Hello McMinnville! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: New grocery store opening, lavender u-pick, and vintage baseball game + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Winery grows its footprint: Antica Terra, a sought-after Oregon label, acquired the 298-acre Willakia Vineyard, expanding its estate to 484 acres, with production expected to rise from 4,000 to 4,500 cases over five years -- explore the vineyard expansion.
New store celebration: Natural Grocers will open its McMinnville store on July 1 with sustainable design and energy-saving features, plus a monthlong sale up to 50% off and donations tied to reusable bags -- see the store opening details.
Oregon shines globally: Oregon wines set a record at Decanter World Wine Awards, earning six. Domaine Serene’s Aspect from Dundee Hills earned a top award, only the second time for a U.S. wine -- see Oregon’s award haul.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Where growers shop, too: Family-owned since 1935, Alderbrook Gardens is the under-the-radar wholesale grower fueling local florists and garden centers around Oregon, yet they still let regulars wander for self-guided retail browsing to snag hardy starts, ferns, and succulents... perfect for freshening those beds you swear you'll weed this weekend.
Go-to family reset: When the house gets too loud, reset at Discovery Meadows Community Park, where kids can conquer the climbing wall, cool off in the splash park, and wear themselves out on the playground, while you sneak a few deep breaths and pretend supervising counts as cardio.
Press start here: Joysticks Arcade & Eatery is your easy win this week, mixing retro hits like Pac-Man and pinball with hot dogs, wings, and 10-inch personal pizzas from Mikey's Pizzeria. Grab a craft beer, wine, or cider, maybe an Oregon Lottery play, then keep chasing high scores.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
📖 Wobbler Story Time @ McMinnville Public Library | Wednesday (6/24) at 9:30 AM – Designed for 9-to-24-month wobblers and their caregivers, this story time lives in that awkward middle ground between Baby and Toddler. Expect simple stories, bouncy songs, and just enough movement to wear out little knees, not your patience.
💜 Lavender U-Pick @ All Hands Lavender (Dayton) | Thursday (6/25) at 10:30 AM – Need a low-key summer win? On select weekends while blooms last, wander All Hands Lavender in Dayton, snip your own bouquet for nine bucks, sip lavender drinks, and nab photos. It is a farm, so the ground has opinions. Free admission, free parking, no pets.
🎉 2026 Summer Kick Off Party @ Discovery Meadows Park | Friday (6/26) at 1:00 PM – Summer kickoff, ESO style, means yard games, delicious food, a snow cone machine, and the rare chance to dunk your favorite admin. Open to the I/DD community, it is equal parts block party and friendly mischief, with shade, snacks, and sarcasm to go around.
🏆 Family Fun & Corn Hole Tournament @ Yamhill Carlton Soccer Club | Friday (6/26) at 4:00 PM – Think your beanbag aim is as sharp as your pink wardrobe? Kick off Carlton Fun Days at Yamhill Carlton Soccer Club with a cornhole tourney, costumes, kids bounce houses, hot dogs, and raffles, all supporting With Courage and local breast cancer fighters, survivors, and families.
🏥 Health Hub @ Willamette Valley Medical Center | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – New baby on the way, or grandbaby en route? WVMC's Health Hub lays out the good stuff for free each month, think car seat clinics, childbirth class info, birthing center tours, the Bambinos diaper bus, community resources, and new services. Real help, no sales pitch.
⚾ Vintage Baseball Game 2026 @ Yamhill County History Museum | Saturday (6/27) at 1:00 PM – A full day at the History Museum means pancakes, a classic car show, and a vintage baseball game played barehanded on a delightfully lumpy field. It is throwback fun where the cars shine, the batter bunts, and everyone swears uneven turf builds character.
🧺 Dundee Farmers Market @ Tipsu Palach Park | Sunday (6/28) at 9:00 AM – About time, Dundee gets its own farmers market, and the first one rolls out this Sunday morning. Expect fresh produce, new vendors, music, and neighborly chatter, with more added each week. Swap the big-box shuffle for a stroll, a coffee, and a tradition.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The McMinnville report Weather forecastToday — High: 89°F — Low: 51°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 76°F — Low: 52°F — Precip: 60%
Rain likely after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Later: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 52. This house is wildThis striking NW Contemporary in McMinnville’s Crestview neighborhood pairs clean lines with elevated finishes and serious light. A two-story window wall centers the main living space, while French doors open to a wraparound deck. The chef’s kitchen, private office, luxe primary suite, oversized 3-car garage, and low-maintenance landscaping round out the appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
