable "farm" experience, and an ultimate "get-a-way", you can choose to "find yourself" or "lose yourself" at the farm while sitting in Mum's or Pop's Garden overlooking the rolling hills of green sipping some of the many nearby wineries world class wines.  

Mum's garden at Abbey Road Farms.Wine tours, fine dining, wine country balloon rides, museums and the proximity to McMinnville makes this location a perfect spot to experience all the goodies the valley has to offer while providing the "best" in a "farm stay" experience.  

John is happy to guide through on a tour of Abbey Road Farm or you can simply pick up a self-guided tour book from the innkeeper that provides you the opportunity to see for yourself why this farm has been featured in travel publications such as Sunset Magazine and Travel & Leisure. 

Sit back and enjoy the beauty from the gardens and be rest assured knowing a little piece of heaven awaits you on the hillsides in the heart of this wine country.



Brigittine Truffles, Moonstruck Chocolates and Sandi's Candy and Fudgery.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 by Debbie Lusk
Brigittine Monastery Truffles.  Served to guests at The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn, an Oregon Bed & Breakfast.With a rich history of at least 4,000 years old, chocolate can be described as one of the most decadent treats on earth.  From the seed of the cocao tree, chocolate is one of the most popular flavors in the world and the monks at the Brigittine Monastery in Amity, Oregon have cornered the market on truffles and fudge.  Using real chocolate, fresh dairy butter, real cream, the freshest nuts, and real flavors, the monastery produces some of the most delicious candy in the world. 

Only a few miles from Amity and the monastery, A' Tuscan Estate, An Oregon Bed & Breakfast, Mc Minnville, OregonA' Tuscan Estate, an Oregon Bed & Breakfast, offers a European experience in a 1928 Colonial style home.  This Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn, is only 5 blocks from the historic district of McMinnville where historic homes and buildings can be enjoyed.

If you decide to take a "Chocolates and Oregon Bed & Breakfast Tour", consider your next stop Moonstruck Chocolates.  Five locations grace the Portland area where hand made confections using the best ingredients makes these chocolates so sought after.  Since 1993, Moonstruck Chocolates have sinfully produced, chocolate bars, champagne truffles, cocoa and organic double dark hot chocolate.  With retailers carrying Moonstruck Chocolates all over the country, Mary found Moonstruck Chocolates as far away as New Mexico and I found them as close as Isabella's Garden in Albany, Oregon.  Now, since you are on the "chocolate tour," you can't forget to check in to A Painted Lady Inn B & B.  This Oregon Bed & Breakfast is located in NE Portland in a calm oasis in the heart of the rose city.  Built in 1894, renovated, near shopping,A Painted Lady Inn, Oregon Bed & Breakfast, Portland, Oregon restaurants and close to the MAX, this inn makes a perfect place to plop your sweet self down after a busy day of chocolate tasting.

Rounding out your perfect chocolate get-a-way, check out Sandi's Candies and Fudgery in the heart of Grants Pass, Oregon.  Sandi Crowder opened her first candy business in 1984 in California, then moved to Grants Pass and opened shop in 1999.  Chocolates, fudge, taffy are all made on-site using the luscious Guittard chocolate.  Sandi even offers gluten free chocolates. 

Rogue River, Class II rapid and float.  Rogue Forest Bed & Breakfast.The Rogue Forest Bed and Breakfast in Grants Pass can treat you to a perfect ending to your perfect "chocolate tour."  Located near the Rogue River, this retreat-like setting offers 2 suites and a ride on the river.  You can book a half or full day of rafting where you can watch for bear, beaver, otter, mink, eagles and heron.  Since I am not a rafter, I am all for this class II rapid and float.  I prefer the word float over the word rapid any day.

So, let me make sure I have covered all the important things in my blog...  chocolate bars, fudge, truffles, cocoa, and oh yeah, checking in to an Oregon Bed & Breakfast. Enjoy your tour!
 









Propagation, Migration And A Vacation...It's All Happening In Oregon!

Sunday, March 15, 2009 by Debbie Lusk
I'm seriously thinking of putting a dollar bill in the ground to see if a money treeBergenia 'Baby Doll'- Plant of the Month at Garland's Nursery, Corvallis, OR grows!  Well, not really, but I am sure the Willamette Valley has to be the most fertile place on earth.  Being a Master Gardener from SoCal, I was very excited to move to Oregon and actually see a little plant emerge from the earth from a seed that I had actually planted.  I didn't even have to do anything but stick the tiny seeds into the soil and sit back and watch.  To my amazement, the perfect weather, the rain, and of course the soil here makes for ideal growing conditions.  No wonder that Linn County, Oregon is the "Grass Seed Capital" of the world. 

One of my favorite nursery's is Garland Nursery in Corvallis, OR.  They have a great variety of plants and even have a "plant of the month."  March's Bergenia, 'Baby Doll' is an evergreen perennial with beautiful foliage and sweet little pink flowers that get even a darker pink in the spring. 

Last summer, a few months after opening our Oregon Bed & Breakfast, we found Heirloom Roses in St. Paul, Oregon.  We were looking for vintage and heirloom type roses and found the perfect rose nursery.  Being that the Willamette Valley has the most awesome climate for growing roses, St. Paul is the perfect place do Heirloom Roses, St. Paul, Oregon near an Oregon Bed and Breakfastjust that.  The nursery is only 25 miles from Portland, the city of roses and only 22 miles from McMinnville, Oregon.  Heirloom Roses, provides over 60 yrs. of combined rose growing experience with that old fashioned personal and friendly service.  You can choose your roses by color, type, etc.  There are three large display rose gardens with 1500 varieties of roses to choose from. 

Youngberg Hill Vineyard and Inn in McMinnville is an Oregon Bed and BreakfastYoungberg Hill Vineyard & Inn, Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn.  Being only 22 miles from St. Paul, Oregon, it is the perfect stop over before heading to the coast.  The inn offers three suites and four guest rooms and overlooks the most premier wine country in Oregon.

One night at Youngberg Hill after a day enjoying nurseries and rose gardens in the Willamette Valley, then it's off to the coast. 

Whale tail, near and Oregon Bed & Breakfast on the Oregon CoastIt's whale watching season right now!  Between March 21st and the 28th, is the best time to spring whale watch along the Oregon coast.  Depending on the weather, there may be up to 1200 whale sightings as the gray whales migrate from Baja California, Mexico up the Oregon Coast.  Of course the best way to see these magnificent creatures is by boat.  However, if you are a land lubber like me, plant your feet on solid ground and view from the shore or at Yaquina Head Lighthouse off the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway north of Newport, Oregon.  The lighthouse stands 93' tall and is the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon coast.Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon  Even standing near the lighthouse, you will have a premium view and even very informative guides during the migrating season ready to answer questions and provide information about the gray whales. 

The Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast, an Oregon Coast Lodging facility and a member of The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, sits perfectly on the Oregon Coast in historic Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon.  Their Victorian Suite takes up Dining Room at The Grand Victorian B & B, Oregon Coast Lodgingthe entire third floor of this three story inn.  It offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean while you enjoy the two person jacuzzi tub, the private balcony, the surf, the sand and maybe even some migrating whales. 

The Spring season begins Friday, March 20th. The best time to see whale migration along the Oregon Coast is Saturday, March 21st to Saturday, March 28th, and it's always a good time to stop and smell the roses at Heirloom Roses before tucking yourself in to a cozy Oregon Bed & Breakfast.




Beer & BBQ in McMinnville--hey, isn't this Oregon Wine Country?

Sunday, March 8, 2009 by Heather Tyreman
Father's Day is coming and here's an event and place to stay to treat Dad for the weekend.

Oregon Brews & BBQs in McMinnville Oregon for Father's Day Weekend 2009

Mark your summertime weekend calendar now for a trip to McMinnville Oregon in June.  The Oregon Brews and BBQs festival, a event celebrating Northwest breweries, will take place this year in McMinnville June 19 & 20, 2009--Fathers Day Weekend!

What: Oregon Brews and BBQs
When: Friday, June 19, 3 pm - 10 pm and Saturday, June 20, noon- 10 pm
Where: Granary District, 845 NE 5th Street, McMinnville, Oregon
Why: Local fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Projects

Live music, breweries, wineries, great food. . .if you go, you're going to need a place to stay.  How about a McMinnville bed and breakfast?  There are three Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild members in and around McMinnville that would love to host you during this event:
  • Steiger Haus Bed and Breakfast McMinnville OregonSteiger Haus is walking distance to downtown and boasts five guestrooms with private baths.
  • A'Tuscan Estate is also located right in town and features a petanque court (boules for those readers who know something about France)
  • Outside of town but worth the drive is Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn.  Commanding views of the Oregon Wine Country with a combination of 6 rooms and suites, all with private baths.

Hope to see you at the Oregon Brews & BBQs in June.  Round out your weekend getaway with a bed and breakfast McMinnville Oregon style and you've got it made.

February 28th: "Open That Bottle Night" and some Oregon Wine Country Lodging

Sunday, February 22, 2009 by Heather Tyreman
If you read the Wall Street Journal, then you're probably familiar with the annual Open That Bottle Night celebration created by the Journal's Tastings columnists, John & Dottie.  OTBN is an opportunity to open that bottle you've always been saving for that special occasion that just hasn't seemed to arrive. 

February 28, 2009, is the 10th annual OTBN, and the Wall Street Journal has some recommendations of where to open that bottle--including one location in the Oregon Wine Country.  And we have some recommendations of where to stay after the event.  Here's what the Journal reports:

Winderlea | Dundee, Ore.
Winderlea
Winderlea

This is Winderlea Vineyard and Winery's second OTBN. Winderlea uses the occasion to preview its new vintage and pull something from the cellar (this year, proprietor Donna Morris is considering a 1985 Elk Cove Vineyards Reserve). Chef Paul Bachand will serve a selection of hors d'oeuvres and a three-course dinner. Guests should bring a bottle to share. Call 503-554-5900 to RSVP; winderlea.com.

WHEN Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
WHERE 8905 N.E. Worden Hill Rd., Dundee, Ore.
HOW MUCH $100

Now, if you're going to Winderlea for OTBN, you're going to need to some fine Oregon Wine Country lodging for your night after the event, and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has just the place for you--quite a few places, in fact.

Surrounding Dundee are the towns of Newberg, McMinnville, Carlton and Yamhill--homes to thirteen (!) fine members of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild and minutes away from Dundee.

In the Newberg area, choose from 5 member inns: Avellan Inn B&BChehalem Ridge B&BLions Gate Inn, Springbrook Hazelnut Farm and the University House.

Youngberg Hill Bed and Breakfast McMinnville OregonIn the McMinnville area, choose from 3 member inns: A' Tuscan EstateSteiger Haus B&B and Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn.

In the Carlton area, choose from 3 member inns: Abbey Road Farm B&BLobenhaus Bed Breakfast & Vineyard and the RR Thompson House.


In the Yamhill area, choose from 2 member inns: Hideaway Hill B&B and Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast.

Wow!  What a selection!  We hope that your OTBN is a memorable one, wherever you choose to celebrate.  And a combination of Winderlea and some fine Oregon Wine Country lodging could be the ticket!