McMenamin's Hotel Oregon is housed in a century-old building and boasts the Rooftop Bar.
McMinnville, Ore.: Weekender
Willamette Valley's bounty flows into inventive restaurants, an abundant farmers' market, and tempting wine tasting rooms.
IF YOU'RE GOING...
Take advantage of the area’s local amenities and services:
View places to see, stay, and eat
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View places to see, stay, and eat
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Area code is 503.
To Do Art & Wine Walk Every third Saturday, 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Stroll galleries, shops, and restaurants for beverages, bites, and live music. downtownmcminnville.com. Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum Historic aircraft, including the Spruce Goose. 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, 434-4180, sprucegoose.org. Farmers’ market Thursdays 1:30 p.m.–6 p.m. Local produce such as blackberries and chanterelles as well as homemade items. Cowls Street between Second and Third streets. downtownmcminnville.com. Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon Sept. 5. Conquer a 13.1-mile course that passes vineyards bursting with fall fruit. run4oregonwine.com. Third Street Books Readings by authors among carefully curated stacks of new and used books. 334 NE Third St., 472-7786, thirdstreetbooks.com.
Sips NW Wine Bar Enjoy local and international wines by the glass, bottle, or flight paired with small plates—cheeses, charcuterie, and panini. 326 NE Davis St., 435-1295, nwwinecompany.com. Wednesday Wines A cozy tasting area, a case of Abbie & Oliver’s Artisan Cheese, and a selection of bottles under $20. 250 NE Third St., 857-5665, wednesdaywines.com. Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center Talk terroir over comparative tastings of area vintages during a tour. 300 NE Third St., 883-9012, willamettevalleyvineyards.com.
Eats Nick’s Italian Café Delicate pastas and wood-fired pizzas; try the Gorgonzola, pear, and caramelized onion. 521 NE Third St., 434-4471, nicksitaliancafe.com. Red Fox Bakery & Cafe Start your day with a dense berry scone, an ornate pain au chocolat, or a savory croissant. 328 NE Evans St., 434-5098, http://redfoxbakery.com. Thistle Inventive, rotating selections made from ingredients sourced within 45 miles—perhaps oysters or beef cheeks. 228 NE Evans St., 472-9623, thistlerestaurant.com.
Sleeps Comfort Inn & Suites From $103 for AAA members. Sparkling clean rooms, pool, and Jacuzzi. 2520 SE Stratus Ave., 472-1700, comfortinn.com. McMenamins Hotel Oregon From $60. Quirky art in a century-old building with 42 rooms named for local characters. Check out the spectacular sunset view from the Rooftop Bar. 310 NE Evans St., 472-8427, mcmenamins.com. Red Lion Inn & Suites From $89 for AAA members. Spacious modern rooms and an indoor pool. 2535 NE Cumulus Ave., 472-1500, redlion.com/mcminnville.
Get Going Request the Oregon & Washington TourBook and map at AAA.com or your local AAA service center. For more information, visit the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce: 417 NW Adams St., 472-6196, mcminnville.org.
Photography courtesy M.O. Stevens/Wikipedia
This article was first published in September 2010. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
