Oregon

Blue Spruce Bed & Breakfast
Sisters, OR
June 16-22nd, 2015

Our Red Chair got the chance to experience springtime in Central Oregon this past June at the Blue Spruce Bed and Breakfast in Sisters, Oregon.  This peaceful oasis is located nearby to downtown Sisters, full of restaurants, shops and plenty of fun outdoor activities such as fishing, birding, hiking, biking, river rafting, rock climbing, and so much more.  Red explored Smith Rock State Park, the Dee Wright Observatory, Tumalo Falls, and Shevlin Park as well as attended an onsite wedding for guests Amy and Scott.  Red with all of its previous wedding experience was a huge help in making their day special, and how many people can say that the Red Chair attended their wedding? (not very many!)  The beds were incredibly comfortable and the beautiful Spring weather was perfect throughout the entire stay, both of which made it all the more difficult to move onto the next stop.  Thanks to the wonderful innkeepers of the Blue Spruce Bed and Breakfast, Red leaves with such fond memories of its stay and cannot wait to come back again soon.

Old Parkdale Inn Bed & Breakfast
Parkdale, OR
June 9-15th, 2015

The Old Parkdale Inn, a historic Hood River Valley inn built in 1920 and currently nestled amongst the famous pear and apple orchards, anxiously awaited the arrival of the Red Chair Travels.  Innkeepers Steve and Mary were well prepared for Red with a whole week full of fun adventure in northern Oregon.  First was a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, with its waterfalls, scenic vistas and historic sites. It seems as though every stop in the valley has a scenic view of Mount Hood, another one of Oregon's 7 Wonders, including a view from the front yard of the Inn.  So much history in these parts, from the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition to the passing through the Oregon Trail and the many projects of the Work Progress Administration, the Grand Timberline Lodge being one.  The forests of the Hood River Valley were cleared over 100 years ago to plant apples and pears, making it the largest pear growing region in the USA, with over 2 million fruit trees.  These farms have since expanded to include blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and of course wine grapes.  Red toured the Fruit Loop, a 35 mile loop through the Hood River Valley, stopping at family farms and stands, wineries, alpaca and lavender farms.  Red has a wee bit of time to relax in the Inn's lush gardens before heading out on a Geocaching tour on Mt. Hood (check out our blog post here).  Bear Grass blooms every Spring but once every 5-7 years it has a profuse bloom and Red was able to sit in the grassy meadows near Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, sitting in awe of the flowery show.  As Red departed the Old Parkdale Inn B&B Innkeepers Steve and Mary made sure Red knew it was welcome back anytime, which Red will definitely take them up on hopefully again sometime soon!

Sakura Ridge Farm and Lodge
Hood River, OR
May 27 - June 2nd, 2015

The Red Chair had a marvelous week-long Oregon Farm Stay at Sakura Ridge Farm and Lodge in Hood River, Oregon.  When Red arrived it was in awe of this beautiful property perched on 72 acres in the foothills of Mount Hood (not a bad view at all!)  Not too long after Red arrived Farmer John showed Red the ropes so that first thing in the morning they could get right down to business.  After an amazing nights sleep, Red awoke refreshed and ready to put those rubber boots on and get down to the sheep barn.   There Red found two bummer lambs that needed bottle feeding.  Red placed the bottles in its boots so the babes could feed away!  The bobcat was a little bit much to ride... and when Red found out there were real wild bobcats in the woods at the farm... Red decided it best take a break from work by the wood pile.  Red had much to see at the B&B as well, Bells and Totems and signs, it was really unique and special.  The Red Chair Travels had such a fun time being a farmer for a few days and getting the chance to relax and enjoy the Sakura Ridge Farm and Lodge.

Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast
Newberg, OR
May 13-19th, 2015

The Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast sits atop Chehalem Mountain, overlooking the Willamette Valley, home to Oregon's Wine Country.  A quick picture with the sign then Red rushed down the driveway to soak in the view from the deck of pinot noir vineyards, fruit and nut orchards and a beautiful view of the town of Newberg.  Red was welcomed by innkeepers Kristin and Curt with a tour of Chehalem Ridge B&B's five guest rooms, four of which have private decks with this stunning valley view and along the way Red met Stumpy, the official welcoming committee.   Red learned that there are more than 60 wineries all within a 20 minute drive of this contemporary B&B, which of course excited Red!  Red also learned from other guests that Kristin, a former pastry chef, provides mouthwatering gourmet breakfasts, house made treats and jams as well provides exceptional hospitality to ensure each and every guest has an amazing and comfortable stay all with a pleasant sense of humor.  Already excited for breakfast, Red learned that Innkeeper and Chef Kristin sources all of her ingredients for her gourmet breakfasts from local suppliers such as Caravan Coffee, the local farmer's market, Bob's Red Mill for stone-ground wheat and grains, and Red got to visit them all in person!  Did you know that 99% of the US hazelnut production happens in the Willamette Valley?  Red got to sample fresh, local hazelnuts in Kristin's homemade granola and it was delicious.  Kristin explained to Red most of her guests come to experience the world class wine and food found in the Willamette Valley.  Red decided it wanted in on the action, so they headed out to Dayton's Joel Palmer House which showcases wild mushrooms through out the menu.  Next was to the Painted Lady, which serves an exquisite 7-course chef menu.  Then it was onto the wine!  Trisaetum Winery was up first, where Red got to check out the upcoming 2015 vintage.  With the warm Spring, this year's vintage looks to be an early and heavy harvest of great quality.  At the Treehouse Tasting Room of Vista Hills Winery, Red relaxed with some of their famous "orange" Pinot Gris on the deck.  Winter's Hill Vineyard broke out all the stops for Red when Emily gave him a barrel tasting from the 2014 Pinot Noir using the Wine Thief.  As the day warmed up, Red stopped at Utopia Vineyard to try their Rose of Pinot Noir while playing bocce.    After experiencing the world class wine from the Willamette Valley, Red wondered what else there was to do.  Innkeeper Kristin drove him around to some of her favorite spots, starting with the Chehalem Flats Farm Market which is filled with local farm produce, plants, lavender and even cheese and bread for winery picnics.  Red stood in a field of Crimson Clover, which Red learned is used as a honey source but also as a cover crop that feeds the soil.  At Heirloom Roses' seven acres of gardens, Red posed for lots of photos, including this one of Snowfall.  Red met the art of Marta Farris, whose Sheep Herd share pasture space with the llamas at RainDance Marketplace.  Red was on hand to help inflate the balloons for the morning Vista Balloon Adventure flight.  In the heat if the afternoon, Red took shelter under the beautiful wisteria at Red Ridge Farms, which is also home to the Oregon Olive Oil Mill.  The final trek for the day was down the trail at Bald Peak State Park as the sun set beyond the Valley.  It was a busy stay but Red was more than thrilled to pack in as much as it could, who knows when it will be able to come back!

Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast
Yamhill, OR
May 6-12th, 2015

The Red Chair Travels headed to Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast in May to enjoy the quiet country setting that supplied gorgeous views of the area and of the vineyards. Red had an exciting time and many activities to keep it busy.  Red next visited Fort Yamhill, a State Heritage park. There it learned the history of the fort which was established in 1856 and was manned for 10 years. Red visited the relocated Officer’s Quarters and saw memorabilia through the windows. The next stop was the Yamhill County Historical Society and Museum. This museum has history and displays of logging, dairies, mail coaches, farming equipment, and much more. They opened the restored Hutchcroft School built in 1877 special for the Red Chair to see, what a lucky chair!  The pictures show the school desks with slates and the Dunce cap corner.  Back at the Yamhill Vineyards farm Red studied the grape vines during the educational presentation “Vineyard Practices—101”.  Then Red was off to water the new plantings and assist with some tractor work.  Red enjoyed a day of rest in the great room of Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast, gazing down the valley and over to the Coast Range, and watching the Koi in the pond. What a wonderful day! Red toured the countryside of the Yamhill Carlton AVA and enjoyed Oregon Wine Month.  Red’s final activities included planting red, white, and blue flower baskets to honor our servicemen and women past and present. Thank you for your service.  Stargazing followed by a deep, peaceful sleep concluded Red's visit here and Red has to say was it such a wonderful stay!

Feller House Bed & Breakfast
Aurora, OR
April 29 - May 5th, 2015

The Feller House Bed and Breakfast, a unique historic farm house built in the late 1860's, hosted the Red Chair Travels during its visit to Oregon's French Prairie located in the Willamette Valley.  Innkeepers Arnie and Barb made sure to keep the Red Chair busy through out the week-long stay with a special itinerary based upon some of their favorite things to see and do in the area.  Deciding to start bright and early the Red Chair retired early for the evening into one of their two delightful guest rooms furnished with antiques and some really cozy quilts!  A wholesome breakfast was awaiting the Red Chair the next morning featuring homegrown and local vegetables and fruit, with a gourmet touch, complete with fresh garnishes from the garden.  Fresh flowers from their garden were found throughout the inn which was a really sweet touch.  After breakfast the Red Chair finished its coffee by the fire. (It was still quite early in the morning and a bit chilly so a fire was perfect!)  Over the next week the Innkeepers arranged a meet and greet with the resident goats, visited the great little town of Aurora, Oregon to do some much needed shopping and of course eating, Red got to visit the Oregon State Capitol, the Heirloom Rose Gardens and beautiful Silver Creek Falls!  The Red Chair had such a great time visiting the Feller House Bed and Breakfast this Spring.  It made so many wonderful memories which will be difficult to forget!

Eagle Rock Lodge
Vida, OR
April 22-28th, 2015

The Red Chair Travels arrived at the Eagle Rock Lodge, which was sitting along the banks of the McKenzie River in Vida, Oregon.  The lovely grounds provided Red with a tranquil and peaceful setting with many different views of the surrounding nature.  Red found its self often relaxing by the river, under the trees, and in the cozy lodge.   Red got to enjoy a drive up the scenic McKenzie Highway and of course posed for pictures all along the way!  Not too far away, within 45 minutes of the lodge, the Red Chair got to visit the Sahalie and Koosah Falls, hiked to the Blue Pool, experienced lava flow outcrops, and took a trip to stunning Clear Lake.  Upon returning to the lodge that evening, the Red Chair enjoyed a warm camp fire by the McKenzie River. The Red Chair Travels had a lovely time visiting the Innkeepers of the Eagle Rock Lodge and would love to come back again someday!

R. R. Thompson House Bed & Breakfast
Carlton, OR
April 15-21st, 2015

The Red Chair continued its cross-country adventure in mid-April, visiting Carlton, Oregon and staying in the comfort of the R. R. Thompson House.  What did Red experience in and around Carlton?  Visiting a vineyard was a must, Carlton being located in the heart of Oregon Wine Country and has been dubbed "the Front Porch of Wine Country".  This quaint little town, located an hour from Portland, has over two dozen wine tasting rooms; the Red Chair was in heaven!  Red also learned about the history of Carlton, known in decades past as a timber and tanning town. Another day, Red marveled at the Boeing 747 perched atop the Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark building.  Red also explored the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museums, viewing the Spruce Goose, a Curtiss flying machine, a lunar rover and many more planes and rockets. Moving from science to pastoral life, Red witnessed adorable lambs on a sheep farm east of Carlton.  Red attracted a lot of attention from the lambs who, like Red, were busy exploring their world.  When home at the inn, Red spent time resting under the wisteria-covered arbor.

The Carlton Inn Bed & Breakfast
Carlton, OR
April 8-14th, 2015

The Red Chair arrived at the charming Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast located in Carlton Oregon, or otherwise known as the Wine Capitol of Oregon, on a beautiful day just in time to enjoy Spring on the Northern West Coast. Over the next week Red enjoyed visiting the local downtown area, posing in front of the old train depot and enjoying the delicious wines at Ken Wright's Tasting Room, which was just recently featured in Wine Spectator magazine!  From there Red danced its way down the Main Street sidewalk to Farmer's Plate & Pantry, Opus Desserts, Carlton Coffee Shop, The Horse Radish Restaurant, The Republic of Jam, Nobel Pig, Seven of Hearts, and Stone Griffin tasting rooms... and that's just one side of the street!  There were numerous other tasting rooms, boutiques, and restaurants that will please the even the most discerning visitor, Red is sure of it!  Red also spent time enjoying the many amenities The Carlton Inn has to offer, including a summer afternoon in the Inn's lush private oasis and veggie garden, and also being entertained by Blue Chair and Red Table.  They enjoyed relaxing and the afternoon refreshments.  Red had to admit the Penner-Ash Rose was amazing, and the creamy truffles made with a Pinot Noir reduction from the Pacific Hazelnut Candy Factory were delicious!  Red even met all of the Inn's chickens: Butters, Hazelnut, Ginger, and Truffles who work hard daily supplying the guests with fresh, delicious eggs.  As typical with springtime in the Willamette Valley, the weather turned cold and rainy again, which was not a problem for Red, it just cozied up to the welcoming fire, and got warm and toasty and settled in for the night.  Red fit right in with the other guests visiting during its stay and even bid a fond farewell to a few departing friends.  Red had such a wonderful time visiting The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast, it is already trying to plan out when to go back!

Ocean House Bed & Breakfast
Newport, OR
March 11-17th, 2015

It was a beautiful, sunny day when Red arrived at the Ocean House Bed and Breakfast in Newport, OR. It’s spring on the coast, so you never know what the weather will bring, but luckily Red had fantastic weather!  Red's tour of Newport was very busy! Red took a tour of the bay front area where it saw the bay, the Art Deco Bay Bridge and NOAA ships across the bay. Sea Lions bark all day long for food and attention at the fishing docks.  To end the day, Red enjoyed a great meal and a glass of wine at “Stone Crest Cellars Bistro”.  The next morning, Red joined the breakfast table for a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast at the Ocean House. Every day is a great day to drive the coast and stop to admire the views, which Red was more than thrilled to pose for pictures at many of those scenic places. Red enjoyed the entire drive with the top down! The wonderful Innkeepers of the Ocean House took Red to see the Yakina Head light house. This light house still shines through all sorts of weather; it is one of eleven working lighthouses in Oregon and 1 of 2 in Newport.  The Red Chair headed to the headland which is a state park with more beautiful overlooks and great hiking trails.  After a quick visit the next stop was to the Oregon Coast Aquarium!  Judge the sea otter tried to make friends with Red.  This aquarium also has walk through underwater tunnels that let Red see the sharks up close and personal.  After a few busy days at the coast, nothing is better than sitting at the deck, watching the sun and the beach with a glass of wine, Red could get used to this!!

Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn
McMinnville, OR
March 2-8th, 2015

The Red Chair arrived at Youngberg Hill on a beautiful warm March weekend.  It was here to taste Oregon's amazing wines and meet some new friends.  It fit right into the rhythm of the area.  The area has a natural slow pace, revitalizing energy about it.  The Red Chair enjoyed looking at the beautiful views on top of the hill and at the 25 year old organic vineyard.  Its first friend was Archer the vineyard dog.  Archer took a  liking to Red right away!  Archer followed Red around all day and even sat on it to get a better view of things and Red was happy to oblige.  Youngberg Hill is known for its award winning wines and had some awesome Pinot Gris but after a complementary tasting Red found its favorite was the Pinot Noirs (because it likes the color, red, of course).  Red took a tour of the eight beautiful rooms of the Inn and decided to sit in the Jura Suite to take in the wine theme and look out over the vineyards, Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson.  It didn't want to leave the room but Archer had new friends waiting to meet Red in the tasting room and not to mention more delectable wines awaited!  Many people came and went that day and the Red Chair heard all about the valley, the wine, the newly remodeled Inn rooms and the events that go on year round.  Red wished it could have stayed longer but after a few days, to keep on schedule, the Red Chair headed back to the Oregon Coast to the next stop.

McKenzie River Inn Bed & Breakfast and Cabins
Vida, OR
February 23rd - March 1st, 2015 

When the Red Chair arrived at the McKenzie River Inn Bed & Breakfast and Cabins, it found it's way to the Osprey Cottage, the original home stead, to spend time with vintage colleagues. Although not all chairs like to drink, one was more than happy to share a glass, of course red, wine from Rolling Bay Winery while enjoying the view on the river.  After the chair holders meeting Red settled on the patio in front of the Lodge to enjoy the sun. Overlooking the river Red imagined fisherman wading out to cast a fly, ...watching rafters with water guns spraying each other and see kayakers floating by. "This patio must be a supreme spot to have dinner on when the health food restaurant will be open for business this summer", Red thought. "Or just to relax with a glass of beer, brewed here on site, after a day of travel and socializing with other guests. Or how about having a wedding here, a family reunion, a management team building course or seminar? As a chair of hospitality the possibilities just seems to be endless to me"!
Submerged in these positive thoughts Red leaned back to let the late winter early spring sun blushing its already reddish paint.
The Red Chair Travels finished up its stay at the McKenzie River Inn, not able to see half the attractions that this World Famous Area has to offer, but that is alright, there is always next time!  Red sits in the sun imagining the summer activity on the Wild and Scenic McKenzie River and the things it missed in the nearby Willamette National Forest: Biking and hiking the McKenzie River Trail, floating the McKenzie River on a famous McKenzie River Drift Boat, fly fishing and rafting with a guide, soaking at Tewrilliger Hot Spring, driving the Oregon Scenic Byways - Hwy 126 and 242, horseback riding, golf at Tokatee, taking a row boat out on Clear Lake, visiting the amazing waterfalls, and road biking Hwy 19... maybe this will have to be a few more trips back!

Prospect Historic Hotel Bed & Breakfast Inn Motel and Dinner House
Prospect, OR
February 16th-22nd, 2015

Stop number two in Oregon brings the Red Chair Travels to the Prospect Historic Hotel Bed and Breakfast Inn Motel and Dinner House in Prospect, Oregon.  Sitting 3,136 miles almost directly horizontally west across the country from where the Red Chair began its journeys in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, the Red Chair could swear it was in completely different world!  Exploring Crater Lake National Park and the Upper Rouge River region was far beyond Red could have ever imagined.  Snowshoeing to the perfect viewing spot was a first for the Red Chair and it loved how the water was this gorgeous cerulean color.  The Rouge River Gorge was a short trip from the Prospect Hotel and Red could not sit still as the innkeepers drove in that direction.  Red got to see Natural Bridge on the Rouge River, just a short distance from the Hotel.  It loved being able to peer through the railings and watch were the water here flowed out of the old Lava Tube where the river had dissipated under ground and Red watched for quite a while.  Being the excited chair that it was, Red decided to run ahead and play a bit of "hide and seek" with Innkeepers Fred and Karen, although being a bright red chair made finding it quite easy! The next day the Red Chair got a chance to take a look around the property at the Prospect Hotel with its new friends Chewbacca and Pheonix, the Hotel's canine Greeters.  Red got to ride the old fashioned mower, watched for trout in the pond that is fed by Mill Creek, and even sat in the old covered wagon.  Red even tried its hand (er leg) at horse shoes, but it kept falling over as it threw.  Red had some very fun filled days!  One of the Red Chair's favorite parts of this stay was learning all about the history of this 126+ year old Nationally Registered Historic Hotel. With such a fascinating history, Red suggests you head on over (a night, a weekend, or more) and check it out for yourself!

TouVelle House Bed & Breakfast
Jacksonville, OR
February 9-15th, 2015

The Red Chair traveled to Jacksonville, Oregon for a few nights of luxurious bliss at the TouVelle House Bed and Breakfast!  Full of historic sites and fabulous views the Red Chair never wanted to leave.  Jacksonville, originally named Table Rock City for the two mesas (Upper and Lower Table Rock) that were clearly visible from the area, began as a gold rush site in 1851.  Soon after, it quieted down to a farming community with commerce and trade in the center of town.  Along with this history in Jacksonville one can find a burgeoning wine scene, outdoor music festivals, easy access to hiking, paragliding, river rafting and cycling, proximity to Crater Lake, the Oregon Caves and the California Red Woods.   The TouVelle House was named after the original owners Frank and Elizabeth TouVelle, who came here from Ohio around 1905.  The house, built in 1916 as a wedding present to his wife, is a shining example of Arts and Crafts Architecture.  After getting settled into the TouVelle House, Red took in some sites in and around Jacksonville, including a stop to the Jacksonville Historic Cemetery.  This cemetery was first opened in 1859 and is unusual in that it is divided into seven distinct sections: Jewish, Catholic, Masonic, Oddfellows, Redmen, Potter's Field, and present day.  Next, Red was onto checking out some of the other interesting local spots such as the Courthouse, built in 1883, the Levi Strauss mural on the corner of California Street and 4th in downtown Jacksonville, and finally a stop at one of the local watering holes for a delectable Bloody Mary.  One of the biggest draws to Jacksonville, Oregon is the Britt Festivals.  The Britt Pavilion is an outdoor venue for the performing arts.  Established in 1963 and originally featured orchestral music, today it features headliners from all genres of music and runs from June to September.  Is there anything better than sipping on your favorite wine while sitting under the stars with your favorite piece of music being performed live?  The last day, Red and the Innkeeper of the TouVelle House enjoyed a hike to the Upper and Lower Table Rocks to find out why these geological formations were considered to be worthy of a town's namesake.  Once at the Upper Table Rock, Red gazed upon a beautiful view of Mount McLoughlin.  Red will never forget this special place, and definitely will not forget spending a fantastic Valentines with their resident chair, champagne, chocolates and beautiful roses under the oaks of the the TouVelle House Bed and Breakfast.

WildSpring Guest Habitat
Port Orford, OR
February 2-8th, 2015

After spending quite a bit of time traveling up the California coast, the Red Chair finally makes it to stop number 149 on the cross country itinerary so far, the WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford, OR.  This marks the very first stop in Oregon and 19th state to be included on this trip, how cool is that?!  This Eco-friendly resort maintains a zero carbon footprint, which the Red Chair thought was fantastic!  Located in a forest of 100ft trees, Red enjoyed peace and quiet in this secluded and cozy resort which was also right near the beautiful Oregon coastline.  Thank goodness the Red Chair got to spend a bit more time here before moving onto the next stop, it allowed the Red Chair to explore the nearby tide pools, walk the beach while watching the waves crash along the jetty, enjoy sunrises along with sunsets, check out the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, bird watch, whale watch, canoe, relax in the spa and so much more!  Oh Red, you are truly one lucky piece of furniture...
Pictures graciously captured by Randy Scholten.