Sakura Ridge - The Farm and Lodge. Exquisite lodging in the Columbia River Gorge

Saturday, April 16, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini

Sakura Ridge The Farm and Lodge with Panoramic Views of Mt Hood and the Hood River ValleySakura Ridge - The Farm and Lodge, is a working orchard and Oregon bed and breakfast located on the west slopes of the Hood River Valley.  You'll feel like you are sitting on top of the world as you enjoy panoramic views of the valley and majestic Mt Hood from your private patios or the extensive decks.

The Farm grows organic dark sweet cherries and delicate pears many of which make it to the amazing breakfasts served at the Lodge along with many other organic fruits and vegetables grown organically in the extensive gardens.  A true Northwest Culinary experience. 

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

Have I been an Oregon Innkeeper for 8 years already?

Friday, April 1, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini
The Old Parkdale Inn-A Mt Hood Bed and BreakfastOn March 31st, 2003, we arrived in Parkdale and began our journey as innkeepers of the Old Parkdale Inn, a Mt. Hood Bed and Breakfast.  It was something I had dreamed about doing for quite awhile and some days I still pinch myself and some days I ask myself what am I doing!

Today I begin my 9th year.  My, time certainly flies when we are having fun!  And I am having fun.  Oh, I admit there are days when it gets a little rough, say mid September when we have had a constant turnover of guests experiencing Oregon.  But those guests are amazing and I wouldn't trade them for the world.  Some have become friends, almost family, they have returned so many times.

The Old Parkdale Inn is nestled in the Hood River Valley on the northern slope of Mt. Hood.  We are the perfect base for outdoor adventure and quiet retreats.   Our grounds have been recognized as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat and we look forward to spring and the arrival of the many birds that frequent our feeders.

Located in the heart of the Fruit loop, a scenic 35 mile driving tour past family farms, fruit stands, wineries, and friendly communities, we anxiously await the show of blossoms ready to open in the acres of pears, cherries and apples.

On Blossom Fest Weekend, April 15/16, businesses along the Fruit Loop open after their winter nap and celebrate spring with art shows, music, and of course, food.

Mt. Hood, Pear Blossoms and Bee Hives, a sure sign of Spring in the Hood River ValleyAs a Certified Green Lodging member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild you can rest assured you will experience accommodations fulfilling your sustainable travel needs.  Our inn has three artistically decorated guest rooms, all with private bath, eco friendly products, a modern kitchen and dining room where we serve up a hearty Northwest culinary breakfast.  
 
The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, , the Hood River Valley blossoms, Mt. Hood.  Is there a better way to welcome spring?

The Oval Door Bed and Breakfast in Eugene Oregon

Friday, April 1, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini

The Oval Door Bed and Breakfast-Central Willamette Valley LodgingThe Oval Door Bed and Breakfast, a member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, is a newly built early 20th century farmhouse-style home located on a tree-lined residential street in the heart of downtown Eugene, Oregon.  Six guestrooms are decorated for your pleasure and comfort with a private bath, ceiling fans and individually controlled heaters, and air conditioning.

Easy walking distance to many fine Eugene restaurants, Hult center, downtown shops, and only 12 blocks to the University of Oregon.  Guests may enjoy a good book in the library, or by the fireplace in the living area.  The wrap around porch with swing is a great place to hang out in the summer time. Tea, hot cocoa, beer, wine and soda are comlimentary along with our famous home made cookies!  

A Northwest Culinary Treat at the Oval Door Bed and Breakfast-A Member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast GuildYou'll be treated to a fantastic gourmet breakfast served at guest's convenience by the owners who are accomplished chefs.  A true culinary experience where dietary needs are happily accommodated.

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

Willamette Valley Oregon for Valentine's Day Weekend!

Sunday, February 6, 2011 by Heather Tyreman

Romantic weekend getaways are just around the corner with Valentine's Day Weekend.  Roselyn, innkeeper at the romantic bed and breakfast R.R. Thompson House in Carlton, offers some specific Valentine's Weekend recommendations for exploring Oregon Wine Country:

  • Celebrate Valentine's Day in the Willamette Valley and experience the quiet beauty of Oregon's premier wine country in winter.  Tasting rooms and wineries will bring out the cupid in you with special events which are hard to resist.  What could be better than a glass of Pinot Noir wine coupled with Pinot Noir brownies?  Monks Gate Vineyard near Carlton, Oregon tempts with this offering Valentine's Day weekend.  Linda bakes these irresistible treats herself and will offer them to visitors of the vineyard/tasting room on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13.  (Tasting fee applies).
  • Monks Gate is just one of dozens of wineries in the Valley planning special events during Valentine's Day weekend.    The theme at Coelho Winery in Amity will be "The Perfect Aphrodisiac," with the staff offering a selection of wines paired with "sweet and savory aphrodisiacs."  On Sunday, February 13 at 3 p.m., Vintage Voices, a jazz ensemble, will perform classic love songs in the tasting room.  (Reservations requested, charity donation to YCAP.)
  • "Fine Wine and Lasting Love" is the theme at Raptor Ridge Winery, Newberg, where the staff is waiting to show off their new winery and tasting room. 
  • At Cana's Feast, partake in a "wine country-style" Valentine's dinner on February 12.  Chef Lisa works magic in the kitchen where she mixes skill and heart for fantastic culinary offerings. 
  • Check out the Willamette Wines website for more special events

The Lavender Suite at the R.R. Thompson House in Carlton, OR for your romantic weekend getawaysAnd while exploring the picturesque countryside and little towns in the valley, and enjoying its fine wines, we invite you to make the R. R. Thompson House in Carlton your home base for Oregon Wine Country lodging.   You will be just a short walk away from Carlton's many inviting tasting rooms, or a quick drive to the wineries and tasting rooms in the country or nearby towns. 

Get ready for fun and romantic weekend getaways this weekend in the Willamette Valley this Valentine's Day weekend!  The R. R. Thompson House offers romantic bed and breakfast suites and heart-warming rooms for your enjoyment.  Give us a call at 503-852-6236 and we'll be happy to help you arrange the weekend you deserve.

Thanks, Roselyn, for your great Oregon Wine Country travel tips!

Culinary Tourism at its Best at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Member Inn

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Breakfast Ingredients at Forest Springs Bed and BreakfastNo other experience brings you that elusive thing we call home as quickly as waking up to the warm and comforting aromas of breakfast. Imagine these drifting up the stairwells and down the halls.  Coffee being freshly ground and sweet and savory delights.  You know that something wonderful awaits your arrival at the breakfast table. Any possibility might exist.  You may be surprised with fresh scones with homemade jams, gnocci with fresh herbs, a 3” high savory custard, or perhaps a French crepe, an Italian fritatta, or a Spanish Tortilla. No matter the experience, you can be assured that the Innkeepers of The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild take Breakfast very seriously. 

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Innkeepers include farmers, winemakers, fruit growers, cheese mongers, and ranchers. Your culinary experience will differ depending the region of Oregon you are visiting. Whether we serve locally grown produce, fresh farm eggs and cheese, sustainably raised meats or the wine your host may serve in the afternoon, we regard ourselves stewards of the land.

There are countless Food, Wine and Beer Festivals to celebrate Oregon's Bounty in every corner of our fine state.  Regional orchard and farm loop offers you as visitors to the Northwest the chance to take a culinary vacation through the rural landscape, the coast and the urban areas. By staying with our member innkeepers, you will have an insider guide to the foods and beverages of the region.

Oregon Coast Events: Lincoln City Winter Fun in December

Thursday, December 9, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

It's about the beach, history, glass floats in the sand, music performances, making your own dishes and even your own candy – it’s not just about the holidays and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Lincoln City lights up for the season in more ways than just the Christmas lights strung along the buildings.

The Cabin at The Lake House B&B in Lincoln CityWith so much to see and do on the Oregon Coast, consider Oregon Coast lodging at a member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild in and near Lincoln City.  From a quiet romantic getaway to a fun family retreat, the inns in and near Lincoln City await.

Through Memorial Day 2011. Finders Keepers on the Beach: Glass Floats on the Beach. Weather permitting, every day colorful hand-blown glass floats are placed on the beach.  If you find a float, bring it to the Lincoln City Visitors Center at 540 NE Hwy 101 to receive your certificate of authenticity and a biography of the artist who made the float. 800-452-2151 or 541-996-1274 or www.oregoncoast.org

Through December 11. “Kennewick Man on Trial” traveling exhibit at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. The exhibit uses text, photos, maps, and historic illustrations, to explore the science as well as the ethical and legal ramifications of the 1996 discovery of the “Kennewick Man” remains. Free admission. Lincoln City, Oregon. 541-996-6698.

December 11. Hands-on Cookies & Candies cooking class. Cost: $50. 1 – 4 p.m. Culinary Center. Lincoln City, Oregon. 541-557-1125, 800-452-2151 or www.oregoncoast.org/culinary

Photo courtesy Beach ConnectionDecember 11. Birding Field trip, hosted by Lincoln City Audubon at the Nestucca Wildlife Refuge. Walk will include a variety of habitats such as pastures, grasslands, and tidal marsh. Binoculars and guide books will be provided. 9 – 11 a.m. 541-992-0440. Near Pacific City, just north of Lincoln City.

Chocolate and Candy Making 101. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Litehouse Chocolates. Lincoln City, Oregon. 541-614-0660.

December 19. Gift of Music at Salishan Lodge. Gleneden Beach, Oregon (just south of Lincoln City). 541-764-2371.

December 25 - January 1. Glass Sand Dollars, Glass Crabs on Beach. 100 hand-crafted glass sand dollars and glass crabs along with 100 glass floats will await discovery along the 7.5 miles of Lincoln City beaches, weather and ocean permitting. 541-996-1274, 800-452-2151.

December 26 - January 1. Oregon Coast Whale Watch Week. 541-765-3407 or http://www.whalespokenhere.org

Oregon Innkeeper Wins Ponzi Vineyards Facebook Contest

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Submitted by guest blogger Shari Lobenstein
Lobenhaus Bed and Breakfast

Ponzi Vineyards CookbookThe Lobenhaus Bed & Breakfast is thrilled to be a winner of a signed copy of the popular PonziVineyards Cookbook.  We are looking forward to preparing the recipes, hoping the dishes will somehow resemble the awesome photos in the book!  Perhaps you will be the lucky guest who will be treated to one of the breakfast recipes!

Ponzi Vineyards founder, Nancy Ponzi shares her experience hosting gatherings of all sizes and occasions in this unique book covering everything in the kitchen, from the basics of homemade pasta to the dos and dont’s of hosting a successful dinner party. Find sidebars with entertaining tips, rich historical notes on Ponzi Vineyards and great ways to integrate locally grown ingredients into the everyday meal. The Ponzi Vineyards Cookbook gives a top to bottom lesson in cooking approachable, elegant and nourishing recipes fit for any table.

The book is available on the Ponzi winery website or at your local bookstore or even better at the Ponzi tasting room next to the Dundee Bistro. We won this cookbook through a Facebook contest.  Wonderful 'Friends' to 'like'."

I'm sure that Shari, innkeeper at the Lobenhaus Bed and Breakfast will cook up a real Oregon Culinary treat for you, her guests, at her Oregon Wine Country Bed and Breakfast.
Centrally located near world-class wineries, fine dining, and other attractions, Lobenhaus Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home base for visiting Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country.  A member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.
 

Culinary tourism in Oregon begins here!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by Debbie Lusk
Albany Nosh Tour!Small town Oregon, tons of delicious restaurants, chef's making their "own" creations, using all local ingredients of course!  So, what does one do with resources like that?  Well, we create a food tour of course!  Tastes, sips, bites...a nosh perhaps?

The Albany Nosh Tours began this past June and they were a hit from the get go!  I think we had them at that Traegered prime rib or maybe it was that homemade pasta that Ruby just prepared and filled with buttered butternut squash or maybe it was even those delicious Class 5 burgers or Rubens to go along with the beer from Calapooia Brewing Co.  Who knows and when you are chomping down on a bite of all that is delicious here, it doesn't' really matter, it just tastes soooo good!

Newspaper write ups, flier info, pamphlet lingo and even blogging...ahem...couldn't begin toTree at the inn! properly describe what these tours are like.  You really need to go on one.  And, we just happen to have a few seats still available on our NEXT ALBANY NOSH TOUR!

It's all happening on December 18th beginning at 4pm.  We meet downtown, trolley to a few restaurants, taste local wines and cheeses at a local vintage (breathtakingly gorgeous) home, a quick ride through our Monteith District and get the quick tour from our "step on" guide, enjoy live Christmas music all evening till the ending befits the perfection of the evening!  Yes, we will end at one the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inns! 

The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn will open up this night only for a first level tour of the inn.  Get your tickets for the this entire tour by calling Cathy at The Albany Visitor's Association.  Her number is 541-928-0831!

Built in 1908, The Pfeiffer Cottage inn exudes Robust Craftsman Bungalow all the way.  Clean lines, oak and fir floors, original leaded glass windows and built in's throughout will make you want to stay!  Warm, inviting and decorated for Christmas!  Our kitchen will be filled to the brim with sweets from several local home bakers and will be served Peppermint shakes from Sidekicks!with Bailey's infused homemade Hot Chocolate!

A perfect way to spend an evening in a small town during the holidays!  See you on the trolley!

No Add-On Fees at the B&Bs of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

When was the last time you were charged for a cup of coffee at a Bed and Breakfast? WiFi?  A biscotti?  A sip of sherry? I'm thinking never!  This is becoming the norm as we see the ever-increasing hotel add-on fees.  Mark Orwoll, trusted travel journalist, recently published a story in Travel & Leisure Magazine about the world's most outrageous hotel fees.   Heather Tyreman, my colleague and fellow blogger for the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, blogged about this same topic some time back in "Hotels vs Bed and Breakfasts: Pros and Cons and the Doily Factor".  Read her blog, the Travel & Leisure Magazine article, there's more add-on fees mentioned there, and then this one and we hope you'll decide to choose a B&B next time you travel.
 

  • Early Check-In Fees can set you back $50:  Orwoll says, "Hotels used to go out of their way to accommodate early-arriving guests. Now you just might have to pay for the privilege at some properties". Your cost: fees average $20–$50.  While B&Bs can't always guarantee early check-ins, we do our best to accommodate guests who request an early check-in or late check-out in advance with no added fees.
     
  • Fees for in-room coffee and tea?  Are you kidding?  Some hotels are kindly placing an electric coffeepot on your dresser along with an assortment of tea bags and instant coffee. "Watch out," says Orwoll. "That amenity, which used to be gratis, is becoming a new source of revenue for hotels", insists Orwoll.  Your cost: $2–$5 for a tea bag or a packet of coffee.  Next time you travel choose a B&B where morning coffee usually appears before 7am and you hold a bottomless cup, many times with complimentary biscotti or cookie to go along with it.
     
  • Maid service costs more than a tip:  Cleanliness is next to Godliness at today's B&Bs. Chance are if you read a review for any B&B guests will comment on how clean the guest room was.  Innkeepers are dedicated to offering the greenest and cleanest of rooms, and while they gratefully accept tips, they won't charge an extra housekeeping fee.
     
  • Free wi-fi?  Many budget hotel chains routinely offer free Internet connection but so many luxury brands don't.  Your cost: $10–$20 (or more) a day.  Yet, according to BedandBreakfast.com, the most comprehensive online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide, more than 87 percent of B&Bs offer a free wi-fi connection. 
     
  • No Mini-Bar fees here:  "It's bad enough that you have to pay ten times or more the normal price for mini-bar items", maintains Orwoll, "but what's worse is the growing practice among hotels to add an extra charge to replace items you took. And it gets worse: hotels are increasingly using mini-bars armed with sensors that detect—and charge your room bill—if you so much as move an item!"  Your cost:  $3-$5.  A recent survey by BedandBreakfast.com revealed that more 95 percent of B&Bs offer either complimentary afternoon or evening refreshments or a complimentary wine and cheese reception.
Along with a long list of amenities, let's not forget the "breakfast" that is factored into your room rate.  And in Oregon this means slow food.  Ingredients from the local farmers markets or fresh from the innkeepers garden are used to create a multi course culinary experience you'll receive at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast.  We are happy to act as concierge - making recommendations for local places to shop, eat, and enjoy - as well as dinner reservations.  It's just something that we do for our guests.  Did I mention free parking?  B&Bs are a better way to stay for the business traveler as well as a great vacation getaway. I don't know why anyone would put up with the hotel extra charges if they had a choice to stay at a small inn with personal service and truly FREE amenities.

Dare to Become an Oregon Bounty Foodie ~ One Taste at a Time

Sunday, November 21, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

A sampling of our Weekly Community Supported Agriculture deliveryIt's out of the hat.  There are just no words to describe what it’s like to spend the harvest season following your taste buds on a Culinary Travel Vacation through Oregon.  If you could put all of Oregon on a plate, the flavors would combine into one of the most delicious ambrosias you’ve ever tasted.  Sample the Flavors of Oregon, one bite, sip or scent at a time.  Start you Culinary Vacation at a member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild then head out and get to know the artisans, brewmasters, winemakers, and growers of Oregon.

Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  Many have home gardens and hens or have fresh produce delivered via their local growers and/or Community Supported Agriculture Groups.

There are many Oregon Food and Wine events planned through the rest of the year.  Wine and Brew Tasting, Mushroom Foraging and Bar-b-Ques are but a few of the many upcoming Oregon culinary experiences.  Contact an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Innkeeper and plan your getaway today.

Wanderfeast ~ 10 Weeks, 10 Chefs and 10 Tastes They're Crazy About

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
There you have them.  Ten Weeks, 10 Chefs, and 10 Tastes they're crazy about!  Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products.

Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast - A Culinary Vacation through Oregon

Week One ~ Cheese Week

Week Two ~ Travel Oregon Fish Week

Travel Oregon Wanderfeast Beer Week ~ Week Three

Wanderfeast Week Four ~ Fall Fruits Week

Artisan Spirits Week Five ~ Travel Oregon Wanderfeast

Wanderfeast Week Six ~ Shellfish Week

Meat Week from Travel Oregon's Wanderfeast

It's All About the Nuts in Wanderfeast Week Eight

Mushrooms ~ A Staple in Northwest Culinary Fall Dishes

Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast Week Ten ~ Wine

Travel Oregon and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild invite you to come along for a Wanderfeast Vacation.   Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  For information about Wanderfeast, 10 weeks, 10 chefs and 10 very special culinary tastes of Oregon visit the Travel Oregon Website.

Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast Week 10 ~ Wine

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Having introduced you to Wanderfeast back in August, this 10 week celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation comes to an end with Wine Week.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products. It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  And you’re invited to come along.  Here we are, already in Week Eight.  It's all about the Nuts.

A lazy afternoon chatting with a winemaker, some local goat cheese and a just-pulled cork…it’s enough to make you want to chuck the day job and buy some vines. This week chef Tim Keller steps out of his kitchen at Nunan Estate and heads to the vineyards in his Southern Oregon backyard. It’s harvest time, and he’s tracking down a match for his cutting-edge cuisine.

 

Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  

Mushrooms ~ A Staple in A Northwest Culinary Fall Dishes

Sunday, November 7, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Another week....another feast!  Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products. It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  And you’re invited to come along.  For information about this week's Wanderfeast and spirits of Oregon visit the Travel Oregon Website 

Oregon is home to some pretty fabulous fungi: hobbit-like morels, earthy porcinis, the elusive truffle. If you know what you’re looking for, a day in the forest during the fall can yield a bounty of wild mushrooms. This week we find mushroom-crazy chef Leather Storrs from Noble Rot among the firs in the foothills of Oregon’s Coast Range, sleuthing for chanterelles.


 

Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  

It's All About the Nuts in Wanderfeast Week Eight

Friday, November 5, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Back in August I introduced you to Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products. It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  And you’re invited to come along.  Here we are, already in Week Eight.  It's all about the Nuts.

Throughout the Willamette Valley, orchards with stout, spreading trees pop in the fall with the sound of hazelnuts dropping. Crack one open and you’ll swear you taste Oregon. This week baker Elizabeth Beekley from Two Tarts Bakery in Portland grabs a basket and goes harvesting at a farm near Monmouth to gather hazelnuts at the source for one of her many sought-after sweets.

Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  

Meat Week from Travel Oregon Wanderfeast

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Another week....another feast!  Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products. It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  And you’re invited to come along.  For information about this week's Wanderfeast and spirits of Oregon visit the Travel Oregon Website 

Oregon chefs are helping bring back old-fashioned quality, and helping a new generation of ranchers and farmers find a market for their meats. Eli Cairo from Portland’s Olympic Provisions is part of a growing trend of chefs going back to basics, custom cutting and curing their own meats. This week Eli drops by a small pork farm near Eugene and makes tasty charcuterie with their heritage hogs.

Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  

Wanderfeast Week Six ~ Shellfish Week

Sunday, October 31, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products. It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  And you’re invited to come along.  For information about this week's Wanderfeast and spirits of Oregon visit the Travel Oregon Website 

The Dungeness crab, a delicacy so revered we named it our state crustacean.  Whether pulled from the sea or fresh from the dock, eating with your hands has never been more fun.  Catching your own Dungeness crab is a lot easier than you might think. For that matter, the same goes for razor clams, mussels and a whole bounty of Oregon shellfish. This week, Oregon Coast chef John Newman from Newman’s at 988 in Cannon Beach heads out on a pier in Garibaldi, grabs some Dungeness, and then hits the beach for a quintessential Oregon cookout.


Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  

Prospect Historic Hotel's Gastronomic Getaway

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Prospect, Oregon, Crater Lake National Park's closest full service town is showcased by the nationally registered Prospect Historic Hotel-Motel and Dinner House. The Historic Hotel is a 10 room Bed and Breakfast Inn with private baths and beautiful quilts on every bed. Hearty, full, breakfasts.
A unique bed and breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, the historic hotel provides Crater Lake B&B lodging in 10 rooms, each with exquisite period furnishings and decorations, private baths and beautiful quilts on every bed. Hearty, full, belly-filling breakfasts continue the traditions of the original owners. Relax in the sitting parlors, warming your toes at the fireplace and catch up on some local history from our collection of books and articles.

The Dinner House restaurant provides a fine Oregon Culinary experience and continues tradition by creating the best food in the region. According to Sunset Magazine it is "the best Dinner House between Crater Lake and Medford". Our signature Prime Rib "is the best in Southern Oregon", and guests tell us the Lemon Dill Roasted Salmon is "better than what we just caught".  Known for friendly service, large portions, tongue tantalizing tastes, delectable desserts and affordable pricing.  The Wine and Beer menu draws from the Pacific North West with a focus on Southern Oregon.

Artisan Spirits Week ~ Travel Oregon Wanderfeast

Monday, October 25, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Another week....another feast!  Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products. It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  And you’re invited to come along.  For information about this week's Wanderfeast and spirits of Oregon visit the Travel Oregon Website 

Oregon is considered the birthplace of craft distilling, home to a growing legion of distillers who are changing the way we think about cocktails. This week, Columbine Quillen, a cutting edge mixologist from The Blacksmith in Bend, heads east to find botanicals on the Oregon trail, then concocts an Oregon Bounty cocktail with the fruits of her forage. 


Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  

Wanderfeast Week Four ~ Fall Fruits Week

Thursday, October 21, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
I am particularly excited about Wanderfeast Week Four ~ Fall Fruits Week, as the orchard featured, Kiyokawas is a stones throw up the Hood River Valley from our inn, the Old Parkdale Inn.  It is one of my favorite fruit stands, not only because of the knowledgeable staff on hand to answer your apple and pear related questions but because of the variety of fruit.  Over 40 varieties of apples and 30 varieties of pears, many familiar, many old world varieties which you may or may not have ever heard of.  Asian pears, too.

Also featured is Nora's Table, one of Hood River's finest restaurants, specializing in small plate dishes created with the finest and freshest ingredients.  Oregon slow food cooking at its best.   

"In the shadow of Mt. Hood and in the valleys of Southern Oregon, fresh pears and apples signal the start of fall. Chef Kathy Watson followed her dream, leaving the corporate world behind for the kitchen at Nora's Table in Hood River. This week she travels to Kiyokawa Family Orchards in the Hood River Valley to pick pears and create a fall fruit delicacy."


Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  And with many of our local restaurants, like Nora's Table, serving up the very best in Oregon Slow Food, we can surely send you off in the right direction for a memorable dining experience.

I'm off to Kiyokawa's.  Think I will pull out the crock pot today and make some apple and pear butter.

Travel Oregon Wanderfeast Beer Week ~ Week Three

Sunday, October 17, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Another week....another feast!  Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products. It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  And you’re invited to come along.

The beer spectrum in Oregon is as varied as the personalities who brew it, from our signature IPAs to deep dark stouts to beers aged like wine. This week brewer and accomplished cook Alan Sprints of Hair of the Dog Brewery takes a trip to the hop fields of the Willamette Valley and gets inspiration for the kitchen and his latest brew.


 
You have to love these "beer" stats taken from the Oregon Brewers Guild Fact Sheet:
  • Oregon is the second largest producer of craft been in the U.S.
  • Oregon is the No. 2 hop growing state in the country.
  • There are currently 78 brewing companies, operating 110 brewing facilities in 48 cities in Oregon, 36 breweries operating in Portland, more than any other city in the world!
Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and planning an Oregon "Beercation"like no other!.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  And with 110 brewing facilities in 48 Oregon cities, I can almost guarantee that, which ever inn you choose, there will be a pub nearby.