Lodging

written by Kerry Newberry Walk through the doors of the Lightwell, and you know instantly: This place has stories—and serious style. Housed in the former 1904 Waucoma Building, this century-old Hood River landmark has been meticulously reimagined as the city’s first full-service hotel in more than a century, following a three-year restoration rebuilt from the studs up. Inside, the design strikes a balance between heritage and modern polish. Rich oak finishes, classic wainscoting and a statement fireplace nod to early twentieth-century elegance, while the original elevator cab—now reinstalled as a glowing sculptural light above the front desk—adds a striking, can’t-miss-it twist. Art plays a central role in shaping the mood, from Blaine Franger’s evocative photographs to Michelle Yamamoto’s vibrant paintings. Historic details further anchor the space, including a baby grand piano once owned by Hood River trailblazer Ola Bell and a wall of archival images from the History Museum of…

written by Kerry Newberry | photography by The Compass McMinnville Sometimes inspiration strikes when you least expect it. For Christie Toal, that was years ago on a trip to Acadia National Park. After she and a friend hiked through a torrential rainstorm, they decided to skip tent camping and instead booked a last-minute stay at an inn. “The entire process was so easy from booking the room on the phone to immediately getting a keycode by text,” she said. Set in a historic house, the renovated eight-room retreat offered seamless self check-in. Even without a traditional front desk, the space felt welcoming and warm. “The property stuck with me—it was such a cool model,” said Toal. Fast-forward to a few years later, and Toal was ready to leave her corporate gig and launch something new. After traveling the world for work and sleeping in every type of accommodation imaginable, she…

written by Kerry Newberry | photography by Karolina Pora Photography On a 58-acre stretch about 10 miles from Pacific City, safari-style domes and sleek glass cabins sprout from a lushly forested landscape. As you cruise by the quiet shores of Tierra del Mar, you’d miss the coast’s new luxe glamping retreat if you didn’t know to look for it. Two Capes Lookout sits less than two hours from Portland but feels a world away—one that at first glance features the futuristic galactic dwellings from Star Wars. That is until you step inside. The modern yet woodsy interiors were brought to life by Max Humphrey, a nationally renowned designer and author based in Portland. With high ceilings and walls of windows, both the domes and cabins feel airy and expansive despite the small footprint. And you’ll find thoughtful accents throughout—from pour-over coffee stations to sustainable, evergreen-patterned blankets from locally owned Seek…

written by Kerry Newberry | photography by Valley River Inn Eugene’s reimagined riverfront retreat exudes contemporary lodge vibes while still preserving its local heritage. Originally opened in 1973, the historic Valley River Inn recently wrapped up a multimillion-dollar renovation, transforming everything from guest rooms to the lobby lounge. Many design elements that celebrate the area’s historic logging industry—from original timber beams to grand chandeliers made from old mill parts—still grace the revived spaces. But you’ll also find fresh artwork and elegant, honey-hued wood pieces made by the locally owned Urban Lumber Co., adding modern flair. One you can’t miss is a stunning, live-edge desk that stretches along shelves of colorful hardback books, a focal point in the lobby. Just beyond this charming book nook, you can relax in the lobby’s sunken living room, where a stunning floor-to-ceiling hearth brings warmth to the space. No matter the season, you’ll want to…

written by Kerry Newberry | photography by Martina Patella/Kubli House For Kathleen and Brian Dunn, Kubli Haus is more than a small town retreat—it’s an ode to history and happenstance. A few years ago, when considering a pivot from city suburb to small town life, the couple began touring properties in Southern Oregon. “When we first drove into Jacksonville, we looked at each other and knew this was it,” said Kathleen. Steeped in history and packed with charm, the entire town of Jacksonville is designated a National Historic Landmark. It’s easy to swoon over the beautiful brick buildings and leafy neighborhoods. What the couple didn’t expect was to fall head over heels for a ramshackle but stately historic home built in 1860 that was in need of monumental TLC. “We knew it was a big risk,” said Brian. “But we also wanted to invest in the town.” The yearslong labor…