The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in the Willamette Valley

United Airlines’ in-flight magazine always had a monthly feature that I loved called “Three Perfect Days in (insert city here)” where they would highlight the best things to do, the best places to eat, and the best places to stay in each city. I am stealing that idea to share my own travelogue with you about some of Laurie’s and my favorite places to visit over a long weekend – first up is Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley!

Oregon's Willamette Valley - Photo by Laurie Geis

Like everyone else, Laurie and I have our favorite places in the world that we love to visit, and revisit time and again! Our list includes Rome, Paris, New York City, Hawaii, New Orleans, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Boulder CO to name a few. One of our newest favorite places is Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where we recently spent two weeks on vacation.

So, for my first installment of “The Perfect Three-Day Weekend” blog series, I’ll share some of our favorite places to visit, eat, and stay in the Willamette Valley over a three-day weekend – let’s get started!

Day 1

Arriving from your flight into Portland, make the quick one-hour drive to the Willamette Valley and go directly to Willakenzie Estate to kick off the day with a fantastic wine tasting experience. Make your reservations for the “Perspective of Place” tasting before you depart for Oregon – this privately hosted, seated tasting showcases six of their beautiful Pinot Noirs including their limited single-block releases and includes a nice cheese and charcuterie board. The staff is friendly and attentive, with offerings of additional tastings of their other wines based on your preferences.

Willakenzie Estate Perspective of Place Private Tasting

Now that your thirst for wine is properly sated, head down to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum where the famous Spruce Goose airplane is on display. The Spruce Goose, designed and built by Howard Hughes in the 1940’s is the largest wooden airplane ever built (and one of the largest airplanes of any type ever built!). It’s a must see, along with many of the other airplanes on display. Also, check out the space museum on the same campus to see the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane and the Titan II rocket which was the main vehicle for the Gemini Capsule.

The Spruce Goose

Next up, head to your accommodations for the night – Atticus Hotel in downtown McMinnville. This charming and historic hotel has a modern vibe with classic sensibilities. Settle into your room or suite with a balcony (the latter highly recommended!) and sip your complimentary glass of champagne until dinnertime.

Atticus Hotel in downtown McMinnville

Speaking of, Main Street in downtown McMinnville is filled with restaurants and tasting rooms and is one block away from the hotel, so head out for dinner at Humble Spirit, which focuses on seasonal offerings made from local food sources. Start with the Sourdough Boule and one or two small plates, and then dig into their famous double cheeseburger or one of their homemade pasta dishes. Everything here is fresh and fantastic!

The Carrot Salad at Humble Spirit

Day 2

Get up early on Saturday morning and head back onto Main Street for a quick breakfast at the Wildwood Café, a retro Americana Eatery and local favorite. Their homemade granola-crusted French toast is a must, along with their rich and creamy hot chocolate.

Homemade Granola-Crusted French Toast at the Wildwood Café in McMinnville, OR

Then, time to check out of the hotel and head south for the hour-long drive to Silver Falls State Park. The park has 10 different waterfalls, with a 7.2-mile-long trail that takes you to each of them. Or start at the South entrance and hike the 3-mile canyon trail with two waterfalls and beautiful scenery.

Silver Falls State Park – One of the Ten Waterfalls in the Park

On your way back to Newberg, stop off at Argyle Winery for the Sparkling Wine Tasting Experience (reservations required - $95 per person but worth every cent!), where you will taste eight different sparkling wines paired with small bites. The tasting also includes a walking tour of the property along with the opportunity to hand disgorge a bottle of sparkling wine!

Sparkling Wine Tasting at Argyle Winery

Now it’s time to relax, so head over to the Allison Inn and Spa in Newberg and prepare to be pampered. From the complimentary glass of wine at check-in, to the well-appointed rooms and suites with fireplaces and outdoor balconies overlooking the beautiful property, everything about this Inn screams luxury!

The Allison Inn and Spa in Newberg, OR

Enjoy your wine out on your balcony before you head out for dinner at SubTerra Kitchen and Cellar, just a short 5-minute drive away. Start with the homemade bread with fennel butter and an order of the empanadas with house romesco or the crispy pork belly with butternut squash puree, followed by one of their two gnocchi offerings of the evening or the scallops with crispy polenta and local mushrooms. Then it’s time to turn in for the evening with a nice glass of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir in front of the fire!

Crispy Pork Belly with Butternut Squash Puree at SubTerra Kitchen and Cellar

Day 3

Sunday morning starts with a delicious breakfast at Jory Restaurant at the Inn. Their eggs benedict are to die for, but everything on the menu is great! Make sure to get a table outside on the balcony so you can enjoy the beautiful weather!

Eggs Benedict at Jory Restaurant – The Allison Inn and Spa

Next up are spa treatments downstairs (reservations made weeks earlier of course!). The spa is quiet and peaceful, with a long list of offerings that include facials, massages, and tailored treatment packages.

The Spa at the Allison Inn and Spa

Unfortunately, it’s almost time to head back to the airport for your late afternoon flight, but before you do, make a last stop at Ponzi Vineyards for the Estate Flight Tasting that showcases some of their best and rarest estate wines paired with small bites. The tasting is a private seated tasting, slow-paced, educational, and delicious!

Walking the Vineyards at Ponzi Before Our Wine Tasting

And just like that, and much too soon, our perfect three-day weekend in the Willamette Valley is over. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! But seriously, consider making time for this hidden treasure of a place – you won’t be disappointed if you do!