Oregon
Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

This Walkable Stretch Of Shops And Restaurants In Small-Town Oregon Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Explore Main Street in Oregon City for a delightful day trip filled with vintage shops and diverse dining options.

Published Jan 17, 2023

Written by 

Christy Articola

Are you looking for a walkable stretch of shops in Oregon to explore one of these days? If so, head on out to Oregon City and take a stroll down Main Street. This commercial area is just one block away from the river and it's filled with numerous restaurants and vintage shops. You'll love it. Read on to learn more.

Oregon City is a great town. It has a population of around 35,000. It's located on the Willamette River, and its on the southern edge of the Portland metropolitan area.

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Downtown Oregon City/Facebook

There are a lot of things you can do for fun in Oregon City, but one great way to spend an afternoon is exploring Main Street. There are quite a few good restaurants here, like highly-rated The Verdict Bar & Grill.

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Verdict Bar & Grill/Facebook

Ingrid's Scandinavian Food is another excellent and unique option. You'll love Ingrid's wraps, cocktails, and classic dishes from the European north.

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Marion NYC/Google Local

Hungry for a steak? Maybe you'll like the Oregon City Grill. This place does 'em right.

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Ryan E/Google Local

If you just want to sit back with a beer and some friends, the Thirsty Duck Saloon awaits.

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Thirsty Duck Saloon/Facebook

After you eat, you should also check out the shops in this area. Maizee Mae's Antiques Retail Store and Vintage Flea Market is a great place to start. This whole area is full of vintage shops of all kinds and secondhand stores.

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Willis Anderson/Google Local

The Vintage Nest is another shop worth checking out. It's full of vintage furniture and decor.

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Evgeny Vinnik/Google Local

There are lots of vintage clothing stores along Main Street, too. You'll love them all.

Do you collect vinyl? Oregon City Records may have exactly what you're looking for in its collection.

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Alexander Clark/Google Local

If you're looking for something new instead of something old, then check out LiveEdge Woodshop. The artistry in these wooden objects is amazing.

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LiveEdge Woodshop/Boris Fett

You'll love your visit to Oregon City and your afternoon on Main Street. Plan a visit to this area today!

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Strekoza2/iStock Getty Images Plus

Oregon City is a great spot for a day trip. You'll love all the vintage stores on Main Street and the restaurants there, too. It's just outside of Portland. What are you waiting for?

If you're looking for more great places to shop in Oregon, check out our Oregon shopping page for more!

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

6 Epic Train Rides In Oregon That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

Discover six scenic train rides in Oregon offering unique experiences from historical reenactments to dinner excursions.

Updated Jul 30, 2024

Written by 

Tessa Metcalf

Have you ever wanted to take scenic train rides in Oregon? Passenger trains are a great way to experience the wonders of Oregon, whether it's a scenic outing, a dinner excursion, a historical reenactment, or an unforgettable Mother's Day brunch. These six beautiful train rides in Oregon will take you on a journey you'll never forget.

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1. Eagle Cap Train Rides

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website/ Eagle Cap Train Rides

Experience the wonders of train rides in Oregon and see the Wallowas like never before by taking a ride on the amazing Eagle Cap Railroad. This wonderful railway offers fall colors expeditions, photography outings, train robbery reenactments, and more. Want to do something amazing this year for Mothers Day? Check out the Mother's Day Brunch train ride for an unforgettable outing.

2. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

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Facebook/Oregon Coast Scenic Railway

Experience the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Dinner Train, a scenic Oregon Coast train ride that will take you on a three-hour trip along the coast and serve you a delicious multi-course meal. Don't forget to take a ride on its signature ride – the Oregon Coastal Excursion, where guests will experience the gorgeous Tillamook Bay to Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. Be sure to bring your camera to capture memories to last a lifetime. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad continues to be one of the most fun train rides in Oregon.

3. Willamette Shore Trolley

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facebook/Willamette Shore Trolley

Hop aboard this vintage trolley in Lake Oswego for a lovely excursion along the Willamette River. Willamette Shore Trolley

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takes riders along historic rails dating as far back as the 1800s! With special events like the Fireworks Trolley and the Oregon Electric Railway Museum, visitors can pack in a full day of excitement one of the most scenic train rides in Oregon that is also fun for the whole family.

4. Sumpter Valley Railroad

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Sumpter Valley Railroad is especially unique in that it is run completely by volunteers. It's also "the only steam powered narrow-gauge heritage railway in Oregon." Journey through the beautiful Sumpter Valley on one of the most gorgeous steam trains in Oregon and be sure to take advantage of their special events, like the Fall Foliage Express, Halloween Express, Flea Market Weekends, and more.

5. Santiam Excursion Trains

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facebook/ Santiam Excursion Trains

Climb aboard the Santiam Excursion Trains in Lebanon for a wonderful ride on a vintage train. Seasonal events include Mothers Day Brunch, Cheadle Lake Fireworks, Autumn Splendor, and more. In addition to their brunch and dinner train rides in Oregon, riders can also enjoy wine tasting, beer tasting, and fun family rides, too! This steam train is a fun time for everyone.

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6. Mt Hood Railroad

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Take a ride through some of Oregon's most beautiful scenery on the lovely Mount Hood Railroad. This awesome railway

offers scenic rides beginning and ending in Hood River, including special outings like the seasonal Easter, Halloween, and Christmas trains. In addition, visitors can take a railbike tour through the Columbia River Gorge for epic views of beautiful valleys.

Oregon is a great state for discovering natural beauty and history by rail! Hop aboard one of the many scenic train rides in Oregon to see the state in a whole new way.

Have you ridden on any of these trains? What other railroads in Oregon offer awesome excursions? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

Looking for a scenic and affordable train ride through Oregon's Cascades? If yes, then this Amtrak ride may be perfect for you! And for even more one-of-a-kind adventures in Oregon, peruse the Airbnb experiences page.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

Visit The Friendliest Town In Oregon The Next Time You Need A Pick-Me-Up

Sisters, Oregon, is a charming and friendly small town known for its vibrant community, unique attractions, and picturesque landscape.

Updated Apr 15, 2024

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Oregon's big cities get all the buzz, but the heart and soul of the Beaver State truly is in its small towns. Once you have spent some time here, you will surely agree. Small towns in Oregon are the best small towns, full of bustling local businesses, unique attractions, and some of the friendliest folks around. One of our favorite towns is a place that's warm and welcoming, even on the dreariest PNW days. We're talking about Sisters, of course, the friendliest town in Oregon! Read up and then start planning your lovely trip!

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Sisters is a vibrant and artistic small town in Oregon named for the Three Sisters, a trio of nearby mountains that tower in the west.

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The Sisters Country/Facebook

Sisters is located on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, bordered by Oregon's high-desert region. Known for its mild and sunny climate, Sisters is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, with the eponymous Three Sisters volcanic peaks and mountainous landscape providing the most picturesque playground.

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The Sisters Country/Facebook

Unlike other "gateway" communities, however, Sisters is a destination in and of itself, a place worth stopping, staying, and enjoying.

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The Sisters Country/Facebook

The downtown of Sisters is charmingly old-fashioned, with 19th-century facades and storefronts housing some of the most delightful local businesses and restaurants.

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The Sisters Country/Facebook

Small businesses abound in Sisters, Oregon, with the Sno-Cap Drive-In being a perennial town favorite.

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Folks have been raving about this place since it opened its doors in 1954. And, really, how can you *not* be happy when enjoying an ice cream cone this massive?

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Sno Cap Drive-In - Sisters, OR/Facebook

For nearly five decades, Sisters has hosted the world's largest outdoor quilt show that draws thousands of visitors. It's certainly an incredible event, but really, there are so many reasons to visit Sisters, and not simply this acclaimed festival.

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Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show/Facebook

You should visit Sisters because it's the kind of place that embraces its quirky side, with residents proudly displaying all sorts of delightful lawn art!

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Visit Sisters because it's the kind of place with a bustling downtown that's always hosting some sort of festival or community event.

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Come to Sisters because it's the kind of place outdoor-loving folks choose to raise a family.

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The Sisters Country/Facebook

It's the kind of place where children still believe in Christmas magic, where Santa comes each year to spread holiday cheer.

Sisters is so friendly and picture-perfect that it almost doesn't seem real.

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Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce/Google Local

But luckily for us, Sisters is as real as it gets...

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...and for that, we are forever grateful.

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The Sisters Country/Facebook

When was the last time you visited Sisters? When it comes to friendly places in Oregon, it's one of the best! It's sure to leave you feeling warm and happy feelings. If you're planning a fun trip to this nice town, you'll find some great options for places to stay on Vrbo. Whether you're looking to go with your significant other or a big group of family and friends, you will find fitting accommodations.

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