Willamette Valley B&B’s Guide the Way to a Safe and Rewarding Getaway
Whether you’re new to the Willamette Valley or a seasoned wine country traveler, in these fast-changing times, it’s always best to be prepared. With the collective knowledge and experience of our Oregon Bed & Breakfast Group, we’re happy to be a resource for your wine country travels. Innkeepers have the local knowledge on how to get the most out of your Willamette Valley getaway. Here’s 5 things to expect as you plan your 2021 Oregon Wine Country vacation.
1. Reservations are highly recommended at Willamette Valley wineries
Once you have set dates for your 2021 Oregon Wine Country vacation, we recommend making winery reservations ahead of time, to ensure you can visit your favorite wineries when it fits into your schedule. If making reservations at any one of our 600+ wineries is overwhelming, reach out to your innkeeper. We are fantastic hosts, as well as your local guide to the area. Just one of the many perks of lodging at one our our member Bed & Breakfasts.
The personalized wine tasting experiences that Willamette Valley wineries are known for are in high demand, especially now that capacity has decreased to maintain safe social distancing protocols. Groups of six and under are recommended, some wineries will be taking your temperature at entry, and all will require masks to be worn whenever you are not seated.
2. Expect more outdoor seating and reservations only at wine country restaurants
Unlike cramped metropolitan cities, wine country restaurants have had more opportunities to sprawl out and expand seating to its outdoor areas. It’s a safer atmosphere plus it also gives you a chance to take in the idyllic scenery wine country is known for.
You’ll find some of your favorite restaurants have created covered seating in parking lots, on side streets, or on patios that were once uncovered and used only in warmer months. With limited indoor capacity, expect to be seated outdoors if the sun is out or even if it is raining. Rest assured, our wine country restaurants have gone above and beyond to keep patrons comfortable, but just in case, check the weather before heading out and dress appropriately.
Not ready to eat out yet? Your 2021 Oregon Wine Country Vacation just got better with most fine dining restaurants offering gourmet meals to go, plus there’s always loads of casual to go options, as well.
3. Outdoor adventure awaits you at surrounding trails and State Parks
After months of being cooped up indoors, the Willamette Valley provides the outdoorsy vacation you’ve been looking for. Make your 2021 Oregon wine country vacation the one where you actually get out there to hike under waterfalls, like at some of the 10 falls that line the trails at Silver Falls State Park. Maybe you like to see the view on two wheels? Explore Oregon Scenic Bikeways like the Banks-Vernonia Trail which rides through small towns and farm land. You can rent bikes at Banks Bikes. You can visit wineries on two wheels with Wine de Roads Tours or even on horseback with Equestrian Wine Tours.
Don’t forget to inquire with your innkeeper about outdoors options closest to your Oregon Wine Country B&B. Your innkeeper lives in the Willamette Valley and knows all the best places for your adventures.
4. Plenty of open air Main Street shopping experiences
Shop the airy streets of our cute wine country towns, instead of congested, stuffy malls. Main street city centers like McMinnville’s 3rd Street, provide a safer and stress-free way to enjoy your 2021 Oregon Wine Country Vacation, as you stroll from shop to shop visiting unique boutiques, local artisans and Willamette Valley tasting rooms.
But that’s not all! Don’t miss Carlton – a tiny wine country town with nationwide appeal – not only does it boast the most wineries per capita in the USA, but has baked goods, fine dining and artisan shopping. Another wine country town, Newberg, just 35 minutes south of Portland, offers shopping for on-trend clothing and home goods, antiquing, salons, tasting rooms and coveted wine country dining.
5. Stay small, stay safe at any one of our amazing Wine Country Bed & Breakfasts
Take your 2021 Oregon wine country vacation to the next level by booking a room with a member of our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Group. If you haven’t stayed at a smaller inn before, this is the time to experience the benefits. No busy lobbies, packed elevators or cancelled amenities. Our innkeepers and staff are dedicated to delivering personalized service, helpful travel tips, and the highest cleaning and operating standards you have come to expect when you are away from home.