McMinnville, Ore.: Weekender

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 [3]. Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum Historic aircraft, including the Spruce Goose. 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, 434-4180, sprucegoose.org [4]. 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 [3]. Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon Sept. 5. Conquer a 13.1-mile course that passes vineyards bursting with fall fruit. run4oregonwine.com [5]. Third Street Books Readings by authors among carefully curated stacks of new and used books. 334 NE Third St., 472-7786, thirdstreetbooks.com [6].

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 [7]. 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 [8]. Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center Talk terroir over comparative tastings of area vintages during a tour. 300 NE Third St., 883-9012, willamettevalleyvineyards.com [9].

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 [10]. 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 [11]. Thistle Inventive, rotating selections made from ingredients sourced within 45 miles—perhaps oysters or beef cheeks. 228 NE Evans St., 472-9623, thistlerestaurant.com [12].

Sleeps Comfort Inn & Suites From $103 for AAA members. Sparkling clean rooms, pool, and Jacuzzi. 2520 SE Stratus Ave., 472-1700, comfortinn.com [13]. 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 [14]. 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 [15].

Get Going Request the Oregon & Washington TourBook and map at AAA.com [16]or your local AAA service center. For more information, visit the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce: 417 NW Adams St., 472-6196, mcminnville.org [17].

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.