I came into Dufur, Oregon, via Hwy 197, a winding road that skirted small towns and open countryside. Heading northbound from Bend, my destination for the evening was a hotel I’d only recently found while researching historic lodging: The Balch Hotel.

I arrived a little before check-in, so I had some time to poke around. In spite of the minuscule size of the town—population approximately 600 at the time of my visit—I found a fairly upscale combination market and coffee shop called The Forge at the Dufur Market. It was fantastic, offering a fine selection of coffee drinks and bakery goods along with several seating areas. It was a perfect place to pass the time. I decided to follow a sign stating that “Life is better on the deck” and took a seat on a raised platform in the front corner of the shop. Over a Caramel Kona blended coffee and a raspberry galette, I jotted down trip notes and observed the small town through the window.

The Balch Hotel turned out to be exactly what I love best in overnight accommodations: a beautifully restored hotel with all the ambiance of days gone by. Built in 1907 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each room I wandered through was immaculate and filled with charming touches and inspirational bits of wisdom. One sign tucked away amidst the lobby décor said, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Another, gracing the “specials” board by the hotel’s restaurant said, “It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” These details, along with unique furnishings—an intricate crystal chandelier, a vintage safe, a tin lampshade with intricate, dangling beadwork—created a unique atmosphere that was both old-fashioned and inviting.

I settled into my room for the night, which was tucked away up a narrow flight of stairs and furnished with antiques and a luxuriously comfortable bed, always a wonderful sight to see after a day on the road. A window looked out onto the hotel’s side garden and walkways. I felt at home immediately, so I hung my jacket a corner coat rack and relaxed until it was time for dinner.

Bistro 1907 boasts local fare and offers indoor and outdoor dining in the original dining area used when the Great Southern Railroad ran through the area to serve the Columbia Plateau agriculture and timber interests. The menu looked enticing, and I was ready for a good meal after traveling.

I grabbed a cozy corner spot, admiring the vase of fresh red and yellow poppies on the table. I ordered a side salad of butter lettuce with pickled onions, nuts, and a house-made balsamic vinaigrette along with a harvest vegetable dish with tofu, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, acorn squash, mushrooms, and carrots over coconut curried rice. Everything was delicious.

After a sound night’s sleep in heavenly bedding, I headed downstairs again for coffee along with an individual basket of breakfast fare, each containing apple slices, muffin, granola, yogurt, and an egg. Complimentary for guests, this was accompanied by fresh juice. It was a perfect way to start the day.

Before leaving, I took some photos and thanked the hotel for the enchanting stay. As much as it’s delightful to reach a long-awaited destination, it’s wonderful to discover a new establishment, especially one that is this fabulous. And that is exactly what The Balch Hotel was for me.