Romantic Bed and Breakfast

So...you're engaged!

Saturday, August 14, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

So...whether you JUST got engaged, are planning to GET engaged or just come to weddings for the cake, come to one of our very gorgeous Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild wedding venues!

I just checked out the web page that shows all of the inn's in our guild that host weddings. I am already married but I wanna do it again...at one of these places!

How does this sound..."a landscaped vineyard with gorge views" or "a wedding with the grace of a bygone era." Or this one..."a romantic legacy!" Still only coming for the cake...hmmm. Well, seriously check out our "wedding" page

and plan on making your memories last at one of our "wedding" venue inn's!

And...if you already have your perfect "place" picked out, just check out one of our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inn's for your romantic honeymoon. Many of our inn's will provide sparkling wines, chocolates, bubbles and a private breakfast for two for the newlyweds!

See you at the cake table!

Oregon Coast Winery Hosts Bluegrass Festival

Thursday, August 5, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Sandlake Country Inn for romantic bed and breakfast lodging

For Oregon Coast Lodging choose a member inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. Leave the stress behind and plan a romantic weekend getaway while enjoying fine Oregon Coast wines, the amazing Oregon Coast and Nehalem Bay Winery's 15th Annual Bluegrass Festival 'n' BBQ.

Astoria bluegrass masters Brownsmead Flats will be headlining the show. Seattle alt country rock outfit Western Star goes on just before Brownsmead Flats, and Nehalem songstress the Denise Drake Trio opens the show. The music starts at 5pm on Saturday, August 16 and spill over to the next day with a free jam session and barbecue on Sunday. Admissions is $30 which includes seafood specialties and other cuisine.

Nehalem Bay Winery is on Highway 53, between Wheeler and Nehalem. 34965 Highway 53 Nehalem, Oregon. 503-368-9463. 888-368-9463.

Lavender Daze in the Hood River Valley and other Oregon Lavender Festivals

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

What do you think of when we say the word "Lavender"? Aromatic, fragrant, relaxing, soothing are a few adjectives that come to mind. Leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind, visit an Oregon Lavender Farm and prepare to relax. During the weekend of July 9-11, 2010, over 30 Lavender Farms in Oregon will open their farms to tours, workshops and celebrations, many including food and music, during the peak of the lavender season.

I may be a little bias but my favorite lavender farm is Hood River Lavender Farms as it is just 8 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast. Recently selected for inclusion in the Central Cascades Geotourism Project, Hood River Lavender Farms is a certified-organic u-pick lavender farm situated on the top of Straight Hill surrounded by orchards and offering amazing views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and the Hood River Valley below. It has a large wildflower garden (Oregon native wildflowers) in the center of the farm. Due to the climate and location, over 70 varieties of lavender are present, including two unique lavenders grown only here, with a cute Lavender Shoppe on the farm where many luxury lavender items (including lavender oil distilled on site) are created and sold.

The farm is home to the annual Lavender DAZE Festival, July 10-11, 2010, featuring live music, local wines, 20+ local artisan booths, craft classes, kid activities and more. Picnic lunches are encouraged. Truly a unique and beautiful experience. The bed and breakfast inns of the Mt Hood and Columbia River Gorge region, all members of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, have rooms available for the perfect, romantic weekend getaway.

Can't make it to the Hood River Valley? No problem as there are plenty of Lavender Festivals planned this same weekend across Oregon. And certainly a bed and breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild near the one of your choice.

Harry Connick Jr....Ashland, September 2010

Friday, May 7, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Really...this man needs no introduction, needs no drum roll and most definitely needs no one to miss out on seeing him perform later this summer.

Love the Britt Festival in Southern Oregon? Well...this year's line up is unforgettable! Seriously if you love Harry...it's time to buy your concert tickets and reserve your Ashland Bed and Breakfast now. Go to our website at www.obbg.org and reserve your room. We have several Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inns in Ashland and Jacksonville and from personal experience...they are superb!

A nice drive to Southern Oregon, a very "cool" concert, a romantic night in an Oregon Bed and Breakfast and a taste of Southern Oregon's local cuisine...perfect!

Hurry up...get your concert ticket and your guest room! See you Southern Oregon in September!

A Scones Throw Away...an Oregon Culinary Vacation!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Lately a lot of the guests at our inn have traveled short distances to stay with us. Sometimes

The breakfast table at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inn!

they are visiting family, sometimes they are here to catch up with old friends and even some of them just want to get out of the big city or just get in to a city of any size. More and more our travels are taking us to destinations that aren't too far from home. Sometimes we just wanna get away! Isn't that a song lyric? Anyways, when you need to get away or just want to treat yourself to a little over nighter and a B & B sounds like a romantic idea, remember...your romantic bed and breakfast is probably just a "scones throw away!"

Great segway in to my scone recipe don't you think? Well...it's simple, it's easy and anyone can do it. And as usual, I cannot just leave good enough alone and I am really good at improvising. You will notice that most scone recipes call for whipping cream. Well...my English friend says, it's much better to use fresh milk instead of whipping cream. He says it makes the scones lighter. That's good enough for me...fresh milk it is! Also, I really cheat bad! I use my food processor and once made 65 scones in about 30 minutes. So, if you have a lot of scones to make or just wanna make a few, follow this recipe. My version of a very easy scone recipe!

Debbie's Scones!

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, cut in to pieces
2 beaten eggs
3/4 cup fresh milk
a little extra milk and sugar for coating

In a food processor, I pulse the the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt a few times just to mix.

Toss in the cut up butter pieces and pulse till mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Pour in eggs, milk and any kind of additions you like. I like dried cranberries and sliced almonds. However, good white chocolate chips and pecans are yummy too! Pulse again a few times till all blends and looks moist.

Turn dough out on to a lightly floured surface. Knead dough by folding and gently pressing for 10 to 12 strokes or until dough is nearly smooth. Pat or lightly roll dough in to an 8 inch circle. Cut in to 8 wedges. If you want to make 16 smaller scones, just split dough in half before lightly rolling out.

Place wedges 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush wedges with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden. Remove scones from baking sheet and serve warm.

I love serving my scones with lemon curd, butter and/or orange marmalade. And no...I don't make my own lemon curd. Joe makes it for me! He makes the best I have ever tasted, homemade or not.

Thanks for checking in and hope you get to try this recipe. It's pretty easy and if you don't feel like making them yourself, we are happy to make you a batch on your next culinary vacation at our inn!

Not your momma's inn...An Oregon Culinary Vacation!

Sunday, April 11, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn, Albany, Oregon

Over twenty years ago, I had my first experiece staying at an inn. The Bath Street Inn in Santa Barbara was lovely. Flowers, cakes, cookies, wine and yeah...the fact that it was set in Santa Barbara didn't hurt anything either. Well...that was a while ago and a few years back my dream of being an innkeeper came true. It will be two years on May 1st since we opened our inn and began our new lives as innkeepers. Wow...what a change from being the guest to being the innkeeper! Yes...it's romantic, yes...it's even a bit like living in a fantasy world and oh yeah...it's a heck of a lot of work but you know what...we wouldn't have it any other way!

Seeing the changes over the years take place in the B & B industry has been eye opening as well. And...seeing the changes in how our guests travel, what they want to do here when they get here and seeing how some guests are choosing their vacations based purly on what kind of Oregon Culinary experience they are going to get has changed a lot just in the past two years. Economy, family time and making the most out of a long planned trip has formed the ideas in our heads that we wanna get the most for our money. Well...I'm here to tell ya...you have clicked on the right link! Innkeepers in Oregon and especially our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild innkeepers are pretty awesome! We love to cook, we love using our local products and most of all, we love to brag about how we are able to use what grows here in our regions to prepare the best food. That's probably why our guests keep coming back!

In Southern Oregon near Ashland, Jacksonville, and Cottage Grove, our innkeepers are so lucky to have so many choices when it comes to "good food!" The Rogue Creamery, several wineries, and great restaurants that use local food when preparing their recipes top the list in Southern Oregon. The Willamette Valley is also known for their local booty as well. Where else can you go to harvest hazelnuts, pick wine grapes, grab a box of organic veggies and go back to your inn and prepare a feast? Well...we know it's here! Then there's the Hood

River Valley...what can we say about that region? Yummmmm! Orchards full of things like pears, organic cherries and apples!

Come check in to one of our inns! We'll show you a culinary adventure, a little local taste and a Northwest Culinary Vacation you will wanna come back for! Oh yeah...bring mom along too!

"Where the boots meet the suits!"

Thursday, April 8, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Farms, vineyards, restaurants, art studios, inn's, horses, golf, antiques, alpacas, jewelry, fish hatchery's, hazelnuts, wolf sanctuaries and nursery's are just a few places you will find on The Oregon Country Trails! With over 65 rural businesses, tours and adventures, these trails are self guided driving tours that offer a bit of the country to our visitors to Oregon.

Follow a reservoir near villages in Lane county and visit a bio-dynamic garden filled with organic produce or pick fruit from trees in an orchard and bring your basket to fill with our Oregon berries. Take your time and mosey along the route and see things the average traveler doesn't get a chance to see. Staying at one our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns will also provide you an opportunity to linger longer and enjoy all these trails have to offer. With several new trails being formed as I type this blog, there will soon be 16 routes to choose from. By the end of this week, there will be 4 new Oregon Country Trails in Linn county alone.

The four trails already formed in Lane County are:

Alsea Valley Country Trail
Fern Ridge Country Trail
Long Tom Country Trail
River Road Country Trail

It has been an awesome opportunity to be a part of helping to form our trails in Linn County.

Four new trails will be formed by the end of the week and they will offer Lavender Farms, organic fruit and vegetable gardens/stands, restaurants that use sustainable practices, local bakeries, an artist studio where a carousel is being created, seed farms, cafes and bed and breakfasts! Two of the inns on one of the newest trails, The Willamette River Country Trail are Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild members!

So, for a taste of what it's like to live here, to see what the

average traveler doesn't get to experience, stay at one our inn's and travel an Oregon Country Trail! Culinary travel via the back roads, romantic weekend getaways or taking the kids out to pet the sheep...it's all good here...in Oregon on our Oregon Country Trail!

American Idol Finalists of the Lodging Industry

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Here are two things that don't fit together: "generic" and "bed and breakfast accommodations" Ask any bed and breakfast traveler and they'll tell you. But, there are people out there who think the old stereotype still exists. Thanks to Fox News' Paul Eisenberg for helping to clear out the old!

"If your idea of a bed and breakfast experience involves antique furniture, creaky floors, and sharing bathrooms and meals with strangers, well, you have the right idea.

However, this is just one possible B&B experience - the traditional one, if you will - that provides a chance to spend time with like-minded travelers in a quaint and eclectic home away from home. But if you look more closely at the B&B landscape you’ll find your choices are as diverse as a pack of American Idol finalists, ranging from happily staid to contemporary, romantic, and freaky."
--Paul Eisenberg, "The ABCs of B&Bs", FOXNews.com, March 15, 2010.

As diverse as a pack of American Idol finalists--that's us! And you can find us right here in Oregon on the new Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild website. So, what are you looking for in your bed and breakfast accommodations? Our new website features an in-depth search capability. You can find inns by (these are just a few examples in each category):

Geographic setting (beach? urban?)
Architectural style (contemporary? ranch?)
Area Activities (birding? wineries? golfing?)
Food Service (allergies? vegan?)
Inn Amenities (green lodging certification? business rates?)
Policies (children permitted? not permitted? pet friendly?)
Room Amenities (king beds? steam showers?)
Best Suited For (family travel? romantic travel? business travel?)
Or you can string together your own set of keywords, price ranges, region or city and find the bed and breakfast accommodations that are best for you.

So, what are you waiting for? If you want the creaky you can find it here. If you want the ultra modern you can find it here. Today's Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild members go toe-to-toe with hotels, motels, and other forms of lodging. We're proudly not hotels--check into our members' unique inns of Oregon and discover your own favorite styles of bed and breakfast accommodations!

Oregon Coast Romantic Weekend Getaway brought to you by the Oregon Scenic Railroad and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Step back in time and experience a bit of yesteryear. Enjoy the beautiful Oregon Coast line by riding the rail behind a 1910 Heisler Steam Locomotive. This scenic trip chugs along Tillamook Bay and gives passengers views of the ocean. Great for all ages, this trip will give you a glimpse into history.

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is offering two types of old school excursions for 2010. A true Oregon Geotourism excusion, the first is a shorter coastal excursion which travels between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. This hour and a half round trip gives you views of Tillamook Bay and the ocean. These trips begin operation Saturday, May 29 and run through the end of September.

The second trip is a three-hour Sunset Dinner Train excursion. While enjoying sights of Tillamook Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and Nehalem Bay, passengers dine on a four-course meal. Dates for this excursion are Mother's Day, May 9, and May 29, June 19, July 17 and 31, August 14 and 28, September 18, October 23, and December 4.

Start your Oregon Coast tour at a Pacific City Bed and Breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. Our innkeepers are committed to providing luxurious accommodations while promoting Oregon Geotourism opportunities.

The Craftsman B&B ~ Winner, Best of the West, in The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards 2009 - 2010! Winner, Best Historic Renovation by Lanierbb.com! Our newly renovated 1920's craftsman style house features four guest rooms with period-inspired design and decor, queen beds and private baths. No lace or doilies here.

Birding, Blues and Bed and Breakfast Accommodations on the Oregon Coast

Saturday, March 20, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Pacific City, Ore.— The seventh annual Birding and Blues Festival returns to Pacific City, the Nestucca Bay National Refuge, and numerous top birding locales in the area April 9-11.

Start your Oregon Coast birdwatching getaway at a Pacific City Bed and Breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. Our innkeepers are committed to providing luxurious accommodations while promoting Oregon Geotourism opportunities such as this event.

Sandlake Country Inn ~ Voted "MOST ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY" by Inn Traveler Magazine! Sandlake Country Inn offers luxury and privacy rarely found. 4 Romantic rooms, most with double whirlpool & Jacuzzi tubs and all with fireplaces and private decks. Breakfast is delivered to your door

Eagle's View B&B ~ Breathe deeply of the fresh, stress-free air at this quiet secluded Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast nestled on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Nestucca Bay & Little Nestucca River. The views from the four-acre paradise are breathtaking.

The event features three days of presentations. Great opportunities include a chance to test your birding knowledge with “The Great American Bird Quiz,” learn about shorebirds, and find out the challenges facing the Swainson’s Hawk.

In the evening, birders can exchange their binoculars for their dancing shoes as two popular bands hit the stage at Kiawanda Community Center. Local favorite Donna Jose and the Side Effects play their brand of the blues while Portland-based Kolvane will bring their “rollicking style” of blues/rock to Birding and Blues on Saturday night.
Participants can get more information or register now at www.birdingandblues.com.

Romantic Weekend Getaways: Coos Bay Manor and the Hawaiian Chieftain starting March 19, 2010

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Arrrrg, matey, it's spring and the depending on where you are in Oregon it's still snowing or perhaps the daffodils are already blooming. Romantic weekend getaways are starting to take shape. How about a trip down the Oregon Coast to Coos Bay? The tall ship "Hawaiian Chieftain" will drop anchor in Coos Bay on March 19, 2010, and stay in port for 5 days. Here's a little video from the Hawaiian Chieftain's visit to Tacoma, WA, to get your pirate juices flowing:

You and your favorite sailor or damsel can even take an afternoon cruise on the ship. Schedules are found at www.historicalseaport.org

Foyer of Coos Bay Manor Bed & Breakfast in Coos Bay Oregon. Romantic Oregon Getaways start here!

Make your reservations in advance at Coos Bay Manor. Jon & Felicia have plenty of room available for this historic weekend. Their Victorian style bed and breakfast is certain to please. The Captain's Quarters are even available!

To make a reservation, give them a call toll-free at 800-269-1224 or visit their website. Coos Bay Manor is also known for hosting events. If you're looking for the romantic weekend getaways they're here, but if you're also looking to bring the party to Coos Bay for the weekend, you'll find it here too!

The Craftsman B&B ~ A Green Vacation on the Oregon Coast

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Located in Pacific City, The Craftsman Bed & Breakfast welcomes you to experience beautiful Oregon Coast Lodging in style, grace, and comfort.

The Craftsman B&B was awarded the Best Period Restoration Award

The Craftsman B&B has been awarded the Best Period Restoration Award in the LanierBB.com Guests’ Greatest Picks Award program out of 8,500 B&B’s world wide.

Built in 1921, The Craftsman B&B was renovated in 2004-2005 to return the character of the period and modernize the workings. Classic Arts and Crafts elements were incorporated - from the Greene & Greene inspired cloud lift detail of the railings and gate to the wainscoting typical of a Gustav Stickley house.

The craftsman style house features four guest rooms with period-inspired design and decor, queen beds and private baths. No lace or doilies here. Mike and Laura Rech are committed to providing eco friendly travel by obtaining Green Lodging Certification through the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and implementing green business practices.

Whether you're planning your vacation around culinary or eco friendly travel or just looking for a perfect romantic Oregon Coast lodging experience The Craftsman B&B can and will provide it all. Another unique, quality inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild

Tyee Lodge Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast for a One-Of-A-Kind Oregon Coast Lodging Experience

Saturday, February 13, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

iLoveInns.com searched the U.S. for the most romantic bed & breakfasts that invite lovers to relax and enjoy quality time with each other and the Tyee Lodge Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast, an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member, made that list.

Located just outside Newport, Oregon, all of the guest rooms are situated to take in a great oceanfront view. Every room has two easy chairs, good reading lights, a comfortable queen sized bed, gas fireplace and a full private bath with a tub and shower. Tyee Lodge Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast is eco-friendly and their attention to detail make for a truly one-of-a-kind Oregon Coast Lodging experience.

The Top 10 Romantic Inns had been carefully selected for overall romantic attributes--scenic setting and location, interior beauty and design, subtle yet personable hospitality, pampering amenities and creative activities.

Congratulations Charmaine and Lex! We are proud to have Tyee Lodge Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast as member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild on the beautiful Oregon Coast.

An Oregon Culinary Weekend, a Romantic Bed and Breakfast and Oregon Slow Food all in one place: St. Helens, OR

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Looking for an Oregon culinary weekend? A romantic bed and breakfast? Do you embrace Oregon slow food? And don't want to venture too far away from Portland OR? How about a short trip west on the Columbia River to the little town of St. Helens, Oregon.

"Secret Flower Garden" by Scappoose artist Maeona on display during Feb 2010 at Houlton Bakery in St Helens Oregon

This town's received a lot of hype because of the original Twlight Movie, but there's more to St. Helens than a movie set. Wandering through the Internet today, I discovered a lovely painting that's currently on display in St. Helens at the Houlton Bakery for the month of February 2010.

Houlton Bakery loves the orange snail of Slow Food. I've not been there personally, but Lisa took the time to yelp about Houlton Bakery last July. And the Houlton Bakery blog (although not really, really current), gives you an idea of the loving touch they put into their breads, sandwiches, soups. . .and all those good foods you'll find at a great bakery.

For the month of February 2010, you'll find artwork by Scappoose artist Maeona Urban and by Jennifer Hanson (mosaic glass artist) on display at Houlton Bakery. Maeona is a member of the Columbia Arts Guild and her Secret Garden Flowers are superb.

On the romantic bed and breakfast scale, the little town of St. Helens boasts not just one but two romantic bed and breakfast inns. The Seawright House Luxury Retreat is currently closed for extensive renovation. Watch for its reopening sometime in the future.

In the meantime, the Nob Hill Riverview Bed & Breakfast provides romantic bed and breakfast accommodations that can more than fit your needs for a relaxing . (I've written extensively about Nob Hill--an excerpt of that appears here.)

The Nob Hill Riverview Bed and Breakfast is a former physician's home on the bluffs overlooking

Relax on the porch overlooking the Columbia River in St Helens Oregon at the Nob Hill Riverview Bed and Breakfast

downtown St. Helens and the Columbia River. Tana & Matt own this luscious B&B, a cross between Victorian and Art & Crafts construction. Completely renovated, this stately home on the hill now holds three extensive guest suites and lovely common areas.

Guests meet for wine or tea and hors d'oeuvres in the afternoons on the comfortable front porch. If the weather's cool, the parlor and living room also face the river.

Casablanca Suite at the Nob Hill Riverview Bed & Breakfast. A romantic getaway not far from Portland Oregon on the Columbia River

Tana gave us a tour of her B&B. My goodness! The Paris Apartment on the top floor has incredible views. This place is more like a fine boutique hotel than a B&B! We're staying in the Casablanca Suite--more of a self-catering suite rather than a typical B&B room. Two bedrooms, a living room, full kitchen, bath complete with a sensuous soaking tub for two with in-line water heater. . .the features go on and on. And now, on the day we leave, Tana tells me a local massage therapist is available for in room massage.

Breakfast included fresh fruit with organic yoghurt and scones, a baked stuffed French toast and hormone-free smoked chicken sausage. Tana uses mostly organic milk, eggs, butter, and other ingredients whenever she can. Tasty, tasty!

Ever since the Nob Hill Riverview Bed and Breakfast appeared in the November 2008 National Geographic Traveler magazine, Tana says that business has taken off. Guests arrive by boat at the St Helens Marina or by airplane from the Scappoose Oregon Airport--or drive in from nearby Portland.

You won't find another bed and breakfast in Oregon like the Nob Hill Riveriew Bed & Breakfast. What a hidden jewel!

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!

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.

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!

"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!

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!