City Guide: McMinnville, Oregon
Wine Country & Oregon Coast City Guide by Artist Kristina Foley
Using wool, wild silk and homemade dyes, artist Kristina Foley creates truly stunning, tactile work that we never miss a chance to see in person. She also makes more utilitarian pieces like these seat cushions that we sell in the shop, which are equally beautiful. Read last year’s Studio Visit with Kristina to learn more about her work. Kristina lives in McMinnville, about an hour from Portland, and is our most trusted source on the area. Take it away, Kristina…
Eating
One of the best things about living in this part of Oregon is the incredible local agriculture! This is where so much of the food in Portland's restaurants is grown, so why not come straight to the source? Here are some of my McMinnville faves…
The Grounded Table - This sweet restaurant serves food sourced from their nearby regenerative farm and delicious housemade pasta. Disconnect thoroughly at their sister lodging: Inn the Ground.
Thistle Restaurant - A charming, rustic and romantic spot for incredible cocktails and oysters.
Alchemist’s Jam - This is a dreamy bakery and jam purveyor serving the best sourdough bread & baked goods. It’s family-owned and intentionally small to focus on quality and community.
MacMkt - Such a fun space with lots of independently run options: cafe, bar, pizza and marketplace.
Blue Raven Pie - Blue Raven, in both Amity & McMinnville, has an insane selection of fruit pies, prepared exactly how they should be and made in the heart of Oregon's berry country.
Drinking
The Willamette Valley is renowned for its world-class winemakers, but there’s no shortage of cider, beer, and cocktails to boot. Plus, McMinnville itself has one of my all-time favorite go-to pubs.
The Bitter Monk - A classic, community-centered watering hole with an amazing rotating tap list in downtown McMinnville.
Art & Science - Art & Science is really doing fermentation right – they serve naturally fermented cider, perry and wines. Ideal for a late summer afternoon.
Antica Terra - This is such a remarkable spot. In the summer, enjoy a custom tasting flight under an art installation in an oak savanna at their “Table in the Trees.” In the winter, visit their candlelit tasting room built into a barrel hall, with accents made by local woodworkers. Food from Chef Kristen D. Murray of Portland's delightful lunch spot Maurice.
Fairsing Vineyard - Delicious wine in Yamhill with a 360º view of the Willamette Valley as you walk the labyrinth.
Hundred Suns Wine - A slightly more urban winery, Hundred Suns is right outside of McMinnville’s downtown and feels like a true locals’ spot.
Countryside
A few recommendations for places to stay and things to do while soaking in the country lifestyle.
Durant Olive Oil - Durant is an Italian mill, pressing Oregon and California olive varietals on-site. Don’t miss their walking trail and gardens created by master gardener and founder Penny Durant, (plus their plant nursery!).
Piquette - A perfect spot to stay and enjoy McMinnville’s spoils, Piquette is a sure-to-be charming 17-room hotel opening in early 2027. They’ll be utilizing my felted wool pieces as little accents in each room!
Carlton, Oregon - Just 10 minutes from McMinnville, Carlton is a super cute town a little deeper into wine country with only one, extremely quaint, main street.
Hayward & Lucky Duck - Both Hayward and Lucky Duck are innovative and delicious restaurants featuring hyper-local, esteemed cuisine. For a little overnight, book the two-bedroom apartment on the top floor of Lucky Duck on Airbnb!
Sosta House - On the edge of the countryside and the city, this is the dream bed & breakfast. They also have a tasting room next door which often hosts fun events and dinners. Filled with growing grapes, flower and produce gardens, beautiful art and a sauna – it’s heaven.
Coast
One of the many blessings of living in wine country: we’re a little closer to the coast than Portland. A few ideas for how to spend some time seaside…
Drive the Scenic Route - Stop to forage mushrooms, fly-fish or hike! From McMinnville, I like to drive along the Little Nestucca River on Highway 22 to Newskowin/Pacific City.
Bob Straub Park - One of my faves - picnic in the dunes and jump in the ocean.
Cascade Head and/or Cape Kiwanda Sand Dune - Ideal for dramatic views on year-round hiking trails.
Whalen Island - At high-tide you can swim without major waves, and at low-tide you can take a surreal sandy walk and look out for shells and marine life. Also - in the spring, the forest trail is full of rhododendrons and very much worth a visit.
Cape Lookout State Park - An Oregon beach classic.
Netarts - Another great option. Head a bit further north on Highway 6 from Forest Grove to the Tillamook area and go clamming, or visit Jacobsen Salt Company.