Farms and Craft Beer

Sometimes we all need to reconnect with nature and the simpler joys of life. Next time you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of city life, escape to the farms of Tualatin Valley.

Just a few minutes’ drive from Portland, you can discover an inviting farm country that is rich is history, food, amazing beauty, and, of course craft beer!

Enjoy breakfast at the South Store Café, a quaint country cafe situated in the heart of Tualatin Valley’s agricultural area. The sweet yellow building is a cozy lunch spot for farmers, winemakers and visitors alike. From old-timey meatloaf to health-conscience matcha lattes, this cafe is a must-stop location for any visit to Tualatin Valley.

Next, pop over to Smith Berry Barn, located across the street from the cafe. The historic barn houses aromatic candles, lotions, honey and teas. Basically, it’s a delicious heaven. Surrounding the barn store, seasonal u-pick and garden wares tempt even those with a black thumb.

If your trip falls in June or July, then follow the scent of lavender to Mountainside Lavender Farm. Lavender fields are good for the soul. Bring the fragrance home with you by way of Mountainside’s massage oil, eye pillows and lip balm (all made with lavender from the farm).

Next, venture to the city of Sherwood and have lunch and craft brews at Smockville Brewhouse. This high-end eatery features hearty food fare, which pairs well with the unique craft beers made on the premises. Smockville Brewhouse is the place for thoughtful, local and well-priced dining in Sherwood.

After lunch, visit Heart 2 Heart Farms, a family-run, community supported agriculture (CSA) and livestock farm dedicated to growing and cultivating fresh, pesticide and hormone-free food products. Heart2Heart Farms is as soulful as its name suggests with heritage livestock and sustainable growing processes.

Our Table Cooperative is the next stop. Here, farmers and artisan producers work together to create handcrafted, thoughtful and delicious food for the local community. From a 58-acre diversified farm in Sherwood, they grow a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers as well as raise chickens and geese. All of their produce and flowers are Certified Organic.

Say hello to the furry friends at Alpacas of Oregon. The farm raises alpacas that roam the grounds, welcoming visitors. Be sure to check out the barn store, which is chock-full of luxurious alpaca yarn products.

Your day isn’t over yet. Relax with a pint or a tasting tray of locally crafted beers from Vertigo Brewing has been making acclaimed beer in Hillsboro for several years. Its seven-barrel system produces a unique blend of beer, and allows Vertigo to produce its house beers more readily, as well as create “one-off” specialty brews. The taproom showcases Vertigo’s signature beers, such as Razz Wheat, Harvest Hefe, Arctic Blast Vanilla Porter, Smokestack Red, Friar Mike’s IPA and more.

After a day of exploration, overnight in one of our hotels and may you dream of alpacas, craft brews and juicy strawberries.