8 Most Unconventional Towns In Oregon
Oregon is a stunning state gracing the Pacific Northwest steeped in history and mystery. The state encompasses many captivating attractions, including the famous Oregon Trail. Home to a plethora of ghost towns, Oregon naturally has an eerie past. Get a feel for the state's pioneer roots in Baker City or feel a chill down your spine in haunted Astoria. From Bandon's unique cranberry eats to Ashland's eccentric Shakespeare atmosphere, Oregon is full of unconventional towns waiting to be explored.
Sisters
Step into the Wild West when traveling to Sisters. This delightful western-themed small town hosts a quirky mix of year-round events. July gathers the crafters at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. The non-profit event showcases creative works from local knitters. Enter the raffle and win a chance to take home a unique quilt to remember Oregon's unique charm. Get ready to say "yeehaw" at the Sisters Rodeo. From bull riding to barrel racing and bareback riding, the Sisters Rodeo captures the essence of the cowboy lifestyle. This thrilling five-day extravaganza in June is not to be missed. Kick off the fall season at the Sisters Folk Festival. Seven stages of music provide an unforgettable weekend.
Sisters is home to many historic landmarks. Enjoy a meal at Sisters Saloon, a former 1912 hotel. The restaurant's classic rustic decor perfectly complements its menu of burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Dive into the area's rich heritage at the Sisters Museum, housed in the historic Maida Bailey Old Library building. This adorable structure showcases artifacts from Sisters' past, including old photos and books. See the elegance of Fort Wakefield, a 1929 marvel. The residence is well-preserved and serves as a renowned Sisters landmark. Today, Wakefield hosts weddings, and events, and visitors can stay in the history meets luxury carriage houses.
Bandon
Bandon is a hotspot for unique eats. Join the locals in September for the annual Cranberry Festival. Become part of the excitement with a Cranberry Eating Contest, Cranberry Parade, Cranberry Queen Coronation, Cranberry Kitchen Contest, and Cranberry Sampling. Continue satisfying cranberry cravings at Cranberry Sweets. Founded in 1962, have a taste of the iconic cranberry jelly candies. Cranberry Sweets features an astounding variety of popcorn, confectionary, and other fresh Oregon delights. Take home a local cranberry jelly, cranberry clover honey, or cranberry orange herbal tea. For a savory taste of Bandon, see the specialties at Face Rock Creamery. Try unique cheeses like cranberry honey fromage blanc or peppercorn harvest cheddar.
One of Bandon's most iconic landmarks is the Face Rock. The giant boulder looks like a face gazing at the open Oregon skies. According to the Native American legend, the rock symbolizes a young girl named Ewauna. She was turned into stone by an evil spirit from the ocean named Seatka. Another extremely unique Bandon attraction is the Washed Ashore Art Gallery. The nonprofit organization gathers leftover trash from the beaches, cleans it, and then uses it to create impressive sculptures. Artistic feats include a massive jellyfish, polar bear, shark, fish, and sea otter, all made from recycled materials found along the shores. The beaches are cleaned, materials are recycled, and both visitors and locals can appreciate the art. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Ashland
Aspiring thespians and artist lovers will feel right at home in Ashland's cultural ambiance. This city proudly hosts the annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival from March to October. Purchase tickets and see various works come to life, including some of Shakespeare's most renowned pieces. Enjoy the thrill of classics such as The Merry Wives of Windsor and Julius Caesar. Grab a souvenir afterward to commemorate the shows at The Tudor Guild Gift Shop. Browse through Shakespeare and theatre-themed merchandise and trinkets. Take home a colorful performing arts mask or a quirky Shakespeare bobblehead.
Established in 1852, Ashland is naturally rich in history. Visit the Ashland Cemetary on East Main Street. The grounds contain headstones dating back to the earliest settlers of the area. Draped in elegance, book a stay at the Ashland Springs Hotel, an iconic city landmark. The hotel has been beautifully restored since its original construction in 1925. Bask in the luxurious guestrooms and enjoy the expansive views of the bustling downtown area and beyond. Spend a day or two wandering around the Ashland Railroad Historic District and discover the city's notable heritage. Join a group tour for a guided explanation, or wander at a leisurely pace. See numerous sites like the Railroad Depot Hotel kitchen building and historic residences.
Baker City
Situated along the legendary Oregon Trail is the quiet haven of Baker City. Explore a lifesize wagon diorama, live reenactments, pioneer history, and hike parts of the original Oregon Trail at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. This essential stop provides a glimpse into Baker City's history and its connection to the Oregon Trail. Continue diving into Baker City's captivating past at the Baker Heritage Museum. Journey through exhibits of Native American artifacts, Baker's ranching and mining industries, and the legacy of the area's Chinese immigrants.
Baker City has a reputation for historical and haunted buildings. One of the most recognized landmarks in the area is the Geiser Grand Hotel. The guestrooms and suites are the epitome of sophisticated and upscale living. This majestic downtown marvel was built in 1889 and remains an eternal icon. Guests have witnessed seeing a ghostly figure, referred to as the "Lady in Blue," wandering the hotel grounds. Enjoy more of the spooky side of Baker City at the Old Jail. Although not open to the public, it is chilling to pass the building's exterior.
Florence
Florence is a coastal paradise brimming with natural wonder that is perfect for expanding any photography collection. Wander to the Sea Lion Caves, America's largest sea cave. Say hello to the sea lions and whales, explore the cave, or head to the observation deck for a panoramic view. Take photos of Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Oregon coast. Legend says that the area is rumored to be haunted by various spirits from the past. For the ultimate experience, book a stay at the Lightkeeper's House on the grounds. It is an 1893 residence converted into a cozy bed and breakfast.
Get that adrenaline-pumping fun through Oregon's extensive sand dunes. Head to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Ride through approximately 40,000 acres on ATV or dune buggy. This thrilling experience is not to be missed. Sand Master Park is another awesome adventure spot. Dive into an afternoon of sandboarding or sand sledding amongst Florence's natural beauty. Lessons and rentals are available for beginners looking to join the action.
Cottage Grove
Bring a good pair of walking shoes or a bike to Cottage Grove, the covered bridge capital of Oregon. This idyllic small town is a bikers paradise offering endless scenic paths. Six covered bridges beautifully grace the region. A must-see is the Mosby Creek Bridge, one of the area's oldest bridges. Also worth visiting is the Currin Bridge, which is glowing with two-tone colors. For a fun family adventure, bike around the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway. It is a 36-mile loop that rides through a couple of the covered bridges and around Cottage Groves lush scenery. The views are magnificent in early to mid-October, with the striking fall foliage.
Art enthusiasts will love venturing around Cottage Grove to marvel at the stunning murals. There are 10 in total, with the majority of them on East Main Street. Catch a glimpse of back in the day at the 1920s Main Street mural. Movie buffs will love the Buster Keaton Mural decorating the former Cottage Grove Hotel. Opal Whiteley Mural is another fantastic photo opportunity. The mural depicts Opal Whiteley in the center surrounded by butterflies and trees.
Astoria
Founded in 1811, Astoria is flourishing with history and mysterious oddities. A trip to Astoria is not complete without visiting the iconic Flavel House Museum. Built in 1884, it is a stunning example of Queen Anne architecture. The striking Victorian home operates as a museum and holds many artifacts from the past. Discover old furniture, vintage dishes, and elegant seating. Strange noises, footsteps, and unknown shadows have been reported throughout Flavel House. Continue a chilling adventure in Astoria with an underground ghost tour. This unforgettable escapade explores the paranormal and is accompanied by ghostly tales and Astoria's eerie beginnings.
Classic film enthusiasts are driven by Astoria's connection to the time-honored classic, The Goonies. Visiting the Oregon Film Museum is a must. The museum is in the historic Old Clatsop County Jail building, a former Goonies film location, and contains memorabilia from the Goonies movie. Although not open for tours, you can see the exterior of the Goonies House on 38th Street. It is an incredibly cool photo opportunity and another item to check off the ultimate Goonies Astoria adventure.
Tillamook
Tillamook is a charming rural town that takes its dairy farming very seriously. Immerse in the local cheese industry by spending some time at the Tillamook Creamery. Watch the extraordinary process of how cheese is made, from start to finish. Try their ice cream, a regional treat that is hard to find outside of the Pacific Northwest. Purchase an eccentric item, such as a cow head hat, from the gift shop at Tillamook Cheese Factory. The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is another fantastic Tillamook stop to appreciate the region's wonderous dairy culture. The family-owned business can be found just a mile away from the downtown area. There is fun for the whole family at Blue Heron French Cheese Company, from wine tasting to a candy shop and a petting zoo. Purchase a souvenir from an extensive list of cheeses, seafood, condiments, gourmet oils, spices, and charcuterie items.
A city as quirky as Tillamook naturally has some captivating museums. Latimer Quilt & Textile Center is a burst of color and a perfect afternoon trip. The museum showcases the wonderful world of quilting from start to finish. Check out the spinning wheels and ongoing projects in the West Room. In the East Room, browse quilts ranging from vintage to modern styles. Housed in a blimp, Tillamook Air Museum is a whimsical and memorable expedition. Traverse through seemingly endless exhibits of massive, full-size aircraft. Discover remnants from the SB2C Helldiver crash, WWII warcraft, and the F-4 Phantom, a featured film prop.
Oregon's Unconventional Charm
Oregon's intriguing atmosphere and natural wonder make the state a striking choice for travel. Have the thrill of a lifetime wandering through the sea caves and sand dunes in Florence, or indulge in Astoria's creepy past. Tillamook offers a rural paradise with a booming dairy industry, and Cottage Grove is a peaceful retreat known for its picture-worthy covered bridges. The state is no stranger to the eccentric with communities like Sisters Wild West atmosphere or Ashland's thespian culture. Oregon is truly one of a kind.
