travelmac
Summer 2015
48 - hour
guide to McMinnville
downtownmcminnville.com
Vo l u m e 1
In just 14 easy-to-walk b l o c k s . . . s i p, taste, stroll and discover McMinnville #strollmac #tastemac #winemac #brewmac #cyclemac
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Take a seat... in McM McMinnville, nicknamed, “Mac,” truly has a downtown like none other. The main drag is referred to by locals as the “community’s living room,” and most would agree there’s something so enchanting, almost magnetizing about McMinnville that has people returning time and time again. Downtown McMinnville is nestled in the Willamette Valley. It has been the heartbeat of Yamhill County since before it was even incorporated in 1882. The McMinnville of today is rich in history and small town charm. Last September, we were voted first runner-up in Parade Magazine’s Best Main Street in America contest. Since then out of town visitors have been making the trip to see what the buzz is all about. With 34 unique restaurants, in wineries and tasting rooms, 7 t e 18 e Str breweries and taprooms and 14 Main t s e B ! “ strollable blocks, theres a lot to e l g t i n t i ” see, taste and experience in McMinnville. claim he West t Now During the summertime, music fills the streets from our Thursday Farmers’ Market and summer concert series, and in the winter Third Street is draped in white twinkle lights setting the perfect scene for a stroll downtown. All yearround the streets are lined with trees, blooming flower arrangements and benches to stop and marvel. We invite visitors of all shapes, sizes and ages to enjoy our many hidden gems be it by foot, bike or by car. Our streets have something to offer everyone. “Our community is authentic, a little rough around the edges in a beautiful way, and undeniably friendly,” said Sunny Miller, of Elizabeth Chambers Celler. Situated in wine country, McMinnville undoubtedly atrracts many wineos; however we have much, much more to offer as well. The lavish valley and vineyards, cozy accomodation, quality food and hidden treasures yet to be discovered are just a few of what gives McMinnville it’s charming allure. Our downtown has not always thrived. It wasn’t until the mid-1980s, when the McMinnville Downtown Association was formed that our downtown became a destination for visitors. Now visitors can pop into Grain Station for a local craft beer, enjoy an award-winning glass of wine right, devour a meal at Thistle, a five-star, farmto-fork fine dining establimsment, and all right on Third Street.
There’s a real good vibe in McMinnville - come stroll and you’ll know what we’re talking about.
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Minnville’s living room.
“How can a town of 33,000 have so many good restaurants in such a compact area? Simple. Tourists come from around the world to explore Oregon wine country, and McMinnville is the epicenter. Terry Richard The Oregonian
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Welcome to
McMinnville O R E G O N
you are
PDX/ MAC Portland 1 HR Oregon CoastMcMinnville Salem 1 HR 1 HR HERE.
Sea Lion Caves 2 HRS
Mount Hood 3 HRS
Mt. Bachelor 3.5 HRS Bend 3 HRS
Crater Lake 4 HRS
Population: 33,000 35 miles from Portland 50 miles to the Pacific Ocean 34 unique restaurants
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17 wineries and tasting rooms 7 breweries and tap rooms
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25 miles from state capital a stone’s throw from vineyards at the epicenter of wine country
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8 dine
15 cycle
14 stroll
13 brew
12 wine
A travel guide to explore McMinnville INSIDE 05 Getting to Mac 06 Summer events 08 DineMac 12 WineMac
13 BrewMac 14 StrollMac 15 CycleMac 16 48-hour taste 20 Map of downtown
Photos courtesy of Daniel Hurst and the McMinnville Downtown Association. For more information visit the McMinnville Downtown Association located at 105 NE Third Street, McMinnville, OR 97128, in the historic Queen Anne Victorian on the corner of Third and Adams.
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Summer happenings in McMinnville June McMinnville Farmers’ Market May 21-October 8 Thursdays 1-6 P.M. Brown Bag Concert Series June 11-August 6 Thursdays 12-1:30 P.M. Art and Wine Walk June 20 2-8 P.M.
July Fireworks show at Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum July 4 Yamhill Lavender Festival July 10-11 55th annual Turkey Rama July 10-11 International Pinot Noir Celebration July 24-26 Yamhill County Fair and Rodeo Oldest fair in Oregon July 29-August 1
August Walnut City Music Festival August 16
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dine mac
Mac wasn’t ranked the number two “Foodiest” city in America by accident. Casual to fine dining, creole to Italian - we’ve got it all. We’ve even have not one, but two chocolateirs! As an ag community, we emphasize local ingredients.
Community Plate
Satisfy your brunch cravings at Community Plate. Enjoy wholesome twists on classic American comfort foods like eggs benedict, quiche and scrambles. Sink your teeth into their popular breakfast hash, topped with a sunny egg. Not a morning person? You can also find some of the best burgers, mac and cheese and sandwiches in town. At Community Plate, it’s all in the name. From the communal tables to the local ingredients used, supporting our community is of vital importance. Area growers, farmers and artisans supply Community Plate, so you can enjoy your meal knowing the freshest produce, meat and eggs were used. Community Plate was voted Business of the Year in 2014 by the McMinnville Downtown Association for their welcoming atmosphere and contribution to the character of downtown McMinnville. 315 NE Third
“McMinnville is a chef’s kitchen - fresh flowers, tomatoes, local goat cheese, melons, fresh baguettes, peppers, pumpkin sausage and local wine. There’s no better time to be in the Willamette Valley.” Kevin Max 1859 Oregon’s Magazine
34 unique restaurants
Chrysalis Coffeehouse
At Chrysalis Coffeehouse, take your tastebuds on a trip around the world. Discover the ecclectic coffeeshop located in the Grainary District complete with a full-brew bar and choose from a variety of imported coffees. They feature Mud River Coffee, a Corvallis roaster just 40 minutes outside of McMinnville. Each month, one lucky Chrysalis drinker wins a bag of coffee for the coolest photo on social media using the hashtag #chrysaliscoffee. 755 NE Alpine
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Nick’s Italian Café
Enjoy an authentic “farm-to-table” Italian experience. Nick’s, a family-run business, has been feeding McMinnville since 1977. In just shy of 50 years, Nick’s has gained fame from foodies near and far. Nick’s is a James Beard America’s Classics’ award winner and was written up in Saveur magazine. Taste a variety of locally-inspired Italian dishes including dungeness crab lasagna and pork and spinach ravioli topped with sage butter. Or, sink your teeth into a wood-fired pizza while sipping on an Oregon, Washington or Italian wine. Finish your meal off with a Budino chocolate mousse. Taste the wonders of Italy right in the Willamette Valley. Play a round of pool in Nick’s backroom bar and enjoy live music. 521 NE Third
Harvest Fresh Grocery and Deli
I n a hurry? Grab something quick from Harvest Fresh Grocery and Deli. Enjoy a bowl of tortellini pasta from the grab-and-go deli case, snack on a fresh, local piece of fruit from the bountiful produce section or build a spinach salad from the salad bar. Those with special dietary needs will be excited to find ample gluten-free, low-salt, sugar-free, organic and other diet-friendly foods and beverages. In the mood to cook? Purchase caught-in-thewild seafood or locally-raised, free-range, hormone-free meats at the meat counter. You may also find a selection of locally produced wine and microbrews, homemade soups, sandwiches, pastries, desserts, lasagna, pot pies and freshly squeezed juices. 251 NE Third
Gem Creole Saloon
G reen, gold and purple Mardis Gras beads hang from the storefront. Enter and get a taste of New-Orleans with inspired dishes and a lively, authentic dining experience. The interior creates an intimate atmosphere with vintage light fixtures and wrought-iron decor. Dine on crawfish étoufée, red beans and rice, braised kale, collard greens or fresh oysters prepared one of six different ways. Wall-mounted T.V.s allow you to enjoy sports while you dine, keno is available in the dining room or visit the gaming room to try your luck at video poker or slot machines. 236 NE Third
#taste
emac
winemac
McMinnville is at the epicenter of Oregon wine country. Lucky for you, enjoying world renowned Willamette Valley wine can be done right on Third. We have 17 different wineries and tasting rooms, each with their own spin.
R. Stuart & Co.
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wineries and tasting rooms
Brittan Vineyards Dominio IV Eisold-Smith Wine Elizabeth Chambers Cellar Eola Hills Wine Cellars Eyrie Vineyards Lumos Wine Matello Wines & Goodfellow Family Cellars Naked Winery NW Food & Gifts Remy Wines R. Stuart and Co. Wine Bar and Tasting Room Terra Vina Vines Vino Arcanum Walnut City Wineworks Willamette Valley Vineyards Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Woodard Wines
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Explore many of Oregon’s world-class wines right here on Third Street. McMinnville has a unique mix of wineries and tasting rooms that make downtown a perfect spot to start a tour by foot. Let your first stop be R. Stuart & Co. Sample their specialty Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris at their tasting room downtown. R. Stuart is a McMinnville based winery that purchases its grapes from all over the Willamette Valley. “We want to showcase what people can find around the Valley without leaving our tasting room,” said Casee Clark who works in the tasting room. Try everything from sparkling to port, but make sure to tast their Big Fire label their most recognized Pinot Noir. R. Stuart was started in 2001 by Rob and Maria Stuart. Rob is winemaker and co-owner along with his wife Maria, Trish Rodgers and Frank Blaire. Rob has been making wine in the valley for 20 years. His ambition with R. Stuart was to showcase the valley’s vineyards and the special wine relationships he has formed living in the valley. “The terroir - looking at the soil, rainfall, slope, and sunshine where the grapes are grown - around the Valley is what really makes us unique.” 528 NE Third
brewmac
For a town situated in Pinot Central, we’re pretty proud of our small, but mighty beer scene. Enjoy a microbrew or a cider on tap or in a growler. Sip at a brewery, hang out at one of our bars or relax at a taproom.
Pictured is Grain Station Brew Works
The Bitter Monk Wine not your cup of tea? Don’t worry, we’ve got an impressive beer scene too. The Bitter Monk has 16 always-rotating taps and a large selection of bottled beer for adults of all ages to try. Play a board game or listen to live music every Friday night while enjoying complimentary popcorn, or order a pretzel. Aside from the beer, you’ll notice the Monk acts as a hub in the community. The “Bitter Runners” meet every Wednesday at 5:30 P.M. to get some exercise while enjoying downtown. On special occassions, enjoy The Bitter Monk Beer Garden - a place for people of all ages to gather. 250 NE 3rd Street
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breweries and tap rooms
The Bitter Monk Golden Valley Brewery and Restaurant Grain Station Brew Works Heater Allen Brewing McMenamins Hotel Oregon McMinnville Malthouse
cyclemac Feel the wind in your hair as you explore our refreshing and bikefriendly downtown. Secure your wheels at any one of our many bike racks and check out Tommy’s for all your biking needs.
Tommy’s Bike Shop
Downtown is a perfectly safe place to cycle through or lock up. You will notice that many of our merchants are official membrs of the Travel Oregon Bike Friendly Program, geared toward those traveling on two wheels instead of four. Participating businessess have blue “bike friendly” signs posted in the storefront. Lock up and shop, dine or explore Mac. “It’s nice that I can ride my bike around downtown because it’s quicker than walking,” said Maggie Deere, a McMinnville resident. “I don’t have a car, so I’m happy Third Street is so accomodating.” Loose chain? Flat tire? Need a brake repair? Tommy’s Bicycle Shop on Third has you covered. Pat and his team offer free estimates for all services. Receive an instant inspection or
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estimate on your repairs and be back on the road in no time. Tommy’s has been serving the cycling community since 1949 and show no sign of slowing down. Curious about a good ride while you’re in town? You can find 11 loops of varying mileage and ease categorized by “Mostly Moderate Rides, With an Occasional Surprise” or “The Hills of Yamhill County” on their website. Although Tommy’s doesn’t rent bikes, they do assemble those shipped to them by cyclers from out of town. MDA special events like the Thursday Farmers’ Market and Brown Bag Concert series are bike friendly. Beat traffic, get some exercise and enjoy Mac while preserving our planet - and thus our community! www.tommysbicycle.net
strollmac
Wander our charming, tree-lined, flowery and oh-so-strollable Mac. Third Street is perfect for a leisurely stroll and prime for window shopping. There’s always something going on downtown, come see for yourself!
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“I love the atmosphere of downtown McMinnville. There’s such a present energy here that you can feel from all the people and wonderful places that make it an incredibly exciting place to be.” Malley Nason McMinnville resident
easy-to-walk blocks
Historic Downtown
While many historic downtowns around the state are struggling, ours is not only surviving, but thriving! Schedule a walking tour with an MDA ambassador to find out. Stroll from one end of Third to the other and discover 15 blocks of nationally registered historic buildings, many of which have been renovated but are still in use today. Bricks have replaced the original structures built by settlers. The founder of McMinnville was William T. Newby, a pioneer from McMinnville, Tennessee. He was on the first wagon train to come west during the Great Migration of 1843. Newby built a gristmill at the west end of Third - where our city library now sits. Construction of this mill was the primary reason for the city’s growth. McMinnville became a town in 1876, and by 1892, the city had two public schools, two banks, two flour mills, two newspapers, five churches, a county courthouse and a college. Now McMinnville is home to more than 30,000 people and a melting pot of local businesses. historicmac.com
Pictured are two lemonade entrepreneurs during Lemonade Day, which takes place downtown.
McMinnville for the weekend
a 48-hour itinerary to help make the most of your time downtown Mac
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Saturday Day 1
Devour an omelette at Wildwood Café Splurge on a banana split from Serendipity
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2 Treat: Farmers’ Market
Support our local farmers at the Thursday Farmers’ Market. We now accept Food Stamps.
Breakfast: Wildwood Café
Yes, those are kitchen gadgets hanging from the ceiling. Enjoy an off-the-wall breakfast experience, best-known for Wildood toast.
Snack on a peach from the McMinnville Farmer’s Market Enjoy tater tots and a view at McMenamins Sip a brew and play pool at The Old Oak
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Dinner: McMenamins Rooftop
Climb five stories for a spectacular view from the rooftop while chowing down on some tater tots. Indoor and outdoor seating
2 Drink: The Old Oak
After dinner, watch the game while sipping on one of eight rotating Northwest beers on tap or a tasty cocktail.
Sunday Day 2
Treat your taste buds at Red Fox Bakery Drink a Pinot Noir at Elizabeth Chambers Cellars
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6 Lunch: Red Fox Bakery
Take your taste buds to France by sinking your teeth into a macaroon or fresh baked baguette.
Sample exotic EVOO at Third Street Oil
Sample: Third Street Oil and Vinegar
Taste more than 50 unique Extra Virigin Olive Oils and Aged Balsamic Vinegars. Sample in the store or purchase a bottle to take home with you.
Indulge in a sweet from Honest Chocolates Enjoy pizza and a movie in the theater at Third Street Pizza Use #tastemac on social media
7 Sweet Treat: Honest Chocolates
Treat your sweet tooth with at one of our two chocolate and confection kitchens. Enjoy a salted honey caramel or dark chocolate
8 Drink: Elizabeth Chambers Cellars
Sip on a Pinot Noir at one of our quintessential Oregon wineries, housed in the historic power plant. $10 flight, waived
Up, Up and away Gobble up fun at the 5 5th anual Turkey Rama 18 tastemac | Summer 2015
No need to go cold turkey on fun this summer. Gobble up a quirky good time at Mac’s signature summer festival - the annual Turkey Rama, founded by the Chamber of Commerce as a way to celebrate the once thriving turkey industry. Beginning in the 1930s, McMinnville’s turkey business took flight. In 1938, McMinnville hosted the first ever Pacific Coast Turkey Exhibit - a one day event complete with activities and prizes. The event started to gain national recognition, and by the 1940s, the Turkey Exhibit was one of the largest celebrations in the nation. In 1961, the name Turkey Rama was formally adopted. By 1986, McMinnville accounted for more than 90 percent of Oregon’s total turkey production. However, a recall on turkeys processed at a Willamette Valley turkey plant near Salem and competition from California and Midwest turkey farmers led to the demise of McMinnville’s turkey industry by the end of the decade. Despite the industry’s collapse, McMinnville still gathers once a year to commemorate the flock of turkey attention that their town once received. Even in its 55th year, a cornucopia of events still take place.
Annual Loose Goose Hot Air Balloon Rally You watch as a fleet of hot air balloons peacefully drift, climbing the sherbet-colored sky. It’s 5:30 a.m. in McMinnville and the annual Loose Goose Hot Air Balloon Rally is underway at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. The weekend of events lifts off Friday, August 14 with an educational day on the Main Campus. Students will learn how to crew a hot air balloon and how they operate in the sky. On Saturday morning, a total of 22 hot air balloons will lift off from the Museum Campus and into the sunrise. ”This will be the eighth year of this event and it never gets old,” said Meslissa w, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. “Watching as the balloons begin to go up and fill the sky around the museum with color. It is an amazing sight and a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.” Saturday evening, the hot air balloons will linger over the South of the Evergreen Theater building. Beginning at 6 p.m. the balloons light up for the annual Night Glow. “They look like giant lightning bugs in the sky,” Grace said. “It’s the perfect ambiance for a summer concert on the lawn surrounded by giant airplanes.” On Sunday morning at 5:30, there will be another morning launch, but this time balloon rides will be for sale. For more information about the event, contact Melissa Grace at 503-434-4185
Thursday Farmers’ Market
Every Thursday from 1 to 6 P.M. beginning May 21 until October 8, merchants line up on Third and Cowls Street for a community Farmers’ Market. Try one of Blue Raeven’s gourmet pies, a piece of Supernatural’s certified-organic produce, a pastry or loaf from Carlton Bakery’, a peach from Baird Family Orchards or purchase delicious and local honey, eggs or meat. Other merchants include Wings and a Prayer Alpaca, several soap and lotion vendors, succulents and fresh flowers. Each week a selected winery will be showcasing their wine. Bring your children to Kid’s Day - the last Thursday of June, July and August. They will receive $3 in market money to help encourage them to buy fresh produce. Kids can also enjoy a scavenger hunt or craft depending on the week. Enjoy live music while you peruse the market and make sure to post about your experience using social media. Include the hashtags #macmarketfinds to be included in our market cookbook. EBT/Foodstamps are accepted.
Dear visitor, Thank you for your visit to our beloved downtown. We are tickled to have you and hope you will come back again soon! The mission here at the McMinnville Downtown Association is to sustain and enhance historic downtown McMinnville as the cultural, retail and professional heart of the community. We do this through promotion of our members and hope that visitors will have nothing but positive experiences visiting our merchants in downtown McMinnville. If you enjoy your stay, share your experiences with the rest of the world on social media. Make sure to use our hastags #tastemac, #dinemac, #winemac, #brewmac, #cyclemac and #strollmac. We can’t wait to learn about your adventures! Sincerely, Sarah Mason Social Media & Marketing
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