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

Friday, May 8, 2009 by Debbie Lusk

Abbey Road Farm, an Oregon Bed & Breakfast

In 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

floor 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.

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.

Cowboy Boots, A Wine Glass, And A Horse?

Thursday, April 23, 2009 by Debbie Lusk

Horseback Wine Tasting in The Willamette Valley

So, what does putting cowboy boots on, grabbing a wine glass and gettin' on a horse in the Willamette Valley have to do with each other? A wine tour by horseback! At Equestrian Wine Tours near Abbey Road Farm in the heart of wine country, you can actually go wine tasting at several wineries on the back of a Tennessee Walking Horse. I have heard of taking a limo and even assigning a dear friend as the "designated driver" while wine tasting but a wine tasting tour by horseback? A totally different kind of tasting experience. A good soak in a big hot tub of water in an Oregon Bed & Breakfast would end that kind of day perfectly.

Abbey Road Farm is an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn and is probably one of the most unique inns I have read about. Sitting on 82 acres in Carlton, Oregon, Abbey Road Farm Bed and Breakfast "Silo Suites" offers an Oregon Bed & Breakfast experience like no other with old grain silo's converted in to guest

Vineyards in The Willamette Valley Near An Oregon Lodging Facility

suites. I have the pleasure of visiting this Oregon lodging facility next week and am looking forward to seeing the suites, the farm, the animals and taking a long walk through the cherry orchard too.

Wine country here in the Willamette Valley has not only drawn those on horseback or limo but has become thee up and coming wine region in the U.S. Most of us that are lucky enough to live here know all of this and love knowing that we are in the heart of "the place for pinot." And, also according to Shermanstravel.com, the Willamette Valley is considered one of the 10 hot spots of 2009. About an hour from Portland and on the banks of the Willamette River sit well over 200 wineries in the heart of which is soon becoming the next Napa Valley.

Affordability, award winning wine, regional cuisine and culinary experiences, along with tours of working vineyards and local inns, have made for a perfect pairing and who wouldn't want to vacation or staycation here?

A few days at Abbey Road Farms, wine tasting by horseback and a taste of all that is fertile and good in the valley. Who could ask for a more perfect vacation!

Our Farm Tour and Lion and The Rose Victorian B & B Inn

Saturday, April 11, 2009 by Debbie Lusk

Last Saturday, we went on our first "farm tour." Held in the Willamette Valley in the absolutely gorgeous farming communities of Wilsonville and Sherwood, the sunny warm Oregon day was the perfect backdrop for the huge red barns that

graced the valley floor. Of course it helped that across that valley, Mt. Hood in all it's snowy glory stood showing off it's new "blankets" of snow. For you skiers, don't put your ski's away any time soon. But for you farm goers, get your boots let's go on a farm tour.

There is just something about a big old red barn set on a green hilly stage that takes my breath away. Maybe I'm a farm girl at heart or just a romantic, but whatever I am, I know I am a barn lover. There is just something about red barns and there always has been that brings a sense of nature and shelter to the city girl part of me. In this little red barn, mama sheep and their sweet little lambs are nestled in straw with donkey's, chickens and ducks not too far away.

An alpaca farm a few miles down the road lets us get an up close view of the little guy in the picture. A preemie and still a bit behind his cohorts, this baby alpaca is needing a nap after lunch and begins to settle in for just that.

Horses, alpacas, donkey's, chickens, ducks, sheep and a few other varieties of farm creatures graced us with their presence as we toured each farm. Handmade jewelery, wine tasting, and a yummy bar-b-que rounded out the day as we pooped out and headed toward Portland to stay an Oregon Bed & Breakfast for the night.

Steve and Dusty at the Lion and The Rose Victorian B & B Inn located in the Irvington Historical District in Portland, Oregon awaited our visit and greeted us as we checked in to one of their six guest rooms. Each guest room is decorated with period furnishings and each room has a private bath. What I really loved about this inn is that it was comfortable, clean and oh yeah, the breakfast was

Lion and The Rose Victorian B & B Inn, An Oregon Bed & Breakfast, Portland, Oregon

quite delightful. Offering a two course breakfast in their formal dining room, Steve served us a platter of fresh berries, citrus, grapes and melon. A plate of fruit and a fresh baked blueberry scone and I was pleasantly satisfied. The second course provided ham medallions, fried breakfast potatoes and a strata that incorporated mango's. The delish breakfast, the company of Steve and the other lovely guests made me smile as we headed out for the ride home.

Those of you brides or bridegrooms still looking for a unique and gorgeous place to celebrate your special day, know that the Lion and The Rose host weddings for up to 30 guests in the B & B or outside in their gardens for up to 50 guests.

A perfect venue for a sweet wedding and isn't it romantic that this Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inn has also been voted one of the best places to kiss in the Pacific Northwest.

I don't think I could have asked for a more memorable weekend. I loved the farm tour, the red barns, the animals and I especially loved the romantic stay at the Lion and The Rose Victorian B & B Inn.

Central Oregon Coast things to do and alternatives to Oregon Coast hotels

Sunday, April 5, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Central Oregon Coast photo courtesy of Rayna's blog, Central Oregon Coast-things to do

Are you planning a trip to the Central Oregon Coast? Need a good place to stay?

It's so fun to stumble into great resources on the Internet!

There's a wonderful blog called Central Oregon Coast-Things to Do full of practical suggestions of places to go, things to do and what to see all along the Central Oregon Coast.

Rayna is the blogger--a landscape designer with a passion for health and fitness. And for day hikes in the Central Oregon Coastal area!

Here's just a sampling of what you'll find in Rayna's blog. And she doesn't just tell you about the place, but gives you the inside scoop on building a little itinerary around it:

South Beach State Park (Newport)
Taft Park in Lincoln City
Otter Crest Loop

The next piece, especially if you're not from the Central Oregon Coast, is finding a good place to stay. There are some fine alternatives to Oregon coast hotels all up and down the coast--member inns of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild. You'll find a full list of them on the regional page of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild website.

There are two easy ways to find them:

If you're not familiar with locations on the Oregon Coast, start at the OBBG homepage and click on the Oregon Coast area of the interactive map. The map will open up and show you the towns along the Oregon Coast where you can find member inns.
If you know where you want to stay, you can use the pages for individual cities and towns, or use the Oregon Coast page. There are a total of NINETEEN B&Bs on the Oregon Coast that are inspected and approved by the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild. We're sure you'll find one or more to your liking.

Some of these properties are pet friendly lodging, some cater to families with kids, some are Oregon wedding sites, but all of them are inspected and approved.

Enjoy your visit to the Oregon Coast. And drop a comment to Rayna thanking her for her great blog posts if you get a chance!

A Country Farm Tour & A Kiss At An Oregon Bed & Breakfast!

Friday, April 3, 2009 by Debbie Lusk

Sheep At A Country Farm In Wilsonville, Oregon. Near an Oregon Bed & Breakfast

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Willamette Valley? We hear that our weekend here is going to be warm and sunny. So, we are going on a farm tour! This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there will be several farms that will be open to the public for touring. Go to Favorite5CountryFarms.blogspot.com for maps and directions to the farms. This 10 mile tour between Wilsonville and Sherwood offers Oregon wines, garden tips and grape vineyard growing techniques. Miniature donkeys, Arabian horses, sheep, lambs, llamas and alpacas will greet you as you take in all the garden decor, hand crafted jewelery, nuts, fruits, trees, herbs and plants as well as the local wines. No need to pack a picnic because Rolling Rock Farm will serve bar-b-qued hamburgers and Frog Pond Alpacas will serve hot dogs.

Trying to keep up with what's new in the travel industry, we have learned that "farm stays" are the new rave. Many Oregon Bed and Breakfasts offer some type of "farm stay" right here in the Willamette Valley. This type of lodging typically has guest rooms within a large farm house or cottages on the property that easily accommodate larger groups or families. These stays offer a get-a-way unlike any other experience by letting you get in on some of the farms chores like collecting hen eggs, feeding baby lambs, brushing and feeding horses. For a family vacation, a "farm stay" could be just the thing to bring a little nature, a little nurture and a lot of down to earth fun.

Newberg, Oregon is only about 15 miles from the farm tour near Wilsonville and offers a unique Oregon Bed & Breakfast. Springbrook Hazelnut Farm Bed and Breakfast in tucked neatly

Springbrook Hazelnut Farm Bed and Breakfast, Oregon Bed & Breakfast, Newberg, Oregon

into the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country. This Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn is surrounded by hazelnut orchards and vineyards. Jim Prosser founder of JK Carriere Wines has been making wine in the historic barn on this property since 2001. Voted one of best places to kiss in the Pacific Northwest, this farm spans 10 acres with a one acre pond and two very warm and welcoming Springer Spaniels, Ghilly and Duffy.

Spending a splendid Spring day on a farm in the Willamette Valley then enjoying a kiss with my hunny at an Oregon Bed & Breakfast sounds like the perfect start to the perfect Spring season.

Watch my blog next week and I will share with you how our farm tour went. Maybe I can muster a recipe or two to share with you as well.

PAII Conference Day 1: Association Leaders Meeting

Monday, March 30, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Greetings from Atlanta and the 2009 PAII Conference! Today's pre-conference activity included the Association Leaders Meeting. Twenty-five innkeeper-leaders from across the United States and Canada assembled for a full day of idea gathering, presentations and collective thinking. Of course, a tasty salmon filet lunch didn't hurt either.

Roll the tape! (The session was recorded.)

The meeting started off with a local presentation by Janet Cochran, the Northwest Georgia Historic High Country Regional Tourism Representative for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GA's home for state level tourism). GA divides its state into 9 marketing regions with a representative for each. Janet gave us an overview what the state office does to promote travel in the state. One particularly notable fact--any lodging entity in Georgia can be listed on the state's website at no charge!

Jeff Logan from InsideOut Solutions continued the morning with a detailed presentation, "Effective Internet Marketing Tactics for B&B Association Websites." Very interesting and definitely useful. Jeff touched on the importance of incorporating blogging, Google maps and photos into bed and breakfast association websites. He encouraged associations to post specials and events to provide more fresh content. Using free products such as Google docs and Google analytics are also good ideas. Jeff provided some interesting, limited statistics about association websites. On an annual basis:

74,000 visitors per year (202 per day)
normal visit length is 5:15 minutes
55% of site visitors originate from within the site's home state

Lastly, Jeff spoke extensively about effective search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing tactics for associations. He wrapped up with things to watch for when launching a new site and pitfalls to avoid. All in all, a thorough presentation from an industry professional.

Stop the tape! (Everything from here on is committed to memory.)

Jay Karen CEO of PAII Professional Association of Innkeepers International

The afternoon was an off-the-record, animated, interactive session led by Jay Karen, PAII's CEO. Jay started off by noting that there's a Twitter feed live on his blog to capture conference tweets.

Of course, I can't reveal everything that came from this session, but can reveal a few details:

PAII mails out over 16,000 copies of the Innkeeping Quarterly magazine to both members and nonmembers. What a great source of information!
PAII staff members are available to speak on a variety of subjects. They're a good resource if you're planning a local conference.
The industry study of finance and operations is soon to wrap up. If you haven't sent in your data, please do so soon. More data makes for more robust study results.
Key Connections, PAII's new newsletter targeting communication between PAII and state associations and other allied leadership groups, is on the street.
Lastly, we were given a sneak preview of PAII's new website and asked for constructive criticism. You know a room full of innkeepers, especially leaders, aren't short on opinions!

All in all, it was a very successful, eye-opening day. It was enjoyable meeting so many innkeeper leaders and talking about what's happening in their states and provinces. Geez, it's worth taking a spin on the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild board of directors just to have the opportunity to attend!

Stay at an Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast and Experience "Whale Watching Spoken Here"

Saturday, March 28, 2009 by Mary Pellegrini

There are 26 "Whale Watching Spoken Here" sites along the Oregon Coast, manned by trained volunteers during the spring and winter migration. The volunteers are on duty to answer your questions about the migrating animals and assist in spotting. The Whale Watching Center reports seeing good numbers of whales traveling past the Oregon coast and keeps a running tab on the sightings.

Newport Belle Bed and Breakfast for Oregon Coast Lodging

People come from far and wide to learn about the whales that migrate past the Oregon Coast each year. And the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild can provide a unique Oregon Coast Lodging experience from Astoria to Coos Bay.

The Oregon Coast is a awesome seascape sculpted by wind and wave, and offers spectacular sites for whale watching. Ask your Oregon B&B innkeeper for their favorite location.

Someplace a little out of the way for Mother's Day Weekend 2009--and a Gallery Art Walk to enjoy

Saturday, March 14, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Looking for somewhere to get out of Dodge for Mother's Day Weekend 2009? We've got just the thing in Eastern Oregon to knock her socks off--a gallery art walk event in just about the farthest place you can get away from Portland and still be in Oregon. . .and some great Oregon Bed and Breakfasts where you can show her how much you appreciate her!

We're revving up for spring out out here in Eastern Oregon. . .Eight galleries in Joseph Oregon are throwing their 3rd Annual Gallery Art Walk on Saturday of Mother's Day Weekend (May 9, 2009) from 3 pm to 7 pm.

It's a lot of fun!

New work by gallery artists will be on display.

Artist demonstrations at various galleries.

Fantastic hors d'oeuvres and complimentary beverages.

And all you have to do is show up!

Call Catherine at Indigo Gallery  (541) 432-5202 and she'll give you the details.

And where to show her how much you appreciate her? In one of four Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild members located in or near Joseph!

Catch a beautiful sunrise from your guestroom at the Alder Slope Bed & Breakfast high above town.  With a little luck, you might even come across a mule deer in velvet--a harbinger of Spring in these parts.

Another favorite bed and breakfast for mule deer--and just a few blocks from the Gallery Art Walk--is the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast.   You'll find plenty of fine wines and sparkling wines in their cellar to toast the woman in your life.

If you're looking for a cozy out of town retreat, then the Barking Mad Farm Bed and Breakfast is for you. Don't be put off by the name--this Oregon lodging pet friendly is the lap of luxury for you, your sweetie, and the dog too!

Belle Pepper's Bed & Breakfast is one block off Main Street in Joseph Oregon and close in to the Gallery Art Walk. The B&B might already be full for Mother's Day weekend, but keep it on your list--there might just be a cancellation!

See you on May 9th at the Joseph Gallery Art Walk!

News from Belle Pepper's B&B in Eastern Oregon

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Guest blogger Pepper McColgan from Belle Pepper's Bed and Breakfast in Joseph, Oregon shares what's going on in her little piece of the world:

Spring is coming! You can tell by the little things. There is more ground showing than snow, the trees have tiny buds that are thinking of swelling up, and the air is just a bit warmer. We do have to keep in mind that we are not through with winter’s cold and snow but it’s time to look toward spring.

My garden planning is in full swing. Note I said planning. At 4100 feet in northeast Oregon planning is all we’re doing. Seed choices have been made and ordered and seed starting equipment has been located and cleaned for a new season. Looking back on last year’s garden has provided hints for changes. There are always changes. New veggies to try, different places to put them and new methods of growing them.

This year for the first time we have baby goats to look forward to. Our milk goat Ginny is big with kid(s). Goats often have twins or triplets. I’m not entirely sure how many babies I really want, but the reality is I have no control over this particular event. Whether the birth goes smoothly or we get multiple kids is a mystery. We are certainly looking forward to fresh sweet milk again. It’s been a couple of long months with out it. Our guests can only enjoy the goats themselves and have to forgo the milk and cheese.

Our beautiful chickens provide fresh tasty eggs that our guests do enjoy. It’s perfect that when we have the most guests the chickens are laying generous amounts of eggs. It is great fun to watch the “girls” when they get the kitchen scraps. They get really excited and can polish of large amounts of goodies quickly.

This time of year is great for enjoying the excitement of spring and savoring the pleasures of winter as well. The snowshoeing and cross country skiing are still wonderful fun. Some days you can be snowshoeing in radiant sunshine. It is beautiful. The next day you can be getting the barn ready for new babies. How great is that?

Lodging in Oregon at Belle Pepper's B&B in Joseph Oregon

Belle Pepper's Bed & Breakfast is a great choice for lodging in Oregon if you'd like to slow down and enjoy nature's rhythms. Tucked away in the far corner of Northeastern Oregon, this is one of the Oregon bed and breakfasts where you can wander the extensive property, talk to the farm animals, pull a weed or two in the garden. . .perhaps even collect the eggs before your morning's breakfast. Bring the kids too--they'd love meeting Ginny and her new babies.

The historic inn features three well-appointed guest rooms, all with private baths and summertime air-conditioning. Give Pepper a call today at 1-866-432-0490 and start planning your own Eastern Oregon vacation.

A Portland, Oregon Bed and Breakfast, Quilts, Elephants and Beer!

Monday, March 2, 2009 by Debbie Lusk

Only one year ago, my husband and I took the train from Albany, Oregon and spent a lovely couple of days in Portland, Oregon. We had only driven through the area and never stopped to see or enjoy the city. Well, now Portland has become one of our most favorite destinations. I still am in awe of my husband when I follow him like a puppy dog as we get on the MAX, get off the MAX, get on a street car, well you know where this is going. I really don't but I am always game for a ride and we always end up somewhere fun.

Two Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns come to mind when I think of location,

Oregon Bed & Breakfast, The Fulton House, Portland, Oregon

luxury, and relaxation in the Rose City. The first Oregon Bed & Breakfast is The Fulton House B & B. It is located in the heart of Portland and minutes from city center and just a block from the Willametter River. This inn has quite a history. It was built in the late 19th century and was originally a floating bordello and around 1910, it was moved to its present location on logs by teams of horses. The inn offers two guest rooms with private baths, a beautiful outdoor patio and a hot tub.

The second Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn, The Lion and The Rose Victorian Bed and Breakfast is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1906, this Queen Anne and is decorated with period furnishings and offers a two course breakfast, is near restaurants, shops and the downtown area. It was also listed as one of the Best Places to Kiss in Oregon.

When we go to Portland our goal is to do something new, something we have never done before. However, we are kinda hooked on the Deschutes Brewery in the Pearl District in Portland. It's an easy step off the streetcar right across from the Armory and you will not be dissapointed! The brewery originally began in Bend, Oregon and this new brewery was opened in 2008. They specialize in a "Northwest style that brings a taste of Central Oregon to the heart of Portland." And of course their brewery offerings are as spectacular as their surroundings. Using a collection of large salvaged timber beams to build the bar and tables, they also boast a beautiful collection of carvings that bring a natural feeling to the setting while you dine, drink and

Carvings at Deschutes Brewery, Portland, Oregon

enjoy your burger with house made pickles.

Hopefully you won't see too many "pink elephants" while you are in Portland after hitting the breweries when you go to the Portland Zoo for the "Elephantastic" celebration on April 18,2009. This event features a party for "Packy" who is a resident elephant turning 47 years old. The Portland Zoo is the world leader in Asian elephant care and is planning to offer special training sessions and other fun

birthday activites for Packy at the party.

Wow! It looks like Portland has something for everyone in the family. We covered Portland, Oregon lodging, elephants and beer. So, all we have left is quilts! Quilting is a craft that many people have taken up recently. Many cities in Oregon actually celebrate quilting by offering quilt shows that draw thousands of crafters from all over the region. Portland, Oregon will celebrate with "A Festival of Quilts", March 26th to March 28th, 2009. This 35th annual show will offer over 400 quilts to be viewed along with vendors and supplies to be purchased.

It kinda looks like someones "Spring Break" is all planned out for them. A trip the whole family can enjoy!

Hurry out to Coos Bay Oregon well before Friday check-in time at the Oregon coast hotels (or better yet--Coos Bay Manor)!

Saturday, February 28, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

If you're travelling the Oregon Coast and would like an inexpensive but unique dining experience, then consider Oregon Coast Culinary Institute in Coos Bay, Oregon. Students and graduates have the opportunity to try out their skills on the public, but it's not like visiting a beauty school for a haircut.

Here's a recent sample from their website of the Friday lunch:

February 27

Pecorino and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
Balsamic Melon Salad
Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich with Lamb Bacon, Marinated Tomato
Slices, Chipoltle Mayo on Ciabatta Rolls with Homemade Potatoe Chips

And. . .the price tag is $20 per person! Reservations are limited to 20 people by calling the Institute at 541-888-1540. The last Chef's Table of the session will be Friday, March 6th.

Can't make it to Coos Bay by March 6th? The Institute's Patisserie sells freshly made baked goods right out of the bakery on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 5 pm.

And you'll need somewhere to stay in Coos Bay after that lunch or after buying those pastries. How about an alternative to Oregon coast hotels by booking a reservation at the Coos Bay Manor? This Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member inn is both Oregon lodging pet friendly and child friendly too.

John & Felicia, owners and innkeepers, would love to share their Midwestern hospitality with you. The inn is a perfect setting for events including meetings, reunions, retreats, scrapbooking and of course it is one of the Oregon wedding sites not easily forgotten.

Bring the family or bring yourselves and don't forget the family dog. Coos Bay is worth the visit anytime of year and the Coos Bay Manor is the place to stay. Give them a call toll-free at 1 (800) 269-1224.

Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts, June 5-7, 2009, and 4 great OBBG members in Eastern Oregon

Friday, February 20, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Artist demonstrations at the Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts in Joseph Oregon

There's a touch of spring in the air and volunteers are organizing for the first seasonal event in Wallowa County--the 27th Annual Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts.

When: Friday to Sunday, June 5-7, 2009

Where: Joseph Community Center, Joseph, Oregon

More information: Festival website at www.wallowavalleyarts.org/festivalarts.htm/

This event is a juried fine arts show featuring professional and nonprofessional artists from primarily the Pacific Northwest. Mediums include two-dimensional artwork (oil painting, watercolor, acrylic, photography) and three-dimensional artwork (bronze, sculpture, multimedia). All artwork entered into the Festival is offered for sale, making it a wonderful opportunity to purchase original artwork.

Friday evening Artists Reception at the Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts in Joseph Oregon

Events surrounding the Festival this year include:

* Friday night opening reception (ticketed event) featuring many participating artists, the Featured Artist & Judge, wine & hors d'oeuvres

* Saturday artist demonstrations

* Saturday night Quick Draw

* An "en Plein Air" workshop throughout the Festival

* Silent Auction

When you come to Eastern Oregon for the Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts, consider staying at one of four outstanding members of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild:

Barking Mad Farm B&B near Joseph Oregon has a breakfast view for miles!

A Barking Mad Farm Country Bed & Breakfast says it all in their name. "Oregon lodging pet friendly" is what comes to mind. This inn is the perfect place to bring along Bowser when you want to see the art and the countryside too. The 40 acre working farm supplies casual elegance, gourmet breakfasts, and amazing views of the Wallowa and Seven Devil Mountains ranges. International hosts Diana & Hunter will put you at ease and share their warm hospitality with you.

Billiard table at the Alder Slope B&B near Joseph Oregon for a little relaxation

Nearby also on the high ground between Joseph and Enterprise sits the Alder Slope Bed and Breakfast. Barry & Jeri welcome you to commanding views of the Wallowa Valley and the Seven Devil Mountain of Idaho in the distance. When you're tired of looking at the art, a quick game of billiards might be just the thing to pick you up.

Beautiful ceiling molding in the dining room of Belle Peppers Bed and Breakfast in Joseph Oregon. Photo courtesy of Frances Buckles

Belle Pepper's Bed and Breakfast is one of your choices if you want to walk to the Festival of Arts. Located one block off Main Street in Joseph, this bed and breakfast is in the 1915 historic McCully Mansion and features many distinctive architectural touches.

Pepper and John welcome guests into their green certified lodging. Their bed & breakfast is a Green Hotels member and is certified by Green America (formerly Co-op America) and the OBBG Green Lodging program.

Mirror Lake Suite at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast Joseph Oregon

The Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast in Joseph has a longstanding relationship with the Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts. Bill & Heather have been on the Festival organizing committee since 2002 and currently serve as part of the Festival's team of directors.

Their inn has 3 guestrooms and one suite and is walking distance (2 blocks) to the Festival.

When it comes to finding a bed and breakfast in Oregon for your Festival of Arts buying spree, you'll have plenty of choices. Give one a call today!

Why Choose a Bed & Breakfast? How about the Conversation?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

It seems as though certain people grativate to bed and breakfasts just like other people grativate to hotels or to motels. The bed & breakfast guest is often a congenial person, interested in other people, and willing to share a conversation over breakfast with someone they've never met and perhaps will never meet again.

Susan Chien animated a portion of Sarah Vowell's book, Assassination Vacation, for a school project. As an innkeeper I couldn't help but laugh. We just never know who'll show up at the breakfast table in our Oregon bed and breakfasts, nor what will happen to the breakfast conversation.

If you take a look at our Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member websites, you'll see that most of us talk about our breakfasts--but rarely about our breakfast conversations!

Find one today for the experience!

Dog Friendly Hospitality at Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inns

Sunday, February 8, 2009 by Mary Pellegrini

Whether or not you are a pet owner or lover you have to have noticed the growing partnership between the booming pet and hospitality industries. Dog bakeries seem to be in every town, doggy day camps, dog boarding, dog grooming, pet portraits, and an unbelievable array of dog accessories that are available at high end boutiques. It is not surprising that more Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild members are jumping on board. And now, with the slower economic times, with more travelers taking driving vacations, the need for more and more pet friendly accommodations is growing.

The Old Parkdale Inn in Parkdale, Oregon, has a pet friendly room and besides an occasional scrape or complaint the type of people who bring dogs are generally pretty conscientious and bring dogs who are well behaved.

Need pet friendly lodging at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn? You'll find accommodating innkeepers in every region of Oregon. Conduct a search in the region of your choice. Then pack Bella up, don't forget her overnight bag with leash, treats, plenty of plastic bags, and hit the road. (Tilly has a bandana for every season and I came upon K9 Just in Case Reversible Bandanas, designed with a built in pouch to carry a plastic bag - Just In Case).

Tilly hiking in the John Day Fossil Beds of Central Oregon
You can rest assured that all pet friendly OBBG member inns meet or exceed the Guild's standards and inspection criteria. When it comes to accommodations for guest pets be sure to inquire about property policies and procedures to ensure a positive stay for all.

Begin your search today for a pet friendly Bed and Breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Of interest to B&B guests who knit. . .

Saturday, February 7, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

The stop-action animation film "Coraline" was recently released in Portland and Ashland, Oregon, with a big opening night party in Portland. It's an Oregon-based film, created by Oregon company Laika and set partly in Ashland Oregon. The story revolves around a little girl who finds a parallel world existing through a door in her apartment.

Now, I haven't seen it yet and it'll probably be awhile before it comes anywhere near my bed & breakfast in the far eastern part of the state (Joseph Oregon), but I did read about the tiny, tiny sweaters and mittens used in the film. Here's a video interviewing the knitter, Althea Crome, posted by the Oregonian writer Peggy McMullen. Peggy's article is more in depth, but the video sums it up beautifully:

Hopefully our Ashland members of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild will weigh in with how much the scenes in Coraline resemble the town. It's a little early to tell, but watch for comments to this post.

Knitting is a great activity for a comfortable, cozy spot--like in front of the fireplace in a beautifully appointed living or sitting room. Or maybe out in the sun porch. Many of our bed & breakfasts have these kinds of spaces. A glance through our on-line directory will show you where.

Budget Travel's February 2009 article: "Confessions of a Hotel Housekeeper" doesn't apply to the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild!

Thursday, February 5, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Confessions Of... A Hotel Housekeeper

"Instead of Vacuuming, I Picked Up Some Crumbs"

Frommer's Budget Travel magazine features inside confessions articles from various people who work or have worked in the hospitality industry. The recent February 2009 article, "Confessions of a Hotel Housekeeper" is enough to make the travelling public want to stay at home. The author , a former housekeeper, talks about substandard housekeeping practices she employed while working at Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn during 2004.

This article was further scattered around the media by CNN and MSNBC and even on the Today Show.

Fortunately, people who travel in Oregon and stay at member inns of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild can be assured of quality standards. Our quality assurance guidelines and additional recommendations ensure that guests have clean, safe lodging in Oregon--wherever they stay--when they choose an Oregon B&B Guild member.

Pet friendly lodging, child friendly lodging--all our member bed & breakfasts are inspected on a regular basis. Guests are encouraged to submit comment cards to the Guild about their positive and/or negative lodging experiences. The Guild's Membership Committee handles complaints promptly.

One OBBG member's housekeeper provided her reaction to the article. "Believe it or not, the guests notice whether or not you've vacuumed their floor or scrubbed their toilet," notes Joanna at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast.

We sincerely hope that you will choose a bed & breakfast--and particularly an Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member--when you're looking for lodging in Oregon.

One Oregonian's Impressions of Manzanita Oregon on the Coast and Where to Stay Near Manzanita

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

One of the fun things about writing this blog is looking for other places to go/things to do in Oregon that people have blogged about--especially when there's an Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member nearby.

Here's a recent blog post from an Oregon woman who is reinventing herself as an abstract artist:

"Coast" 10x10" Oil on Canvas
I love sitting and painting on the beaches of the Oregon Coast. I think Manzanita, Or is my favorite. Mostly because there is a great hotdog stand there in the summer, Manzanita Mud Dogs. The owner Jim and his wife sell hot dogs to rais money for underprivilaged youth. They are great to talk to and have the best hot dogs I have ever eaten!

The Arch Cape House Inn and Retreat is one of the newest Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild members. This unusual lodging is just north of Manzanita on the way to Cannon Beach. With nine guestrooms, there's something for everyone here. All rooms have private baths with showers. Some rooms feature romantic jetted soaking tubs or deep soaking tubs. The newly renovated Tuscan Spa Room is finished in Italian tile and stone. Couples will enjoy the open shower with double rain fixtures and the private sauna. Curl up in the king size bed and take in a movie on the large flat screen TV. The photo collage below is from their website:

Arch Cape Inn & Retreat is a perfect Oregon Coast lodging experience

We hope you'll consider the benefits and uniqueness of Bed & Breakfasts in Oregon the next time you travel to the Oregon coast. Our Oregon B&B Guild members compare favorably with Oregon hotels and provide an intimate lodging experience.

Hotels vs. Bed and Breakfasts: Pros & Cons and the Doily Factor

Saturday, January 31, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Ooh, my! Today's Washington Post article in the Travel section interviews two individuals from respected travel organizations, Brooke Ferencsik of Trip Advisor and Marti Mayne of BedandBreakfast.com.

The gist of the article, titled "Getting the Best Hotel Room for the Best Price," has to do with where to find the best rates, how to avoid hidden charges, when to travel for better rates, how to do comparison shopping on the Web, etc.

Here's something that caught my eye under the heading, Consider alternatives to hotels:

"Bed-and-breakfast" is no longer synonymous with "death by doilies." . . .and are becoming more popular with budget-minded vacationers and business travelers alike. Why? First of all, there's that second "b": The cost of breakfast is factored into the room price. Plus, as Mayne says, "it's often a gourmet breakfast," with three or four courses.
Then there are the amenities. A recent survey found that nine out of 10 B&Bs have free WiFi, Mayne says. And forget those hotel mini-bar charges: The same survey, Mayne adds, found that a whopping 93 percent of B&Bs offer complimentary refreshments such as bottles of water, coffee, wine, cheese and bottomless cookie jars.

When you're thinking about vacation or business lodging in Oregon, be sure to include the inns of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild. On the Guild's website, you'll find an expanded listing with detailed information about each B&B (including Internet access, rates, amenities, pet friendly or children friendly), plus a link to each inn's website.

And many of our members inns have sworn off the doilies!

A Local View of Things to do this Spring in Astoria Oregon: At Least 3 Good Reasons to Visit Astoria Now

Thursday, January 29, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

Landmark bridge in Astoria, Oregon leading to our favorite Astoria Oregon Bed and Breakfast members

It's early Spring and the Astoria Oregon Bed and Breakfast members of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild are ready for guests. Plan your weekend or weekday getaway now to take advantage of these out-of-the-mainstream events.

Festivals and concerts are already planned through April 2009!

Fisher Poets Gathering, February 27 – March 1. The large festival of lilting literature is returning to the north Oregon coast town. The Fisher Poets Gathering has been an annual event in Astoria the last full weekend of February since 1998. It offers a program of readings and music from fishing industry people bringing their original poems, stories and songs to the stage. The 2008 event gathered near 70 presenters, along with several local music groups, all with fishing industry ties and added a fourth venue to the event. The Gathering is growing in popularity each year.

Folk Artist Dougie MacLean, March 25. He’s beloved around the world, with a gift for touching one’s life and deepest feelings with his gentle music and lyrics. The immensely popular folk artist from Scotland performs at Astoria’s Liberty Theater on Wednesday, March 25. Doors open at 6:45 PM and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Astoria Warrenton Crab and Seafood Festival, April 24 – 26. The Astoria Warrenton Crab and Seafood Festival will celebrate its 27th anniversary this year, and again, as always, it happens on the last full weekend in April. Festivalgoers can enjoy live music from northwest Bands, an enormous selection of seafood and other culinary delights (including the Rotary club’s traditional crab dinner), almost 50 Oregon Wineries and about 100 booths filled with handmade arts and crafts from Pacific Northwest artisans.

Where to stay when enjoying all this frivolity? Oregon coast lodging offers many options. Of course we recommend our inspected, approved member inns of the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild. Here are three inns located in Astoria, ready and waiting to pamper you:

The Rose River Inn B&B is only 3 blocks from historic downtown Astoria and features a Finlandia dry sauna.
Clementine's Bed & Breakfast is both children and pet friendly so you can bring along the kids and dog for a family fun vacation.
For a more romantic stay, consider the Benjamin Young Inn. This B&B is a graciously restored Victorian home.

There's so much to see and do on the Oregon Coast. Be sure to ask your innkeepers about his or her favorites to get the local view!

Oregon Lodging Pet Friendly