The County of Yamhill

We have ARRIVED! After a year of planning, completing some major downsizing and then the aggressive lifestyle change...yet another dream has become a reality with our arrival to McMinnville, Oregon. We will be here at Olde Stone Village RV Park, which is very close to the downtown area, for only a week to initiate some relocation business toward becoming official Oregonians. From here we have plans to continue our exploration of the Willamette Valley, before returning to McMinnville and settle in for the start of the school year.

Our entrance into town would not be complete without a visit to the historic downtown district...and a toast to our moment, with a McMenamins Hammerhead Ale in hand, on the legendary rooftop bar of the Oregon Hotel. Here one has a 360 degree view of historic downtown McMinnville, the surrounding vineyards and the lush tree covered hills.

Every morning McMinnville has greeted us with few threatening clouds, but as we awakened, so did the day. Sunshine matched our joy and enthusiasm to explore and then warmed our soul for a day of exploring our new surroundings. A country ride brought us to the doorstep of a beautiful 50-acre working estate named Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn...and our first "tasting" in this wine region, a 2003 Pinot Noir...in the land where this varietal is Queen. Each summer, wineries from every corner of the world gather in McMinnville for the International Pinot Noir Celebration. Our very "tasty" fruit juice was an excellent sample....
The Yamhill Valley is home to small town hospitality, picture perfect farms, wild berries lining country roads, friendly front yard fruit stands, tail waggin' dogs and more than a third of Oregon's vineyards ...so much rural charm...the land beckons you to stay, as it dares you to relax while offering you more and more nourishment... and then teases you with illusions of this being home...so much more to explore, see and taste.

We have many things and places here to keep us occupied...for a week or for months. With a location in between Portland & Salem, imagine the possibilities...just outings to Portland alone could fill every "rainy" weekend for the rest of our year! Eateries, museums, bookstores, downtown boutiques and those awesome parks...