Albany may not at all times be the primary place folks consider when planning an Oregon getaway, however those that go to shortly understand it’s a hidden gem. Simply an hour and a half south of Portland, this metropolis blends small-town attraction with a powerful combine of out of doors actions, wealthy historical past, and a thriving meals scene. It’s time to reply the age-old query, what’s Albany recognized for?
Whether or not you’re in search of your ceaselessly dwelling in North Albany or looking for the proper condominium within the Monteith Historic District, Albany at all times delivers.
Albany at a look
1. A weekend getaway well worth the journey
Albany is the proper escape for outdoorsy of us, nice meals, and a laid-back vibe. Nancy Zaffaro, Editor of ConfettiTravelCafe.com, captures it greatest:
“Just one and a half hours south of Portland, Albany offers the best of Oregon long weekend getaways. You’ll find riverfront parks for strolling, hiking, or paddling, outdoor concerts, wine walks and brew fests. Beyond that, the downtown has great boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries. Take a ride on the beautifully housed indoor, historic carousel, with locally hand-carved animals. Visit Thompson Mills State Heritage site to see the last water-powered mill in Oregon.”
If you happen to’re visiting, find time for a stroll alongside the Willamette River, discover one of many many scenic parks, or soak within the historic attraction of Albany’s downtown district. And in case you’re right here on the proper time, one of many metropolis’s many festivals would possibly simply be in full swing.
2. A meals scene that delivers
For a metropolis of its dimension, Albany punches above its weight within the culinary division. With a mixture of farm-to-table eating, cozy cafés, and regionally owned eating places, foodies haven’t any scarcity of choices.
“There are more great popular restaurants than I can list here; but a few include Brick & Mortar, Sweet Red Bistro, and The Squeaky Cork,” says Zaffaro. “My favorite, though, remains Matt and Janel Bennett’s Sybaris Bistro. In business since 2001, award-winning chef Matt prepares truly delicious, locally sourced Northwest food. It’s one of my favorite all-time spots.”
Whether or not you’re within the temper for a advantageous eating expertise at Sybaris Bistro or an off-the-cuff drink at one of many metropolis’s many breweries, Albany’s meals scene has one thing for everybody.
3. A paradise for outdoorsy varieties
Albany’s location within the Willamette Valley makes it a primary spot for out of doors lovers. Whether or not you take pleasure in mountain climbing, biking, or just taking in the great thing about Oregon’s landscapes, there’s a lot to discover.
Photographer Rachele Barker shares her expertise:
“As a photographer, I am always looking for new places to explore and conduct photo sessions! I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the McDonald Research Forest, visiting Silver Falls State Park, and hiking as many other trails in the area as I can. I especially enjoy bringing my dog along on these hikes! Additionally, I spent the past few months learning how to tap Albany’s native Bigleaf Maple tree, and it has been a true joy to learn the process!”
4. A deeply rooted historical past
Albany is dwelling to among the most well-preserved historic districts in Oregon. Strolling by town appears like stepping again in time, with superbly restored Victorian houses, historic church buildings, and landmarks that inform the story of Oregon’s previous.
The Monteith Historic District is a must-visit for historical past buffs, that includes houses courting again to the 1800s. The Albany Regional Museum presents reveals detailing town’s pioneer days, and the annual Historic Residence Tour provides guests a uncommon glimpse inside among the oldest residences within the Pacific Northwest.
5. An important spot for native markets
Albany has a protracted historical past of agriculture. The area is thought for producing all the pieces from hazelnuts and hops to berries and wine.
The Albany Farmers’ Market, one of many oldest in Oregon, is a good place to expertise town’s deep connection to farming. Right here, you’ll discover recent produce, native honey, artisanal cheeses, and handcrafted items from regional distributors. It’s the proper method to help native growers whereas having fun with among the greatest flavors the world has to supply.
6. A thriving arts scene
Albany might need a small-town really feel, however its arts scene is something however sleepy. From stay theater to artwork galleries and music festivals, there’s at all times one thing artistic occurring within the metropolis.
The Albany Civic Theater hosts a variety of performances all year long, whereas native galleries showcase work from each regional and nationwide artists. Town’s mural scene can also be rising, with vibrant avenue artwork popping up all through downtown.
For music lovers, Albany hosts a number of annual occasions, together with the Northwest Artwork & Air Competition, which mixes stay music with scorching air balloon launches every August, and the Albany Summer time Sounds live performance sequence, that includes performances in Monteith Riverpark.
7. A robust sense of historical past
Past its pure magnificence, town is dwelling to well-preserved historic buildings, distinctive museums, and a neighborhood that values the previous whereas embracing the current.
One in all its standout points of interest is the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum, the place guests can trip superbly hand-carved animals, a nod to town’s dedication to craftsmanship and custom.
Albany, OR, is a metropolis that balances one of the best of Oregon’s pure magnificence with a welcoming small-town environment. Whether or not you’re right here for a weekend getaway or fascinated by making it dwelling, this metropolis has one thing for everybody—nice meals, out of doors journey, historical past, and a neighborhood that makes you are feeling proper at dwelling.
