Two well established bed and breakfast inns in Wallowa County were recognized last month as being among the top 15 mountain retreats in the United States and Canada. The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast is located in Joseph. The Imnaha River Inn Bed and Breakfast is located downriver from the farming and ranching community of Imnaha. Both inns were voted as two of the top 15 Bed-and-Breakfast/Inn Mountain Retreats in the Arrington’s Inn Traveler Magazine 2005 Book of Lists competition.

Their 2005 Book of Lists competition encouraged inngoers across the United States and Canada to recognize their favorite inns in 35 different categories. The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast and the Imnaha River Inn Bed and Breakfast were given the award after they were voted into the Best Mountain Retreat category by people who stayed in B-and-Bs during 2004.

The inns appear as winners in Arrington’s Inn Traveler Special Winter Book of Lists issue and on Arrington’s Web site at (www.bnbjournal.com).

Both inns have an award-wining history. The Imnaha River Inn B-and-B was recognized in last year’s Book of Lists competition as one of the top 15 B-and-B/Inns in the Pacific Northwest. The Bronze Antler B-and-B has been recognized in the same competition since 2002 in either Best Mountain View or Best Scenic View categories. Both inns also appear in other recognized travel publications, including the latest edition of “Oregon: Off the Beaten Path” by Myrna Oakley.

The 7,000 square foot Imnaha River Inn Bed and Breakfast was built by the owners and innkeepers, Nick and Sandy Vidan. Situated about five miles downstream from Imnaha along the Imnaha River, the inn features a handcrafted log and wood interior with vaulted open beam ceilings in the living room. Trophy mounts and other western memorabilia complete the decor. Guest rooms are spacious affairs and breakfasts are full and hearty.

“Imnaha River Canyon has so much to offer – the best of outdoor activities like fishing and hunting, plus rafting, cycling and hiking on a variety of trails,” Nick Vidan said. “We’re a great place to visit for bird watching, especially in early spring when the birds are migrating through our area,” Sandy Vidan added.

The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph is a 1920’s Craftsman Bungalow, completely restored by the owners and innkeepers, Heather Tyreman and Bill Finney. The inn features three graciously appointed guest rooms decorated with the owners’ extensive collection of European antiques. Breakfasts can be elaborate and prepare guests for a full day of hiking, sightseeing and taking in area attractions.

“We’re all thrilled to be recognized by the Book of Lists competition,” Finney said. “We enjoy referring guests to each other because our B-and-Bs are so different, but we’re both in such great locations.” The four innkeepers enjoy talking about their inns with guests and helping them design their perfect stay in Wallowa County.