Kerbyville Inn : Bed, Breakfast and Beyond in Cave Junction, Oregon
A quiet Oregon Hideaway
We'd never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast Inn before, partly because I'd always assumed that it would be way too expensive, and partly because we usually travel with our little dog. Though Seena, our min-pin mix, is well-mannered, I doubted she would be welcomed at a place that featured in-room spas and lots of extras that we never see in "economy" lodging.
It turned out that the Kerbyville Inn, in the tiny community of Kerby Oregon, knocked both of my excuses out the window.
The inn was less expensive than the room we had originally booked (then canceled) and it was 35 miles closer to the family event we were attending. It was also quieter, more private and had much more charm than any chain motel.
Our dog was welcome to stay with us, and was much less restless than she sometimes is when there are dozens of people coming and going at all hours.
An elegant breakfast brought to our room.
The innkeeper said she would bring us a " little something" in the morning and asked us what time we would like to have it delivered.
The "little something" was wonderful individual spinach, cheese and mushroom quiche, a homemade muffin, juice, and fresh sliced fruit. We already had provision for coffee and tea in the room.
This very delicious breakfast, saved us at least $20 --plus the time and effort to find a breakfast place, if we had gone out seeking our own. So the Inn was not just a place to stay, it was also probably the best breakfast place in the area. Perfect.
In fact, when you are traveling in areas with small towns, a B & B could be your best bet.
The Suites
The inn, itself, is really a collection of small buildings. The property gives the impression of being a modest country home with a few outbuildings. If we had not known what we were looking for, we could have easily passed by.
New newest part has two suites converted from a small restaurant. It has a large wooden deck covered with a canopy of grapevines, which is appropriate since the owners also have a winery and all of their suites are named for wine grape varieties
From the outside, some of the structures look like they could use a little TLC, but inside they are very comfortable, clean and nicely decorated with many special touches.
All suites have a private entrance, so the guests have a sense of seclusion and quiet.
The room we stayed in was part of a duplex. Though it was the smallest, it still had more room than a typical motel room and included a refrigerator, TV, coffee maker, chairs and breakfast table. There was a roomy closet adjacent to the bath. It was convenient, colorful and comfortably decorated. Linens were fresh and clean.
All of the other rooms and suites have a large spa bathtub and some have a kitchenette. Some have a patio and barbeque. A couple of them are big enough to accommodate a large family or a small group, still at relatively moderate prices.
The grounds, again, are not impressive. Landscaping is a work in progress, but seems to be part of the casual atmosphere of modest but comfortable country home.
Napoleon ?
Kerby, Oregon is a town of a few hundred peopleĀ in Southern Oregon between Grant's Pass and Cave Junction. It is on Highway 199 also known as The Redwood Highway.
Originally a gold mining town, the later residents made a living in the logging and lumber industry. It has been known as Kerby, Kerbey, Kerbyville and Napoleon, but is now officially Kerby.
The B & B is named after Kerbyville, which seems like a better choice than "Napoleon Inn".
Kerby Attractions -- History, Rocks and Wood
Kerbyville Museum gives visitors an interesting glimpse of Southern Oregon's pioneer days of mining and logging.
Hampton Rock Shop has beads and gemstones arranged neatly in boxes and baskets as well as attractive displays of geological samples.
Geodes, crystals and stones in a wide variety are nicely presented for viewing and for sale. The knowledgeable owners are both jewelry makers who are glad to talk to you about rocks, minerals and jewelry.
"It's a Burl Gallery", with its gardens and "Burl-esque" studio has an amazing collection of wood sculpture that includes furniture, bowls, walking sticks and benches of Maple, Buckeye, Curly Redwood, Myrtlewood , Black Walnut and Madrone.
Burl wood is a somewhat rare, and interesting material made attractive by the deformation of the wood grain which produces attractive patterns and designs.
Sometimes a rounded outgrowth on a tree results from a tree healing over some effect of stress. It may be caused by the overgrowth of damage from storms insects or mold attacks.
They also have decorative pieces of Stoneware pottery and hand blown glass by local artists. The outdoor gardens are full of seasonal flowers and plants.
A yard full of unfinished hardwood pieces for sale, are just waiting to be made into your own creative objects.
Greater Downtown Cave Junction, Oregon
Just a few miles south on The Redwood Highway is Cave Junction. As the name implies, this is where the main highway to Oregon Caves National Monument comes in. The caves are an interesting and worthwhile visit, but it is a good idea to check the schedule for tours and the suggestions for visitors before going.
Another CJ Attraction is Great Cats World Park where trainers interact with the predators. It is home to a large varied collection of exotic wild cats with more than 14 species. Many of the wild felines from all over the world have worked in the movie industry.
So there are reasons to spend some time in this area, and when you get hungry there are some tasty choices.
Some Cave Junction Eateries: Some small tasty choices that aren't chains or fast food.
Pietro's Italian Restaurant-- the chef really knows the meaning of al' Dente'. The pasta is tender but not mushy and the sauces are superb. He uses a lot of his father's recipes straight from Italy.
Taylor's Sausage Factory and Deli-- A great lunch stop that makes great sandwiches, and a delicious variety of 'hot dogs' with many different link sausages.
They started out as a Taylor's Sausage Factory and makes several varieties of sausage and luncheon meat from scratch.One taste will tell you this is not the fatty, salty processed meat that comes from a large commercial factory. You might want to buy some to take with you.
They also have a fresh meat counter with beautiful cuts of beef, pork seafood and more-- if you are planning to stage your own barbeque.
Dos Gringos (formerly called Nacho Mama's Taqueria)-- This is a tiny Mexican restaurant with absolutely wonderful food. Great fish tacos and often other seafood specialties with a Mexican accent.
All of the usual specialties from south of the border are served with a personal touch. The outdoor patio has been enclosed to seat more diners, and has a full bar.
"Banana Belt"
Kerby and Cave Junction are located between two mountain ranges.
The typical Oregon winter storms often skip right over the valley, giving it a more temperate climate than the surrounding areas.
It is sometimes referred to as the "banana belt" of Oregon. The valley is also home to many vineyards and wineries.
So if you are planning to explore the southern part of this state, to enjoy the beautiful Redwood forests, the spectacular Oregon coast, and the many natural attractions, you might want to consider some of the possibilities in Kerby and Cave Junction.
(Photos above by R. Frank)
Comments
I am staying at the Kerbyville Inn soon. I am from NYC and preparing myself for the worst. Do you have any pictures of the room itself?
I would like to spend at least one weekend here.
Hi What a lovely Hub this is.
Have you ever reviwed this on trip adviser ?
The BnB you stayed in will be thrilled to hear your lovely comments through them. And you would send a great mesg to people looking for somewhere to stay in that area.
Sounds like you had a lovely time, and you tempted us all to go.
I found you answering a question on scores, I didn't answer it as you said everything so brilliantly I didn't need to. ( that doesn't mean I'm also brilliant hahaha )
Great Hub : }
Wonderful review. Oregon isn't far now that we have moved to sunny CA!
Hi, this was a great review, I am learning more about Oregon than I ever knew, it was great about the burl wood because I see a man walking down my town with a walking cane, and I knew it was called something, but for the life of me couldn't remember what it was called! it is obviously made of this wood, thanks for putting me out of my misery! lol I often stay in bed and breakfast in England, usually I just get on a train and go wherever I want on that day, and there are always bed and breakfasts there, thanks nell
I stayed in a B & B a couple of years ago in PA and loved it. There nis something special about a well run B & B. You write up nis excellent and your pictures beautiful. In enjoyed your hub. Thanks for sharing.
Don't know if I will ever get out Oregon, but if I did I'd look up this bed and breakfast for sure. Maybe I don't need to go, come to think of it, because your virtual tour was just like being there! :)
Great hub! If i get out that way I would definitely want to check out that B&B
It's been awhile since I've been to Oregon, but I'll definitely keep this place in mind.
Thanks Rochelle for sharing such quaint bed and breakfast places. These are great and just the way I like them; appears to be nice and quiet, tucked away from the fast pace of life with each having its own unique style. Thumbs up!
Oh this is so great, I love the green garden around the inn! feels so refreshing and lovely, thank you so much for sharing this. Rated up and awesome :)
Very nice! This inn sounds like a lovely place to stay. Plus, I would also love to visit some intersting caves and wood-sculpture galleries. Rating this awesome! :)
Sounds like a fun stop! I use to live in Washington State near Olympia many moons ago. It's a different world up there but there are some really neat and different things to do. Your article is very interesting and very thorough. I would be looking for this place if I live closer! Thanks for sharing! WB
Rochelle, you sure make me wish I could come to Oregon! I love B&Bs and usually book those instead of hotels. I feel much safer,too. I f you are ever in Natchez,MS,my neighboring state, you would not believe the beauty of the mansions with B&Bs at a very reasonablecost, with a true southern full breakfast served on delicate china.My favorite B&Bs! BLISS!
I've had a fear of staying at a B&B, that it's too intimate and/or has shared bathrooms. Not sure if I'll try one or not, but I really enjoyed your article.
B&B's are awesome we used one in Prince Rupert In BC and slept right on the water with just the dock sounds it was great and the price was right also.
Terrific hub. We all will come and see ya sometime!
Excellent descriptions, Rochelle, thank you. Don't know if I'll ever get to Kerbyville - it's an entire continent and then some away. But if I do, I'll tell the folks there, Rochelle sent me.
Nice hub. Looks like a great place. Our B&B is not expensive and we take dogs. www.aleksanderhouse.com
Another great hub from you. You have great review about various type of restaurant. I hope I can visit one of these restaurant someday. Good information.
Great review! I love B&B, though I stayed in place like this only once, but it was a very pleasant experience.
Hats off to you that you figured out how to do this thing with maps. I cant... :(
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