McMinneville, Oregon, is one of those little gems. It is a small town that could become a city soon. Houses are being built like crazy (so it seems to me) at the outskirts. My friends, Kathe and Dave, are the latest to succumb to the town’s charms. They have built their dream home and are living their dream retirement.
I have been travelling the country but they regularly travel the world. One could sit and listen to their travel stories for hours, and their house tastefully displays mementos from their travels, each with a special memory. It is not a museum. It is a house of stories, and you are invited within to enjoy. Their house tells stories much like my blog does.
I am blessed to have friends like them. How great is it to have a true friend for over half a century? A friend who, after all this time, becomes more and more interesting. And I get two for one! They have a wonderful dog, Leika, who fell in love with me. Actually, he fell in love with the pumpkin treats I brought. They texted me to say he keeps wandering over to the pantry to look for me. I do hope he doesn’t need to go to detox because of me.
Speaking of food, and back to McMinneville, on the main street you will find at least one restaurant of each ethnic choice you might be craving. We went to the Indian restaurant and the food was excellent. On that same street they also have art galleries and gift shops for your shopping pleasure. You can even find UFO style gifts. Oh, did I mention the popular UFO Festival that is held in McMinneville, yearly? Apparently, decades ago, a farmer, in a small adjoining town, viewed a flying saucer that landed in his field. He took pictures but never told the authorities. When he was old, and no longer afraid of being called crazy, he showed the pictures. McMinneville wisely adopted his story, and the UFO Festival was born. I understand that, during that week, the town doubles in size.
So, if you want to go to a UFO festival, or if you just want to see some well-kept, early 20th century houses, and try some good food, and meet some friendly artists, just get onto State Hwy 99. You will also find wineries, olive oil tastings, and an aviation museum that holds The Spruce Goose. Yes, there is something for everyone. In three days, I did it all, plus I had some great backyard BBQ. Just don’t ask me to share my friends, even though they are the kind of people who would be okay with that. Yes, they will fit into McMinneville just fine.
Sad to leave, but on to my next stop.
#ontheroadagain
P.S. As for the picture above, JoJo absolutely refused to be friends with sweet Leika until the last day. I think JoJo just gave in. I titled this picture:
“Godzilla & Mothra Become Friends”
