Just short of an hour’s drive southwest of Portland, Ore., is the distinguished Willamette Valley, where 300-plus wineries are producing, in particular, outstanding Pinot Noirs. The luxurious Allison Inn and Spa in historic Newberg has provided the area with the its first full-service luxury hotel, and, nearby, you can enjoy excellent restaurants, shops, golf and the Hoover-Minthorn museum, celebrating the life of President Herbert Hoover, who lived in the house when he was a young man. Throughout the Willamette Valley are farmers markets, rolling-countryside backroads and endearing small towns. Children will especially enjoy the activities at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home of Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose, in wonderful McMinnville, about 40 minutes from Newberg.
