If you’re from the Pacific NW or have travelled there, you’ll likely know the name of McMenimin’s. A family-owned business with over 50 establishments in Oregon & Washington ranging from small pubs to sprawling historic properties resurrected from past glory to become wonderful hospitality locations. No two locations are same and the artistic imagination that goes into their properties is one of a kind.
Edgefield was built in 1911 and functioned as a country poor farm. The property is on 74 hilly acres and includes the main building with 100+ guest rooms, a variety of unique bars and restaurants, a soaking pool, and 2 par 3 golf courses. A brewery, winery, distillery, and concert venue are all on the property and if you are a lover of fire-pits, nobody does that better than McMenimin’s (at any of their properties).
Edgefield is part soul retreat and part party compound.
The Little Red Shed
Ideally, you want to stay 1-2 days at Edgefield to explore and enjoy the property at a leisurely pace. There are maps of the property, but I encourage wandering freely and using your internal compass. Although open in the day, my overall top, Top-of-the-Heap stop is the Little Red Shed (above), in the evening. Back in the day, this building was the incinerator for the poor farm. It’s now a mesmerizing little pub with with a great selection of whiskies, cigars, and of course locally brewed beers. If it is a chilly fall or winter evening, and your fortunate, you can nestle into the chairs next the the mouth of the incinerator with a roaring fire to warm your bones.
The Pub Course
Photo Courtesy of mcmenamins.com
Head up the hill on the Edgefield property and you’ll run into one of the two Pub Courses (20 holes & 9 holes). To check into play, you’ll need to stop at the Distillery Bar which is a grass blade thickness behind the Red Shed as my favorite spot to hang out. You only need to bring a putter and maybe a couple wedges to play the either of the courses since no hole is longer than 90 yards (and you want a free hand to carry a beer). The courses weave & wander across the high elevation acres of Edgefield and give great views across the Columbia River Gorge. If the season is right, stop and chow down some blackberries from the thickets that line most of the holes. So, even if you are not a “golfer”, the stroll with friends is the thing, and your constitution will appreciate the burning off of a few calories before the sun sets and your next pub visit awaits.
Final note on Edgefield (or any McMenimin’s establishments). Mixing beer types is a common practice. I recommend the Rubberhead – mix of Hammerhead IPA and Ruby Ale. Dang refreshing!
For more information on Edgefiled, go to: https://www.mcmenamins.com/edgefield
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