We’re in “deep summer” here in the Willamette Valley in
Oregon. For the most part temperatures
are the “perfect” summer weather. Hot
enough for sunning and a dip in the pool and cool enough for morning garden
work or enjoying an evening hike or a sunset horseback ride. But even during our couple of weeks with
temperatures in the 90’s, eventually, unlike my growing up years in the
Midwest, we have cooler temperatures in the late evening and at night. Relief with temperatures in the 50’s arrives
in the darkness, and unlike the Midwest of my childhood, the humidity hovers in
the low percentiles.
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| Riding the vineyard is great in summer |
And, we’re green, flowers are blooming, vegetables are
growing, County Fairs and music festivals are underway, wine tasting rooms are
busy (serving lots of chilled white wine), and life is good.
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| Basil growing for delicious salads and pasta |
So, what to see and do in the Oregon Summer? Here at The Farm, we are in Lane County within 30 minutes of the City of Eugene. To the north of us, we are also just minutes from the Benton County line, and just over 30 minutes from the City of Corvallis. Both counties and both communities offer an abundance of charm and activities, and of course both communities are University towns with nationally acclaimed sports action.
If you’re planning a visit to Oregon, or even if you
already live here, a great place to check out all our area has to offer is to
look up information on the local tourism websites. For Lane County, the events calendar for
Travel Lane County: Eugene, Cascades,and Coast is the place start. For Benton
County, and the City of Corvallis, look up Visit Corvallis for all the latest
information on that adjoining area.
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| Pfeiffer Winery with great wine in a beautiful setting, just four miles away |
Here are a few highlights of summer and fall fun to the NORTH of us:
June
21 to September 22:
Heart of Willamette Wineries Summertime Wine Tour. Pick up a passport for $20 at the Visit
Corvallis Office or at designated wineries enjoy free wine tastings and an
opportunity to win a free night at a bed and breakfast.
All
Summer Long: Mid-Valley Sip Trip offers great choices of hand crafted beverages,
including beer, cider, and mead.
Download a map and take a beverage tour.
August
1 -3: Benton County Fair and NPRA Rodeo. Enjoy the fun of a county fair with food,
music, and rides, as well as an opportunity to watch professional rodeo.
And to the SOUTH of us, here are some options:
Weekend
Winery Fun: Wineries in the
area are bustling on summer weekends with tastings from about noon to late
afternoon. Many of the wineries are open
Friday nights with twilight tastings, live music, and delicious food. Check out the Eugene, Cascades, and Coast
Events Calendar for some options. Visit
the South Willamette Wineries Association website for a list of wineries in the
area and a map to find.
August
5, 7:30 pm: Catch LyleLovett and his Large Band at the Silva Concert Hall in Eugene
Summer
and Early Fall Markets:
The area has many outdoor and farmers’ markets with everything from
crafts to produce to food stands to entertainment. The Eugene, Cascades and Coast EventsCalendar lists many options for great family entertainment and shopping.
