Looking for a fun weekend escape? Oftentimes you can find those escapes in your own backyard! McMinnville, Oregon is one such destination and is the perfect place to unwind. It’s a hidden gem just waiting to be explored and should be on your weekend getaway list. So, pack your bags, grab your BFF’s and get ready for a fun-filled weekend.
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If you’re like me and my best girlfriends, you’re always looking for something fun to do on the weekends. After a stress-filled week at work we just want to get away and do what we do best…Have fun!! We’re at a point in our lives that getting away for a weekend escape is doable. The challenge is figuring out where to go and what to do. Recently I had the opportunity to check out a super cute town in Oregon and stay at an amazing boutique hotel. Details below.
Discover McMinnville
Welcome to the heart of Oregon’s famed wine country. McMinnville is a charming town located in the Willamette Valley. With its close proximity to Portland, McMinnville is the perfect location for a lovely day trip or, better yet, a weekend getaway.
McMinnville dates back to the mid-1800s and the lovely downtown area has maintained its historic charm. The highlight is tree-lined Third Street, dotted with boutiques, tasting rooms and quaint restaurants, all housed in 19th-century buildings that have been well preserved.
Its close proximity to numerous wineries is one of the most enticing draws to this picturesque town. Therefore, if you’re a wine lover, you’ll love the easy access to Oregon’s finest wineries and tasting rooms.
McMinnville: Getting There and Exploring
It’s approximately a 45-minute drive from the Portland Metro area to McMinnville. All routes into McMinnville are through wine country, with wineries as far as the eye can see. Coincidence? I think not. Because most hotels have a late afternoon check-in, a winery visit beforehand is a must.
With unlimited wineries to choose from, take the opportunity to stop at one, or two, and enjoy a wine flight paired with a charcuterie board. For recommendations on two of my faves check out my Dundee Hills blog post.
Once you arrive in McMinnville and get settled in, head over to Third Street. By and large, there’s something for everyone located within a 4-block range.
If you need some retail therapy, check out the super cute boutiques and shops. La Bella Casa is my favorite for fun home décor and cool gifts. Don’t miss the clothing boutique located in the back of the store.
Similarly, if you love antiquing, you’re in the right place! You’ll find a ton of vintage shops, including the McMinnville Antiques Mall where over 50 local vendors share their collections all under one roof.
There are many farm-to-table restaurants to choose from, each with menus curated using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Consequently, menus change regularly, therefore I won’t provide too many details on what specifically to order. However, I’ll share my favorite restaurants below.
Lastly, another fun thing to do is step into one of the many tasting rooms located along Third Street. Whether you stop for a quick glass, or a flight, you won’t be disappointed. Many of the tasting rooms close for a day during the week, therefore, you’ll want to check out their websites ahead of time. Recommendations below!
McMinnville: All the Details!
Where to Stay: When it comes to choosing your accommodation, undeniably the Atticus Hotel is the place to stay. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown McMinnville and is the perfect combination of luxury and comfort. With only 36 beautifully appointed rooms, the Atticus offers an intimate and personalized experience. No detail is overlooked. Especially nice is the welcome glass of bubbles when checking in… such a classy touch! Furthermore, you’ll find the rooms to be really spacious and inviting, each with locally sourced artwork and luxury products. Oh! Another key point… the robes! Oversized Pendelton robes! So nice! They even offer on-the-house espresso 24 hours a day!
Because I loved my first stay at the Atticus so much, I’ve made reservations for two more stays. I’ll certainly be reporting back, as one of the stays will be in their Luxury Bunkhouse!
Favorite Tasting Room: The Jacob Williams Winery McMinnville Tasting Room is a great place to check out. Their tasting room is warm and inviting. They have a great selection of wines to enjoy by the glass, or, if you prefer, choose from one of their flight options. Additionally, you’ll want to visit their website to check out the events they have planned throughout the year.
Favorite Place for Dinner: Humble Spirit is a must. We stopped in for a quick cocktail and because a spot opened up at the bar, we ended up staying for dinner. Hands down this was one of the best meals I’ve enjoyed in a long time. Their menu has the perfect offerings using local, seasonal ingredients. Accordingly, make sure and start with their Sourdough Boule…delish! Reservations highly recommended. However, if you only have time for a drink, their hand-crafted cocktails won’t disappoint!
Favorite Place for Brunch: The Crescent Café drew me in solely based on their charming sign. From there, they didn’t disappoint, and their slogan says it all: “a Cozy, friendly, daytime café”. Although the menu rotates often, you’ll always find classic comfort foods and made from scratch breads and pastries that are baked in-house daily. In addition to their amazing food, they offer all the favorite brunch beverages…Mimosas anyone? As of this writing they don’t accept reservations, therefore you’ll need to arrive early and secure your spot on the wait list.
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In the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, McMinnville is, without a doubt, the perfect destination for an unforgettable girls’ weekend getaway. As we wrap up our exploration of this charming town, it’s clear McMinnville should be on your bucket list. To that end, gather your girlfriends, pack your bags, and head to McMinnville for an unforgettable weekend.
Drop a comment below and share your favorite weekend getaway locations! I’m always looking for inspiration and new places to explore!
