These 9 Towns in Oregon Have Bustling Main Streets
Oregon is a coastal state that borders California on the Pacific Coast. It is topographically diverse and divided into seven regions: the coastline, Portland Metro region, Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge, the Willamette Valley, Eastern and Central Oregon, and Southern Oregon. Bigger cities like Portland are well known, but the Beaver State also has unique towns, over 360 state parks, and over 900 wineries.
Many visit Oregon for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure, but the small towns across the seven regions beckon for a visit. These towns showcase the best of the state with charming downtown districts, attractions, and proximity to some of the most beautiful nature in the US. These are nine towns in Oregon that have bustling Main Streets.
Brownsville
The small town of Brownsville prides itself on being a pioneer town with rustic storefronts and a sparse population. Its claim to fame is being the home to the "Stand By Me" movie trail and the Willamette Country Music Festival. For such a small town, they have a bustling Main Street with fun shops like Kirk's Ferry Trading Post and annual parades like the Linn County Pioneer Picnic.
Brownsville also has historical structures, especially the Moyer House. The elegant Italianate home, built in 1882, is open to the public on weekends when the Linn County Historical Museum is open. The 1908 C.J. Howe Building Vacation Loft on Main Street is available to rent for up to 12 guests. This charming and friendly town is fun to explore with a strong sense of community.
Florence
Florence is a scenic town at the mouth of the Siuslaw River. Hiking trails wind past the Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Sea Lion Caves, a collection of caves that houses Stellar sea lions. The main thoroughfare, Bay Street in Historic Old Town, has some of the best shopping along the coast. Kitchen Klutter, Books 'N' Bears, and Crystal Aloha are unique boutiques along Bay Street.
Old Town is a vibrant district with a marina, lodging, delicious restaurants, and more. The town hosts a Farmer's Market on the Siuslaw Boardwalk when the weather warms up, specializing in decadent desserts, fresh seafood, and vegetables. This is a great way to get to know the community. The Old Town and Riverside Inns are notable hotels within walking distance of the bustling downtown district.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a National Historic Landmark known for its hiking trails, wineries, and charming downtown with brick storefronts. The close-knit community hosts events like the 1851 Gold Rush, a walking and running event celebrating the town's history. Known as the "heart of Oregon's wine country," Jacksonville is a top wine destination. Wineries include Somar Family Vineyards, Anchor Valley Wine Bar, and Applegate Vines. There are also great dining options available.
Cowhorn Kitchen and Wine, Back Porch Bar and Grill, and the Bella Union Restaurant and Saloon are prevalent in town. Lodging includes the Jacksonville Inn in the downtown district, an eight-room boutique hotel with a wine bar. The 19th-century buildings, fine wineries, and year-round live events make this one of the best small towns to visit in Oregon.
Baker City
Baker City is a quaint, rustic town called "the basecamp for Eastern Oregon." Its artsy historic downtown is one of the best preserved 1800s districts in the Northwest. Baker City is part of the Main Street program and hosts year-round events like the Baker City Motorcycle Rally and the Taste of Baker City festivals. The renovated Carnegie Library, including the Carnegie Art Center art gallery, is among the historic buildings. There is also a vast selection of wineries, pubs, and restaurants.
The Little Pig, Latitude 45, and Eagle Cap Grill have rave reviews and provide a pleasant respite at the end of the day. Copper Belt Wines is a family-run winery specializing in European-styled wines from the Snake River region. Fridays are an excellent time to visit downtown for the First Fridays Art Walk, one of the best ways to explore historic Main Street.
Bandon
Bandon is on Oregon's southern coast at the mouth of the Coquille River. The Old Town area covers ten blocks with cultural attractions, historic sites, and the historic business district. Washed Ashore is a thoughtful museum that creates engaging art exhibits from plastics washed in from offshore. The museum also has traveling exhibits and docent-led educational courses. Bandon is also notable for its eclectic culinary scene.
The diverse dining options range from fresh seafood and small bites to multi-course meals. Popular restaurants include Alloroo Wine Bar and Restaurant, Angelo's Italy, and The Loft Restaurant and Bar. Many live events are held in Bandon, such as Pedal the Rails, Boardwalk Art Walk, and the Bandon Cranberry Festival. This charming coastal town is fun to walk around and has almost no end to the attractions and festivals.
Newport
The coastal town of Newport is on the Central Coast. It has many attractions, notably the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The lighthouse was erected in 1871 and is believed to be the oldest structure in Newport. The aquarium has fascinating exhibits and marine life, including puffins, urchins, and moon jellies. Newport also has a lively downtown with lodging, dining, and live events.
Bay Street in the Bayfront area is a quaint walking area with views of the Yaquina River. It is a friendly place with attractions like the Roger Yost Gallery, Bayscapes Gallery and Coffeehouse. Chelsea Rose Fresh Seafood is a family-run fishing business that sells fresh seasonal seafood at the docks, an authentic way to experience Newport.
Joseph
Joseph sits at the base of the Wallowa Mountains, which have stunning scenery. It was named after Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe in 1880 and today is the tourism and cultural epicenter of northeastern Oregon. Because of its Swiss culture, Joseph is also nicknamed "the Switzerland of America." The annual Alpenfest started here in 1975 and celebrates Swiss and Bavarian culture. The community-centric town also hosts other events throughout the year and features other cultural attractions.
The Joseph Art Walk on Main Street features life-size bronze sculptures, such as the "Attitude Adjustment," a statue of a cowboy on a bucking horse. The best way to get a panoramic vista of the town is to take the tramway. The Wallowa Lake Tramway takes passengers up 3,700 feet to Mt. Howard's summit for breathtaking scenery. After a day of sightseeing, check out the Stein Distillery for cordials, blended whiskeys, and other locally made spirits.
Cannon Beach
The coastal town of Cannon Beach is famous for its expansive coastlines and views of Haystack Rock. The basalt landmark juts out 235 feet from the shoreline's edge and attracts several bird species, including Tufted Puffins. Downtown has many cultural and live attractions, including the Sculpture Garden. The Spruce Street courtyard opens up to the colorful sculptures presented by Northwest by Northwest Gallery. The artsy area features several other notable galleries and events.
Walking through Cannon Beach is a veritable art walk. The White Bird Gallery opened in 1971, is the oldest in town and the cornerstone of the community. The Landing features three galleries in a single courtyard: the Bronze Coast and Modern Villa galleries and the Images of the West galleries. The town is pedestrian-friendly and has some of the most diverse art exhibits in the region.
Cottage Grove
Charming Cottage Grove is known for its vibrant art scene, stunning vistas, and history dating back to its official founding in 1888. The scenery includes Row River, Dorena Resovoir, and Bohemia Mountain. The community celebrates its heritage with multiple festivals, like the Bohemia Mining Days festival, the Cottage Grove Art Walk, and Concerts in the park. Live music takes place in the summer, but there is plenty to do year-round.
Cottage Theatre holds live events throughout the year, and the Opal Center for Arts and Entertainment hosts educational events and workshops. The town boasts two covered bridges, the Mosby Creek and the Currin, each built in the 1920s. If the quaint town seems familiar, several movies were filmed here, including the iconic coming-of-age movie Stand By Me.
Oregon is a topographically diverse state with a deep cultural heritage and striking views. Cannon Beach is an iconic coastal town, while mountain towns like Joseph are equally appealing. The vibrant downtowns are packed with cultural interests, like the Sculpture Garden in Cannon Beach or the aquarium in Newport. There is also an eclectic culinary scene in these charming towns.
Jacksonville and Newport have noteworthy restaurants and wineries. Baker City combines outdoor adventure, a fun and artsy downtown, and attractive restaurants and bars. These vibrant downtowns are exciting to visit any time of year, and they hold seasonal events so that the scenery is ever-changing.
