The Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail offers a self-guided journey through a bountiful land of historic farms and trailblazing spirits. These businesses are committed to sustainable practices to last through the next century and beyond. Find your themed route below or download the official brochure.
Family Fun For All
Lebanon to Corvallis
Picnics, berries and sweet treats for the whole crew
Start your day at the Lebanon Downtown Farmers’ Market with fresh pastries and activities for the kids before stopping by Sunflower Hill Farm to stock up on seasonal produce, honey, jam and handknit items.
For lunch, treat the crew to a round of Strawberry Celebration Ales (or lemonade) and wood-fired pizza at Conversion Brewing or swing by Tallman Brewing, where everyone can pick from their favorite food cart. Adults can sample the local craft beer before heading to Corvallis.
Pick up picnic supplies at First Alternative Co-op – South Store to enjoy at Tyee Wine Cellars and Buchanan Family Farm, where they welcome families for wine tasting in the parlor and hiking trails through the hazelnut orchards, native woodlands and wetlands. Swing by Hiatt Farm, where you’ll find scratch-baked sweet rolls, buttermilk biscuits and pies, outdoor seating and yard games.
Then continue south to Monroe and visit Lilliputopia, a tiny eco-farm specializing in dry-farming techniques. Head to No Regrets Farm & Animal Sanctuary to de-stress with a happy hour with goats or visit Bluebird Hill Cellars for a glass of award-winning wine.
When you’re ready for dinner, grab a tasty meal from one of the food carts at Common Fields in downtown Corvallis, where a craft beverage from the tap room and kid-friendly activities will keep the whole family happy.
Afterwards, swing by Valcan Cellars for a bottle of their handcrafted wine to enjoy during your stay at Donovan Guest Houses. Located on a working Christmas-tree farm and run by a local master potter, these guest houses are perfect for the whole family. Take home one of the ceramic treasures from the onsite studio to help remember your trip.
A Taster’s Tour
Corvallis to Brownsville
Savor scenic views, farm-to-table food and liquid libations with the locals
Start your day off in downtown Corvallis with brunch at Caves, where your meal is inspired by the culinary landscapes throughout Northwestern Europe and the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced.
Enjoy the offerings of local makers and growers year-round at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market on the downtown riverfront or the Corvallis Winter Market in the cooler months. While at the market, pick up some fresh-baked bread from the Bodhi Artisan Bakery booth or stop by one of their locations in downtown Corvallis.
Your farm-to-table lunch is served at local favorite Castor in downtown Corvallis, a fine-dining experience featuring elevated Southern comfort food.
Restock on fresh produce, pastries and more from Gathering Together Farm, an organic vegetable farm and favorite among locals and visitors.
Continue your afternoon in downtown Philomath, where Compton Family Wines produces sustainable fruit-forward, earthy wines using French cooperage. Nearby, a historic covered bridge acts as gatekeeper to Harris Bridge Vineyard and its specialty pinot gris and pinot noir vermouths. Next, head to Lumos Wine Co., where organic wine is poured in a former dude ranch barn.
Finish your trip off with a wine-centric, handmade meal at Harpers Wine House in Brownsville. If you’re visiting on a Thursday, make time to swing by the Brownsville Thursday Market.
Makers and Innovators
Sweet Home to Albany
A farm-fresh feast through craft beverages and history
Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries at the Sweet Home or Albany Farmers’ Markets to peruse the locally made products. Then head south to Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site for a free guided tour of Oregon’s last water-powered mill, built in the mid-19th century.
Make your way to Corvallis for lunch at 4 Spirits Distillery and learn about the history behind their name while sipping on a cocktail made from one of their award-winning spirits and taking in the views of Marys Peak.
Later, swing by Wild Yeast Bakery to pick up one of their fresh-baked artisan breads or pastries to enjoy with a craft beverage from one of our local favorites. 2 Towns Ciderhouse is the perfect place for seasonal ciders and Block 15 Brewing Downtown Pub will quench your thirst with hop-forward ales and crisp ciders.
If you are visiting during our sweetest season, summer, head out to pick your own blueberries at Blueberry Meadows while enjoying a cold beverage or locally crafted frozen fruit pop. Celiac-safe Midway Farms in Albany is open year-round to browse the farm stand or join a cider-pressing party, wine tasting or twilight yoga.
Amble on over to Springhill Cellars Winery for high-quality wines with scenic views before making your way to downtown Albany, where the petite sweets at Natural Sprinkles and locally roasted brews at Margin Coffee Roasters are sure to perk you up.
Taste the region’s flavors with the chef-selected pairings on a taster board at Grazing Oregon Charcuteries Restaurant, followed by an elegant dinner at Sybaris Bistro, where a new eclectic menu is adopted every month. If you’d prefer a more hands-on approach, try an evening cooking class or farm-to-table dinner from Honeybrine Catering and Event Center. Check their Facebook page for upcoming classes and events.
Flora and Fauna
Alsea to Albany
Enjoy nature’s wonders in food and the outdoors
Begin your journey along the Marys Peak to Pacific Scenic Byway, following coastal breezes into the valley. Idyllic mornings at Alsea’s Leaping Lamb Farm and Farm Stay might include feeding lambs before breakfast. Next, visit Alsea Trout Hatchery to see steelhead spawning from November through March, or visit the photo-worthy gardens at The Thyme Garden April through August. Make sure to purchase one of their 10,000 herb starts to bring the garden home with you.
Stave off your hunger at Eats & Treats Café in downtown Philomath, a dedicated gluten-free eatery serving up comfort food, bakery-fresh desserts and Sunday brunch. Then stock up on local goods and fresh produce at the Philomath Farmers’ Market or Sunbow Produce, a 50-year-old farm with certified organic farming methods.
Enjoy craft beers on the roof of Sky High Brewing in downtown Corvallis while enjoying the views of Marys Peak – the highest point in the Coast Range with wildflowers from spring through summer and stunning panoramic views year-round.
On your way to Albany, Peoria Road Farm Market vendors await in a cheery red barn with some of the highest-quality and best-priced seasonal produce around.
Continue along farmlands to Iron Water Ranch to take a fiber arts class and meet sheep, including newborn lambs each spring. In the summer, blueberry lovers can pick 19 different varieties of blueberries at Bryant Family Farm along the way.
End your day in downtown Albany with dinner, drinks and games at Calapooia Brewing, home of Vivacity Fine Spirits, or the neighboring brew-stillery, Deluxe Brewing and Sinister Distilling. Looking for allergen-friendly meals? Across the river, Homegrown Oregon Foods‘ menu is 100% gluten-free and organic, with vegan and paleo options everyone will love.
More tasty stops
There are 55 stops on the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail, from bakeries to restaurants, farms and growers’ markets, to wineries and distilleries and indulgent take-home treats. Make your base camp in one of these charming towns and find a delicious farm-to-table meal around the corner. Here are some of the locales to explore.
Albany
Downtown Corvallis to Lebanon
Philomath to West Corvallis
Alsea to Monroe to Sweet Home
TRAVEL TIPS
The Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail is a year-round, self-guided culinary experience designed to be explored at your own pace. You can visit one, two or all of the farms, restaurants and businesses on the trail, but we encourage you to inquire about seasonality and hours of operation before visiting.
High season varies per business but is typically May-Oct. Seasonality of key products is listed below:
- Flowers: April-July
- Strawberries: May-June
- Blueberries: June-July
- Apples and Cider: September-October
- Pumpkins: September-October
- Wine Harvest: September-October
- Hazelnuts: October-November
The working farms along this trail provide very unique and engaging experiences. We ask that you respect the invitation to enter each property and be cautious around farm animals and equipment. Children must be supervised at all times, and you should be prepared to follow all site-specific rules. For your safety and comfort, be prepared with appropriate footwear, sun protection and water.
While this is a self-guided adventure, you can also choose to connect with local tour guide companies for a one-of-a-kind guided farm, foodie or beverage tour:
The fun doesn’t have to end once you hop off the trail. Support local farmers and producers and bring a taste of the Mid-Willamette Valley home to share with friends and family.
