OREGON GARDEN RESORT

Located 214 miles from Grants Pass Oregon, the pet friendly Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton Oregon afforded a perfect choice for an overnight stay.  

Oregon Garden Resort

From Grants Pass I drove North on I-5, taking exit 252 Kuebler Blvd. GPS listed the resort address as 895 West Main Street in Silverton, Oregon.  The drive consumed 3.5 hours. 

 

THE RESORT

 

Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Oregon Garden, the Oregon Garden Resort is the brainchild of Dirk Winter.  To say that Mr. Winter has a passion for botanical gardens and boutique properties might be an understatement. 

 

Opening in 2008, Oregon Garden Resort represents the most recent property to be completed by Mr. Winter under the Moonstone Hotel Properties banner.  

Entrance to main lobby

Front door entrance to main lobby

Reception Area

Lobby seating area

The 103 guest rooms are housed throughout several smaller buildings on the complex.  Each room features a fireplace and flat screen television, along with cable programming.   I also liked having a work desk and small refrigerator in addition to a microwave.  I enjoyed the briskness of the morning while sitting on the private patio, sipping a cup of some locally roasted coffee, provided with the in-room coffee maker.  Maid service is also provided daily.  Room offers are either one king or two queen beds.  You will also enjoy the complimentary spa tub and wireless internet access.  I found myself assigned to Building P, room 403 for my one night stay.  A king bedded unit featuring a private balcony.  

Parked in front of Building P

King room

Microwave, Refrigerator, Coffee Maker

Patio seating area

As you stroll through the lobby you will find a reception desk open 24-hours, complimentary newspapers and a business center that houses an ATM.  Take time to browse through one of the books in the garden library.  You will also find plenty of free self-parking.

Business center with ATM

Hallway off main lobby

Looking for a wedding venue?  The Oregon Garden Resort can accommodate up to 450 guests with full catering, offering both indoor and outdoor venues.

Wedding Garden

Wedding Garden area

Wedding Garden area

Just off of the main lobby sits the Fireside Lounge.  The décor focus here is a central fireplace surrounded by seating consisting of tables, chairs and couches.  Patio seating is also available. Open daily from 3-10pm, happy hour runs from 4-7pm daily.   

Inside Fireside Lounge

 

 

 

 

Beer on tap at Fireside Lounge

Fireplace and seating in Fireside Lounge

Patio seating outside Fireside Lounge

I arrived on a Thursday and was delighted to learn that every Thursday is “All Day Happy Hour” so of course I took advantage of that.  Food can be ordered from a special lounge menu and you will find live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting at 6:30pm. 

 

Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast from 7-10am along with complimentary admission to the 80-acre Oregon Garden.

 

As I continued my stroll through the main building I ran across the Moonstone Spa. Offering a holistic approach to massages and facials, I was disappointed that I was unable to take advantage of this service due to my time constraints.  

Moonstone Spa entrance

You will find both lunch and dinner available in the Garden View Restaurant. Seating can be inside or on the patio, offering an elevated and sweeping view of the gardens.  Dinner is available by reservation only.  Lunch reservations are recommended but not required. 

Entrance to Garden View Restaurant

The resort features a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub but unfortunately it was closed during my visit due to COVID-19.  

Pool Area

Pool and Hot Tub area

I was delighted to learn that the property offered a “Cruise-In” cinema on Thursday evenings during July and August. An unassuming gravel lot during the day is transformed into a classic drive-in theater just before dust. Complete with parking cones and refreshments, gates open at 6:30pm and the movie begins at dusk.  Capacity is 100 cars.  You won’t find those cool speakers that we used to hang on our windows.  Instead, you will tune your FM radio to a given frequency.  Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for kids 5-17.  Under 5 is FREE.  Tickets are not included with your stay so you will have to pre-purchase your tickets before heading to the show.  You can also pre-order refreshments consisting of drinks, popcorn, licorice and M&M’s.  They are distributed to you when you check in.  The family friendly movie lineup for the 2020 summer season includes:

Thursday, July 16: Jurassic Park (PG-13)

Thursday, July 23: The Lego Movie (PG)

Thursday, July 30: 50 First Dates (PG-13)

Thursday, August 6: Wizard of Oz (G)

Thursday, August 13: Dirty Dancing (PG-13)

Thursday, August 20: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (PG-13)

Thursday, August 27: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Last Ark (PG)

"Cruise-in" Cinema parking lot

HOTEL SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE DUE TO COVID

 

Gap period enforced between guest stays 24 hours
Shield between guests and staff in main contact areas
Contactless check-in/check-out is available
Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
Social distancing measures are in place
Staff temperature checks are conducted regularly
Property is cleaned with disinfectant
Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
Property confirms they are implementing enhanced cleaning measures
Staff wears personal protective equipment
Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
No rollaway/extra beds available
Commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant

THE GARDENS

The 80-acre Oregon Garden showcases 20 smaller gardens representing the region’s botanical beauty.  Oregon’s mild climate, warm summers and wet winters ranks it as fifth on the NatureServe database for Plant Diversity. 

 

In 2006, facing financial hardship, the Oregon Garden sought out Dirk Winter and the Moonstone Hotel Properties for assistance.  With a genuine passion for gardening, Mr. Winter rescued the financially strapped gardens with a substantial capital infusion and 2 years later opened the Oregon Garden Resort, which overlooks the botanical garden. 

 

Specialty gardens include the Silverton Market Garden, Children’s Garden, Conifer Garden, Wetlands, Northwest Garden, Rediscovery Forest, Sensory Garden, Oak Grove and A-Mazing Water Garden.  Don’t think that the gardens are just for admiring.  A number of activities happen year around including art, music, wine and food events as well as holiday festivities. There is a small admission fee but your access will be free if you spend one night at the Oregon GardenResort. If you find walking to be an issue, the gardens offer a 30-minute narrated tram tour included with your admission.  Unfortunately, the tram is closed for the 2020 season due to COVID-19. 

 

As you stroll through the pet-friendly gardens be sure to look for “Bobbie the Wonder Dog”, a bronze sculpture by artist Jerry Joslin.  Or stop at “Lupine Fugue”.  Located east of the Rose Petal Fountain.  The two pounded stainless steel lupine totems were created by artist Lee Kelly.  Then there is “Slugfest”.  A unique drinking fountain by artist Ellen Tykeson located near the restrooms outside the Children’s Garden.  Sprinkled throughout the gardens are many more unique pieces of art including “Birds and Waves”, “Max”, “Rondo”, “Squirrelly Fountain” and “Look Me in the Eyes”.  

Lupine Fugue

Slugfest

A yearly highlight is “Christmas in the Garden”.   This event will feature a million lights, ice skating, a vendor market, photos with Santa, a snowless tubing hill, live music, festive food, drinks and much more. 

Christmas in the Gardens photo: public domain

 

 

 

 

 

#oregongarden #oregongardenresort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KENAI FJORDS IN SEWARD

The final destination on my recent 7-night Alaska cruise was Seward, Alaska.  Named after former Secretary of State William Henry Seward, the population struggles to hit 3,000. 

Seward is the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad 

and the historic starting point of the original Iditarod Trail 

to the Alaska interior, with mile 0 of the trail marked on the shoreline at the southern end of Seward.

Iditarod Trail Seward to Nome

The Norwegian Jewel docked in Seward at 5am on Monday, September 2, 2019.  The Seward Cruise Port is the start or the end for more than a half of all cruise passengers in Alaska.

The Norwegian Jewel docked in Seward - photo taken from Harbot 360 Hotel

The nearest airport to Seward is the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.  Allocate 3 hours to reach it by motorcoach and up to 5 hours by train. The train departs from Seward at 6:00PM and arrives at 11:05PM in Anchorage.  The adult fare will run $99 in Value Season and $113 in Peak Season.

Train from Seward to Anchorage

Train Anchorage to Seward

If you prefer to rent a car, you can rent from Hertz, located at the end of the docks, and drive 127 miles along the Seward Highway.     

My confirmation email from Major Marine Tours instructed me to arrive at the check-in point for the Kenai Fjord Boat trip by 10:30am.  My departure from Seward was set for 11:30am. 

The cruise terminal is located about a half mile from the the Harbor 360 Hotel. As you disembark the ship and head to the terminal exit you will see a Hertz counter on your right hand side.  This same counter is also where you can check-in or get information about Major Marine Tours, the tour operators for the Kenai Fjords shore excursion. 

Seward Cruise Port Terminal

Staff is very helpful and friendly and I was pleased to discover that my name was on the list.  You are escorted out of the terminal to the waiting van for the short drive over to Hotel 360.  The vans are white and have “Major Marine Tours”, “Harbor Hotel 360” and "Hertz” printed on the side.

Shuttle bus from cruise terminal to the Harbor 360 Hotel for check-in

The van will make 1 stop at the Hertz rental car location and still be at Harbor Hotel 360 within 5 minutes.   As you walk into the hotel you will see the Major Marine Tours check-in desk located just to your right.  This was the check-in point for my Kenai Fjords shore excursion. 

Major Marine Tours check-in desk inside the Harbor 360 Hotel

Check-in here was also quick and efficient, taking just a couple of minutes.  There is a small shopping area inside the hotel along with a waiting area providing free breakfast and coffee.

Shopping area inside Harbor 360 Hotel

Handicap waiting area for boarding boats

I checked on hotel rates while waiting to board.  The rates run $349/nt for high season.  On 9/1/2019 the rate will drop to $209/nt and then on 10/1/2019 it will drop to $99/nt.   

Harbor 360 Hotel Registration Desk

Harbor 360 Hotel waiting area

Harbor 360 Hotel breakfast area

Harbor 360 Hotel breakfast area

Harbor 360 Hotel breakfast area

It was finally time for boarding.  The boat holds a maximum of 180 but on the day of my tour we were only 130 strong.

Heading to boarding area

I am often leary of using the bathroom on a small boat and was pleasantly surprised at both the size and cleanliness of the one on the Spirit of Adventure.  I was also impressed that it contained a changing table.

Seating inside top deck of the Spirit of Adventure

The trip was listed as a “6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise”. The boat itself was the Spirit of Adventure and is one of their fastest catamarans.  A uniformed National Park Ranger boards the boat and provides a full narration of the journey, pointing out sights and providing information on the areas ecology history and geology.

Spirit of Adventure boarding area

Spirit of Adventure

Spirit of Adventure

If you are arriving into Anchorage and cruising southbound out of Seward, you can train to Seward and arrive at 11:05am.  This will give you ample time to make the 11:30am departure.  You will simply walk from the train over to the check-in counter at Harbor 360 Hotel, about a 4 minute walk from the Alaska Railroad Depot. 

Seward Train Depot

If you are arriving into Seward and planning on training to Anchorage you still have time to take the Kenai Fjords shore excursion.  The boat will arrive back at the dock at 5:30pm, giving you plenty of time to walk the 4 minutes to the depot and board the train before the 6:00pm departure. 

Walking map from Seward Train Depot to Harbor 360 Hotel

During our tour Captain Kaylean steered us next to Three Hole Point for a great view of that area.  

Map showing Seward, Three Hole Point and Ailak Glacier

Passing by Three Point Hole

Lunch consisted of an all-you-can-eat Alaska salmon and prime rib buffet.  The buffet is NOT included in your ticket price and is an additional $24 per adult. The buffet includes Alaska Copper river salmon, prime rib, rice pilaf, green salad, hot sourdough bread and complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea and water.  Dessert included cheesecake, brownies and fruit salad.  Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated but require advance notification.

Salmon/Prime Rib main buffet sample

Desserts offered onboard

I could certainly feel the chill in the air as I stood on the deck viewing Ailak Glacier.  Captain Kaylean slowly rotated the catamaran 360 degrees for perfect viewing from all vantage points.  After several minutes on the open deck it was time to head down for a hot drink.

Mike and I on the outside deck of Spirit of Adventure at Ailak Glacier

I opted to try the “Hot Otter”.  This drink is a blend of Kahlua, Irish Cream, Peppermint Schnopps, Hot Cocoa and Whipped Cream.  The cost was $8 but was oh so good and so warm going down. 

The boat encountered some severe seas on the day of my tour and climbing up and down the stairs was a bit tricky.  All seats are assigned and after boarding I discovered that my seat was facing to the rear of the boat.  With plenty of spaces available I simply moved to one of the seats facing forward.

I had anticipated seeing more wildlife but by September most of the whales have gone south.  I did view puffins, sea otters, seals, stellar sea lions, harbor seals and bald eagles.  One whale spout was said to have appeared.  I didn't see it and it was never seen again. 

The only glacier we viewed for the day was Aialic Glacier,  a tide water glacier and the largest in Aialik Bay, located in Kenai Fjords National Park. While fairly stable, the glacier calves most actively in May and June. Some calving occurred during our 20 minute stay but photographing it seemed to illude me.

Approaching Ailak Glacier

Ailak Glacier

Ailak Glacier size comparison

I read you might be able to see bears on the beach but none were spotted on the day of my tour. 

The list price for the 6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise is $159 per adult and $79.50 per child.  The seasonal operation for 2019 was May 3rd to September 22.  

Unfortunately I would not be willing to take this trip again.  Commanding a hefty price of $159 per person I felt the cost was excessive considering we viewed only one glacier and saw limited wildlife and no whales.  I am fully aware that my trip was at the end of the season and that whales have typically all headed south by the middle of August.  

Perhaps having the buffet lunch included would have made the trip a bit more palatable to me.  A price of $159 represents one of the more expensive shore excursions that I have ever taken.  Add to that another $24 for the buffet lunch and I just don't feel this is a good value for money spent.