CITY FACTS:
AREA: 0.42 square miles POPULATION: 1,094 INCORPORATED: 1891 FOUNDERS: Pioneer families NAME: Unknown, but possibly from an explorer’s term for the local Native American tribe, the Yamhelas, who are part of the North Kalapuyan family.
Yamhill residents rightfully adore their city. They socialize at Zippy’s Pizza or the Trask Mountain Outpost; grab dessert at the community gluten free patisserie; hunt for bargains in the back room of T&E General Store; and line the streets one special weekend in July to watch the Derby Days parade. All are treasured traditions that keep longtime residents feeling valued.
Under half a square mile in size, Yamhill is “A Small Taste of Oregon” (as its motto states).
With vintage shopping filling up an old grain mill on the second weekend of each month (March through December), and as a destination of the lavender trade, Yamhill is unique.
Although the downtown has not developed as a winetasting destination, it’s the nearest urban center to some of wine county’s most bucolic destinations, like WillaKenzie Estate, Saffron Fields Vineyard, Lenne Estate and more.
Yamhill also celebrates to one of the best community festivals in the county, Yamhill Derby Days, in late July. Highlights include a soap box derby racing, a frog jumping contest and big wheel races. Beulah Park is a perfect spot to visit throughout the year. And children and adults alike also will enjoy seeing the Beverly Cleary house, a few blocks off the main highway, where the beloved children’s author spent part of her youth.