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ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION
The Historical Carousel, Albany
BEST BEACH
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Winner: Agate Beach State Recreation Site, Newport
Situated between the new and the old Highway 101, this is a perfect stop along the Oregon Coast. Named for the agates that used to be plentiful, this lovely stretch of sand is one of the more popular beaches in Oregon. There is a great view of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and during low tide, tide pools can be explored. As this is a hotspot for surfers and dog owners, restrooms with showers are available.
Favorite: Beverly Beach State Park, Newport Favorite: South Beach State Park
BEST COAST LODGING
Winner: Hallmark Resort Hotel, Newport
This beachfront resort focuses on the beauty of the coast: All rooms offer ocean views, each with a walkout balcony or patio. The hotel is family- and employee-owned; the staff is dedicated to keeping guests happy and feeling pampered. Special rooms include gas fireplaces and spa tubs; some rooms are pet-friendly. A saltwater pool, spa and sauna await guests taking a break from the beach. It’s a perfect place for a romantic getaway or family vacation.
Favorite: Inn at Otter Crest, Otter Rock
Downtown Albany Signage
Timber Linn Park, Albany
BEST COMMUNITY EVENT
Everyone loves a carnival, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Old-fashioned carnival games, costumed characters, face painting and balloon art celebrate the anniversary of the carousel each August. Nearby streets are closed; cotton candy and snow cones are in abundance, and food trucks are brought in especially for the day. Proceeds from the carnival are put toward operating expenses.
Favorite: River Rhythms at Monteith Riverpark, Albany Favorite: Corvallis Fall Festival Favorite: Lebanon Strawberry Festival
BEST GOLF COURSE
Winner: Spring Hill Country Club, Albany
At just over 6,500 yards, this course dates to 1959. The 18hole golf championship course has twice hosted the Oregon Open. Chipping and putting greens are available to help you improve your game. Trees line the rolling green fairways and the six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s off er a rare layout. Membership gives you access to the swimming pool and clubhouse, where you can order food from the grill menu.
Favorite: Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort, Lebanon Favorite: Trysting Tree Golf Club, Corvallis
BEST HIKE
Winner: Silver Falls State Park, Sublimity
What could be better than a hike behind waterfalls? The largest state park in Oregon has more than 9,000 acres and more than 24 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of horse trails and a 4-mile bike path. The Trail of Ten Falls passes a series of waterfalls, and four of the falls have paths that allow access behind them. The South Falls drop is a spectacular 177foot curtain of water you can peer through.
Favorite: McDowell Creek Falls County Park, Lebanon Favorite: Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne
BEST CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY PLACE
Winner: Historic Carousel & Museum of Albany
Lions and tigers and dragons, oh my! Cake won’t be the highlight at this celebration. Children will be enthralled with the characters that spin on the deck and move up and down in time to the music. A glass-walled party room looks out on the fun, and room rentals come with 10 wristbands that allow for unlimited free rides during the party. The concession stand provides great options with a party menu.
Favorite: Papa’s Pizza Parlor, Corvallis Favorite: Pix Theater, Albany
BEST PARK
Winner: Timber Linn Memorial Park, Albany
This is no ordinary park. Featuring a veterans’ memorial, ball fi elds, basketball court, disc golf course, horseshoes, playground and restrooms, this is an outdoors destination. A lake off ers fi shing, and ducks and geese inhabit the creek. Picnic tables and barbecues invite gatherings, and two shelters are available for reservations. Dogs large and small are welcome at the dog park. Walking trails meander around the park and over bridges. A favorite location for concerts and festivals.
Favorite: Avery Park and Natural Area, Corvallis Favorite: Monteith Riverpark, Albany
BESTPLACETO HOLDANEVENT
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