written by Kerry Newberry | photography by The Compass McMinnville
Sometimes inspiration strikes when you least expect it. For Christie Toal, that was years ago on a trip to Acadia National Park. After she and a friend hiked through a torrential rainstorm, they decided to skip tent camping and instead booked a last-minute stay at an inn.
“The entire process was so easy from booking the room on the phone to immediately getting a keycode by text,” she said. Set in a historic house, the renovated eight-room retreat offered seamless self check-in. Even without a traditional front desk, the space felt welcoming and warm. “The property stuck with me—it was such a cool model,” said Toal.
Fast-forward to a few years later, and Toal was ready to leave her corporate gig and launch something new. After traveling the world for work and sleeping in every type of accommodation imaginable, she was drawn to a business that combined community, hospitality and adventure. Toal scoured prime spots on the West Coast, seeking properties she could transform into something special. After one visit to McMinnville, she was hooked and began modernizing a 1914 Craftsman into her future. Her vision was to create a lodging experience for adventure-minded travelers in the heart of wine country.
In September, Toal opened The Compass McMinnville—a beautiful retreat with elevated amenities (spa-inspired bathrooms), historic design details and a wine library stocked with local bottles. You’ll also find stylish spaces for guests to mingle. “Some of the best experiences I’ve had traveling are because of the people I’ve met,” she said.
ROOMS
Each of the four suites has luxe Frette linens, stylish Seek & Swoon blankets and spa bathrooms with organic bath products. Some rooms have enhanced details (book the East Suite for the prettiest reading nook). For longer stays, the standalone studio in the back of the property has a king bed and queen pullout sofa, electric fireplace and kitchenette.
ADVINTURES
For ideas on where to eat and drink or for impromptu adventures, check out the Advintures deck of cards in each room. It’s a collection from owner Christie Shoal’s favorite places to explore in the area and includes everything from tasting rooms and working farms to cycling routes.
COMMUNITY SPACES
Sip complimentary morning coffee in the living room set with comfy couches and the perfect faux fur reading chair. An adjacent small library stocked with food and wine books also has an honor bar featuring a curated selection of remarkable wines by indie winemakers.
DINING
The inn is a short walk to many exceptional independent restaurants including Thistle, Pinch and Grounded Table. Each suite receives two $10 vouchers to spend at local hot spots Alea Bakery and Café and Aveline. For pinot noir fans, you’re also a short stroll to top tasting rooms.
706 SE 1ST ST.
MCMINNVILLE
www.compassmcminnville.com
