Blog Update: Willamette Valley Fall Adventures With Kids Or Pals

Since the last post was so popular, I decided to do another one for 2022 with some different ideas. I think there are two different frames of thought for fall festivities. There is the intention to do something as a family and there are friends only occasions, sans the kids.

I’d like to share some options for both.

This year, I took my daughters to Hoffman Farms. What a great location if you live near Beaverton (I even drove from Carlton). It’s off of Scholls Ferry, just past Mountainside High School. This place has a cute little market with pies, donuts, kettle corn and a variety of fall beverages. It has a playground (which is awesome), sunflower field (at no cost), and the best farm train ride I’ve ever been on (for only $5/pp). To be honest, It’s one of the more affordable options for fun fall activities.

From here you’ll want to schedule a kid friendly wine tasting.

Cooper Mountain Vineyards is a great location and wonderful place to visit. Nestled up on Cooper Mountain, it’s a stone’s throw from town, but you feel like you are in Wine Country. They allow future farmers and future winemakers “aka kids” but ask that they remain seated. My recommendation, visit the farm first then the winery. That way the kids have a chance to burn some energy.

My other recommendation might be more for a visit with gal pals. If you are jones’n to get out of town, visit a wonderful farm store and then hit up a winery, this is the itinerary for you.

My recommendation is to visit Our Table Cooperative. But before you do, check out their website. They have seasonal activities, classes, and crops. I took a cheese making class with some girlfriends and had a wonderful time.

Once you’ve enjoyed the farm life, head on down the scenic road to Parrett Mountain Cellars. This beautiful tasting room is almost like a tree house, nestled into the beautiful evergreens of Parrett Mountain. When you’re done, it’s just a zip down the hill to highway 99. And if you are still up for farm store shopping, pop on over to Red Berry Barn. They have coffee, ice cream, pies both savory and sweet, as well as adorable gifts, home decor and other local provisions.

So there you have it, two perfect fall days depending on your desires, which I really mean who you want to adventure with kids or pals. Don’t forget to make reservations at the wineries!

Get in the mood this fall with two of the best fall activities followed by some great Willamette Valley wine tasting.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Hi there! In today’s episode, I’m going to blow your mind with two perfectly fall activities that pair well with a visit to a local winery. If you were already planning on visiting wine country this Fall, you should consider the itineraries I’m about to recommend. Plus, we are only talking a 30 minute drive from Portland.

What does fall remind you of? For me I think Apples, fresh Cider, oh and my favorite Fall sweet treat cider donuts. What about mounds of maple and oak leaves. Our house is surrounded by 30, 100 year old oak trees. I know a thing or two about leaves. What about fields of sunflowers, or putting pots of mums on your front porch. And pumpkins. Lots and lots of pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors.

What if you could have all these sights and smells followed by a glorious glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Are you with me. Do I have you swooning over Fall like a pumpkin spice latte?

The first perfect fall day I’m gonna describe starts with a visit to the Oregon Heritage Farms. They are located on Scholls Ferry Rd a few miles past Mountainside High School. This place has a variety of scrumptious apples. You can pick them or purchase them in the shop. Craving fresh cider, caramel apples perhaps. This place will surely get you in a festive fall mood. Plus, there are the sweetest photo opportunities among the apple trees.

Once you are all warm and fuzzy head on down the road to one of the following tasting rooms for a flight or a glass of your favorite Pinot. They are all within 10 minutes of here.

Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Ok so let’s recap.

Start the day off at Oregon Heritage Farms and then head on down the road to one or maybe two of the wineries I listed for some wine tasting. Between the farm and a winery that’s a perfect fall day.

Now, nothing says Fall like a pumpkin patch experience. Especially one without the huge crowds. Red Berry Barn is a wonderful destination. It’s right off hwy 99 just outside of Sherwood. Heck, it’s just down the road from the famous Christmas tree farm, Sleigh Bells. You may even want to head on up the hill before or after your visit to Red Berry Barn to check out their gift shop. They have the best holiday decor for all seasons.

Anyway, back to Red Berry Barn. They have the perfect amount of Fall Festivities that go from Sept 25 – Oct 31. You can partake in activities such as corn maze, hay rides, yard games etc. Plus more activities for kids. They have the BEST, i’m telling you best, apple cider donuts. And while you’re at it pickup a berry pie and a chicken pot pie in the farm shop. Inside the farm shop they have homemade ice cream and a pretty good espresso bar if I do say so. They do not disappoint. The best part is all the same wineries are within 10 minutes of here too.

Go ahead, set a date, make a winery reservation at one or two places and pop-on-into Oregon Heritage Farms or the Red Berry Barn. You’ll warm up all your Fall feels just in time for the holidays!