One of the best kept secrets in America is the Tualatin Valley. Portland, which is just northeast of the idyllic farming region, makes a lot of noise for various reasons. However, the pleasant and relaxing valley is just a 20 mile, 40-minute drive from the urban capital of Oregon.
When many folks conjure images of western wine country, California is usually the destination. However, the vineyards in Tualatin Valley are unique and well worth experiencing.
There's great history and even better wine to be sipped at David Hill Vineyards and Winery (https://www.davidhillwinery.com) The vines are among some of the oldest in the Willamette Valley, dating back to 1965. The vineyard is located in the Tualatin Hills and grows a diverse array of grape varietals, including a smooth Pinot Noir and a wonderfully dry Riesling. The latter is among the best in the United States, thanks to local grapes.
The nice surprise in the valley is a left of center experience for those looking for something refreshing that's different. SakeOne (https://www.sakeone.com) is Oregon's only sake brewery and was the first American-owned and operated large-production sake brewery.
SakeOne was established in 1992 back when many Americans were enjoying their first taste of the Japanese rice wine. SakeOne started to produce its own beverage in 1997. Master Brewer Takumi Kuwabara melds a a diversity of cultures into smooth, award-winning handcrafted sake.
Imported sake is also available. The sake brewery is a nice complement to the Portland Japanese Garden, which is the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. The grounds are stunning. The serene five-acre space features a waterfall, a teahouse and a mountain view.
However, there's plenty to experience locally for those who would rather not trek to Portland.
The combination of outdoor experiences, which range from soft adventure, a laidback canoe run on scenic Henry Hagg Lake to a more visceral jolt courtesy of the zip line at Pumpkin Ridge Zip (https://www.pumpkinridgeziptour.com) is appealing. The guided tour features seven exhilarating zips and two suspension bridges. The zip trip is a great family or bonding experience.
Biking the Banks-Veronia State Trail is tranquil and lovely. Oregon's first rails to trails bike park is a 21-mile car-free zone. Joggers, cyclists and horseback riders navigate through the splendor of a scenic park. The first step is a bike rental (https://www.banksbikes.com)
The highlight is crossing the 733-foot span of Buxton Trestle. Take a moment to gaze down at the Valley 80-feet below. Pedal through seemingly endless agriculture before reaching the thickly forested foothills, which ends in Veronia, a small town comprised of farms.
There are so many culinary choices. South Store Cafe (https://southstorecafe.com) is a quaint sandwich shop. You can't go wrong with the namesake sandwich, turkey, bacon, Swiss, avocado, mayo, tomato and greens on toast, which is substantial and delicious. The setting, a cafe that has the mellow vibe of a bistro from a bygone era, is as comforting as the food.
McMenamin's Grand Lodge (https://www.mcmenamins.com/grand-lodge) is the place to stay in charming Forest Grove. The former Masonic rest home has been transformed into a funky, quirky destination. The artwork and decor in the rooms and in the hallways compel guests to wander There are no televisions in the rooms, which is fitting. However, there are TVs in the game room, which has pool tables, pinball machines and shuffleboard and a bar. There's also a soothing soaking pool. There is no lodge quite like the Grand Lodge. And there's no place quite like the under the radar Tualatin Valley.