The Painted Hills Vacation Rentals

05/08/2026

🌿 Painted Hills Market 🍓

The Painted Hills Market is growing, and we’re looking for more local vendors to join us in the heart of Mitchell.

Do you create art, grow fresh produce, have plant starts, collect special rocks and treasures, bake homemade treats, make handcrafted goods, or have flea market finds to share?

Come be part of our first season and help us build a warm and welcoming community gathering filled with creativity and small-town spirit.

Vendor spaces available — $10 each
Every Saturday from 9 am - 2 pm
Across from the Mitchell City Park

Sponsored by Painted Hills Cottages.

Come browse, visit, and enjoy

04/25/2026

🎨 Painted Hills Market 🍎

Join us for the opening of the Painted Hills Market —
a gathering of local makers, growers, and creatives in the heart of Mitchell,
sponsored by Painted Hills Cottages.

Vendors Welcome
Have something to share?
Come be part of our first season —
art • baked treats • fresh produce • unique treasures • handcrafted goods
(10 spaces available — $10 each)
Conveniently located across the street from the City Park in Mitchell.
We look forward to seeing you there.

11/01/2024

Another collection of photos of the area!

11/01/2024

"Welcome back, Sarah and Gisella! This time, they visited with Barbara and shared some stunning photos from their stay at the Cottages — including snapshots of their handsome dog posing with some of our critters, and the rainbow magic they found in the Painted Hills!"

10/15/2024

10/05/2024

Birthday Celebration!

Our friend & neighbor Dolly Risland has a fun birthday celebration at the Painted Hills Cottages. A good time was had by friends and staff with tasty treats and gifts

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09/12/2024

Exciting News! Ar-Mar-Ni Gelato & Ice Cream Parlor Coming to Mitchell!!!

We're thrilled to announce that the Painted Hills Cottages are bringing a brand-new treat to town! Launching on March 15, 2025, Mitchell will welcome the Ar-Mar-Ni Gelato and Ice Cream Parlor, a sweet new addition to the community.

You might have had a sneak peek of what's to come during the Painted Hills Festival, where we briefly opened our doors and served up delicious ice cream cones and cups. Soon we'll bring you the full experience! Not only that, but we're also planning to develop the space for additional small food kiosks - so stay tuned for even more tasty surprises!

Check out some of the behind-the-scenes photos of the parlor under construction and festival fun below. Keep an eye on this space for further updates!

Photography by Laura Wilensky

08/28/2024

Wildfires and the Beauty of the Loop

The Lone Rock Wildfire, which began on July 13 and consumed approximately 137,222 acres before it was contained, burned dangerously close to sections of the loop near Service Creek to Spray along Highway 19, which winds through the John Day Fossil Beds. I drove out to assess the damage and was relieved to find that it hadn't reached Spray. Unfortunately, several homes were lost, and my heart also aches for the innocent creatures that couldn't escape. The first photo shows the remains of one that didn't survive.

I also made stops at some of my favorite hiking spots, including Foree, alongf the Overlook Trail of the Blue Basin, and Cathedral Rock.

Photography by Laura Wilensky

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07/09/2024

Springtime Dreaming on a Hot Summer Day

Not long ago, spring brought cooler weather, vibrant life, and so much beauty. The land was green and fresh, with many creatures raising families and pollinating flowers.

The old Chestnut tree by the Painted Hills Cottage was the garden star and buzzed with the hum of a gazillion bees. Rosenbaum Street was a colorful, inviting, and fragrant place to stroll. Now as we are in the dog days of summer, stay cool everyone, and enjoy our cozy cottages!

Photography by Laura Wilensky

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06/20/2024

Cycle of Life

The peonies in Barbara's garden are one of the most stunning floral stars from start to finish. It's mesmerizing to watch them go through their life cycle from unfolding buds and vibrant blooms to fallen petals and final decay.

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Photography by Laura Wilensky