Whether you're looking for a calm respite from the city, a weekend outing with good friends, or a fun-filled family excursion, check out these great ideas for a visit to Oregon Wine Country this summer.
Take a Bite Out of Eugene
Celebrate Eugene's local food scene and sustainable culinary culture at the inaugural Bite of Eugene on August 15. This fun and educational, food-filled event is perfect for the whole family and supports local food-based non-profit organizations. Come for the food and drink, but stay for the outdoor music performances, cooking classes with local chefs, and live "Iron Chef"-style competition! Nestled in the southern Willamette Valley, Eugene and its surrounding communities are a hotbed of foodie delights. From more than a dozen nearby wineries and craft breweries to flourishing farmers markets, artisan producers, and award-winning restaurants, discover your inner gourmand.
Unbottled Bouquet


Be one of the "Who's Who" at Barn Owl Nursery's Lavender Days, where long-stemmed and lacy lavandins guarantee air rich with fragrance. Sample lavender treats and collect recipes at the festival June 24 - July 12 in Wilsonville. The Oregon Lavender Farm also hosts a festival with 10 acres of u-pick Buena Vista English Lavender, wine and beer tasting, and lavender distillation demonstrations - all enjoyed against the backdrop of Mt. Hood. The 2009 Oregon Lavender Festival will take place at various locations throughout the Willamette Valley the weekend of July 11 - 12. Afterwards, plan a night under the stars, your pillow scented with the fruits of your floral harvest.

Photo courtesy of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory.
Strawberry Festival in St. Paul
June is a great time for ripe strawberries, just waiting to be picked. Go out and make your selections at French Prairie Gardens Annual Strawberry Festival in St. Paul from June 18 to 21. Festivities include u-pick strawberries, hayrides, pig-barrel train rides, a 20-foot tube slide, Tonkin truck toddler, obstacle course, chicken coop and more! Not to be missed is their fresh homemade strawberry pie and strawberry shortcake. Be sure to visit the goat bridge that connects the pastures and allows you to feed the animals.

Photo courtesy of French Prairie Gardens.
A Refreshing Experience
Just outside Corvallis, the Peak Experience Local Loop awaits you. With six stops, including a wildlife refuge, a salmon-safe winery, and a historical museum, one could spend days enjoying this countryside loop. Each of the three gardens on this self-guided tour has a distinct style. An herb garden, a historic garden, and an organic produce garden are all open to the public and eager to welcome visitors. Call 541.757.1544 or stop by the Corvallis Visitors Center for more information and a map!

Photo courtesy of Corvallis Tourism.
Take Time to Smell the Flowers
Check out Albany's beautiful gardens during the 10th Annual Albany Garden Tour June 20 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., with master gardeners on-site. Start at the Farmers Market, stroll down to Charlie's Rhythm & Brews, and then to the Albany Visitors Association for a map and tickets ($10 for adults). Between gardens, stop for lunch at Wyatt's. Don't miss Nichols Garden Center, nationally renowned for herbs and rare seeds. For dinner, stop by Sybaris Bistro for fine dining. Later, enjoy a movie at the historic Pix Theatre, and an evening stroll at Montieth River Park. End at Sidekicks for espresso and dessert. Come see us Saturday, June 20!

Photo by Oliver J. Anderson.

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