Sampling the retro-RV vibe in Oregon’s wine country
The lure of Oregon’s Willamette Valley vineyards was too much for me to ignore anymore. After hearing about retro trailers available for rent by the night, I decided it was high time I tried one.
Across the highway and surrounded by vineyards, a Boeing 747 looks poised for takeoff at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.
The Vintages Trailer Resort, a section within Willamette Wine Country RV Park, offers 31 classic trailers (all with heat and air conditioning) for overnight stays. Think “glamping,” but with all the accessories included. There’s even a bit of history on most of the rental trailers listed on the website. Located in Dayton, between Dundee and McMinnville, the resort is right off State Route 18.
Next door is a dog park to walk your pooch, while across the highway is Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum with a retired Boeing 747 perched on the roof and a water park inside. All around are 300-plus wineries, many of them bottling Oregon’s coveted pinot noir.
My rental trailer, a 27-foot, two-toned 1951 Special DeLuxe, built by M System Trailer Coaches and nicknamed Ideal, sported a “campy” themed kitchen with a fridge, microwave, cooking utensils, bathroom and shower, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a queen-size bed. The outdoor patio was equipped with an LP-gas grill, chairs and cruiser bikes.
Hopping on a bike, it’s a quick ride into Dayton where breakfast at the Block House, in a restored Baptist Church, is the talk of the town. Be sure to ask for cinnamon-roll pancakes, one of the specialties.
For guests traveling with their own home on wheels, campsite rentals at Willamette Wine Country RV Park are available by the month, not the night. Sites include full hookups, Wi-Fi and use of the clubhouse, seasonal pool and hot tub. The park has a laundry room, hot showers and a general store that stocks food, cheese, wine and most last-minute items you may need.
For shorter stays, a top-rated Good Sam Park, Olde Stone Village, welcomes RVers for nightly stays in neighboring McMinnville.
The Vintages Trailer Resort and Willamette Wine Country RV Park
971-267-2130 | www.willamettewinecountryrvpark.com
Olde Stone Village
877-472-4315 | www.oldestonevillage.com
