February Getaways – Ideas for Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Anytime.

It’s January.  It’s cold pretty much everywhere north of Arizona, and the only thing your future holds for you for months to come is binge watching Netflix shows and cooking casseroles.  Well, friends, you’re in luck – McMinnville awaits!

If you’re planning a secret Valentine’s rendezvous for your partner, or a lively wine country GALentine’s trip for your best girlfriends, or if you feel like you’ll quietly lose it if you stay in your own house one more dark night, the heart of Oregon Wine Country is closer than you think.  In just one hour from Portland, Salem, or the coast, you could be enjoying life a little more at a comfy flat, a rustic B&B or boutique hotel.

Don’t get me wrong – it’s still chilly in McMinnville.  But the number of cozy, entertaining, and fun things to explore will make you forget all about those couch hours you had lined up.  I’ll list a handful of potential activities below:

Underground Live Music: Literally. Under. Ground.  McMenamin’s Hotel Oregon hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night in their Cellar Bar. Grab a classic cocktail made with their own Edgefield spirits and take in some sweet jams.

Craft Beverage Tasting in Historic Downtown: McMinnville’s wine, beer, and spirits tasting scene is outstanding, with over 20 walkable tasting rooms in the cutest darn downtown you’ve ever strolled.  Try the McMinnville Wine Walk for extra fun.  And if the heavens rain down, don’t you worry!  The McMinnville Umbrella Share ensures you have coverage you can take with you to any tasting stop in downtown.  CONVENIENT!  Try: R. Stuart Wine Bar & Tasting Room for some bubbles, Ransom Spirits for a cocktail flight, Grain Station for local beers, or Brittan Vineyards for some Chardonnay you’ll clutch your pearls over.

Tasty Eats: The restaurant scene in McMinnville is inspired by wine country and food is sourced locally, too.  Try Thistle for an intimate meal, Valley Commissary for lunch that will knock your socks off, or Bistro Maison for a taste of France (bonus: it’s a charming turn-of-the-century house!).

Retail Therapy: It’s a REAL. THING.  Stop in at Mes Amies for a glass of bubbly or espresso as you shop ladies’ fineries, Accessory Appeal next door for some lovely, well, accessories, or try La Bella Casa for some charming items for your charming home.  Don’t forget Hopscotch Toys to placate your kiddos.

Take a Country Drive: Did you hear that?  It’s your New Year’s resolution, reminding you that you wanted to take life a little slower this year.  Drive through miles of rolling hills covered in vineyards, and stop off at a few wineries for a break and to enjoy the view.  Try Yamhill Valley Vineyards, Coeur de Terre, or Maysara for the pause that refreshes (oh, and the outstanding wines).

February will be here before you know it.  Be sure to say hey when you’re visiting – the locals are friendly and are happy you chose McMinnville as your February getaway.  You’ll be, too.