Oregon’s ‘Friendliest Small Town’ is a Quirky Historic Gem in the Heart of Peaceful Wine Country

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Oregon's 'Friendliest Small Town' is a Quirky Historic Gem in the Heart of Peaceful Wine Country

Oregon is full of small-town charmers. From comfy, family-friendly cities with scenic nature parks like Wilsonville to underrated coastal towns that offer the best of the Pacific Northwest like Florence, the breathtaking Beaver State’s hidden gems sparkle with historic and scenic beauty, welcoming atmospheres, and quirky charm.



Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley –– Oregon’s premier wine region that is just as scenic as Napa Valley without the crowds –– McMinnville is one such gem. Deemed ‘the friendliest small town in Oregon,’ the town embraces travelers with its historic downtown district, public art displays, award-winning wineries, and otherworldly events like the annual UFO Festival. Perfect for a weekend retreat from bustling Portland, McMinnville boasts charming lodgings for overnight stays. Nestle into a historic hotel or glamp it up at a retro trailer resort on the outskirts of town, surrounded by idyllic landscapes. An underrated destination in Oregon, McMinnville is a small town with big charms.

Explore historic downtown and otherworldly events in McMinnville

UFO Fest parade on the streets of McMinnville, Oregon



Situated about 60 miles south of the Portland International Airport (PDX), whose photo-worthy carpet is so famous it has its own Wikipedia page, McMinnville is a comfortable driving distance from Oregon’s largest city. With a population of about 35,000, it’s a fraction of its big city neighbor’s size, offering a cozier, small-town feel.

The heart of McMinnville is its historic downtown district, which is traversed by Third Street, voted one of “America’s Best Main Streets” by Parade for its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque, tree-lined charm. Stroll down the idyllic six-block stretch, where you’ll encounter gorgeous buildings dating back to the 1800s, specialty shops, and local eateries. Browse for literary treasures at Third Street Books, and mine for vintage treasures at McMinnville Antiques Mall. When you’ve worked up an appetite, pop into the Crescent Cafe for a delicious sandwich prepared with locally sourced ingredients, or munch on pub-style bites at the town’s beloved watering hole, Blue Moon Lounge.

If you’re planning a visit in May, don’t miss downtown McMinnville’s quirkiest event, the UFO Festival. Inspired by a famous unidentified flying disc sighting on a McMinnville farm in 1950 (with the photographic evidence making the cover of Time), the yearly festival is an extraterrestrial celebration filled with parades, alien costume contests, live music, street vendors, and speaker presentations for a weekend of out-of-this-world fun. All-access passes to the events and speaker presentations can be purchased on their website in advance.

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Places to sip and sleep in McMinnville

Pinot Noir vineyard in Willamette Valley wine country surrounding McMinnville, OR

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.