Oregon’s picturesque Willamette Valley is famed for its tremendous array of excellent wineries and foodie delights. One of the region’s most appealing small cities, McMinnville is a charming historic community with a lively vibe and heaps of attractions. With accommodation options ranging from cosy B&Bs to glamorous hotels, there’s something for all tastes and budgets in this wonderful spot. Portland is just 40 miles away, making the best places to stay in McMinnville ideal for a weekend break or a relaxing stop on a broader Oregon itinerary.
Most visitors are drawn to McMinnville by the lure of more than 200 surrounding wineries, as well as an emerging craft beer scene. Enjoy terrific tours and tastings, and time your trip to experience the buzz of harvest season, or for the International Pinot Noir Celebration, hosted every July. You’ll find the rolling countryside brimming with opportunities for walking, hiking, horse riding and biking. Drive one hour south-east to spectacular Silver Falls State Park, or an hour to the west for surfing and whale watching near Pacific City, on the dramatic Oregon Coast.
Life in downtown McMinnville centres around Third Street, where you’ll find wine tasting rooms, award-winning eateries, artisanal jewellery and vintage shops, and markets showcasing top-notch local produce. The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a highlight, whilst history buffs will adore self-guided art walks and admiring the well-preserved Historic District. Don’t miss taking the time to meet winemakers, grabbing a coffee — or a craft beer! — and catching a show in the Granary District, a collection of historic warehouses given a new lease of life. Explore on foot or by bicycle, before returning to one of the best places to stay in McMinnville.