The Vintages Trailer Resort
"Set the stage—what's this place all about?Set right off one of the main highways through the Oregon wine country, The Vintages has rows of shiny, refurbished '50s and '60s travel trailers that appear as if from nowhere, much like a movie set or some sort of a bizarre portal into the past. It's also adjacent to a more modern RV park, which makes the lineup of old-school Airstreams and Shastas seem all the more surprising. But as you whiz down the highway, it's thrilling to behold—it feels like a pop-up party you want to be part of, especially when you see the property's festive glow of string lights.
What kind of crowd does this place draw?Although it's common to see a few families with kids, most trailers are on the small side that sleep two or three people, max. You'll see young, outdoorsy couples, Boomers on vacation, and lots of middle-aged ladies drinking wine by the fire pit and enjoying a girls' weekend in the wine country.
Tell us about the check-in process.Check-in (and out) happens at the general store, of sorts, which is like a low-key mini-market selling souvenirs and a few supplies, including s'mores fixin's and wine. The cashier will hand you a key, tell you the number of your pull-in spot, and then you're pretty much on your own.
And what are the accommodations like?We stayed in a 1953 Vagabond, a royal-blue stunner with white piping. The all-wood interior, complete with wood slat blinds and rounded corners on the ceiling, lend cabin-like (or ship-like) vibe. The decor feels appropriately vintage, with a few fun tweaks, like hanging plates with paintings of hipster animals; think, a puffin in a plaid flannel. Overall, the trailers themselves don't have much tech, aside from a hookup that lets iPhone play music over the speakers. For bathrooms, there are working sinks and toilets in the trailers, and most have small showers (if you really want to take a good hot shower, hit the bathrooms by the pool). The propane stoves and ovens are disabled, but each trailer has an outdoor gas grill, utensils, and dishes.
What stood out to you—from the little things to major ones?Pendleton throw pillows and exceptionally soft sheets made this rustic antique trailer feel almost luxurious. Adirondack chairs outside by the fire pits are just begging for you to take a load off. Some of the trailers are next to an expansive field of golden grass, which makes for a fine view to gaze upon while sipping a glass of wine. There's an outdoor heated pool; at night, when it's illuminated, it almost feels like you're in Palm Springs. If you get tired of hanging in the trailer, or want to watch the tube, there's a stylishly outfitted communal guest house with a TV, sofas, and a kitchenette. And one more thing—twinkle lights in the trees and round, globe-shaped street lights give the whole area a festive, yet retro, feel.
What's the deal with dining?There are a few snacks and grocery supplies in the convenience store, so if you run out of marshmallows or wine, they've got you covered. There's a pour-over coffee setup in each trailer, so you don't have to get out of your PJs before you get your first cup of Joe. There's no onsite restaurant; however, the tiny, adorable town of Dayton is just a short walk or bike ride away. Grab one of the resort's cruiser bikes and head over the little footbridge to Dayton's town square; the Joel Palmer House is a longtime icon of fine dining in the Willamette Valley, with an emphasis on local wild mushrooms and pinot noir. Mamma Italia Ristorante dishes up mid-priced Italian favorites like tortellini en brodo and chicken piccata. To fill up on a budget, check out Lonestar BBQ, serving breakfast burritos and chicken and waffles in the a.m., and burgers, ribs and steaks for lunch and dinner.
And what are your thoughts on the staff?You don't really get the chance to get to know the staff. For the most part, you're on your own.
The bottom line—who should come here and why?Anyone who has ever fantasized about owning a retro Airstream or an adorably outfitted travel trailer will get their fix at The Vintages; it's all the charm with none of the hassles of maintenance. The very definition of cozy and quaint, they improve your mood just by looking at them—it's truly impossible to be in a bad mood when you're staying in one of these snug little throwbacks." - Danielle Centoni