McMinnville - Albany, OR

After cleaning and packing up the van, we left Portland around noon. We passed by a little town named Dundee on our way to McMinnville. We were both very excited when we drove by, but pulling into town we realized it was nothing but tasting rooms. Too bad there aren’t stores or services available, because it is a beautiful little area!

McMinnville was a nice little town, but for some reason, neither one of us particularly warmed to it. Driving from there to Salem, the countryside looks very much like Sonoma County, but a bit greener. Lovely mountain views in the distance on all sides. We both liked the area very much.

Once we got into Salem we happened into a local beer and coffee joint. The owners were on site and we chatted extensively with the lifelong Oregonians. They gave us helpful advice on some of the future areas we are looking at, as well as suggesting some of their favorite places in Oregon. It’s very heartening when we meet up with people like this. We never quite feel like it was by ‘chance’!

One of their Highly recommended towns was Independence, so off we went. We would not have gone through this town on our planned route. I am glad we deviated, because we both really liked it!

Our Harvest Host for the night was 15 miles down the road in Albany. Not as cute as McMinnville or Independence, but still a cool place. We had the best Chinese food that we’ve had in decades at a seemingly shit hole (from the outside). Inside was spotless and the food was phenomenal!! The owners did all of the serving and cooking. Very sweet!

We are parked along the Willamette River at Deluxe Brewery and Distillery. I’m looking forward to falling asleep to the light rumbling of the freight train down the road. Very soothing to me for some reason.

**Pics are random while driving along. Wanted to show examples of the land. Of course we always forget pics of towns! 🙄Read more