UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#3. McMinnville OR
Why You Should Honeymoon Here: Two words: Pinot Noir. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a wine region bidding for honeymooners’ attention. It’s a leading producer of pinot noir, with more than 700 lush vineyards rolling through the region and 500 wineries. Honeymooners will experience a two-for-one here: idyllic countryside with farms as well as city culture throughout the Pacific Northwest valley.
Go Here Instead Of: Burgundy. Rivers and mountains in Oregon’s Willamette Valley mimic the geography in northern Europe, and over the past five decades, winemakers here have put the region on the map as a serious, but unpretentious, pinot noir region.
Average Nightly Hotel Price: $111
Where to Stay: Fireplaces with handcrafted mantles as well as artwork from locals star in the rooms at Atticus Hotel in McMinnville, which is an ideal base camp for any wine tasting adventures.
What to Pack: The region is laid-back. Pack some athletic gear in case you’re up for bicycling through the ridiculously gorgeous rolling hills.
Romantic Date Night Spot: Bistro Maison in McMinnville gives a regional spin to classic French dishes with menu items like mussels sourced from Totten Island, Washington and a white truffle fondue made with White Tillamook Cheddar and Oregon truffle oil.
Can’t-Miss Experience: Wine-tasting of course! Several wine-touring companies will familiarize you with the region, but a fun new way to visit tasting rooms is with NW Wine Shuttle, which is a hop-on, hop-off shuttle that stops at 11 wineries that are each spaced about five minutes apart.
Sweet Spot: Serendipity Ice Cream exudes some vintage charm, selling scoops as well as banana splits, shakes and sundaes. We also love the shop because it employs and trains adults with disabilities.