Nestled into the rolling green foothills of the Cascade and Siskiyou mountains, Ashland is a beautiful city in southwest Oregon that's unlike any other in the world. Full of lovely parks, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, and home to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, this artsy town will sweep you off your feet.
Located in Jackson County, just north of the California-Oregon border, Ashland is home to just over 20,000 residents as well as countless wonderful attractions.
Downtown, you'll find historic buildings and tons of amazing galleries, shops, restaurants, hotels, and other attractions like the Varsity Theater (home to the annual Ashland Independent Film Festival).
You will definitely want to check out the acclaimed Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which runs from February through November each year. They show classic and contemporary plays, and have three lovely theaters, including the stunning outdoor Elizabethan theater pictured below.
Another of Ashland's unique attractions is the jaw-dropping Lithia Garden. Take a tranquil stroll through this 93-acre park, complete with glittering ponds, scenic walkways, a Japanese garden, and more.
There are plenty of gorgeous natural areas to explore outside the city as well. You can hike through woods or along sunny hillsides, bike along the Bear Creek Greenway, ski on Mount Ashland, and so much more.
A paved road leads through oak trees and past rolling fields of vines at Yamhill Valley Vineyards near McMinnville, Oregon.
When it comes to visiting Oregon and the incredible small towns and up-and-coming cities, you really can't go wrong. There are so many wonderful pockets of adventure, paired with natural beauty, that make this state special. One such place is McMinnville, sitting at the base of the Oregon Coast Range. With a population shy of 35,000 people, McMinnville is a great place to add to your travel list, especially once you see the incredible things to do here.
advertisement
Right in the heart of Willamette Valley’s wine country, McMinnville blends small-town charm with a fascinating history, a thriving arts scene, and numerous attractions. McMinnville was founded in 1853 by William T. Newby, a pioneer who traveled west on the Oregon Trail. He named the town after his hometown, McMinnville, Tennessee. As settlers arrived, McMinnville became an agricultural hub due to its fertile land and ideal climate. In the 20th century, the economy shifted to include education and tourism, particularly with the establishment of Linfield University in 1858 and the growth of the Oregon wine industry in the 1960s and 1970s. McMinnville is now known as the heart of Oregon’s wine country and offers over 250 wineries within a short drive.
Autumn leaves from surrounding trees litter a picnic table and foot bridge in a city park.
When you're checking out McMinnville as a vacation destination, we have a few hand-picked experiences to consider. We mentioned the wineries already, so these are an absolute must. McMinnville is surrounded by world-class wineries, with the Willamette Valley being particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir. Notable wineries in the area include Eyrie Vineyards, Domaine Drouhin, and R. Stuart & Co. You can also enjoy tastings at numerous downtown tasting rooms, making wine tasting convenient for those who prefer to stay within the city.
In addition to some wine sampling, we recommend visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum! This museum is home to the famous Spruce Goose, the world’s largest wooden airplane, built by Howard Hughes. The museum also features an extensive collection of aircraft, space-related exhibits, and an impressive indoor waterpark. It’s a popular destination for aviation and space enthusiasts and families alike.
Hiking is another favored pastime in the area here. The rolling hills around McMinnville are perfect for hiking and exploring nature. Miller Woods Conservation Area, located just outside the city, has trails through forests and meadows with views of the valley. Erratic Rock State Natural Site, a large rock transported by Ice Age floods, offers a short hike and scenic views of the Willamette Valley.
Misty morning.
If you're looking for a fun event to plan your visit around, what could be better than UFOs and aliens? McMinnville has fully embraced an unusual part of its history: a famous UFO sighting from 1950. The annual UFO Festival, held each May, is the second-largest UFO festival in the U.S. and celebrates all things extraterrestrial with a lively parade, speakers, costume contests, and themed events. It’s a unique event that attracts visitors from all over.
Want to chow down while you're here? You're in luck - there are some stellar local restaurants in McMinnville to feed your soul and stomach. This food scene is superb, with a focus on farm-to-table dining. Some popular options include Thistle, known for its seasonal and locally sourced menu; Nick’s Italian Café, a historic restaurant famous for its pasta and wood-fired pizzas; and Red Hills Kitchen, offering New American cuisine inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
All in all, McMinnville is a beautiful city in Oregon that deserves a visit. If you're a wine fan, a nature lover, or just looking for a new place to explore, McMinnville has it all and more.
Where does it snow in Oregon? The Cascades get the brunt of it and Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson get the most. But, what town in Oregon gets the most snow? You might be surprised at the answer, but then again, you might not be. The snowiest place in Oregon is Mount Hood Village, and it's the perfect place for a winter getaway for that reason and more. Winter in Oregon is idyllic here.
advertisement
Mount Hood Village is a small town in Clackamas County. It's due west of Mount Hood itself and it's about an hour from Portland. This little town covers 26 square miles and has a population of about 5,000 people. It's a wonderful place to stay if you're visiting this area at any time of year. There are lots of vacation rentals, stores, and restaurants from which to choose.
Mount Hood Village is also the snowiest town in Oregon. It gets about 59.5 inches of snow per year on average. That may not sound like a lot to people from out of state, but for Oregon, it's a lot!
There are lots of fun things to do in this area in the winter. You might take a walk in the Wildwood Recreation Site, for starters. It includes 580 acres of old-growth forest and five miles of interpretive trail along the Salmon River. It's quiet and pleasant; you'll find it quite beautiful when it's covered with snow.
Mount Hood is nearby and it's one of the very best places to ski and snowboard in the West! The trails on this mountain are excellent, and you'll be able to enjoy fresh powder and blue sky days.
In town, there are plenty of great places to eat. Wraptitude Gourmet Wraps, Burgers & Beers is an excellent casual option.If you're looking for nightlife in a classy and hospitable environment, then you might like the Skyway Bar and Grill. The Rendezvous Grill is a tasty option for dinner.
And, you're sure to love the Barlow Trail Roadhouse at any time.
There are hundreds of inviting vacation rentals in this area to choose from for your weekend getaway to this area. This Cedar Springs Cabin is secluded and has a BBQ and hot tub. It sleeps six. The Bridlewood Cabin is another pleasant option. It's vintage and dog-friendly. It's small and cozy and sleeps three guests.
This larger home sleeps eight in three bedrooms and is right on the banks of a creek. No matter which accommodation you choose, you're going to have a fun and snowy time on your winter weekend getaway to Mount Hood Village. Be sure to pack warm clothes!
Mount Hood Village is a wonderful place to get away from it all in the middle of winter in Oregon. You can marvel at all the beautiful snow while you relax in front of a cozy fireplace. You'll love your weekend getaway to this mountain town. Have you ever been to the snowiest place in Oregon? Let us know about your experiences in the comments. Looking for more great places to visit in Oregon this winter? Check out these must-visit spots in Oregon.
