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Start the day in Canby with a breakfast in historic downtown Canby at the Northwest's favorite Biscuits Cafe. After a hearty breakfast, head
on over to the historic Canby Ferry for
a scenic ride across the Willamette River. This ferry has carried
travelers across the river since pioneers first settled in Oregon.
Nearby, the Flower
Farmallows visitors to stroll through the fields
of buds and blossoms and ride the Phoenix & Holly
Railroad, a miniature train for little and big kids. If
you would like to stay in Mt. Hood Territory for the rest of the
day, the region offers restaurants and entertainment no matter
Take Hwy 99W to Yamhill
County (approximately 50 minutes). Stop by a favorite
of hometown winemakers, The
Dundee Bistro. Like other area chefs, Dundee Bistro's chef takes great pride
in using locally grown organic ingredients that showcase the bounty
of Willamette Valley’s farmers.
Take Hwy 99W to Yamhill
County (approximately 50 minutes). As you enter
the heart of Oregon’s wine country, you’ll find nearly
200 wineries ranging from large-producing estates to small, boutique
artisans such as WillaKenzie and Cuneo
Cellars. Right next door to Cuneo Cellars
you’ll find Carlton
Winemakers Studio, where you can sample hand-crafted
wine made by independent winemakers. Both Willakenzie and Cuneo
are low-production yet award winning. Cuneo Cellars offers visitors
an exclusive tasting and tour with winemaker Gino Cuneo by appointment. At
WillaKenzie, you get a taste of France with their Burgundian winemaking
technique while sampling what they call “insanely good wine.” Stop
by Erath
Vineyards Winery to see one of the true
pioneers of Oregon’s wine industry. For over 30 years
Erath Vineyards has continued to excel with each vintage of Pinot
noir, Pinot gris and Gewurztraminer, among other varietals. Bring
a picnic lunch and stay awhile—the outside terrace offers
sweeping views of the valley.
Yamhill County has become the culinary hot spot of Oregon’s wine country – the
perfect destination for any foodie. Enjoy innovative, seasonal dishes in a charming
Victorian setting at The
Painted Lady Restaurant. Popular with natives and visitors
alike, The Painted Lady has an extensive wine list that showcases many of the
valley’s finest varietals. Another favorite of hometown winemakers is The
Dundee Bistro. Here
are some other great restaurants consistently serving up culinary masterpieces:
- Nick’s
Italian Café in McMinnville
is a legendary restaurant championed by winemakers and travelers
alike. Serving a fixed five-course dinner or a la carte
entrees, enjoy owner and chef Nick Peirano’s handmade
pasta and an extensive Oregon wine list.
- Spanish food comes alive with a Northwest twist at La
Rambla in historic downtown McMinnville.
- Located on the National Historic Register, the Joel
Palmer House in Dayton creates
culinary works of art based on sustainable, regional ingredients – primarily
wild mushrooms.
You don’t have to venture to the hills of Tuscany for an
Italian retreat. Centrally located in the
Red Hills of Dundee, the Black
Walnut Inn is the perfect jumping off point
for the area’s numerous world-class wineries and wide range
of activities. The value-conscious traveler may prefer a stay
at Hotel
Oregon. Owned by the McMenamin brothers, this
hotel features European style rooms, handcrafted pool tables and
a rooftop bar – all of which are designed to compliment
the history of the building.
Enjoy a delicious breakfastat your hotel, or
those with a sweet tooth looking to explore the region won’t
want to miss the granola French toast, "Wildwood Toast," at
the Wildwood Cafe.
Take 99W south to Corvallis (approximately
90 minutes). No matter what day, there’s always something to do in this
quirky city:
- Saturday travelers will want to stop by the Downtown Waterfront
to sample some of the region’s freshest local produce at
the Farmers
Market
- Visitors looking to discover a hidden gem or a piece of history
can visit more than a dozen antique
shops.
- Granted the title "Bike Friendly City" by Bike USA,
what better place than Corvallis, to take to two wheels? Stop
by Peak
Sports and rent a bike to begin your exploration
of this beautiful college town.
Enjoy the best of the Pacific Northwest’s fare at Big
River Restaurant, or go global and sample fine French
cuisine at Le Bistro. Wondering what
else has Corvallis has to offer?
- Get a taste of the Orient at Magenta. Here
dishesare influenced by the many different foods
of Southeast Asia and incorporate wild, bold flavors while remaining
simple and tasty.
- After experiencing a meal at Cloud
9, you’ll feel like you’re on
it. Cloud 9 is the newest restaurant in town and one of the
best choices for appetizers and cocktails.
- Vegans and vegetarians don’t have to despair. Nearly
Normal’s Gonzo Cuisine serves
up a wide range of dining options free of animal products.
- Get a taste of historic Corvallis with a bite to eat at Riverfront Restaurant, featuring Vietnamese food and Sushi. Open for lunch and dinner, the Riverfront is housed in the original Corvallis train depot built in 1909.
Continue south on Hwy 99 (approximately 50 minutes) and arrive in Eugene, one of the Willamette Valley's southernmost cities in the heart of the Eugene, Cascades & Coast. There's something for everyone here – from world-class arts, to outdoor adventure. Here's a look at a few of the region's offerings:
- Golfing enthusiasts can grab their clubs and try their hand on one of nearly 20 golf courses within the valley. Voted a "Top 10 Golf Getaway" by The Oregonian, hit the greens at the region's newest golf course – Diamond Woods.
- On the first Friday of every month, Eugene offers guided art walks through downtown. Walking tours start at local galleries and allow enthusiasts to explore the city's vibrant art scene.
- The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is home to 20 historic covered bridges, more than any other region on the West Coast. Some date back to as early as 1920, 14 are still open to traffic, and most are on the National Register of Historical Places.
- Wine aficionados can taste some of the valley's finest wine while enjoying spectacular views of the region at King Estate. This grand winery features 1,033 acres of organic vines, trees, produce and flowers. After a tasting of Pinot gris, savor an estate-grown meal in the restaurant.
Considered Eugene’s landmark bistro, Café Zenon is
open for business nearly 24 hours a day and is known for its legendary
desserts and extensive wine list. Looking for a taste of
Italy? At the Excelsior
Inn’s Ristorante Italiano you can have
the freshest seasonal ingredients prepared over your choice of
pasta. Cap off dinner the traditional Italian way with a
shot of espresso. Home to some of the state’s most eclectic
eateries, you’ll find Eugene restaurants take pride in cooking
with only the freshest, local ingredients.
- Located in the bustling 5th St. Market, Marché offers
French-style cuisine based on the foods found at a farmers' market – fresh,
seasonal and regional. It is committed to using only those ingredients
that are at their best, so the menu evolves as the seasons change.
- Set in a national historic landmark with antique train cars
for dining, the Oregon
Electric Station is a favorite destination for
Eugene visitors as they feast on the restaurant’s specialty
prime rib and fresh fish from Northwest waters.
Relax in the elegant comfort of the Excelsior
Inn. Each of the Inn’s 14 rooms are named
for a renowned classical composer and come complete with everything
you need for a perfect getaway. Or, the value-priced Campus
Inn is also within walking distance of the city’s
main attractions. It serves complimentary breakfast and Starbucks
coffee daily.
Begin your morning in Oregon's Emerald City with a hot cup of coffee or fresh juice at one of these long-time hot spots:
- Keystone Café, a hometown favorite for nearly 20 years, is consistently voted one of Eugene's Best Breakfasts by Eugene Weekly readers.
- The Glenwood offers affordable entrees with distinctive Eugene character at its two locations. Serving its popular breakfast options all day long, The Glenwood has special appeal to students and for those wanting to travel like a local.
- For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to Eugene isn't complete without a stop at Sweet Life Patisserie. This artisan bakery serves specialty breads, pastries, cookies and more using the Willamette Valley's freshest produce.
Depart Eugene for Albany,
heading North on I-5 (approximately 50 minutes). Upon
arrival, take the Seems
Like Old Times Self-Guided Driving Tour of historic architecture
through Albany's three nationally registered historic districts. Albany has the
most varied collection of historic home styles in the state. After seeing the
outside of these fantastic homes, continue your journey back in time at The
Monteith House Museum. The first frame
structure built in Albany in 1849, it is one of the most authentically restored
homes in Oregon. The building is now a house museum, where visitors can
see the pioneer kitchen Christine Monteith used to prepare meals as well as the
original piano brought by covered wagon to help make the Oregon wilderness a
bit more civilized.
Dine at Sybaris
Bistro, where the food is often described
as "eclectic Northwest." The menu changes monthly to bring the
best products from the farm to you at their peak. The chef’s French training
often influences dishes, and there is always an emphasis on fresh, local products
grown in a sustainable way.
Depart Albany and head north on 1-5. The Salem
area is a nature lover’s paradise. Here are a few
options we recommend to see some of the region’s best natural wonders: 
- Enjoy one of Oregon's most popular destinations, Oregon
Garden in Silverton, where thousands of plants
are displayed in more
than 20 specialty gardens (approximately 50 minutes from
Albany). Discover how easy it is to relax and be dazzled at
The Oregon Garden, located on 80 acres in Historic Silverton.
- No matter what visitors are looking for they’ll find
it at Silver
Falls State Park. Majestic mountains? Check.
An abundance of flora and fauna? Check. Cascading waterfalls?
Check. At Oregon’s largest state park you can spot glimpses
of wildlife, pick fresh berries or just enjoy the tranquility
of the scenery that surrounds you.
- If it’s more of a spiritual retreat you’re looking
for, stop by Mt.
Angel. Most often recognized for its beloved Oktoberfest,
this old-world Bavarian community is also home to the Mt.
Angel Abbey & Seminary. Built in 1883 by
Swiss Benedictine monks, this tranquil establishment not only
offers visitors sweeping views of the valley below but a priceless
collection of rare books and a peaceful setting for self-reflection.
- Conclude your visit to Oregon’s Wine Country with a visit
to Willamette
Valley Vineyards. For over two decades
they have been perfecting their craft, producing some of the best
wines Oregon has to offer. Sample their latest varietals and take
in the scenic beauty of the Willamette Valley.
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