Puppy love, wee bites and booze festivals: Summer at McMenamins

Courtesy of McMenamins

1.       Wee, Wee, Wee All the Way to Small Bars

Whether you’re taking some time for yourself or catching up with friends, nothing compares to enjoying cocktails in a European-inspired small bar. At McMenamins, small bars are often found (or sometimes hidden) tucked inside larger McMenamins properties, like Edgefield or Old St. Francis School. All are designed to give visitors variety when it comes to their drinking spot and an opportunity to rub elbows with strangers, possibly while listening to the Grateful Dead. And now McMenamins is introducing wee bites and drams to menus at all of their small bars. These wee snacks satisfy big cravings without the pressure (and price) of a whole plate of food. Our summer picks? Wine connoisseurs can gather in Hotel Oregon’s cool Cellar Bar, foodies can sample wee fondue bites at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse’s Little White Shed and others can heal their hunger at Grand Lodge’s Doctor’s Office Bar with RX bottles of Tom Kah peanuts and probiotic drams. Cigar aficionados are welcome to hide out behind Bagdad Theater at Greater Trumps and trouble makers can enjoy study hall wee bites and cocktails at Kennedy School’s Detention Bar. Whether it’s the wee bites and drams, or the cozy atmosphere, let the small bar vibes in this summer. 

2.       Attend a Booze or Beer Festival
Usually summer means beer festivals, but what about the hard stuff? Lucky for booze travelers, this June marks the 6^th Annual Oregon Distiller’s Festival, where guests can sample 100 handcrafted spirits from distillers across the state and quench their thirst with original craft cocktails. It’s like Portland’s Distillery Row, but under the shade trees at Edgefield. Okay, McMenamins has beer festivals this summer, too. If you’re in the Seattle area and bummed about missing spring beer events, then save the date: the Inaugural Anderson Summer School Brewfest will take place at the former junior high on July 29. Fans in Oregon and Washington can fest with the best of ‘em.

3.       Embrace the Dog Days of Summer
What’s a relaxing summer day without man’s best friend? Most McMenamins pubs and restaurants, as well as lodging properties, now allow you to bring your pet along for the ride. Sip teacup cocktails street side at Ram’s Head with your furry friend by your side or take them to Cornelius Pass Roadhouse to roam the 6-acre farmstead wonderland. Feeling indulgent? Make a trip of it and book an overnight escape at Edgefield for you and your loyal companion. 

4.       Enjoy a Classic Flick on the Lawn

    Nearly every Northwesterner has the goal of getting as much sun as possible during the summer  months. McMenamins Edgefield and Grand Lodge are helping by bringing the movies out of the theater and onto the lawn – perfect for a date or for the whole family. To see what other movies are planned, check out Edgefield and Grand Lodges’ events pages throughout the summer months.