If you’re looking for a late summer day trip or quick getaway that’s good for the soul and the stomach, your family needs to explore Polk County, home of the Great Oaks Food Trail. Just west of Salem, numerous small towns have collaborated on creating a food trail full of restaurants, farms, kid-friendly wineries, cider houses and roadside stands that all support one another. The Food Trail is a self-guided tour, so you can take on as many culinary delights as you choose and explore beautiful terrain and charming communities as a bonus. Whatever you do, come hungry!
Where to Eat
My family chose to start our stay in the town of Independence for its Hallmark movie vibes and the tasty treats. In downtown Independence, we started with a walk along the river and a stop at Gilgamesh Brewing: The River for all the homemade bread. My kids would eat pizza for every meal if we let them, so everyone left full and happy after pizza and pints at Yeasty Beasty (pictured above) in Monmouth. Left Coast Estate in Rickreall is also a family favorite — their out-of-the-ordinary seasonal pizzas are incredible, and they have fully embraced “wiking,” or hiking on wine trails. The kids loved exploring and playing with the resident cat and I was able to enjoy multitasking with a hike and a beverage.
Or visit the West Valley Taphouse in Dallas for their 65 rotating taps, award-winning chili and an entire room dedicated to pinball. Head towards Amity and indulge in a classy feast at Brooks Wine. The roasted beets from a dinner here still pop up in my dreams on occasion.
Where to Go for Sweet Treats
Melting Pot Candy offers delicious homemade treats like toffees and truffles. Dreamies Creamery (pictured above) is a unique spot with tasty ice cream made from sheep milk, and you can’t leave without stopping by the family-run Blue Raeven Farmstand for pie. No one in our family could decide on a flavor, so we opted for their mini pies to try them all. Pecan pie for the win!
Where to Drink
Nearly all the wineries and cider houses here are family-friendly and accommodate children. If you want to sit outside and enjoy a view, farm animals, a playground, games and homemade cider, spend an afternoon at Salt Creek Ciderhouse. Eola Hills Wine Cellars (pictured above) is one of Oregon’s oldest wineries, and a great spot for outdoor concerts. We enjoyed a drink and the kids loved exploring and dancing to a local blues band.
Where to Play
There are parks galore in Polk County, and a favorite outdoor spot is the Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge where I once saw a bobcat. An instant hit with kids is the Wings and a Prayer Alpacas (pictured above), where you can take a hike with an alpaca, which is surprisingly therapeutic. My son’s alpaca took an instant liking to his shoelaces, which amused him to no end. (Call ahead to schedule your alpaca time: 503-263-6944.) Or pick seasonal fruit at Perryhill Farm. Pro tip: Bring your own containers.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking to make more than a day trek, Independence Hotel is quirky, artistic and has amenities galore and an onsite restaurant, Territory. If you love historic charm, check out MaMere’s Guesthouse (pictured above) in downtown Monmouth.
You truly can’t go wrong with anything you choose here; the people are friendly, and the love of community is palpable. If your family is like mine, you’ll be coming back again and again.
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