Whirlwind is an understatement when describing our final days in Seattle. Dead ass tired is probably better. I shed some tears and a lot of my sanity during those last few days. By the time we pulled into my mom’s town of Silverton, Oregon, we were exhausted – physically, emotionally, mentally. Thankfully, her quiet town allowed us the desperately needed down time. Well, relatively. Josh still had to make two trips back to Seattle to finish our pallets to Portugal and for an emergency passport appointment to correct a typo in Camden’s passport. If you haven’t seen my PSA – do NOT wait to get your passports! We will sleep when we no longer have little ones…right? Or at least lie to me, mmmkay?
Even if our only priority was to sleep as much as humanly possible, we did manage to squeeze in some fun for us and the boys.
Wineries
First things first, vino. If you’ve spent any time with me, you’ll know, I love a delicious glass of wine. And when you’re in one of the best areas for wine in the U.S. (if not the world), it’s at the top of my “forget about packing hell” to do list. Silverton is east of Salem, an hour outside Portland, in the Willamette Valley AVA. The rolling hills are known primarily for pinot noir, not my fav, but a couple wineries managed to change my mind.
Thanks to my mom’s wine club, I was introduced to Paradis my first night in town. I walked through the door and she handed me a bottle of their reserve pinot noir. Bless moms. I immediately became a huge fan of their wines – everything from their juicy and acidic pinot gris to their light and dry rosé to their earthy pinot noir. This winery was the best way to let the kids roam the grounds, search for their newly hatched baby emus, and slowly feel the tension leave my shoulders. Not bad for 15 minutes from the house!
Pudding River lies only 15 minutes in the opposite direction from downtown Silverton, and it was at the top of my list. I wasn’t assuming much the last time I visited, but I was blown away by their high-quality variety. I’d already had been drinking their pinot noir rosé all week – perfect for the fleeting 60-degree sunny spring days in the PNW. Even though, I can rosé all day, it’s got to be amazing rosé. Even if you spend much of your time in other Willamette Valley AVAs, I’d make the journey towards Salem for these wines.
Other mentions
From previous trips and wish lists, here are a few other wineries I’d add to the list: Willamette Valley Vineyards from the Top Chef Portland finale. Domaine Roy & Fils changed my mind about both chardonnay and pinot noir. Plus, their tasting room has gorgeous views of the valley. If you’re nearby, stop by Domaine Drouhin for their French style wines. Archery Summit for their whole cluster pinot noir – a bit bolder than your average pinot! If you’re nearby Salem, Redhawk Vineyard should be on the list. I brought home a lovely bottle of mourvèdre last time. When I’m back next, Argyle Winery for their sparkling wine, Hazelfern recommended by the team at Domaine Roy & Fils, Alit Wine for organic wines, and Purple Hands. Quite the list!
Toddler Friendly Options Outdoors
Happy toddlers with plenty of time to run equals happy parents with a better chance of enjoying more adult-focused activities. Parents of toddlers know that you’re asking for your demise if you stay indoors all day. Silverton downtown has tons of activities for toddlers – a huge park, swimming at the YMCA, and the cutest library. Of course, we had to make a few trips outside of Silverton, too.
Smith Creek Village at Silver Falls State Park
So, NOT prepared for snow in March – exhibit A: Josh’s worn out Allbirds for “snowshoes”. When it snowed out of the blue, we managed to cobble together a version of winter layers and headed to Smith Creek Village for brunch. A gorgeous 30-minute drive through winding farmland with the snowfall increasing with every mile. As you’d expect, Beckett was thrilled to throw snowballs with BGE (Best Grandma Ever – pronounced BEE GEE) and thoroughly avoid getting back in the car. I’d love to go back when we have some more time for outdoors activities and stay overnight in the Village. Silver Falls State Park is also a must-see spot for gorgeous waterfalls and hikes.
We missed peak spring bloom season by a few weeks, but it was easy to see what this 80-acre botanical garden might look like in all its glory. It was a great way to burn some energy as we wandered through the various garden exhibits with all four kiddos from 4 months to 13 years (my younger siblings and my boys). Much to the speculation of well-intentioned observers, I do not have four children! While the playground was closed, B loved the dino dig area. We practically had to pull him away. We unfortunately picked a chilly morning to go or I’m sure we would have stayed for a couple hours more.
Salem’s Riverfront Park and Carousel
All adult activities require toddlers burning off energy first. In between shopping, lunch, or wine tasting around Salem’s downtown, you’ll have to stop by Salem’s Riverfront Park and Carousel. They’ve got a great park for all ages. We didn’t make it to the carousel this trip, but baby B loved it on our last trip.
I’m sure my mom is already building our next adventure list for when we are back in Silverton. But for this trip, more rest than activities was exactly the entire family needed.
