Destination Albany

Alive in Albany

This Willamette Valley town has a historic feel and contemporary offerings

Written by Sheila G. Miller

Albany, Oregon

Trevor DeFord

In these days of ever-present smartphones, constant technological advances and on-demand everything, finding a quaint, quiet spot to reconnect to the real world can’t be underestimated. Albany is the spot to snap you back to reality.

Tucked off I-5 between Salem and Eugene and minutes from Corvallis, Albany is convenient to all the best of Oregon—nearby vineyards show off the best grapes of the Willamette Valley, breweries experiment with hops grown on farms a stone’s throw away, trails and scenic bikeways keep you active. If it’s a trip back in time you seek, Albany’s downtown and various historic districts will hit the spot.

Settlers arrived here in the 1840s, and Albany was founded in 1848 when the Monteith brothers, Walter and Thomas, bought the area and named it for the capital of their home state, New York. Then the brothers platted a town on the eastern banks of the Willamette River. It served as a farming and manufacturing stronghold and an important waypoint for travelers, and today boasts a collection of historic buildings from a variety of eras, rarely seen in one city.

Day 1

The obvious place to start exploring Albany is in its downtown. The city, with about 53,000 residents, has a vibrant downtown area with a nice mix of shops, restaurants and cultural opportunities.

Start with brunch at Brick & Mortar Cafe, a bustling spot favored by locals. Plates overflow with scrambles, waffles, stuffed pancakes and French toast. On the weekends, Brick & Mortar also has a Bloody Mary bar with a rotating variety of accoutrements to add for the perfect breakfast cocktail.

Albany sits along the Willamette River.

Keith Kendrick

Next, traverse the main drags (First and Second avenues) and stop in the locally owned shops. If you’re looking for home decor, antiques, or the perfect gift, you’ll want to stop in to Oak Creek Collection Marketplace, an eclectic but classy mix of all kinds of things you didn’t know you needed. Or try Emma Downtown (and its soon-to-open second location across the street, the Sales Closet), which has the most perfectly curated displays of fun trinkets, plus a selection of pretty clothing.

Looking for menswear that isn’t right off the rack? The Natty Dresser features brands such as Filson, Pendleton and Stetson, offers custom suits and tailoring and alterations. Plus, it’s just a beautiful shop to walk through.

For the dog who has everything, check out the huge Sniffany’s Pet Boutique (you read that right!). You did not realize there were so many more things your pets needed in their lives. And if antiques are your thing, make sure to check out the Albany Antique Mall, Cronies Vintage & Antique Emporium, and the Eclectic Zebra, which is a blast to browse, though you’re unlikely to walk out without something fun.

After shopping, you’ve arrived at the most beloved location in the whole city—the historic carousel and accompanying museum. A nonprofit volunteer organization spent a decade bringing the traditional carousel to First Avenue right in the heart of the downtown area. The carousel, which features thirty-two animals hand-carved and painted in the adjoining museum and carving studio, will delight kids, of course, but is just as special for adults. Each of the old-world animals are colorful and unique—a merhorse with a school of fish around his tail, a bison with a Native American scene playing out on its back, a lion with a peace dove flying past her and a lamb at her feet. The carousel runs on an antique 1909 mechanism, which is impressive enough, but in the adjoining gift shop and museum you can see other old carousel pieces and the volunteers at work on the next animals to join the menagerie.

The Monteith House was built in 1849 for the city’s founders.

Oliver J. Anderson

After the carousel, get a bit more culture in with a trip through the Monteith House up the street. This original home, built in 1849, is authentically restored to the pioneer era and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was owned by the Monteith brothers, who helped establish Albany, and was the site of many firsts in the area. The lovingly restored property will transport you back in time.

Get a bit more culture in with a trip through the Monteith House up the street. This original home, built in 1849, is authentically restored to the pioneer era and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Day 2

Once you’ve seen the downtown core, you can head a bit farther afield in your Albany exploration.

If you love the pastoral look of covered bridges, you’re in luck—Albany and its surrounding towns have nine of the rare sites. The whole tour will take you a couple hours, but you can also swing out to two or three before visiting other historic sites around the area. A favorite is Shimanek Bridge, which is painted bright red.

Albany and its surrounds have nine covered bridges.

Nancy Hunt

Thompson’s Mills is a state heritage site with a working water-powered turbine.

Karla Boren

About 12 miles from Albany you’ll find Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, a relic of Oregon’s rural past. The mill site is the only remaining water-powered mill in Oregon. See the turbines turn in a true transport back in time—the site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to visit, and you can get a free guided tour of the property.

In the winter, the Christmas Parlour Tour is a must-see. For $15, you’ll get a tour of several historic homes and other buildings impeccably decorated for the holidays. If you’re visiting in summer, try to catch July’s tour of historic homes and buildings, which includes private homes and historic sites such as the Whitespires Church and the Monteith House Museum.

Sweet Red Bistro is a great spot for a drink and charcuterie.

Joel Alire

Off the beaten path are also a few restaurants worth a look. The Barn at Hickory Station is a new brewpub with food carts. It’s the first of its kind in the region, with thirty-two taps and with hopes of having as many as ten food carts in the pod, surrounded by a large grassy space perfect for families.

Frankie’s is a great stop for lunch. This high-end option is tucked into a strip mall façade. Try the pork belly fries or the meatballs to start. Then swing over to Restyle Upscale Resale, across the parking lot, for one last bit of shopping. The high-end boutique has gently used women’s clothing.

If wineries call, Springhill Cellars’ intimate setting is just five minutes west, or you’ll find well-known names (St. Innocent, Ankeny) just twenty minutes up the road or to the west. And if beer is more your scene, try Calapooia Brewing—a true locals hangout with good beer and a laidback vibe.

Finally, finish your weekend with a cocktail and a steak at Vault 244, one of the real fine dining treats in the city.