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McMinnville, Oregon is a warmhearted city of about 33,000 residents located in the heart of what is now Oregon wine country, on native Kalpuya land. Our Willamette Valley town is not too close – or too far – from the bustle of Oregon’s largest cities, Portland and Salem. McMinnville is the seat of Yamhill County and officially became a city in 1882. Fast forward to today, McMinnville is a hub for those who appreciate the laid back style of a small town with great taste. With over 220 wineries to sip at and an overwhelming amount of farm-to-table and artisan dining experiences to be had, you’ll find yourself having little time left to discover the rest of McMinnville’s attractions and charm.
The historic downtown area is the heart of the city and is “Oregon’s Favorite Main Street,” also known as Third Street. Downtown McMinnville is a stroll worthy stop with its tree-lined streets anchored by quaint boutiques, cool coffeehouses, and kitschy antiqueries punctuated with wine tasting rooms, craft breweries and bars, and a tasty mix of award-winning restaurants. Voted among the best main streets in America, the downtown core hosts a variety of events and community celebrations from the annual UFO Festival to weekly farmer’s markets.
Known as a wine-lover’s heaven and a Pinot Noir paradise, McMinnville is at the epicenter of Oregon’s famous wine valley with over 220 wineries and vineyards ready for touring and tasting. Eager oenophiles come from far and near to get a taste of the McMinnville terroir and the surrounding Willamette Valley wine country. Because of its ideal climate and volcanic soil left behind from ancient Cascade Mountain lava flows, the valley produces flavorsome red, white, roses and sparkling wines.
When visiting McMinnville, you can count on more than wine to keep you entertained. The mild year-round climate allows for plenty of outdoor pursuits from road cycling to hiking and picnics in the park interspersed with visits to farmer’s markets, outdoor art, and historic sightseeing.
Head indoors for some fun with a visit to a world-class aviation museum where Howard Hughes’ famous Spruce Goose airplane has been laid to rest. Then make a plan to get wet at the Wings and Waves indoor waterpark. Whirl down waterslides constructed around a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, or just laze around the rest of the afternoon in a wave pool.
McMinnville’s close proximity to Portland (40 miles), Salem (30 miles) and the Oregon Coast (50 miles) make it an ideal hub for visits to the beach and quick city fixes.
Working up an appetite is quite easy to do in McMinnville. Eating here is truly a dining adventure and a common pastime. You don’t have to be a self-declared foodie to appreciate the mind-boggling amount of really, really good restaurants. From Zagat-rated Italian food to farm-to-fork cuisine to after-dinner small batch brews and creative cocktails, you’ll be hungry for more. And more. And more.
McMinnville hotels and lodging accommodations are as unique as our town. You’ll discover ‘everything from’ historic downtown digs to breathtaking B&Bs, boutique hotels, and countryside vacation rentals in addition to the standard selection of national chain hotels.
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