Vfor DOING IT RIGHT Passion SITE VISIT | A presence can be felt in every hall and space within this unseemly oasis in the middle of Oregon’s wine coun- try. Not any type of apparition that could startle - but a peaceful serene sense that something exceptional is welcoming guests to The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg. Little did she know when she co-founded A-dec 60 years ago with her husband Ken that the late Joan Austin would see her dream in the hospitality sector come to fruitition. Everyone who climbs the winding drive to the hotel’s en- trance can be sure that its creator’s energy is still pulsing through each chair, plant, and piece of art throughout the vast complex. Excitement abounds with smiles and genuine enthusiasm from ev- ery employee, a trait often lost in the humdrum of chic hotels in the urban core. It is apparent that this workforce approaches its collective task of graciousness with uncommon style, and watching them on stage is a total delight. The Allison is more than another resort as it is not so much a ho- tel as it is an extension of love to the both the community and to guests alike by Joan’s design and motto: “Go find what you love and then give it everything you’ve got.” The businesswoman and philanthropist succeeded in creating a tranquil setting that defies the typical archetype of a five-star destination. Arrival and being greeted by the works of accomplished artists and a brook that swirls its way through a variety of entrance points sug- gest the visitor has passed into a rare enclave. The fun begins with exploring not only the 500 original art pieces scattered throughout the property, but the variety of feasts available in a conucopia of forms, from culinary to spa body treatments. In the signature restaurant Jory , Wine Director Elaine Heide mean- ders through the tables and is confronted with a not-so-easy ques- tion for having such wineries as Domaine Drouhin and Archery Summit in close proximity: “Why do you even have European wines on your list?” the curious patron asks. Effortlessly she re- sponds, “We’d like great global wine to remain in context. This way Oregon is not seen as isolated but part of a greater community.” Maddie, a server and grew up in the area, provides exceptional narrative to support the award-winning menu items. She pauses to recount that the Jory Green Salad with its muscatel vinaigrette has been a staple since The Allison opened, and touches on other hid- den treasures not revealed on the menu like her vivid description of the bounty from the chef’s tasting garden and how employees can receive some of the special honey produced on site for those participating in the harvest process. While Joan died in 2013 at 81, her legacy lives on through her fam- ily, Celia and Ken Austin and Loni Austin Parrish who owns the gal- lery Art Elements in Newberg. The energy of the family and its commitment to the region is notable and has impacted the state on many levels. They carry on a tradition of the honest welcoming spirit at the destination where a lingering grace stands guard. Based on the experience, it’s no wonder that after-the-visit re- search for this article uncovered that its 2024 honors included the #1 Best Hotel in Oregon and #1 Best Hotel in Portland by U.S. News & World Report. The Allison also came in at #89 for Best in the USA. Those honors amplify that destinations of note are not born merely from design and rehearsed employee manuals that extoll the vir- tues of cookie-cutter standards of excellence, but through a love to make a difference in people’s lives across the board.
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