Wine, Birthdays, and Exploration in Willamette Valley

If you’re wine lovers like us, a stop in Willamette Valley, Oregon, is a must. Home to one of our favorite wineries, Argyle, our visit to the valley perfectly coincided with Shelly’s birthday—talk about perfect timing!

Olde Stone RV Resort

We set up camp at Olde Stone RV Resort, a quiet and well-maintained park with all the amenities you could ask for: a clubhouse, pool, shower, and laundry facilities. The RV sites were level, and we didn't feel crammed next to our neighbors. Plus, the location was great for exploring the local wineries.

Golden Valley Brewery and Pub

Hungry after our drive, we headed to Golden Valley Brewery and Pub. They offer a diverse menu with everything made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. We started with a Bavarian Pretzel, Sausage Cheese Plate, and Gorgonzola Steak Bites—each one better than the last. For the main course, Shelly enjoyed the GVB Burger with Tillamook cheddar and grilled mushrooms, while I devoured the Tomkatsu Pork Sandwich. Both dishes were flavorful and satisfying.

Argyle Tasting House

No trip to Willamette Valley is complete without a visit to Argyle Winery. Lisa, our tasting master, guided us through a variety flight, and we found a sweet wine, Minus 5 Riesling, for my sister. The tasting house, previously where they made the wine, is bright and airy with large windows and a spacious patio. We even enjoyed a performance by the Portland Opera. The original tasting room, known as the Spirithouse, honors Lena Imus, who still resides there, in spirit.

Serendipity Ice Cream

In historic downtown McMinnville, we discovered Serendipity Ice Cream. This charming shop takes you back to the 1800s with its vintage decor. Shelly indulged in the Serendipity Surprise—peanut butter and chocolate brownie ice cream delight. It was so good, I had to sneak a few bites.

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

For Shelly’s birthday, we checked out the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, famous for the massive 747 perched on its roof. The highlight? The Spruce Goose. Built by Howard Hughes in the 1940s, this gigantic plane has only flown once for about 29 seconds. It brought back childhood memories seeing it again. The museum also showcased old aircraft, space exhibits, and even a stealth fighter in restoration. If you’re into aviation history, this place is a treasure trove.

1882 Grille

For dinner, we checked out 1882 Grille. The rooftop patio was tempting, but it was too hot to enjoy. We all opted for cauliflower crust pizza. Shelly had the classic, I went for a specialty pizza, and Marie tried the Brie-Za. While the flavors were great, the crust was a bit off, and the pizzas were unevenly cooked. The highlight of the meal was the side salad and bread pudding for dessert. Overall, a mixed experience, but the atmosphere was pleasant.

Spirit Mountain Casino

Only 30 minutes from McMinnville, Spirit Mountain Casino provided some slot entertainment. The non-smoking casino was large, with a mix of new and old games. The Players Card benefits were minimal, but we managed to earn enough points to convert to cash for a few extra spins.

Conclusion

Our time in Willamette Valley was filled with great wine, delicious food, and fun adventures. From Shelly’s birthday celebrations to exploring aviation history, every moment was memorable.

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!

Happy RVing!

2KidsatHeart 🚐💨