FOOD TRAILS SHOWCASE LIFE ON THE FARM Kids—and kids at heart—love exploring the self-guided Willamette Valley Food & Farm Trails that crisscross the area. In spring, U-pick farms invite families to savor the flavor of the region by enjoying peaches, berries and other fruits straight from the source; in late summer and early fall, many of the area’s farms host harvest festivals, pumpkin patches and other fun festivities. And that’s to say nothing of the farm animals kids can see along the way all year long. Visit some of the area’s historic farms, craft beverage producers, farm-to-table restaurants and artisan markets along the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail, which covers the charming communities of Monroe, Albany, Philomath, Alsea, Lebanon and Corvallis. Sip world-class wines, enjoy one-of-a-kind lodging opportunities, sample your way through home-grown bakeries and cafes, and head to a variety of family-friendly farms along the South Willamette Valley Food Trail, which passes through Eugene, Cottage Grove, Junction City, Creswell and even the McKenzie River. The Great Oaks Food Trail, meanwhile, shares the bounty of historic farming communities—such as Dallas, Monmouth, Amity and Independence—with more than 40 exciting stops. Your itinerary may include farms, markets, quaint eateries, artisan merchants or familyfriendly wineries in the heart of the region. The South Clackamas Farm Loop boasts 20 memorable stops in the foothills of Mount Hood, where you can purchase plants and flowers, savor locally grown fare and boutique wines, meet passionate farmers and vintners, and even enjoy encounters with farm animals and elk. Suzanne Arlie Park U-pick flowers at Peoria Road Farmer's Market Midway Farms, Albany Each of the four seasons creates a different experience on farms and at tasting rooms around the Willamette Valley. Here’s how to make the most of your next visit—whenever that visit may be. Spring Blooms Around the Willamette Valley Signs of spring abound all over the Willamette Valley: The season’s first steelhead and Chinook salmon swim the Willamette and McKenzie rivers, cherry blossoms cover the Oregon State Capitol grounds and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest (a regional celebration since 1985) showcases thousands of vibrant flowers. At the same time, wineries welcome spring with bud break, the unofficial start of the growing season, and (in May) Oregon Wine Month. Growing Season Arrives With Summer The heart of summer is also the heart of the growing season in the Willamette Valley. Cherries, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes and a wide range of fresh vegetables show off the region’s rich bounty at markets, farm stands and (of course) farm-to-table restaurants. Meanwhile, stalks of fragrant lavender and fields of colorful dahlias cover farms and fields throughout the region. Harvest Festivals Ring in Fall Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are mainstays at autumn attractions. Our farmers also harvest the ever-popular hazelnut; the Willamette Valley produces more than 99% of all hazelnuts grown in the United States. Wineries gear up for harvest and Wine Country Thanksgiving, which often includes special releases, live music and other fun events in November. Winter Brings Truffle Tastings and Wine Releases January heralds the arrival of the Oregon Truffle Festival, which celebrates the delicacy with tastings, workshops, special menus, a truffle marketplace and other fungi-focused events. And winter is Cellar Season for Willamette Valley wineries, where you can relax around the fireplace, chat with the winemaker who poured your Pinot and savor the season’s newest releases. Learn more about the bounty of the Willamette Valley at willamettevalley.org/farm-and-food willamettevalley.org | 11 CELEBRATE THE GROWING SEASONS OF THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY
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