Forbes recently listed the Willamette Valley in the top 50 places to vacation in 2024. Since the Valley stretches across 675 miles (almost the entire length of the river), we thought we’d highlight our five favorite destinations in Yamhill County, where Friendsview is situated.
Yamhill County is known for its lush vineyards and vibrant scenery. What better way to see it all than from the sky? While this isn’t a specific destination, it allows adventurers a bird’s eye view of the Willamette Valley from April to November every year in a hot air balloon. Much to the delight of Friendsview residents, companies such as Vista Balloon Adventures launch from the Sportsman Airpark in Newberg. It’s not unusual to catch sight of the colorful balloons hovering above the community on a crisp spring or summer morning.
Our next two favorite destinations are for the history buffs. For a leisurely stroll through one of the nation’s historical districts, we love the Oregon Historic District walking tour in Dayton, Oregon. Featuring architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s, this self-guided tour highlights Dayton’s “largest and most cohesive collection of fashionable, high style, turn-of-the-century houses, and carriage houses” according to Preservation Dayton. Bring your walking shoes and prepare to spend at least 90 minutes enjoying the outdoors of small-town Oregon.
If you’re interested in fewer steps, but just as much history, we recommend the Hoover-Minthorn House in Newberg. As the childhood home of President Herbert Hoover, this destination reveals Hoover’s Quaker roots and his deep connection with Oregon. We adore the nineteenth-century artifacts that make this destination a favorite in Yamhill County. Check out their website for hours of operation.
Yamhill’s County seat, McMinnville, hosts another top spot to visit: the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. This museum allows guests to explore over 150 exhibits and aircraft, including the Spruce Goose, SR-71 Blackbird, and the Titan II Space Launch Vehicle. We suggest touring the Spruce Goose Cockpit, the largest wooden airplane ever built. They’re open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. If you’re feeling extra adventurous swing by next door to the Wings and Waves Waterpark and ride a waterslide out of a real Boeing 747 aircraft.
Our final favorite destination in Yamhill County rests practically in Friendsview’s backyard. The Champoeg State Heritage Area is the perfect spot to walk your dog along the Willamette River, kayak from the dock, or play the disc golf course. There are ranger-led tours detailing the history of Champoeg as the site where Oregon’s first provisional government was formed. The Visitor Center exhibits show the fascinating history of the Kalapuya and the local fur trappers who built the town.
Whether you crave an adventure on the ground or floating above Yamhill County, there are so many incredible destinations awaiting you in our part of the country. We wholeheartedly agree with Forbes, that the Willamette Valley is not only a must-see vacation spot for 2024 but an amazing place to call home!
