Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

An Outdoor Soaking Tub and A Feather Bed...heaven in Oregon!

Monday, February 8, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Our last trip to the Hood River region of Oregon, took us home on the South side of Mt. Hood. A change of scenery from the absolute breathtaking gorge and Columbia River, we chose to drive "the other side" of the mountain!

Driving past Timberline, on through Government Camp and then to our quick stop over to visit Brightwood Guest House B & B! A unique bed and breakfast and often heard of, I was dying to see their outdoor soaking tubs in person. Ahhh...if only I was a guest here! Someday soon hopefully...I will be.

Two acres of serene beauty, you can see the forest from these outdoor tubs. Yeah those trees are nice, the flowers are pretty, the plants and vegetable gardens are sweet but I couldn't take my eyes off these tubs. The finest craftsmanship, these tubs were specially made for this unique bed and breakfast set in Brightwood, Oregon. Perfect for two wanting to enjoy a hot soak, a bottle of wine surrounded by trees listening to the large stream without a care in the world. How romantic, how relaxing and what a great way to surprise someone you love.

The cabin on this property is close by and exudes home with that clean mountain

feeling all the way upstairs to the sleeping loft where the feather bed is comfortably waiting for you. At this romantic bed and breakfast, expect your hearty hot breakfast served to you in your cabin. Coffee, tea, juice, the newspaper...or not and a hot breakfast. Sounds quite heavenly!

The nearby activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing, golfing and nearby great restaurants makes this get away quite the perfect spot. Play if you want, soak all day in the outdoor tubs or just cuddle up in that feather bed with your honey. No matter how you go...just go and enjoy Brightwood Guest House B & B!

What to do for Valentine's Day in Portland, OR

Sunday, February 7, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Now here's a real insider's view of what to do for Valentine's Day in Portland Oregon. "Travel Geek" works at the Oregon Welcome Center at the Portland International Airport. She's lived in Portland for 30 years, so she knows her way around!

Travel Geek offers a complete Portlander's guide for Valentine's Day with ideas for "Events that Inspire Romance" plus "Places that Fill You with Love" (a Northwest Culinary experience in itself) and "More Pragmatic, Less Romantic (and still fun). She's taken the time and effort to include extensive links and phone numbers for all her favorites. This is a must read blog post and you'll find it here.

Garden Suite at the Britannia at Terwilliger Vista in Portland Oregon. You don't need to travel far to find a romantic bed and breakfast!

If you'd like to round out your Valentine's Day experience, how about skipping on the hotels and trying out a Portland Oregon bed and breakfast? You'll get an authentic Oregon lodging experience--even if you live in Portland. You can have a vacation without leaving town! Most innkeepers live in their bed and breakfast and can give you as much (or as little) attention as you'd like.

In the Portland area you'll find 14 unique inns that are members of the Oregon B&B Guild. All of them--from the Sandes of Time Bed and Breakfast in Milwaukie or the Rose Cottage B&B in SW Portland, to the Blue Plum Inn or the Lion & the Rose Victorian B&B in the Irvington District of downtown--and 10 other wonderful Portland Oregon bed and breakfast inns--await your call.

Take Travel Geek's advice and find that Portland Valentine's Day event you want to share with your lovey. Then put a little icing on the cake with a stay at one of Portland Oregon's best bed and breakfasts!

Blue Cheese, Oregonzola... Just Say Cheese Please!

Saturday, February 6, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

A road trip to Ashland to prep for our Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild annual meeting, a few of us decided that we liked being the "visitor" to Southern Oregon. So, after twenty four hours of planning, meetings and setting up schedules, we decided to find the cheese!

Our friend Fred at The Historic Prospect Hotel in Prospect, Oregon told us that we had to go to Rogue Creamery near Medford in Central Point before we headed back home to Albany and Hood River respectively. So, of course we always listen to Fred but I think just hearing the word "cheese" was really all it took to head us in the right direction!

So, off we were heading home with a pit stop or in our case a "cheese stop" at Rogue Creamery. We were in cheese heaven! Enamored by anything so famously local, down home but good enough to be in almost every gourmet market and local shop in Oregon, Rogue Creamery is the epitome of the perfect Oregon culinary experience.

Perfect for pairing with wine or beer, check out Rogue Creamery's website where "pairing" is as

important as the cheese itself. A nice mild Oregonzola with an Oregon Pinot Noir perhaps? Chocolate Stout, (my fav) with such beer as a stout or porter? Artisan cheese from an artisan cheese company focused on sustainability, perfecting the art of making the world's best cheese and sharing it with the rest of us who just simply love cheese!

Follow my recipe below using two of my favorite Rogue Creamery cheese's. The perfect egg and cheese dish for one!

Shirred Eggs

Butter the inside of a 3 or 4 inch ramekin. Add one tablespoon of bread crumbs to cover bottom. Place two thin slices of Rogue Creamery cheddar cheese over the bread crumbs to make a cup. Add a slice to two of tomato on top of the cheese and break an egg over that. Crumble a tablespoon of cooked sausage or bacon on top of egg. Add one tablespoon cream over top then grate two tablespoons of Rogue Creamery Chocolate Stout Cheddar on top.

Bake 375 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes or till egg is set.

This is a fun recipe because it is so easy and you can change it up by adding fresh crimini mushrooms, small slices of fresh garden zucchini, fresh basil or thyme and change the type of cheese now and then with the same results. Your guests will be amazed at this sweet little cheese dish.

Is there a trip to Southern Oregon in your future perhaps? A little culinary vacation? A taste of Oregon maybe? Well, if you are visiting Oregon, stop in for some samples and load up your ice chests with some of the best cheeses Oregon has to offer. If you are an innkeeper heading to Ashland for our annual meeting in March, you can stop too! Taste the cheese, choose your favorite and load up for your trip home. The proof is in the cheese...a truly original Oregon Culinary Experience!

PLEASE JOIN US AT ARCH CAPE INN & RETREAT FOR A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DINNER AND MEET OUR NEW CHEF, NOAH KAUFMAN

Friday, February 5, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

From our Guest Blogger
Lori McKean, Arch Cape Inn and Retreat

Arch Cape Inn and Retreat on the Oregon Coast is pleased to announce the arrival of our new Chef, Noah EunJung Kaufman, who will debut his culinary creations at the Inn beginning February 2010. Kaufman was born in South Korea and adopted by his American parents at an early age. While serving at the award winning 1913 Room in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kaufman's love for food blossomed and, in the fall of 2003, he enrolled at The Culinary Institute of America. Kaufman graduated in 2007, earning his associates degree in Culinary Arts and receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Before joining the Arch Cape Inn, Kaufman worked as the Chef/ Director of Food Operations for the exclusive Balsam Lake Club in the heart of the Catskills in New York. His artfully composed dishes taste as delicious as they look. Chef Kaufman's upcoming Valentine's Day Tasting Menu will include Wild mushroom ravioli with Dungeness crab leg and lemon brown A true Northwest Culinary experience at Arch Cape Inn and Retreat butter; braised pork belly with caramelized apples, frisee salad and cayenne oil, pan roasted duck breast with a root vegetable medley with aceto balsamico, and a "Valentine's Day Kiss" composed of meringue, ganache and raspberry coulis, among other dishes -- all paired with regional wines.

On March 12, as part of Savor Cannon Beach, Chef Kaufman will prepare a special Winemaker's Dinner paired with wines from Oregon's Walnut City Wineworks. Arch Cape Inn and Retreat's kitchen specializes in featuring locally grown produce, locally sourced meats, seafood and cheeses and other sustainable foods spiced with a variety of ethnic flavors from top culinary regions around the world a unique Oregon Slow Food experience.

Arch Cape Inn & Retreat is a small, eco-friendly resort overlooking the ocean on the North Oregon coast, offering luxurious green lodging accommodations in a naturally beautiful environment. Eco-conscious since their initial planning stages, they are as proud of the fact they have obtained Green Lodging Certification by the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild, as they are of being both an exclusive Bed and Breakfast.com Diamond Luxury Property and a Select Registry Inn, which represents only 400 quality assured, inspected inns and B&Bs in North America.

For more information about Arch Cape Inn & Retreat, please contact:

Stephen Malkowski

Arch Cape Inn & Retreat

503.436.2800

206.971.2441 Direct
innkeeper@archcapeinn.com

Presidents Day Weekend getaway to Eastern Oregon: Snow and a movie

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Still wondering what to do for Presidents Day Weekend? How about enjoying the Wallowa Mountains and the great snow we have here in Eastern Oregon? And while you're at it, start the weekend really early, support a good cause, and see a spectacular film. (That's the teaser from the 2008 movie "The Fine Line" posted above and one of the movies that'll be shown at the event)

The Wallowa Avalanche Center Fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, February 11, 2010. Here are the details:

Who: Wallowa Avalanche Center
What: Fundraiser featuring "entertaining & educational" avalanche films. Terminal Gravity beer and Embers Brewhouse pizza. Drawings for some great raffle prizes.
When: Thursday night, February 11, 2010, starts at 6 pm.
Where: OK Theater on Main Street in Enterprise, OR
Why: Teach & entertain about ways to be safe in the snow, plus raise funds for a group dedicated for this purpose.
Price: $5 per person (such a deal!) Kids 6 and under are free.

And here's a preview of some of the raffle prizes:

Backcountry Safety Package worth ~$700 from BackCountryAcccess: (New backpack, shovel, probe, and Tracker Transceiver)
Black Diamond 165 Kilowatt Skis from Wallowa Alpine Huts
2 nights/2 skiers at Wing Ridge Ski Tours Huts from Wing Ridge Ski Tours
And, of course, more prizes too numerous to mention

Need a place to stay for the weekend? Check out two unique inns offered by the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild and combine your love of snow with an Oregon culinary experience. Both are located in Joseph, OR--only a 6-mile drive from the fundraiser.

Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast is known for (among other things), incredibly rich brownies that will melt in your mouth. Heather bakes these from scratch, using Guittard chocolate and farm fresh eggs. If you're looking for a romantic bed and breakfast, consider making the Bronze Antler B&B your choice.

Belle Pepper's Bed & Breakfast serves those same farm fresh eggs, because they come from Pepper's flock of laying hens! Belle Pepper's B&B also carries green lodging certification and is recognized by Sustainable Travel International, the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild Green Lodging Program and the Green Hotels Association.

Both unique inns are ready for you for Presidents Day Weekend 2010. Check room availability for either bed and breakfast. For more details, visit each inn's website.

Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge ~ A Favorite Oregon Geotourism Site

Monday, February 1, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

From nearly every viewpoint on the Oregon coast, colossal rocks can be seen jutting out of the Pacific Ocean creating postcard images.

Each of these rocks is protected as part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge includes 1,853 small islands, rocks, and reefs plus two headlands, totaling 371 acres spanning 320 miles of Oregon's coastline from the Oregon–California border to Tillamook Head.

This is a place where eight of America's most beautiful wild and scenic rivers tumble down through towering forests of Douglas fir, Port Orford cedar,myrtlewood and redwoods creating tidal estuaries, long sandy beaches and coastal islands. The Siulsaw National Forest has 4 major rivers flowing through onto the Pacific Ocean. It also provides many Oregon coast B&B lodging options. More about that in a minute.

All of the island acreage is designated National Wilderness, with the exception of 1-acre Tillamook Rock and Lighthouse, so public access is restricted but there are spectacular viewing opportunities at numerous locations along the coast.

The Oregon Coast Birding Trail website includes a birding checklist that shows 250 birds most likely to be seen along the scenic seascapes of the Central and South Oregon Coast. It also includes trail guides with maps and site descriptions for over 50 sites.

Central Oregon coast lodging options are plenty from Lincoln City, to Depoe Bay, to Newport and then to Florence. South Coast lodging options include the unique inns of Coos Bay and Port Orford.

You'll find that you can bird-watch on the Oregon Coast for days and hop from one Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn to another from Astoria to Port Orford.

Sea watches on the Pacific Coast are best conducted in the morning with the sun at your back.

Authentic Oregon: Visit Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site in Northeastern Oregon

Sunday, January 31, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site near Joseph Oregon and Wallowa Lake. Opened in 2009, this heritage site is one of Oregon State Park system's newest parks open to the public. This land is culturally significant to the Nez Perce people. .

Geotourism is all the rage and there's plenty of it to experience in the state of Oregon. The Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is one of the Oregon State Park system's newest parks. (If you want to know how to impress your friends, it's pronounced "ee-weh-TEAM-lye-kin"). The site is the former Marr Ranch, a 60-acre parcel adjoining the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite and Wallowa Lake, part of the ancestral home of the Chief Joseph Band of the Nez Perce.

The site is very accessible along the road to Wallowa Lake. This image give you an idea of what the grounds look like in January.

For an authenic Oregon experience, consider spending a few days in Joseph, Oregon, and visiting the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site at different times of day. In the early morning you'll probably find wildlife there. During the day, watch the sun cast varying shadows on the Wallowa Mountains. In the afternoon, visit Wallowa Lake and the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite. Come back to Iwetemlaykin in the evening as the coolness descends.

You'll find two authentic Oregon bed and breakfasts in Joseph that are part of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild.

Belle Pepper's Bed & Breakfast offers stately lodging in the former home of Frank D. McCully, one of (Old) Chief Joseph's white neighbors. Frank McCully's headstone can be found on the grounds of the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite near Wallowa Lake.
Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast is located nearby in Joseph. This 1920s period bungalow is restored in the European Arts & Crafts style. The inn's library includes many books on local Oregon history to round out your geotourism experience.

The Rose City...the perfect place to fall in love...all over again!

Sunday, January 31, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Tell me if you know, but what can possibly be more romantic than hopping on a train with someone you love and getting away for a night or two?

There is just something romantic about the historic train station in the town where I live. My inn is just a short 10 minute walk to the Albany Train Station. So, when we want a little romantic get-a-way, we take the train!

The tracks from Albany to Portland are steady, the train ride is smooth and the countryside...well...let's just say, I have had a perpetual grin on my face several times on the trip. The rolling hills of farmland, passing Linn County, the Grass Seed Capitol of The World you know. Then on to Salem, our state capital. More farmland, the Willamette River, the locks, Oregon City, the sweetest historic homes and then...the Rose City...Portland!

Our next favorite city in Oregon, yes we are in love with Portland! Stepping out of the train and in to Union Station in Portland can give you the feeling of another time, a time long ago when taking the train was the way most people got around. Situated close to everything, Union Station is a short walk to the MAX line or a just a few blocks from downtown!

Now, when we go to Portland, the first thing we love to do is eat! Often it's claim to fame,

Portland is known for being thee destination for culinary travel, boasting the the best northwest culinary experience and the best place to go for that truly authentic Oregon culinary vacation! Well...yeah...you could say all that or you could just say..."point me toward downtown, show me the way to the Pearl, take me to 23rd avenue, the Hawthorne district or wherever, just feed me!" I have said it before, and I will say it again...there is no place that I know of that has more variety, more tastes or more delicious dining experiences than Portland!

Whether you drive to the Rose City, fly in to PDX or take the train, experiencing Portland just isn't the same if you haven't enjoyed the hospitality of an Oregon Bed and Breakfast! Talk about a "culinary vacation!" You haven't had breakfast in Portland if you aren't sitting around the breakfast table enjoying those Marion Berry scones served with Tillamook butter, the eggs from the farmer's market just down the street, the bacon or sausage from the farm on the way to the coast or that awesome hazel nut waffle with just a little something in it that you just can't pinpoint but you know it tastes like something you have never had before. Well, Clear Creek Distillery in Portland does make the best Pear Liqueur and the best pear liqueur tastes really good in hazelnut waffle batter!

So, Valentine's Day is coming up and if you want to really surprise that special someone, book a romantic train ride to Portland, indulge in the Oregon culinary delights about town and stay in one of our Portland, Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inns!

Fall in love all over again...in the Rose City!

The Benefits of a Green Lodging Certification

Saturday, January 30, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Forest Springs Bed & Breakfast at Historic Heiney House near Portland OR. Green lodging program certified by the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

The Benefits of a Green Lodging Certification
Patrick Arbuckle
Forest Springs Bed and Breakfast
Gresham, Oregon (suburban Portland)
tel (503) 674-8992

Over the past year, Forest Springs Bed and Breakfast has seen our business grow in a new and welcome direction. Many of our guests have noted to us that our being a member of the green inspection program of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild was a major factor in their decision to stay with us. Knowing that we extended this care to our choices of local, fresh and organic ingredients for their breakfast certainly didn’t hurt either.

Our favorite moment is when our local organic farmer shows up during breakfast with a basket of freshly picked raspberries, basil and tomatoes. We are fortunate to live in an area where doing the right thing comes as easily as the winter rain!

"Explore Oregon And Win" Promotion Coming to an End

Saturday, January 30, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

The state of Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859 and on February 14, 2009, Oregon turned 150! That's a big birthday! One to celebrate all year. And that is exactly what Oregonians did.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild joined the celebration by creating "Explore Oregon and Win", a year-long celebration, encouraging travelers to visit all the regions in our state. Under the program travelers who stayed at an inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild in at least 5 of the 7 regions before February 12, 2010, qualified to wine $150 in Lodging Gift Vouchers. The regions include Portland Metro, Mt. Hood/The Gorge, The Coast, Willamette Valley, Eastern, Central and Southern Oregon.

We encouraged those living in Oregon, as well as others, to take advantage of the Oregon 150 promotion and experience adventurous Crater Lake Lodging, fine Oregon Wine Country Lodging, urban excitement and Portland Lodging and the many more choices provided to you by the quality inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

When your guests left our inns we sent them off with a receipt and a print brochure of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inns. We hope you have had a chance to visit our inns and our state this past year. Now's the time to send in your receipts and qualify to win $150 in Lodging Gift Vouchers from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Only need one or two more receipts? You still have a couple weeks left to participate! The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild thank for being our guests

A True Oregon Culinary Experience ~ Truffles and C'est La Vie Bed and Breakfast

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

The Oregon Truffle Festival, held over three brisk winter days in the Oregon wine country near Eugene, Oregon, from January 29-31, 2010, celebrates the magnificent Oregon truffles as they reach the peak of ripeness in their native soil. It is the first festival of its kind in North America, dedicated to sharing the experience of the chefs, foragers and fans of Oregon's wild truffles, from their hidden source in the forest to their glory on the table.

Oregon truffles are emerging among the world's great delicacies, taking their richly-deserved place next to their legendary European cousins. In recognition of it's fifth Anniversary, the festival is celebrating their arrival at the international table by inviting the French! Experience the lore of the old world and the lure of the new and savor the flavors of French and Oregon truffles at the height of their season.
The Oregon Truffle Festival offers a multitude of exciting ways to participate, for a few hours or a full weekend

Take this true Oregon Culinary experience one step further, stay at C'est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene. The innkeeper, Anne-Marie, is true French and presents her unique inn through her French eyes. She is offering an Oregon Truffle Festival Special. You will enjoy two nights lodging, Euphoria Chocolates, a bottle of Oregon wine, a four hour winery tour, and a gourmet lunch basket

For a unique Oregon Wine Country Lodging experience visit C'est La Vie Bed and Breakfast in Eugene, Oregon. An inspected and approved inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Visit Salem Oregon for an unusual photo exhibit--ghostly residences!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Going to be in or near Salem, Oregon, sometime before July 31, 2010? How about a stop at the Archives Gallery in the Oregon Archives Building? Images of "ghostly houses" dating from 1859 taken by modern photojournalist Daniel Ray will be on display in the gallery as part of Oregon's 150th birthday celebration (also called Oregon's Sesquicentennial).

The gallery is open daily Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The exhibition closes on July 31, 2010. The Oregon Archives Building is located at 800 Summer Street NE in Salem.

Brunk House near Dallas Oregon. Photo by Daniel Ray and Courtesy of The Oregonian

Here are some of the 13 historic homes on display in the exhibit:

Montieth House, in Albany.
Watson House, near Philomath.
Baker Cabin, in Carver.
Bybee-Howell House, Sauvie Island.
McLoughlin House, in Oregon City.
Brunk House, near Dallas (pictured).
Oregon State Hospital, in Salem.

As quoted by The Oregonian writer Ruth Mullen, Daniel Ray states, "Some of the Oregon homes I photographed may be gone in the next few years," Ray said in a statement. "It is still possible to visit most of these ghostly residences that were built before the Civil War."

Now, to make this a real outing, how about skipping the Salem Oregon hotels and staying at one of three Oregon Bed and Breakfast member inns near Salem. Two of these bed and breakfasts might even have "ghostly" presences of their own!

Historic photo of the Feller House Bed & Breakfast. A great alternative to Salem Oregon hotels when travelling in the Willamette Valle of Oregon

The Feller House is only 22 miles outside of Salem in a lovingly restored late-1860s farmhouse. This historic photograph (at right) gives you an idea of what it looked like in the 1860s. Owners Barb & Arnie are anxious to show you their loving restoration of this historic home. Two fine guestrooms and a wholesome breakfast await you each morning.

Think there are ghosts at the Feller House? You'll just have to decide for yourself after a night's stay!

Historic photograph of the Independence House Bed & Breakfast in Independence OR not far from Salem Oregon hotels

Another historic Oregon bed and breakfast not very far from Salem Oregon hotels is the Independence House Bed & Breakfast in Indepdence, Oregon (pictured at left). This home was built in 1895 and is both completely restored and on the National Register of Historic Places. Innkeeper Cheryl Gaston can show you how this house has been restored. Three lovely restored guestrooms await you.

Is the Independence House occupied by ghosts? Cheryl mentions clinking beer glasses in the dining room, but decide for yourself!

Hopewell Bed and Breakfast as an alternative to Salem Oregon hotels Photo by Hopewell B&B

Another Salem Oregon hotels option is the Hopewell Bed & Breakfast (pictured at right) located a bit farther out from Salem, but a great jumping off location for exploring the Willamette Valley. This farmhouse is much more "modern" (hey, built in 1927!) than the other two bed and breakfasts near Salem Oregon, but still provides charm and that great Oregon innkeeper hospitality. Give Mike or Penny a call and pay a visit to their 12-acre farm.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that Oregon Bed & Breakfasts offer some of the best lodging in Oregon and make a great alternative to Salem Oregon hotels when staying near the Oregon capital!

"Lemon Curd Coffee Cake...make them fall in love with you!"

Monday, January 25, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

It's getting near one of my favorite holidays. Well...I'm not sure it's considered a holiday but if any special day that involves romance, flowers, chocolate and nice dinner out, constitutes as a holiday in my book!

Valentine's Day is coming up in a few weeks and you guys and gals out there better get moving and plan that special day or evening with the one you love. A romantic dinner and maybe an over-nite stay at one our lovely Oregon Bed and Breakfasts is the perfect choice! A delightful stay and the whole day to enjoy one of Oregon's premiere destinations. Whichever destination you choose...the snowy mountains, the green Willamette Valley, the drier and gorgeous Southern Oregon region, the majestic coast or the scenic east, all of Oregon is aptly suited for little bit of romance for two in an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn!

So, if you are so inclined, enjoy one of our inns and you may be lucky enough to enjoy this delicious recipe I just found tucked in the back of my recipe book. I don't remember where I got it but it sounded really good. And...it was! I baked it for guests last week and everyone absolutely raved. I especially loved it because it is just enough sweet, has just enough lemon and has just enough coconut and butter in it to make it the perfect breakfast cake to eat with that perfect cup of fresh ground coffee!

Enjoy...

Lemon Curd Coffee Cake

1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
3 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 c. flaked coconut

Batter:

2-1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 c. cold butter
2/3 c. vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 c. lemon curd

Glaze:

1/2 c. confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

1) In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in coconut; set aside.

2) For batter, in a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, peel, egg and egg yolk; stir into crumb mixture just until moistened (batter will be stiff).

3) Spread 2 cups of the batter in a greased 9-inch spring form pan; sprinkle with 3/4 cup of coconut mixture. Drop 1/2 teaspoonfuls of lemon curd over the top to within 1/2 inch of edge. Carefully spoon remaining batter over lemon curd; sprinkle with remaining coconut mixture.

4)Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm cake.

Makes 12 servings.

note: I used my food processor to prepare this entire recipe. Baking it in the spring form pan makes it really easy to release and serve!

Hope to see you enjoy Valentine's weekend in one our bed and breakfasts and hope your "holiday" is absoluely romantic!

A very cheesy post from your favorite lodging in Oregon (bed and breakfast, that is)

Sunday, January 24, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Sometimes I just can't help myself when I find something amusing on the internet. Who doesn't like Tillamook cheese? It's hard not to enjoy something so uniquely Oregon. You'll find Tillamook cheese in use from our Astoria Oregon bed and breakfast inns to the Bend Oregon bed and breakfast inns and even all the way to the Prospect Historic Hotel (our Crater Lake lodging member).

So here's the new video from Tillamook Cheese as they take their Loaf Love Tour. The website's entertaining too, but the videos (one of the loaf tour, one of the making of the Baby Loaf VW buses) are fun too. You'll find them both on the website. Here's one:

Culinary tourism is the new buzz word and our Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member inns are embarking on our own message, letting our guests know that when you stay with us, you're going to have a very local food experience. And Oregon-made Tillamook cheese is part of that experience!

"Loaf thy neighbor" and tell that someone special "I loaf you" and while you're at it, check out some of our bed and breakfast lodging in Oregon. We'll loaf you too!

Unique innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

Sunday, January 24, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers a wide variety of bed and breakfast accommodations. You can rest assured that all member inns meet or exceed the Guild’s standards and inspection criteria.

A Midsummer's Dream Bed and Breakfast, Ashland Oregon Lodging

And just as our inns are unique so are the innkeepers who are there to make your b&b experience one to remember. They can provide a wealth of information about regional points of interest, activities, and events. They are eager to assist you with intinerary planning, shopping and dining suggestions, which area attractions to visit.

We live in our regions. We eat in our restaurants. We hike and bike our forests and trails. Who better to know where to go and what to see?

Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, a Mt Hood Bed and Breakfast

I'm Mary, the President of the Guild and the owner of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in Parkdale, Oregon. One of the benefits of being an active member on our board is having the opportunity to visit so many of our inns. I have visited over 50 and I continue to be amazed at the quality and of our member inns. Not to toot our own horn, but darn, we are Good!!

Oregon Wine Country Lodging and Newberg's First Friday ARTwalk

Saturday, January 23, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

In September, 2002, a small group of downtown Newberg, Oregon, businesses started a First Friday ARTwalk monthly event. In the heart of the Oregon Wine Country, the goal is to make downtown Newberg a place associated with Art, Music, Food, Wine, and Fun. Visitors are encouraged to relax, socialize, look at new art, meet the artists, listen to music, eat some food, taste some wine and see what each of the participating businesses has to offer, but most of all … just to come downtown and enjoy yourselves.

This Oregon Wine Country event has grown in popularity and continues to be the best event in Newberg. It seems to get better each and every month. Past themed ARTwalks included Cinco de Mayo, Hawaii in June, Cabin Fever (after a three day ice storm) and Harvest time. This year we are planning Hawaii in April (April 2), a Fourth of July party, and on November 5th El Día de los Muertos (featuring local Hispanic artists), continuing to increase downtown Newberg’s vitality and celebrates it’s past and future.

Plan to attend a Newberg First Friday ARTwalk, the next one scheduled for February 5th. Create a weekend getaway and reserve your room at one of these approved inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild for unique Oregon Wine Country Lodging:

Just 20 miles south of Portland, Oregon, in the beautiful Willamette Valley, Newberg offers a traditional friendly downtown and the area is home to more than 80 wineries. With over 15 businesses participating in the First Friday ARTwalk and with Oregon Wine Country Lodging at its best you are sure to have a weekend to remember in Newberg, Oregon.

Romantic Valentine's Getaway in Oregon's Wine Country

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Cupid is out in force for Valentines Day

"Tis the season for Romance. Celebrate and renew cherished, romantic time together this Valentine's Day weekend with fine wines, unique chocolates and luxurious accommodations at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, fabulous wine and delicious food.

Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn sits atop a mountain with commanding views over the valleys below that will take your breath away. Youngberg Hill will provide the perfect location for those seeing a quiet, romantic getaway in Oregon's Wine Country.

For a perfect romantic getaway in Oregon's Wine Country join Youngberg Hill for their 2nd Annual Not Your Momma's Chocolate Wine Paring, February 13.
The classic pairing of chocolates and Youngberg Hill wines featuring a unique pairing for library wines with distinct and delicious chocolate creations.

Valentine's Dinner - Join Youngberg Hill for a wonderful 4 course dinner. Menu includes Gorgonzola and Chocolate Costine, Pumpkin and Chocolate Ravioi, Grill Duck with Dark Chocolate Cherry Sauce, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Venus! Oh, my!

Corvallis Culinary Week...an epicurean delight!

Monday, January 18, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

"...where the beer flows through ice taps." Now what could entice you more than those few words?...and enticing is just the beginning!

If you love food, love food from Oregon, love food in Oregon and love the local, fresh and organic mantra we all do our best to cook by, you'll love this week in Corvallis!

Imagine walking up and down the quaint "hip" town of Corvallis, Oregon sampling not only very cold beer and the perfect Pinot Noir but a smattering of delish grub from some of best of the best restaurants in the region! This week is "Corvallis Culinary Week" and they are ready to stuff you full as you enjoy each culinary delight from at least ten Corvallis restaurants.

Imagine a cold beer at 101 or the perfect seafood sampler from Aqua where their specialty is Pacific Rim and Hawaiian cuisine. Visit Cloud 9, the downward dog, Fireworks, Le Bistro, Magenta or Zia's!

Have we mentioned conveniently that there are at least two local bed and breakfasts near downtown Corvallis that are willing to take you in if you need a place to recuperate after tasting your way through Corvallis all evening? Well...The Harrison House and The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn, Corvallis and downtown Albany respectivley, are two Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inns that know where the best of the best is when it comes to that perfect culinary experience and that perfect "inn" stay!

cheers!

A Souffle' To Fall For...breakfast at a Mt. Hood Bed and Breakfast!

Sunday, January 17, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

When we make reservations at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast, we usually know what to expect! A cozy inn, beautiful and comfortable accommodations, gorgeous views and that special seat when we are the honored guests at an innkeepers breakfast table.

When Diane and Paul hosted us at their inn, the Mt. Hood Hamlet, we were in for a treat! The following recipe was submitted by these innkeepers giving credit to a recipe book by Marion Cunningham called, "The Breakfast Book." A simply scrumptious souffle', a lovely presentation and a totally unexpected treat...all with a view!

OATMEAL SOUFFLE'

1 cup milk
2 Tablespoons butter
3/4 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1/3 cup cream cheese (low-fat)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3 eggs, separated

Preheat the oven to 325F. Butter and sugar a 1-1/2 qt. souffle' dish or casserole or several ramekins.

Put the milk and butter into a medium saucepan and heat until barely boiling. Slowly add the oatmeal, stirring constantly. Cook the oatmeal until thick, stirring often. Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese, salt, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir briskly to blend and smooth the mixture. Beat the 3 yolks slightly and slowly add them to the oatmeal, stirring constantly. Stir in the raisins and walnuts.

Beat the egg whites until they are stiff but still moist. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir and fold the whites into the oatmeal mixture. Don't over fold; fold only until no large lumps of whites remain. Spoon the mixture into the souffle' dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center still trembles a trifle but most of the souffle' is set. (Ramekins at 325F for 25 minutes or so).

Serve immediately with cream or warm milk. This souffle' is still tasty when cold and fallen.

The Mt. Hood Hamlet Bed and Breakfast also serves this oatmeal souffle' with warmed maple syrup and pear butter.

Thanks again Paul and Diane for sharing this delicious recipe! And it's always great to know if any our blog readers have tried our recipes. Let us know if you make this or any other recipe on this site.

See you soon at another Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn!

Willamette University Jazz Festival and Salem Oregon Lodging

Friday, January 15, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Hopewellarly thirty years, the Willamette University Jazz Festival has brought the leading names in jazz to Salem, Oregon, for a weekend of world-class jazz performance and education. The 2010 festival runs February 05-06. Renowned for its educational focus and artistic vision the festival offers northwest jazz students from all levels of ability and experience the chance to learn from the finest jazz educators from across the country. And for the jazz lover a concert to top of the event.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has many member in the Oregon Wine Country and two that are close to Willamette University:

Hopewll Bed and Breakfast for Oregon Wine Country Lodging

Hopewell Bed & Breakfast is a little piece of Heaven on a 12 acre farm in the Oregon Wine Country of the Willamette Valley and only 14 miles from the University.
Independence House is a classic 1895 Italianate on a quiet corner of the historic river town of Independence, Oregon. Both inns are a pleasant 14 miles drive to the University.

So plan on taking a mini stay-cation, right here in the Oregon Wine Country. Take a lazy "Sunday" drive through the Willamette Valley countryside, maybe visit a winery or two, head into Salem for dinner and the Willamette University Jazz Festival, then back to a quiet and serene night at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn.