The Real Oregon

OK, this is one of our favorite places to stay. Quiet, unpretentious, clean and comfortable, the River House is on the Siuslaw River in Old Town Florence, within walking distance of Mo’s and all the tourist junk. And right next to the beautiful McCullough bridge.

Like a lot of places on the coast it offers a written card with instructions for what do do in case of a tsunami (run like hell).

Best of all it has a rubber duckie guarding the bath tub in every room. Rooms have high-speed internet but you need an ethernet cable; bring your own or borrow one at the office.

Get an upstairs room on the river side for the nicest view; cost is a little over $100 for a one-queen room, depending. No smoking, no pets; call 888-824-2750.

Tiny, remote and charming, and the best known place in Frenchglen, which doesn’t actually have all that many other places. What else do you need to know? Eight guest rooms — reserve ahead of time — and family-style dinner. An Oregon favorite for years. Open March through November.