There’s a cold crisp in the air. Green leaves are taking a turn to autumn hues. Pumpkin spice lattes have made their presence known. Boots and sweaters have replaced flip-flops and shorts in the closet. Love it or leave it, fall is here.
What’s not to love about fall in Wilsonville? Throw on that chunky sweater, kick on your boots and grab your favorite autumnal drink! There are pumpkin patches and farms to explore, Oktoberfest activities and harvest festivals a-plenty and ciders and wines to warm your cockles. Hold on to your favorite fall hat because you’re going to fall head-over-heels in love with all things fall in Wilsonville. Here are our top 10 ways to celebrate, welcome and love fall, the Wilsonville way:
1. Pick Your Pumpkin + Post Your Fall Pic
Nothing screams fall more than visiting the patch to pick your prized pumpkin. We suggest heading on down to Yesteryear Farms for their inaugural year offering pumpkins. You will not be disappointed! Their selection of pumpkins is perfectly pleasing. Plus, they have a darling shop with all the Halloween and fall goodies every home needs. Best of all? There are photo opps a-plenty. From posing in front of their vintage trucks to the amazing wall of pumpkins, Yesteryear is every Instagrammer’s dream. Be sure to snap your pic and tag #ExploreWilsonville. Find more fun with our best of fall itinerary.
2. Stomp Grapes at St. Josef Winery
Grab your bestie on September 24 and together you two can live everyone’s favorite Lucy and Ethel moment when you stomp grapes at the St. Josef Winery Grape Stomping Festival. St Josef’s first began having fun with grape stomping by hosting locals and neighbors with a small party and dancing in small tubs. It has grown to involve stomping in a 1,200-gallon Oak barrel that holds the equivalent of 5,000 bottles of wine, lively music and food in a casual, relaxed European atmosphere. Don’t stop there – check out the other wineries in and around Wilsonville.
3. Play at Frog Pond All Spooky Season
Frog Pond Farm is offering season passes through October 29. Return to the farm as often as you’d like to enjoy the pumpkin patch, yard games, animals and playground. Grab some Frog Pond Farm apparel in the store. Find more Fall favorite stops to add to your visit.
4. Harvest Your Heart Out
You simply must attend Wilsonville’s Fall Harvest Festival on October 21 which will include a pumpkin patch, donuts, coffee, a scavenger hunt, carriage and horse rides and much more. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. Loving the harvest vibe? Grab your friends and family to gather around the table at historical Newell Pioneer Village for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. You’ll want to get tickets as soon as possible for this November 18 Harvest Dinner – it’s popular! Add some breweries, cideries and distilleries to your stay and then make it an overnight (or two or three!) with Wilsonville serving as your home away from home.
5. Seek Some Serious Solitude
The autumn months are characterized by shorter days and longer nights. Whatever’s next for you in the season ahead, let Wilsonville be your place to find peace, quiet and solitude this fall. Heck, make it an overnight excursion and use our itinerary to map out your stay. And if you happen to be traveling solo, be sure to add these stops to your plans.
6. Spend Halloween Weekend After Dark
Even adults need some time for play! Visit Bullwinkle’s with your 21+ crew and celebrate Halloween weekend at their After Dark Event. This adult-only event features unlimited go-karts, bowling, sky trail ropes course, miniature golf, laser tag and more. Looking for more 21+ fun? Check out these favorite breweries and pubs. Play it safe and stay the night (or two) in Wilsonville so you can make the most out of your time.
7. Toast to Oktoberfest
Tap into a world of incredible beer in Wilsonville. There are 15 breweries, cideries and distilleries along the Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail just a few miles east of the city. A short drive away is Portland, another Pacific Northwest destination for breweries galore. Wherever you go for a cold one from the tap, let Wilsonville be your beer basecamp this autumn. Find more ways to celebrate Oktoberfest, Wilsonville style. Prost!
8. Feast for the Festival of Lights
In honor of the Indian festival of Diwali (also known as the Festival of Lights) Our Table—the same team who hosts Our Table in the Field Farm Dinner on September 10—will feature a fabulous home-cooked Indian meal prepared by their founder, Narendra Varma and chef Jasmyne Romero-Clark on November 11. The Diwali Dinner meal will be paired with wines from local vineyards and winemakers. Stay in Wilsonville and add a few more fall favorite foodie stops to your trip.
9. Wind Down with Willamette Valley wines
Nearby wineries offer a taste of what autumn is all about. If you’re spending a weekend in Wilsonville, there are plenty of places to taste Oregon’s finest vino. Experience a wide range of tastings and tours from Wilsonville area wineries like Beckham Estate Vineyard, Lady Hill Winery, Pheasant Run Winery, and more. If time is on your side, explore more Pacific Northwest fall flavors by visiting stops along Wilsonville’s Foodie Trip.
10. Do Bring Your Dog
Going on a trip with your furry pal can be a lot of fun during the fall months, but being prepared is important. Always call ahead to make sure that businesses welcome dogs. In addition to camping, Wilsonville offers a variety of pet-friendly hotels. Check out Nature’s Pet Market if you need extra kibble or treats during your stay.
