It’s late evening at Lily of the Field B&B, and I’m sitting on the deck listening to the sounds of frogs as they sing the forest to sleep. Earlier in the day, I rode my bike to a covered bridge, stopped by a winery, and for dinner, dined in downtown Cottage Grove. Now, with only the sounds of the forest for company, I feel like I’ve stumbled upon a magical mountain retreat; one that has wowed me right from the start.
While visiting Cottage Grove, I had the honor of being hosted by Lily of the Field B&B. I discovered this haven is the perfect place to unwind and explore Oregon’s covered bridge capital and do some wine tasting in the Willamette Valley.
The sounds of the forest are part of the experience at Lily of the Field B&B. Photo by Lara Dunning
A Wow Location
Nestled within 1,100 acres of the Cerro Gordo Land Conservancy forest lands, Lily of the Field B&B is one of the properties within the Cerro Gordo Cooperative. Founded on “ecological values, including organic land care and gardening,” the cooperative includes meadows, forests with oak trees, seasonal streams, and hiking trails throughout the property.
Surrounded by towering trees, lush greenery, and a flower garden, the bed and breakfast is one of the homes in this cooperative.
Surrounded by forest lands, Lily of the Field B&B is a perfect escape-from-it-all retreat. Photo courtesy Lily of the Field B&B
There are views of the grassy yard with a vegetable garden and large pen where chickens and ducks roam from the B&B’s windows, patios, and balconies.
Dafney and Donald happily greet visitors. Photo by Lara Dunning
Owner and manager Suzanne Huebner built the 800-square-foot section of the house, which is now the bed and breakfast, with her two sons. They lived in this cozy space for ten years and many of the items used to build the home are from resources on the property and reused materials, which all seem to have a story. Plus, there are beautifully handcrafted wood elements, so be sure to check out the stairs, railings, and cabinetry throughout the home.
Having the Lily of the Field B&B All to Yourself
Having stayed at many bed and breakfast establishments, I had envisioned sharing the space with others. That is not the case at Lily of the Field B&B. When you reserve a room, you have the entire place to yourself.
The tastefully decorated rooms are a mix of contemporary furniture, antiques, and décor with images of flowers or farm animals.
Guests have access to the upstairs and downstairs, which makes it feel like a private apartment. Photo by Lara Dunning
The downstairs living room has lots of natural light and overlooks the patio decorated with greenery and flowering potted plants.
Downstairs is cozy with lots of natural light and views of the yard. Photo by Lara Dunning
There is also a small kitchen with a stovetop where you can make tea or coffee, a fridge to store some goodies, as well as some dinnerware and wine glasses.
The kitchen is outfitted with wine glasses and coffee/tea service. Photo by Lara Dunning
Upstairs are two bedrooms with queen-sized beds. Both rooms come with a small deck.
Each bedroom at Lily of the Field B&B has a deck with a view. Photo by Lara Dunning
Since it was only me, I had my pick!
Both bedrooms are tastefully decorated. Photo by Lara Dunning
Feeling in more of a farm mood, I choose the one with a decorative rooster pillow.
Throughout the bed and breakfast, you’ll find farm-inspired accents. Photo by Lara Dunning
But, the main reason I choose this room was the row of windows right next to the bed overlooking the yard and forest. That night, I knew I’d made the right decision as the creatures in the forest serenaded me to sleep. In the wee hours of the night, an owl hooted.
On a clear night, you can see the stars while lying in bed. Photo by Lara Dunning
Next to the bedrooms is a bathroom with a tub. In the hallway, connected to the main house, is another bathroom with a shower. Guests can use either bathroom.
Lily of the Field B&B does have WiFi, but the property lends itself to a complete unplug from checking emails, making phone calls, and other distractions. My AT&T cell service didn’t work, but I was told Verizon does get reception.
A Farm Fresh Breakfast at Lily of the Field B&B
Another highlight of staying at Lily of the Field B&B is their delicious breakfast made with items grown or gathered from their property. My breakfast started out with a cup of organic tea and a plate of fresh fruit.
Breakfast begins with fresh fruit and coffee or tea. Photo by Lara Dunning
That was followed by an omelet made with eggs from their chickens and topped with tomatoes from their garden, avocados, a side of potatoes, and homemade pesto.
Breakfast is made with items grown and gathered on the property. Photo by Lara Dunning
Wandering Oregon’s Covered Bridge Capital
There is much to do once you manage to explore beyond Lily of the Field B&B. It’s the perfect setting from which to explore the idyllic surroundings.
The Covered Bridges of Cottage Grove
The main attraction in Cottage Grove is its seven covered bridges. The oldest bridges date back to 1925, and all of them are accessible by car. Some you can even drive through. Touring the bridges is not something you want to zip through. I’d recommend setting aside at least two hours, and if you have time, taking the road all the way around Dorena Lake.
Currin Bridge is one of the covered bridges you can drive through. Photo by Lara Dunning
Biking the Row River Trail
During my visit, I also explored the bridges by bicycle on the 16-mile Row River Trail. The trail goes around Dorena Lake and by some of the covered bridges. I rode out to Mosby Bridge and back to town, which took around 45 minutes.
If you plan your trip for early spring or summer, you’ll see lots of wildflowers along the trails. Photo courtesy Stephen Hoshaw
Discover Gold Mining History
If you are a lover of history or gold mining, you’ll want to stop by the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum, which is dedicated to the Bohemia mine, 34 miles from Cottage Grove. Set aside 30 minutes to tour the museum. If you have any questions, staff are happy to share the history of the mine and how the machinery operated.
Bohemia Gold Mining Museum. Photo by Lara Dunning
The Restaurant Scene in Cottage Grove
I dined at two places during my visit. For lunch, I stopped by Jack Sprats Restaurant and ordered the Moroccan fish and rice dish. Very tasty.
Grilled Moroccan fish with sauteed onions, peppers, and cashews. Photo by Lara Dunning
For dinner, I stopped by the Axe and Fiddle Public House, for a juicy burger and cold beer. If you are in the mood for live music, check their weekend schedule. I’d recommend both restaurants on your visit.
The pub has a few outside tables to enjoy your meal in the sunshine. Photo by Lara Dunning
Touring South Willamette Wine Country
Cottage Grove, Oregon is in the famed Willamette Valley, home to some of the state’s best wineries. Saginaw Vineyard is a short 8-minute drive from downtown Cottage Grove. Located in a red barn, the tasting room is open daily, and features live music on Friday nights.
In the summers, the winery’s live music is outside. Photo by Lara Dunning
The beautiful Willamette Valley has more wineries than you can explore on one visit and home to some of the best Pinot Noir wines in the country. If you want to spend the day wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, head out about thirty minutes from Cottage Grove, along very scenic stretches of road, to King Estate Winery, Iris Vineyards, and Chateau Lorane.
The South Willamette Valley has a great selection of wineries. Photo by Lara Dunning
If you want to break up your wine tasting with lunch en route, stop by Creswell Bakery in the small town of Creswell. Their sweet rolls and savory grilled sandwiches made with their own bread are big enough to split.
When You Visit Cottage Grove
Set in the mountains, just outside of Cottage Grove, Lily of the Field B&B provided an idyllic getaway. While the property has WiFi and you can connect to the world, I decided to disconnect from my technical gadgets. In return, I slept soundly with the sounds of nature right outside my window.
To book a room at Lily of the Field B&B visits their website.
For more information about the area visit Eugene Cascades and Coast.
If you are planning on touring the area and seeing the sights around Eugene or exploring the ale trail, I recommend checking out The Oval Door Bed and Breakfast. You can also read more about travels in Oregon on Wander.
Note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with accommodations and car rental for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
I’ve been to Eugene but have never heard of Cottage Grove. And I can’t believe I didn’t know there was such a thing as “covered bridge territory” in Oregon. As many times as I’ve driven through Oregon, it just makes me so sad we didn’t go see the covered bridges! But Lily of the Field Bed and Breakfast looks like a charming place to stay for a few days. I’ll have to store this info for a future adventure!
Truly idyllic surroundings around the lovely Lily of the Field B&B in Cottage Grove and Willamette Valley, complete with wineries, forests, and covered bridges!
A mountain retreat where I can photograph adorable covered bridges and go wine tasting in Oregon’s Willamette Valley? Lily of the Field B&B sounds right up my alley! I really enjoyed your descriptive intro, Lara. It immediately hooked me, and I felt like I was sitting right next to you, listening to the frogs.
Wow! This sounds like a great spot and a wonderful vacation as you took a break from vacation. I’d love to visit some of the wineries.
Wow – that really looks like a B&B that goes above and beyond. It looks super cozy and comfy! I would definetly stay there if I went to Oregon
This is the kind of get away we are always looking for. It has the standard conveniences, but feels like you are nestled away in the woods. I need to see how far of a drive this is from where we live, but it looks adorable.
What a unique and special bed and breakfast. I love the story of the Lily of the Field B&B, especially how it was built by the family using resources found on site. Yes, I am sure that there is a story in every beam and railing. How special to have the place all to yourself. That breakfast, once again using the resources on site, sounds sensational and memorable.
What a delightful and cozy corner of Oregon! The scenery looks amazing and the inn seems like it would be the perfect place to unwind and unplug for a few days. Bike rides + covered bridges + wine = the perfect weekend stay.
We are planning a road trip from Washington down to California and I am looking at all the possible places to stop and this may just be one of them. The breakfast, the privacy and the views had me hooked.
I love the fact that the house is mad of wood. In my country, Portugal, we don´t see this.
Great place to stay a few days in the countryside. So peaceful….
Fresh breakfast, traditional/old fashioned style bedrooms, great views. Consider me sold! How lucky you were to be the only one staying here!
That B&B that really amazing, especially the kitchen. I’d love to cook up some big meals after activity packed days!
Having the whole place to yourself is a fantasy come true. Cycling amongst the flower fields, sleeping in a bed with corner windows, and that cozy living room! I want to book myself a homestay like that right away. So perfect and so charming!
Tami, I’m bummed you missed their covered bridge territory too. They are so charming! Hopefully, your travels will take you back soon!
Carol, I didn’t want to leave the B&B because it has such an amazing setting!
Erin, You’d love it! I’d happily share a bottle of wine with you, listen to the frogs and chat about our travels. 🙂
Kaila, Thanks so much for commenting! I hope you get to check out Cottage Grove soon!
Line, The property is just fantastic and I so loved that I had it all to myself.
Jennifer, Yes, do! You’ll love it!
Lance, I so loved hearing about all the special pieces in the building. A story could be written just for them!
Carrie, I agree, biking, covered bridges, and wine country are a perfect trio!
Nicole, That is going to be a super fun trip! I hope it works out for you to stay at the B&B!
Catarina, Not only wood but wood from felled trees on the property. Pretty cool!
Damien, I know, right! I was pleasantly surprised to find out I had it all to myself!
Punita, I thought the same thing! Loved having it to myself and with it located in such a beautiful place with bike trails and covered bridges was icing on the cake. 🙂
What a wonderful place to stay! A great base for all the activities around the area. It’s so cute that they have farm imagery around the b&b and I think you picked the right room.