Brigittine Priory of Our Lady of Consolation

Return to 99W South as you leave the McMinnville area and continue for about 5 miles in the direction of Amity. Turn right at Fifth (the Bellevue Highway) then after about 2 miles the road will veer to the right at a sign reading Bellevue/Sheridan. Here’s where you have the opportunity to visit a monastery founded by the Swedish Saint Brigit in 1370. It’s the only Brigittine (say BRIDGE ih teen) monastery for men left in the world. Guests are welcome, so if you’re up for the adventure (and perhaps in the market for some unbelievable homemade fudge), drive straight ahead—rather than veering right—onto Broadmead Road, and continue one additional mile to a sign on your right directing you down a gravel road to the Brigittine Priory of Our Lady of Consolation. (If you are not interested in the monastery, just veer right and continue on.) These monks make their own fudge right on these lovely grounds and it’s fabulous! Ring the bell, if the door is locked (don’t be shy!). One of the monks will greet you, offer you chocolate samples, and direct you to boxes for sale: chocolate cherry nut fudge, pecan praline fudge royale, chocolate amaretto truffles, chocolate butter rum truffles—You won’t believe the list! Guests are welcome to visit the unusual chapel. (Brigittine Monks Gourmet Confections, 23300 Walker Lane, Amity; 503-835-8080.)