Dining and lodging around Monmouth, Oregon

Monmouth is on State 99W, 5 miles south of State 22; Independence is a scant 2 miles east. Another option ― especially from the south ― is to take I-5 to Talbot Rd. (exit 242), drive about 4 miles west to Buena Vista, and ride one of the two remaining car ferries on the Willamette River. The Buena Vista Ferry ($1.35 per car) runs 7-5 Wed-Fri, 9-7 Sat-Sun; (503) 588-5304.

For more lodging recommendations, contact the Monmouth/Independence Chamber of Commerce (503/838-4268), the Corvallis Convention & Visitors Bureau (800/334-8118, 541/757-1544, or www.visitcorvallis.com), or the Salem Convention & Visitors Association (800/874-7012, 503/581-4325, or www.scva.org).

Annie's at the Airport. Pilots of homebuilt planes like to drop in here for plates of pancakes and eggs. 7-3 Tue-Fri, 8-3 Sat-Sun. 4705 Airport Rd., Independence; (503) 838-5632.

Buena Vista House Café & Lodging. Century-old farmhouse at the west end of the Buena Vista Ferry landing welcomes travelers with inventive breakfasts and lunches and three charming guest rooms upstairs (from $65). 8-2 Wed-Sun (also dinner and local musicians' jam Fri, by reservation). 11265 Riverview St., Independence; (503) 838-6364 or www.buenavistahouse.com.

Howell House Bed & Breakfast. Four rooms (three with private bath) in a lovingly restored, period-furnished 1891 home (with hot tub outside). From $70. 212 N. Knox St., Monmouth; (503) 838-2085, (866) 403-6951, or www.howellhousebb.com.