Oregon Wine Country Lodging and the Willamette Valley Wine Regions

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Mary Pellegrini

The Willamette Valley, Oregon's largest AVA (American Vitaculture Area), stretches 150 miles from Portland, Oregon. to south of Salem and consists of six sub-appellations.  200 wineries and 10,000 acres of quality Oregon After a day exploring the Willamette Valley, return to the comfort of an Oregon Bed and Breakfastwine grapes.  The rich, diverse soil and relatively mild climate make for ideal grape growing conditions.  All this combined with warm summer days and cool nights allows the wine grapes to develop their flavor and complexity.

Being "stewards of the land", a large percentage of Oregon's winemakers are certified as sustainable, organic, or biodynamic.  Sustainability is both a priority and lifestyle even for those not certified.

The Willamette Valley region there has numerous Oregon Bed and Breakfast inns, unique amongst themselves yet each providing the consistent high standards of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Oregon Wine Country Lodging is a place where visitors can visit the wineries and find great shopping, fine dining and lively art communities.  During the summer months roadside farm stands and farmers markets appear all through the Valley.  Other outdoor adventures include birdwatching, hiking, and nearly 40 public golf courses!  

Get to know our State like a local.  Select a Bed and Breakfast from where to start and end your trip.  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.

Visit the Willamette Valley in Oregon and experience fine Oregon Wine Country Lodging at the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Salut!

Lobenhaus Bed and Breakfast Recognized as a Top 10 Vineyard Inn

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 by Mary Pellegrini

Lobenhaus Bed and BreakfastThe Lobenhaus Bed and Breakfast, an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member, has been selected as one of the Top 10 Vineyard Inns by Bed and Breakfast.com.

Located in a peaceful, rural 28-acre setting, the Lobenhaus offers lodging and hospitality with distinction. Each of the six well appointed rooms in this tri-level, lodge-style B&B has a private bathroom, individual heating/air conditioning, additional outside door to a deck with territorial views of Millican Creek, our woods and vineyards.

"A B&B is the perfect place to stay on a wine vacation", writes Bed and Breakfast.com.  "Take an exciting getaway to the center of Oregon’s wine country. This lodge-style inn sits on 27 acres of vineyards, woods, and a creek. When you have downtime, unwind on the expansive decks overlooking the inn’s eight acres of vineyards. Guests get a free vineyard tour with the resident viticulturist, who can teach you how the grapes are grown and the importance of soils. If you visit during the summer, you can taste the grapes as they are maturing. Their certified-sustainable vineyard grows Pommard clones of Pinot Gris, White Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Noir. Wine tasting at Rex Hill, the winery that purchases the Lobenhaus grapes, is a free amenity all guests can enjoy. Guests also receive tasting certificates to select wineries.”

Member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are the only inspected and approved Bed and Breakfast Inns in Oregon.  Our mission is to assure travelers of consistently high standards in a variety of accommodations.  We are proud to have Lobenhaus Bed and Breakfast in the Guild.  We are sure you will enjoy the calm, quiet setting this inn provides to visitors to Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Hood River Organics - A Community Supported Agriculture Coop in the Columbia River Gorge

Monday, March 26, 2012 by Mary Pellegrini

Breakfast ingredients at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and BreakfastIt is all about the food.  I am so excited to be a member of the Hood River Organics CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Coop, bringing fresh, locally grown, organic food to my front porch!  Each week throughout the year the participating farms work with multiple other farmers and producers in the Columbia River Gorge area to put together a box of the most delicious, healthy, seasonal food.  Did I mention it will be delivered to my door?

Slow food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.

Local Harvest - real food, real farmers, real community - Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.  Use the map on the Local Harvest Website to find a small farm near you.

Slow food, local harvest, and a commitment to sustainable business practices.  These all make for sustainable travel and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has implemented a Green Program that encourages and recognizes those inns that are making sustainable travel a reality.

The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast near Mt Hood Oregon
The Old Parkdale Inn is proud to be a member of the Green Program of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Located at the base of Mt Hood and in the heart of the Hood River Valley, we have been supporting our local farmers for 6 years now.  Our farmers grow crops of apples to blueberries, pears to strawberries.  Potatoes, greens, onions, all the wonderful fruits and vegies that go into our daily breakfasts.  We are so very excited to now have our box of fresh produce delivered to our door once a week.  And I'm sure our guests will be, too. 

Enjoy Oregon Wine Country but Don't Throw Those Corks Away!

Monday, May 9, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini
Oregon's winemakers are stewards of the land.  Many use sustainable farming practices in their vineyards where they delicately nurture their vines to produce incredible wines.

Corks - courtesy WillametteLive.comFor a true taste of Oregon Geotourism we invite you to explore the 16 Wine Regions in our Oregon Wine Country and taste some of our quality wines. Be sure to take some home for your personal wine cellar and as gifts for family and friends.

Willamette Valley Vineyards created Cork ReHarvest, and began the cork recycling movement in the US and Canada in 2008, helping to collect and recycle some of the 13 billion natural corks that are produced each year.  We've all seen the cork bulletin boards but cork can be recycled into insulation, furniture and yoga mats.  In Oregon, Cork ReHarvest partnered with Western Pulp, which incorporates collected corks into packaging material used for, you guessed it, shipping wine.

Make your reservation at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn.  There's one is every Oregon travel region.  And after your sustainable travel vacation through the Wine Regions of Oregon is over and the last sip of fine wine has been savored be sure to recycle that cork.

Sustainablecontentment.com author writes about Sustainable Travel on the Oregon Coast

Thursday, May 5, 2011 by Heather Tyreman
WildSpring Guest Habitat on the Oregon CoastMichelle Duarte, owner of the WildSpring Guest Habitat, an eco friendly travel inn on the Oregon Coast, made us aware of this wonderful article written by C.J. Good.  You'll find more information about Ms.  Good's sustainable writings at sustainablecontentment.com:

Oregon Coastline: A Bed and Breakfast Inn That Renews, Recharges and Rejuvenates

Author: C.J. Good

Have you ever sojourned to a place that thrilled and excited you? Have you ever felt your spirit vibrate in response to the fierceness and solitude of nature? When was the last time you felt the warmth of the sun, soaking in through your skin and muscles? What if along the way, you could learn volumes of local history, see breathtaking views that most people only read about in books, and become enchanted with the local wildlife?

Travelers would serve themselves well to explore the Oregon coastline. In so doing, they may very well uncover a special passion that propels them to renew, rejuvenate and reconnect.

Port Orford, Oregon is a quaint, artistic fishing village in the southern Oregon coast. It was founded in 1861 and served as a port for timber shipping.

At the WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford, guests can sit in a hot tub overlooking the sea, ensconced in fountains of bubbles, smelling the scent of ocean mists coming from the waves.

The true power of Oregon's coastline lies in the notable lessons that its natural environment can teach us. We are exposed to a unique set of conditions, which are not found in large cities. The landscape consists of mountains and forests meeting with the turbulent ocean, and is quite dramatic. The natural beauty, clean air, expansive vistas and unbeaten paths make for a great B & B getaway.

A small bed and breakfast inn is a place where we can build compelling new affinities. As personal witnesses to the charm of the area and special activities of the region, local innkeepers can lend their already fascinating insights, and indulgent touches. Bed and breakfast accommodations are generally more appealing than mundane and sterile hotel chains.

One needs a great deal of guts, patience, eye-opening creativity, perseverance and hard work to succeed in the modern business world. For those of us who have stressful jobs, there comes a point when we should take time out for rest and stillness. If we could choose a destination that makes us feel deep and serenely peaceful, where life is slowed down, where we can immerse ourselves into the delights of gorgeous nature, it can be like a soothing, soft lullaby.

When we look at the anxiety ridden thoughts that clutter our minds, we can't help being concerned. It is little wonder that small bed and breakfast inns have proliferated along the coastal shores of Oregon; providing unique combinations of comfort, relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Oregon coast is a destination that can inspire us. The breakthrough moments come when our energy is replenished. This allows passing thoughts to ascend to defining expressions of our personal creativity and translates into success and accomplishment.

Michelle Duarte, innkeeper of WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford, Oregon told me: "Some business people come very stressed and we understand the psychology. Everyone wants to feel that someone is looking out for his or her best interests. They want to know that the innkeepers know enough and care enough to do that. What it takes to be a good innkeeper is empathy and compassion; the ability to think about what the other person would like if they were in this situation. The whole approach is about what other people need."

Continues Michelle: "Some people are really moved to come here at the times of their lives when they need special attention to heal, to celebrate, or to be alone and find solace within themselves. When they experience great trauma, they are inclined to come here because they sense they will find some consolation in order to recover here."

"WildSpring has put together trips for guests who have suffered arduous and difficult treatments for breast cancer," remarks Michelle. "The travel agent sent them to our place so they could find their center and energy again."

The Oregon coast provided relief to a woman who lost her husband and son. "She came with her best friends," shared Michelle. "It was terribly moving that she was able to find peace in her soul from what she found here."

On the happier side of life, quite a few engagements are made at the Oregon coast. Couples return for their weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries.

Older, middle aged twosomes, whose kids have left, enjoy the Oregon coast as it rekindles the magic that brought them together in the first place. Mothers like to bring their daughters for birthdays or retreats. Their physical, emotional and mental selves get renewed when they are submerged in nature.

"Part of an innkeepers life is challenging," admits Michelle. "We are providing peak experiences in peoples lives. We have a desire to be of service. It is nice to make people happy, so we might make a difference. We try to make sure that everything our guests see and touch is natural. When we live in an urban life, we get divorced from nature."

FEATURED PROPERTY: WildSpring Guest Habitat is an Eco friendly resort in Port Orford, Oregon. Overlooking the rugged Pacific Coast, it is a place where the owners/innkeepers have a unique set of competencies. From an experiential standpoint, there is a sense of peace and quiet at the property. There are opportunities for visitors to experience whatever is important: guests can be alone, lay in a hammock, or relax in the hot tub. It is the kind of non-intrusive atmosphere lodgers are looking for. Owners try to make sure there is nothing off kilter. Guests can fix themselves whatever they want at any time. They get to take the best parts of home with them. Visitors enjoy the support of innkeepers who want to make them feel pampered and comfortable.

It goes without saying that the grounds and facilities of WildSpring Guest Habitat are peaceful and soothing to the soul. A welcoming atmosphere is evident throughout the resort. The property is located on 5 acres of old Native American grounds and is surrounded by wooded-forests, beautiful scenery and wildlife. This gives visitors a sense of privacy and seclusion. The beautiful setting along with great service makes this a destination of unsurpassed charm.

When guests make a reservation, a confirmation email is sent along with a list of special services. Suggested sights and activities available in the area are also provided.

The breakfast particulars are explained in the registration packet, along with other details. The inn is accommodating if guests have any special requests, needs or dietary considerations. The innkeepers are known for their smiles, hospitality and attention to detail.

WildSpring Guest Habitat is recommended to anyone who wants a good dose of serenity, privacy, renewal and adventure. Relax in the open-air hot tub, on the deck or sit in the garden and just gaze at the beautiful wooded landscape. Listen to the birds and watch for whales and fishing boats on the ocean. You might see deer grazing nearby. Humbug Mountain stands in the distance. You can hear the surf and seals. At night, you can see the Milky Way. WildSpring is a place where you can spend easy times in good conversation with friends.

SUMMARY: WildSpring Guest Habitat is a lovely blend of warm service, sumptuous breakfasts, and natural beauty. The accommodating staff, spacious & comfortable rooms, abundant amenities, exceptional location, and excellent value make for a pleasant getaway experience.

ROOMS: Five elegant cabin suites are comfortable and spacious. Some are romantic and cozy, and others airy and inviting. Relaxing beds, luxury linens and signature toiletries are provided along with robes, hairdryers, and oversize slate walk-in showers. There is free WiFi, TV, ipod docks, CD and DVD players. A fully equipped kitchen is available for all guests. One cabin has a wood-burning stove. In addition to the comfort, rooms are immaculately clean with tasteful design and antique furniture. The property has several gardens, two decks, covered porches with sofa, table & chairs, one gazebo, and one outdoor hot tub.

SERVICE: Expect to receive gracious service with a warm smile. The owners/innkeepers are well known for their genuine hospitality, efficient service and willingness to help plan activities or excursions. The innkeepers are knowledgeable about the area and provide helpful suggestions to all of their guests.

AMENITIES: The resort is known for providing an exceptional, and hearty breakfast buffet that is artfully presented. The dining room is filled with character and looks out over the ocean. French toast custard with warm berry sauce, breakfast cobbler with fruit, and egg puffs with chicken apple sausage are some of the items on their menu. Complimentary beverages, Mity leaf tea, coffee, yogurt, fresh fruit, cold cereals, granola, popcorn, chocolate and snacks are available 24/7. The deck and guest hall with skylights are the ideal reading areas for visitors. The common area is a peaceful space with a variety of books, magazines, board games, CD's and 500 DVD's. The property offers in-cabin spa services with massages, and other treatments. The deck has superb views overlooking the sculpture gardens, the spa and the bay.

LOCATION: The location is ideal for those who want to feel they are in a quiet nature getaway, yet still within half a mile of the historic town. Seven art galleries are half a mile away, where you can purchase jewelry, ceramics, textiles, paintings, or antiques just to name a few. A historical museum, dining, parks, a petting zoo, and dinosaur attractions are all within 10 minutes distance from the resort. Golf, and the Rogue River are 30 minutes away. The resort's proximity to swimming, hiking, biking, windsurfing, wildlife viewing, whale watching, kayaking, and water activities provide good value. The inn has bikes on the premises.

CLEANLINESS: The inn is known to be spotless, especially the guestrooms. The grounds and plantings are well maintained. Overall everything, including the town, is quite picturesque.

VALUE: Compared to a standard hotel room, this property provides an excellent alternative. The niceties, spaciousness, and attentiveness of staff make the difference. The guests appreciate being asked if they are comfortable. The staff is always available to help without being intrusive.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/oregon-coastline-a-bed-and-breakfast-inn-that-renews-recharges-and-rejuvenates-4727700.html

About the Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: C.J. Good is a freelance writer, keynote guest speaker, and author of two books about finding and cultivating contentment. "Precious Gifts of Love" and "Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment" (Reviews 4.5/5 Stars, Look Inside) are available on Amazon. C.J. Good's keynote addresses include: travel topics, health issues, the generation x/y marketplace, and sales. Her purpose is to write quality books that will make a difference in reader's lives. C.J. Good is a successful business development executive who worked in the travel industry for 17 years. ~ http://www.sustainablecontentment.com

CONTACT: Michelle Duarte, Innkeeper, WildSpring Guest Habitat, 92978 Cemetery Loop, Box R, Port Orford, OR 97465. Phone: 541.332.0977, 866.333.WILD (9453). www.WildSpring.com. Rates: $198-$306 depending on season and cabin.

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?

Ready for Spring on the Oregon Coast with WildSpring Guest Habitat

Monday, March 28, 2011 by Heather Tyreman
WildSpring Guest Habitat recently published their Spring newsletter.  This green lodging facility on the Oregon Coast is perfect for your upcoming getaway.  Thanks to Michelle and Dean for sharing!  Sustainable travel on the Oregon Coast is closer than you think.  Contact WildSpring Guest Habitat toll-free at 866-333-9453 to start your Spring green vacation today.  Here are some highlights from the newsletter:

Oregon coastal deer at WildSpring Guest Habitat near Port Orford ORSpring is coming to WildSpring

And that means our annual explosion of wild irises, each year more spectacular, plus our rhodies and azaleas say hello, and the baby deer start their cute stumbling around.

Fourth of July Celebrations!

Fireworks at Port Orford in July on the Oregon CoastAnd don't forget Port Orford for your Fourth of July plans. Our fireworks display is considered by many the best on the coast. We have an old-fashioned parade down Main Street, complete with tractors, classic cars, pretty ladies on horses and square dancing. We also have dingy races, arts & crafts, keg tossing and knot contests, and all sorts of "tom foolery."  (I've always wanted to use that word in something...)

Plan Your Green Vacation at the Snow Packed Peaks of Mt Ashland

Thursday, December 30, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Mt Ashland Ski Resort near Ashland in Southern OregonConsider Mt Ashland when planning your green vacation.  Community owned Mt. Ashland, the highest mountain in Southern Oregon’s Siskiyou range, is one of the only slopes in the nation where skiers can carve graceful turns during the day and enjoy clever turns of phrase at night.

From Mt. Ashland’s 7,533-foot summit, skiers and snowboarders ride a drop of 1,150 vertical feet. There is a remarkable terrain park, and the four chairlifts provide access to 23 trails as well as to open bowl skiing. The mountain’s 200 acres of skiing offer a number of challenging runs, including Ado and Balcony, leading locals to brag: If you can ski Ashland, you can ski anywhere.

Mt. Ashland’s Green Chair program helps the Bonneville Environmental Foundation reduce our nation’s dependency on fossil fuels as our primary sources of generating electricity and promotes sustainable travel. The renewable energy credits, also called Green Tags, purchased by the ski area will eliminate the release of 600,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere each year for the next three years.  
Mt. Ashland will provide each visitor to the ski area the opportunity to invest in the Green Chair Renewable Energy program by purchasing a $20 Green Chair season pass upgrade or a $1 lift ticket upgrade. The passes and tickets will identify the guest as a Green Chair Renewable Energy supporter. Mt. Ashland encourages all visitors to participate in the ski area’s vision to become completely independent of energy derived from fossil fuels.

Mt Ashland Ski area is located just 30 minutes from Ashland, where après ski options include a vibrant arts community, superb restaurants, and quaint bed and breakfasts, many of them members of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Plan your sustainable travel vacation by first selecting an Ashland Oregon Bed and Breakfast then head up to the slopes of Mt Ashland Ski Resort.

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

Friday, November 19, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini


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

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

Green Lodging at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast

Friday, July 23, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Green bed and breakfasts are becoming more and more popular, adding an environmentally conscious twist to the quaint, quiet and natural charm of a traditional B&B.  Interest in Eco Friendly Travel destinations is The Old Parkdale Inn - Green Certified by the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guildon the rise, and a green bed and breakfast can provide a comfortable and guilt-free stop for conscientious travelers.

A bed and breakfast is a quaint alternative to a traditional hotel. It's a cozier experience for travelers, who receive a peaceful night and a meal prepared for you in the morning.  Many eco friendly travelers have found that a green B&B, one in which the house may be LEED-certified, energy efficient, using enviromentally safe products and where the breakfasts served are organic, local, seasonal and sustainable, is certainly the way to travel.  For added solace the inn and surrounding grounds are infused with the sights and sounds of nature.

Plan your green vacation today by booking a room at a bed and breakfast certified green by the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  We are committed to business practices that promote the sustainability of our planet's natural resources and integrate that commitment into exemplary guest services. 

Eco Friendly Travel Through Crater Lake National Park

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
The "new" eco friendly travel around Crater Lake. Picture courtesy of Herald and News.Late spring snows have been making for great late season snowshoe adventures but have delayed the opening of the North Entrance Road to Crater Lake National Park for a couple more weeks.  But open it will and then visitors can experience one of the most scenic National Parks in our nation, Crater Lake, while on an eco friendly trolley.

With a depth of more than 1,900 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S.  It's setting, in a massive caldera atop the Cascades, and beauty makes the lake itself the major attraction.  Surrounding the lake are thick evergreen forests and high alpine meadows filled with wildlife and unique fauna.

While visitors typically drive the 33 mile loop road around the lake, this year they will have an opportunity to park the car and hop on one of the three historic-looking trio passenger trolleys from The Shuttle of Klamath Falls.  Eight, two-hour tours are planned daily with park rangers providing interpretive information. The trolleys operate on compressed natural gas, which produces 90 percent less emissions and fits in with the park's goal of reducing emissions.  Park rangers are encouraging riders to hop off anywhere along the rim, take a hike or picnic, then catch the next shuttle back to your car.  Geotourism at its best, enjoying our natural wonders with sustainable travel.

For Crater Lake Lodging choose an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member near Crater Lake National Park.  Our newest member, Lonesome Duck Ranch and Resort, is located just 35 minutes from the park on the east side and the Historic Prospect Hotel, 28 miles to the west.

"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!









Oregon Farmer's Market...a lesson in culinary tourism!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by Debbie Lusk
Can you say sustainable travel?...can you utter culinary tourism?...or can you blurt..."wow...I've never seen veggies this green before!"

Well...it began on March 20th in Portland!  It's Spring here and it's time for our Oregon Farmers Markets to sprout up all over the state and share their stuff!  Flowers, veggies, art...you name it and you can find it.  From now till deep in to autumn, you can drive in to just about any Oregon town, city or region and find a farmers market! 

Throughout this season, you can enhance your Oregon culinary experience by tasting the fresh faire and enjoying our local goods as they are paired with wines and cheese's and yes...we grow them too!  And we do a mighty fine job of it!  The Willamette Valley as well as Southern Oregon grow the best grapes for the best wine in the entire state!  The cheese's here in Oregon...wow, what can I say?...they are delightful and can also be seen at almost every farmers market in the state!

In the city of Albany, you not only find our lovely home and garden grown goods, you will find local honey, flowers, crepes and even local music to be had as well.  It's all about what is here, what we can see, taste and touch and then take home. 

If it's made here, grown here or even played here, you can experience it here!  We hope when you are planning your Oregon Culinary Vacation this season, you plan on checking out our Oregon Farmers Markets!  See you in the crepe line!



Portland, Oregon. Known for Eco Friendly Travel, Certified Green Lodging and Green Beer

Thursday, March 18, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

St. Patrick's day is behind us but Green is here year-round in Oregon.  Many Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild members provide Certified Green Lodging.  And at Hopworks Urban Brewery in southeast Portland, the brewpub calls itself an "eco brewpub."

Oregon's Green BrewMany celebrate St. Patrick's Day with green beer, but in Portland, we're not talking the food colored or dyed kind. We’re talking about the organic kind.

Green is no doubt the theme at Hopworks Urban Brewery in southeast Portland.  Not only does it serve all certified organic beer.  It also uses all renewable energy, runs its kettles on biodiesal fuel, and even sits its customers on furniture made from recycled wood. 

"We're really the first brew pub to incorporate all aspects of sustainability in our operation," said Christian Ettinger, brewmaster and owner of Hopworks.

Combining green beer with Portland's National Green status and the Green Lodging Certification held by some Portland area B&Bs makes for an authentic green Oregon vacation.

These member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild's Green Certification Program are committed to engaging in practices that promote the sustainability of our planet's natural resources while providing luxurious accommodations and sharing their eco-friendly values.

Hopworks Urban Brewery is not alone in its green brewing.  It joins other "green" breweries like Lauralwood, which back in 2002 became Portland's first ever organic brewery, as well as Root's Brewing Company which was the first brewpub in the city to serve all organic beer.  While you'll find plenty of organic green beer at these pubs, you won't find any green colored beer on this day or any St. Patrick's Day

Bicycle Oregon...a sustainable travel option with a culinary twist!

Monday, March 15, 2010 by Debbie Lusk
Yes, it's that time of year!  It's time to get your bikes out of the basement, the shed or garage.  Dust the seat off and grab your helmet and you are good to go!

One of the most scenic places in the country to ride bikes, Oregon plays host to cyclists from all over the world every summer.  It's not unusual for some our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inns to be filled to the brim with bicyclists when the weather is perfect here! 

There are maps, bike trails and websites that help you plan your bicycling trip.  Some of these trails take you through some of the most beautiful country side you have ever seen.  Small towns, villages, covered bridges...you name it you can experience it on your bike this season!  It's no surprise that Oregon's other favorite thing to do, "eating" and sharing their "really good" food is a perk and available along many of the trails found here.  Restaurants and deli's along the bikes routes are expecting you and we have heard nothing but positive experiences from our cyclists. 

Many of our inns are located along these bike trails too!  Most have storage for your gear, can fill your water bottles, point you in the right direction for pasta to get you through the next day and then send you off with a hearty culinary experience you will not forget! 

So, plan your trip, pack your bikes and we'll see you bicycling in Oregon this season!





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.

Farm To Table...A Cook's Treasures In One Oregon Bed & Breakfast!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 by Debbie Lusk
Flowers at French Prairie Gardens in St. Paul, Oregon.All throughout the Willamette Valley, farmer's markets are popping up their tents, propping up their tables and unloading their farm and garden treasures for anyone seeking a purely organic culinary experience.  Culinary tourism here is fast becoming the reason why people are planning their entire vacations around food.  It is also one of the top 10 reasons why someone chooses a destination to begin with. 

Almost two years ago, Sunset Magazine wrote an article on the Willamette Valley and why it is such a treasure trove of really good, fresh, wholesome food.  Because of that article, Matt Bennett, owner of Sybaris and Clemenza's in Albany still receives guests that have traveled just to taste the bounty he prepares and serves in his restaurants.  With monthly menu changes, Matt uses his culinary skills to prepare his classical meals using only the freshest ingredients found in the region.

Jack and Heidi Czarnecki own The Joel Palmer House in Dayton and have also given visitors to Oregon a reason to eat really good food.  On the Oregon and National HistoricMushrooms growing wild near an Oregon Bed & Breakfast. Registers, The Joel Palmer House is home to one of the finest restaurants in the Willamette Valley.  Gathering mushrooms on the property along with other locally grown ingredients such as greens, herbs and vegetables, the dishes prepared and served here are spectacular.  Using a method they refer to as "freestyle", Jack and Heidi also use ingredients found in Mexico, China, Thailand, Poland and India.  For example, taste Joe's Wild Mushroom Soup or Heidi's 3 Mushroom Tart or the Rack of Lamb Palmer House with Hazelnut Pepper Sauce and Jalapeno Cornbread, oh my gosh!  You can't stop there, so try the Cheesecake with Dayton Berry Sauce or the Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding. 

French Prairie Gardens in St. Paul, Oregon is the epitome of the "farm to table" experience.  So, if you decide to plan your Oregon vacation around "food", visit the gardens in St. Paul on your way home.  Be sure to bring your farmer's market basket and fill it with fresh vegetables, breads, fruits, muffins, scones, cobblers and anything else your heart or belly desires.  This 500 acre farm offers a little bit of all that is good and fertile in the Willamette Valley.  The rural setting, the animals, the food so fresh from the soil, this farm is another reason why culinary tourism here in Oregon is the heart of sustainability and simply a really good reason to dine on really good food.

And, after you have dined, check out or into an Oregon Bed & Breakfast.  In Albany, you have your choice of three Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inns.  The Train House Inn, Edelweiss Manor or The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn.  In and around St. Paul and Dayton, The Lobenhaus Bed & Breakfast offers a full Oregon Bounty breakfast prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients from their own gardens or local farmer's market.  

So many ways to taste all that is fertile and good here in the Willamette Valley.  Culinary tourism at it's tastiest!







Culinary Tourism and Sustainable Practices in Eastern Oregon

Saturday, May 23, 2009 by Heather Tyreman

You'll find four Oregon Bed and Breakfasts that are members of the Oregon B&B Guild here in Wallowa County.  All four are dedicated to supporting local agriculture and sustainability of our local farms and ranches:

Pasture near Barking Mad Farm Country B&B on Alder Slope in Northeastern OregonBarking Mad Farm Country B&B and the Alder Slope Bed and Breakfast are both located between Joseph and Enterprise, Oregon, on the high ground (called Alder Slope) with commanding views of the countryside.  Barking Mad Farm is also an Oregon lodging pet friendly B&B.

In the town of Joseph you'll find both Belle Pepper's Bed & Breakfast and the Bronze Antler B&B.   These two B&B utilize farm-fresh eggs generously produced by 22 laying hens who live at Belle Pepper's Bed & Breakfast.  We even encourage our guests to take home a dozen or two.

As much fun as a stay at the Oregon Coast hotels can be, a trip to Northeastern Oregon is something that can be fun, educational and tasty too.  Ask your innkeeper about Source Tours when planning your Eastern Oregon vacation this year.

It's Always About The Food...Culinary Tourism in Oregon

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 by Debbie Lusk
Epicure:  a person devoted to pleasure and refined sensuous enjoyment, especially for good food and drink!  That is what you can get in Portland, Oregon.  Yes, it's a "foodie" tour and it sounds heavenly.  The Portland Epicurean Tour takes you on a wonderful journey through Portland letting you taste a bit of what makes this area of Oregon one of the most sought after "food lovers" heaven and the center for culinary tourism.  Go through the back door of a distillery and sample the gin or rum and restaurants to check out the beer, coffees, chocolates, bagels, pizzas, gelatos, cheese's and salmon.  Every tour is a little different with it's own offering of foods and drink and appeases even the most refined appetites. 

As an innkeeper, I as many of my fellow innkeepers, believe it's almost alwaysLodging in Oregon, Pfeiffer Cottage Inn Breakfast Table "about the food!"  In our local travels, we have discovered the joy in finding some new way to use the fresh, local and organic ingredients found in abundance at road side stands and farmer's markets in Oregon.  In Oregon wine country, you not only find wine grapes, but there are berries growing on the sides of the road, greens growing in rows along winding streets and huge gorgeous pears hanging off trees in the orchards in the Mt. Hood region. So, how can it not be about the food. 

The fact is, Oregon has always been in the forefront when it comes to "culinary tourism" and "sustainability".  Long before good, local and fresh foods became the popular trend, Oregon led the way in culinary tourism because of all the agricultural treasures found here.  Pair all that great food with some spectacular travel options and you have found the perfect draw for visitors seeking the perfect vacation.

The Apple Inn Bed and Breakfast and The River Walk Inn, both Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns, share some of their recipes on line along with other websites that offer many recipes that are typically used at bed and breakfasts.  Some Oregon Bed and Breakfasts even offer cooking classes often included in the cost your room giving you and your innkeeper the opportunity to share recipes, a meal, and of course the fun. Finding the goods, and taking advantage of the local "booty", is the prime goal for the makings of the perfect meal. 

Flowers in Lemon Curd Jar at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast.If you are a "foodie", love to cook, and enjoy the whole bed and breakfast package, you might be an epicure!  Go to www.obbg.org and click on the "Oregon Bounty" logo to see how Oregon Bed and Breakfasts are using local ingredients in their menu's and still leading the pack in "culinary tourism" in Oregon.

 













Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Innkeepers Come from across the state

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 by Mary Pellegrini
Oregon Innkeepers came from both sides of our fine state.  This past week we had the 2009 Annual meeting of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and every Oregon region was represented. From the Eastern region to the Oregon Coast, from Portland to Crater Lake, the Willamette Valley to Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge and of course from Central Oregon where our gathering took place.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is 88 members strong and counting.  As a professional association of Oregon's individually operated Bed and Breakfast inn, our mission is to assure travelers of consistently high standards in a variety of accommodations. 

The annual meeting was held at the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge in beautiful Sisters and we would like to thank Sandy Affonso, innkeeper of the Blue Spruce B&B, for her enthusiasm while planning this event.

Roundtable discussions were ongoing at the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild's Annual MeetingThe Oregon Guild supports our members through networking, advocacy and education.  Workshops included information on our Association programs.  The Green Certification program of the Guild is designed to make sustainable travel a reality in Oregon.  The OBBG blog is written by our innkeepers promoting our inns and our state as a tourist destination and we will provide our members the tools needed for them to become guest bloggers.

Time is always set aside for roundtable discussion with topics from marketing to networking.  From scones to gardening. 

A representative from Travel Oregon will present a report on the partnerships between OBBG and the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon), the Oregon tourism force.  We have partnered with Travel Oregon in promotions such as Oregon Bounty, the Central Cascades GeoTourism Project and Oregon 150

This gathering lasted only a day and a half but our innkeepers return home fueled with enthusiastic ideas to make your stay at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild a truly memorable experience.

"I just love this group... just too much talent..
my brain is strained.... I try too absorb as much as possible..."