Tiny Travels: McMinnville’s Granary District is hangout heaven

You could spend a whole day in McMinnville’s Granary District and not see all there is to see or do all there is to do. The emerging neighborhood just north of McMinnville’s historic 3rd Street has a different flair for fun, one that pairs revamped industrial spaces with modern-day hangout spots in a working neighborhood.

Note: Check ahead for current visiting hours and procedures. 

See the change

As an emerging, mixed use neighborhood, the Granary District and Alpine Avenue host a number of industrial producers, new businesses and sweet spots to explore. The best way to get the lay of the land is to start in the plaza of the Grain Station/Flag & Wire and then walk the Alpine Corridor. Cross Fit, Sign Shops, cabinet makers, a forthcoming pediatric dentist clinic—this is a destination where half the fun is watching it develop.

Grab a latte

Family roaster Flag & Wire is the place locals go to get the best single-origin brews. Hangout on the plaza and you can see the comings and goings of the local wine crews during the crush (in Fall).

Taste some wine

Several wineries call the Granary District home. There’s Eyrie Vineyards, famous for its founder having planted the first Pinot noir grapes in the Willamette Valley. Make an appointment for a tasting at Goodfellow Family Cellars for sustainably crafted Chardonnay and Pinot noir. Brittan Vineyards produces reds and whites evocative of place and takes reservations for tasting of its terroir-driven single block Pinot.

Look (and feel) good

Spa Bliss, the area’s premier day spa, welcomes individuals and groups for body treatments, beauty services and massage. 

Lock in your love

In the parking lot between the Grain Station and Spa Bliss a public art sculpture stands ready for you to bring a lock and place it in memory of a relationship or person.You can pick up a personalized lock at Oregon Stationers on 3rd Street. 

Be there for beer

Award winning Heater Allen Brewery calls Avenue home, but check ahead to see if their tasting room is open. The Grain Station is where you want to go for beer made on-site and classic pub fare in a fun, renovated barn space.

It’s all good

At the far end of Alpine Avenue, Mac Market took a warehouse and made it the place to be. Stop by for some local goodness in the form of produce, food items and gifts at a fresh market, pick up a scone or a muffin at the coffee shop, nab lunch at one of the food carts parked outside, or stay for dinner, a rotating selection of locally inspired plates by chef Kari Shaughnessy of Collab Kitchen. 

Emily Grosvenor is the Editor of Oregon Home magazine and the voice behind McMinnville Dentist. 

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