The Willamette Valley & Wine Country - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 488

At the heart of the region's wine industry lies busy and modern McMinnville, mostly
charmless except for its historic, red-brick downtown district. Here you'll find art galler-
ies, boutiques, wine-tasting rooms and fine restaurants. There are some fine old build-
ings; see the tourist office for a pamphlet. The main regional attractions are the area's
fine wineries, of course.

Sights & Activities

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum MUSEUM
( 503-434-4180; www.evergreenmuseum.org ; 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way; adult/
child 5-16yr incl 3-D movie $25/23; 9am-5pm) A mile east of McMinnville, this museum
showcases Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose, the world's largest wood-framed airplane. In
1947, with Hughes at the wheel, the airplane flew for just under a mile - and never took
off again. Plenty of other aircraft are on display, including propeller planes, small jets,
fighters, biplanes and helicopters. A different building offers extensive and excellent
space-exploration exhibits. There's also has a 3-D digital theater, along with two cafes
and gift shops. Tours available.

Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark WATER PARK
( 503-434-4185; www.evergreenmuseum.org ; 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way; visitors
under/over 42in $27/32, dry passes $12; 10am-8pm, varies with season) A must on a hot
summer day, this impressive indoor water park is next to the Evergreen Aviation & Space
Museum and quite unmissable - a retired Boeing 747 lies atop the building. Inside are 10
water slides (including four that come out of the 747), a wave pool, splashing play struc-
ture, leisure pool and bubbly toddler area. Plenty of lifeguards keep everyone safe.

Festivals & Events

Turkey Rama FOOD
(

Jul) Anchored by 'the world's largest' turkey barbecue.

UFO Festival UFOS
( www.ufofest.com ; May) Join with other believers to celebrate the aliens among us. Or
just come for the food and costume parade.