There are so many beautiful places around Corvallis and Philomath. After a great brunch at Ben and Ellen’s we all head out to do some local exploring. 

Our first stop is the Thyme Garden – wow! I have never seen so many fresh herbs! It is in Alsea and is on an eighty acre farm. How wonderful it would be to live here and have access to this gem. The gardens and greenhouses are astonishing. Also the Angel’s Trumpet larger than I have seen at home. Thyme Garden is a great way to start our day.


Our next stop is Alsea Falls. Alsea Falls is a twenty foot waterfall. We spent a short time walking the trails and admiring this wonderful view.


Now to the winery portion of our day, yes while enjoying the scenery I’ve been working up a thirst. Our first winery stop is Lumos tasting room and estate vineyards. A great way to start our wine tour. Not only is the Pinot Gris delightful the estate is grand (mountains, grape vines, lavender.)

We continue our winery tours to Cardwell Hill cellars. Enjoying award winning wine while looking at Mary’s Peak is always a good thing. We continue to our last stop the Wine Vault in Philomath. Enjoyed some more wine and had some laughs.

Now off to a delicious dinner and great beer at Caves Bier & Kichen – the pretzel, the chicken melt sandwich still has me drooling! Dessert at Big River Restaurant  never disappoints either, we shared a sampler plate – loved the lemon tart.

We returned to Ben and Ellen’s for some games. What a great day!