McMenamins Edgefield: The happiest place on Earth for adults

Oct 24 2023, 7:15 pm

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, McMenamins Edgefield stands as a living testament to the fusion of history, entertainment, and enchantment.

This sprawling 74-acre property situated just a 15-minute drive east of Portland International Airport, isn’t just a mere destination; it’s a vibrant universe that seamlessly blends the past with the present, offering a truly unique experience.

Originally built in 1911 as the Multnomah County Poor Farm, the property has witnessed a myriad of transformations. Once a home for the destitute, Edgefield’s historical significance remains palpable in its architecture and carefully preserved landmarks.

The transformation of this former poor farm into a sprawling entertainment complex began in the 1990s when Mike and Brian McMenamin took over, revitalizing the property while retaining its rich history.

Edgefield’s amenities are as diverse as they are captivating.

Visitors are invited to explore numerous attractions including 10 pubs in total, a restaurant, a winery, a first-run movie theatre, a par 3 golf course, and live music every night. You could easily enjoy an entire weekend there without ever leaving the property.

The moment you enter, you’re immediately drawn to the structure itself and the artwork that adorns not only the walls, but also the pipes, windows, and anything else that can possibly act as a canvas.

Accommodations at McMenamins Edgefield reflect the property’s distinct character as well as its former characters. It houses just over 100 guest rooms that are individually decorated, each with its own distinctive charm and named after a former resident from a previous iteration as a retirement home.

The concept of repurposing spaces extends to the accommodations, with former hospital wings and other historic structures now transformed into cozy lodging options, adding a layer of intrigue to every stay. The rooms are marketed as “European style” and “hostel accommodations” meaning they are simply furnished rooms and, in some cases, rather than a bathroom en suite, there are common bathrooms on each floor.

One of the property’s most magnetic draws is its vibrant live music scene. Its summer Concert on the Lawn series brings world-class musicians across genres to its open-air amphitheatre, where attendees can groove to their favourite tunes under the starlit sky.

Names like Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, and the Doobie Brothers have all graced the McMenamins stage. When the big names are not on the lawn, you can always catch a folk or blues singer in the Winery Bar or out on the patio next to the Theatre.

This seamless integration of music and ambiance elevates Edgefield beyond a mere destination and transforms it into an experience.

McMenamins Edgefield isn’t just a place; it’s an immersion into a carefully crafted world. The value it offers goes beyond the sum of its amenities – it’s a gateway to an imaginative journey where the past and present coalesce.

The commitment to historical preservation, combined with top-notch entertainment and leisure facilities, creates a distinctive value proposition that’s hard to find elsewhere.

McMenamins transcends its humble origins to become a realm of enchantment for grown-ups. Just as Disneyland transports visitors to worlds of imagination, Edgefield transports adults to a place where history, creativity, and entertainment harmoniously intertwine.

This rare blend of elements creates an experience that’s nothing short of magical, offering an escape from the ordinary and a journey into a world that’s as spellbinding as it is unexpected.

McMenamins Edgefield

Address: 2126 SW Halsey Street, Troutdale, Oregon
Phone: +1 503-669-8610

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Allison WallaceAllison Wallace

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