1. Wine Walk-Enjoy the authentic character and charm of McMinnville via its historic buildings; a 1926 power plant is now home to Elizabeth Chambers Cellar and the distinctive red building that once housed the Willamette Valley Walnut Co. is where you’ll now find Walnut City WineWorks. You may even find a winemaker or two behind the bar, pouring tastes and sharing a bit of the magic that goes in to making your favorite wine. Several tasting rooms offer small plates and nibbles to pair with the featured wines; while patios and inviting outdoor spaces allow you to relax and enjoy your day in the hear of Oregon Wine Country. Looking for something other than wine? You will also find artisan brewers offering up ales, German and Czech-style beers, and purveyors of traditionally distilled spirits. https://visitmcminnville.com/about/articles/mcminnville-wine-walk-app-now-live/
2. Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum houses displays ranging from the elegant aeronautic designs of two bike mechanics – Orville and Wilbur Wright – to an actual Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird that can fly at speeds of over 2,000 miles per hour – the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum has a little something for everyone.
The centerpiece of these aeronautic breakthroughs is the original Spruce Goose. Built entirely of wood due to wartime restrictions on metals, this massive airplane stands as a symbol of American industry during World War II. https://www.evergreenmuseum.org/
The complex also houses a theater that airs aviation and space-themed movies along with Wings and Waves Waterpark, an indoor, all-season waterpark that includes ten waterslides and a fun wave pool. Slide-out of a real Boeing 747 aircraft sitting on the roof and enjoy an awesome day of fun. https://wingsandwaveswaterpark.com/?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
3. Art Walk—Walk your way throughout McMinnville’s stunning galleries and studios and beloved public art installations with various outdoor sculptures and murals from local artists.
Arts and culture offer an astonishing variety of choices nearly all of which may be found in our festive downtown. Here are a few recommendations for nurturing imaginations and shopping local. https://visitmcminnville.com/about/articles/mcminnville-art-walk/
Art Galleries: The wonderful thing about shopping for art at shops like Currents Gallery, the Gallery at Ten Oaks, MECA and Marilyn Affolter Art Gallery is that more likely than not, you’re supporting local artists. Also, some offer classes in painting, drawing, etc.
The Merri Artist: They carry an astonishing variety of art supplies for virtually all media and skillsets. Also, the book selection has some great options for artists-in-training.
Hopscotch Toys & Games: Nurture the young artist in your life! Children are artistically inclined by nature, and you’ll find some great, affordable kits and supplies at this locally-owned shop. Melissa & Doug make high-quality products for kids, and you can buy them right here.
Gallery Theater: Enjoy live local theater during one of your evenings out. The mission of Gallery Players of Oregon is to entertain, inform, and educate through the performing arts thereby enriching the cultural life of those who live, work, and play in Yamhill County.
Art Walk: 3rd Friday on 3rd Street is coming up! There is no better time to enjoy the festivity of downtown McMinnville than 4-8 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. Wine tasters may check-in at McMenamins Hotel Oregon. Ten bucks cover five tasting tickets, a commemorative glass, a wine bag, and a map.
