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Albany Visitors Association
122 Ferry St SW
Albany, OR 97321
PO Box 965
Phone:
541-928-0911
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The 2017 Night Time Magic Holiday Light Winners
The Albany Visitors Association is proud to announce the winners of The 2017 Night Time Magic Holiday Light & Decorating Contest
And the winners are …
- Piedmont Christmas Cul-de-sac, 6127 Piedmont Pl SW, Albany, OR 97321
It’s the Most Magical Time of the Year, 3849 Oakmont Loop NE, Albany, OR 97322
Let there be light, 797 Fairmont Drive NE, Albany, OR 97322
Candy Cane Colored Cape Cod Colonial, 1122 11th Ave SW Albany, Oregon 97321
Holiday Greetings in Downtown Albany, No Dinx Inc., 139 SE 1st Ave, Albany, OR 97321
Winners will receive a Winner Award Certificate and a $50 gift card to Albany’s downtown first-run movie house: The Pix Theatre. Photos of the winning homes will be on display at the Pix Theatre and on the Albany Visitors Association website along with a list of locations to see. Winners will also be entitled to bragging rights for the entire year! Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program. Without your efforts, this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Get your map
Want to take a drive with the family and see the lights in person? Download the PDF of the winners’ map, or pick one up from our office at Third and Lyon.
What to do in Albany for the holidays – Part 1
Have you been naughty or nice? Why nice is the best of course, so make plans to participate in all of Albany’s Christmas and Holiday magic! We think the following events will get you in the holly-jolly spirit.
Horses, Horses, Carriages, Wagons and Rides
Albany’s Heritage Mall is hosting holiday horse-drawn carriage rides with Chafin Farms’ gorgeous draft horses. The rides run though December 22nd, so come get in the spirit! Use the link below to connect with the mall on their Facebook page, and learn more about how your entire family can ride the carriage and visit Santa. https://www.facebook.com/heritagemall/
Albany Christmas Parlour Tour On Sunday, December 10th, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., enjoy the sights and sounds of an old fashioned holiday celebration in Historic Albany, Oregon. This year the tour will feature six historic homes decorated for the holidays. Ride in Chafin Farms’ beautiful horse drawn carriage through downtown Albany. Special shopping events, light refreshments, and entertainment await. Get your online tickets ahead and avoid the lines! Tickets: https://albanyvisitors.com/2017/10/09/tickets-for-2017-christmas-parlour-tour/
Christmas Caroling by Horse-Drawn Wagon The Monteith Historical Society and Chafin Farms are offering Christmas caroling by horse-drawn wagon through the Monteith Historic District. The tours take place on Saturday and Sunday December 16th and 17th, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and leaving every 45 minutes. Song leaders, books and bells will be provided. Proceeds are dedicated to the Monteith House Museum. Telephone the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911 for more information. Or, stop by our office, M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and pay for your tickets ahead of time with check or cash.
Song and Dance
Singing Christmas Tree Love traditional Christmas carols? Then don’t miss the 36th Annual Sweet Home Singing Christmas Tree performances. The show runs from Friday, December 1st through Sunday, December 3rd at the Sweet Home High School auditorium. Friday and Saturday, the show starts at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday,the performance begins at 3:00 p.m. For more info, use the link: https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Home-Singing-Christmas-Tree-189693289088/
Nutcracker Ballet tickets make a wonderful holiday gift! Get yours today before they sell out. Legacy Ballet returns to the Russell Tripp Performance Center for “The Nutcracker” ballet, Dec. 7, 8, 9 at 7pm, Dec. 9 at 2pm. Tickets available anytime online with the more info link: http://linnbenton.edu/current-students/involvement/performing-arts/buy-tickets
Families and Children
The Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade rolls through Downtown Albany on Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 2017. The parade starts promptly at 5 p.m. The parade route starts at the corner of Broadalbin Street and First Avenue, heads west down First to Calapooia Street, heads south on Calapooia to Second Avenue, heads east on Second to Broadalbin, heads north on Broadalbin to First, and then around again, ending at the Two Rivers Market parking lot at the corner of Second and Ferry. Immediately following the parade is the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony. If you have any questions please call the Downtown Albany office at 541-928-2469 or visit the Albany Downtown Association: http://www.albanydowntown.com/ada-event/twice-around-parade-and-community-tree-lighting/
Children’s Pioneer Christmas Party Celebrate the Christmas season the way the pioneers would have done in the 1800s by joining the festivities at the Monteith House. Children ages 5-16 are invited to join the Monteith Historical Society for a Christmas party on Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00 p.m. Children will make pioneer Christmas crafts to decorate the House tree, sing carols, eat Christmas cookies, and have the option to ride on the horse drawn wagon in the Twice Around Downtown Christmas Parade at 5:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per child, and $10 per additional sibling. Reserve your child’s spot today by calling the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911. Space is limited and fills up fast!
Free Holiday Movie On Saturday, December 9th, Downtown Albany and the Pix Theatre partner to show a classic Christmas movie for the whole family. This year we’re showing “White Christmas.” Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the movie starts at 10:00 a.m. Come early, especially if you are a large group as the theater fills up quickly. This is a free event, so first come-first seated. Please bring a non-perishable food item if you can for our local food pantry. Call the ADA, 541-928-2469, if you have any questions.
Christmas Storybook Land welcomes families to enjoy its free 41st year presentation. See an enormous indoor Christmas forest wonderland with over 100 scenes of characters from Mother Goose rhymes, children’s fairy tales and family movies, two elaborate model train displays, a Victorian Village and the North Pole with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Canned food donation is gladly accepted for local food bank. Learn more at: http://christmasstorybookland.org
Shop Small ’til You Drop
YMCA Holiday Market On Saturday, December 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. enjoy our one stop shop. Find holiday gifts, enjoy great company, and support small business. Admission: $1 per adult or 2 cans of food. A portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit the Y’s scholarship fund. For more information, contact Kim at resourcedirector@ymcaalbany.org
Morning Star Grange Holiday Crafts Bazaar On December 8th through the 9th, head to Millersburg for home baked goodies, seasonal and hand-crafted products and gifts. The sale begins at 10:00 a.m and runs util 4:00 p.m. Lunch is available both days. 38794 Morningstar Rd NE, Millersburg. For more information, contact Sandy at dshdeck@aol.com
Santa’s Bag Located at Roddy Ranch, this holiday sale on December 8th and 9th features unique hand-made gifts and decorations, homemade breads and candies, antiques and fun finds! Hours are 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. both days. For more information, contact Mary Beth at roddyranch@gmail.com The ranch is located at 33281 Dever-Conner Dr NE, Albany.
The 30th Annual Night Time Magic Program
Holiday Light Contest 2017
Once again, the Albany Visitors Association is helping to make the holiday season bright by sponsoring the 30th Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. Residents are encouraged to enter a contest for best use of lights in decorating the exterior of their homes.
Three winners will be selected to win great prizes and one will be awarded the “Best Neighborly Effort.” Winners will be entitled to bragging rights for the entire year, and one of three fabulous prizes as determined by the prize committee. Be a part of Historic Albany’s magic!
The contest theme is “Holiday Night Time Magic.”
Participants are encouraged to share the source for their inspiration such as:
- A family tradition.
- A favorite holiday book, movie or special.
- Music, dance or art as inspiration.
- A special collection.
- Just Lights, Lights and more Lights.
- Or another favorite idea or inspiration (you fill in the blank!) _______________________.
RULES:
- Entries must be within the Albany City limits.
- Homeowners are encouraged to use lights to illuminate their decorations.
- Lights need to be on from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, December 1, 2017 – January 1, 2018.
- Entries for “Best Neighborly Effort” must have three or more partners in a concentrated area.
- Entry/Nomination Deadline: 5:00 pm on December 10, 2017.
Decorations can be any style and lights can be white, clear or colored.
Entry forms can be picked up, printed out by using the following PDF: Night Time Magic Holiday Light Contest Entry Form, or requested via e-mail at info@albanyvisitors.com. All forms should be turned into the Albany Visitors Association at 110 3rd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321.
Winners will be announced by December 15th, and presentations made soon after.
People wishing to drive or walk through the historic districts to look at the displays can pick up a list of participants and a map at the Albany Visitors Association beginning December 15th. Lights will be on through January 1, 2018.
Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program, without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Fun over Thanksgiving weekend
Looking for Thanksgiving Day and holiday weekend activities? You might already have your time scheduled, yet there’s always last minute company to entertain and you just might want to escape Great Aunt Mary’s turkey bone soup! We’ve put together a few ideas of what you can do over the long weekend in the Albany area.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Have you decided that tangling with the turkey isn’t much fun? How about chucking the pots and pans and letting someone else do the work, including the clean-up! Here’s a short list of local restaurants that will be open and serving traditional Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings.
Elmers Restaurant, 2802 Santiam Hwy, Albany, 541-928-4227, open on the holiday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cascade Grill, 110 Opal St NE, Albany, 541-928-3388, open on the holiday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cellar Cat, 211 1st Ave W, Albany, 541-704-0304. Fantastic Thanksgiving feast: telephone for holiday meal hours.
Sybaris Bistro, benefit dinner for ABC House, please contact for reservations: 541-928-8157.
SweetWaters, 2390 Santiam Hwy, Albany, 541-812-9222, open on the holiday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wine Tasting
Since Albany’s very own Springhill Cellars Winery is located in picturesque North Albany, it’s the perfect weekend to take a short drive and experience their annual Federweisser Festival. 
The festival begins the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs through the entire weekend. This harvest fest is German in origin and pairs new, still fermenting Riesling (the Federweisser) with specially made bratwürst and Zwiebelkuchen, a sweet onion tart. The oom-pah-pah music drifts through the air during the day for a German flavor, and at night, a floor-stomping barn dance with a live rock-n-roll band sets it up for the fun crowd. For more information, contact Springhill Cellars at 541-928-1009. They are located at 2920 NW Scenic Drive.
Cider Pressing
Nothing says autumn like fresh apple cider! Pro-tip: It tastes best when you make it yourself. Bring the family to Thompson’s Mills on Friday after Thanksgiving (11/24) and help press a half gallon to bring home. The circa 1860 Mill is open from 9 to 4 for free tours and exploration. Cider pressing will begin at 1:00 p.m. Take home a half-gallon or more for a contribution to help create a fire suppression system that will preserve the last remaining water powered gristmill in Oregon. Thompson’s Mills is located at 32655 Boston Mill Drive east of Shedd. For more information: 541- 491-3611.
Shopping
Along with the usual Thanksgiving “midnight madness” at big box stores, why not schedule some “you-time” at the annual Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Albany? This nationally recognized day is set aside to encourage customers to shop local for the holidays and support small businesses. Many of our downtown and city-wide stores will offer special sales and events. So bring your shopping bags and join your neighbors in some major Thanksgiving week fun. It all happens on Saturday, November 25th. For more information, contact the Albany Downtown Association at 541-928-2469.
Holiday Crafts and Workshops
Thanksgiving officially marks the time of year that non-profit and local businesses run holiday themed workshops and craft shows. It’s a great opportunity to pick up unique and locally made gifts. Although our list is not complete, we’ve found a couple of activities centered around Thanksgiving weekend that you might be interested in.
Christmas in the Barn is located in Shedd, a short drive from Albany. The show runs Friday, November 24th through Saturday, November 25th. Featured items include antiques, French/vintage inspired home and garden decor, fresh greens and wreaths, baked goodies, and much more. Located at 29722 Roberts Rd. in Shedd, the show is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Albany Art Studio is opening their doors for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday on November 24 and 25. Preview their space and be the first to sign up for classes. You’ll be able to purchase merchandise, buy art and other goodies at a (drastically!) reduced rate available on these two days only. This will only be a peek, not all items will be displayed. Items will go fast! The studio is located at 131 NW Montgomery St in Albany. Telephone 541-231-7922 for hours.
Make Your Own Wreath is a workshop held at Garland Nursery, on Saturday and Sunday, November 25th and 26th. Learn how to make your very own holiday wreath from just a wire wreath ring and cut greens. This workshop is fun and messy! Class is held in a lightly heated house so wear layers for warmth and bring gloves. Garland will provide the materials, tools and hot cider. Pre-registration is required, so telephone 541-753-6601. Garland Nursery is located at 5470 US Hwy 20, between Albany and Corvallis.
Oil Painting Demonstration Daniel Bourdet will demonstrate his safe, solvent free oil painting technique at Gallery Calapooia on Saturday, November 25th at 11:00 a.m. Learn to use walnut oil to thin paints and clean brushes. Eliminate hazardous waste material by using this fun and easy technique. Telephone 541-971-5701 for more information. Gallery Calapooia is located at 222 1st Ave SW in Albany’s downtown district.
Putting the “howl” in Halloween
Looking for some absolutely “killer” local fun for Halloween? Want to entertain the “monsters” in the family? Well here’s list of featured events that are gonna blow your striped witch socks right off!
Listen to the audio file and get in the mood!
Albany’s Monteith House Museum and the Albany Visitors Association are planning a devilish good time for all ages. Their first event is one that kids and grandkids will enjoy: the “Trolley of Terror!” Our bright red vintage trolley will be decked out in spooky halloween decorations and will run hourly local tours throughout downtown. It’s going to be nothing but onboard fun, plus a candle-lit tour of historic Monteith House.
The Trolley of Terror starts on Friday, October 20th, with hourly tours at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m. The trolley fun continues on Saturday Oct 21st, then again on October 27th and 28th. Seating is limited, so reservations and pre-payment are highly advised. Telephone AVA at 541-928-0911 for your tickets or stop by our office on Third Ave SE and Lyon. Tickets are $5 for children under 12, and $10 for adults. Special group rates are available.
The VIP Ghost Hunt Tour is strictly for adults. Spend the evening at the Monteith House Museum with a small group of dedicated ghost-hunters. Learn how to use paranormal activity equipment and participate in an investigative tour of the house. Each tour runs from 10:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m., and is limited to 10 people. The VIP tour will run on Saturday, October 14th, Saturday, October 21st, and Friday, October 27th. This is a “not to be missed” tour, requiring reservations. Tickets are $50.
Both events’ ticket sales will help maintain the non-profit Monteith House Museum.
What to do around the town and nearby
Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon and 8K Feeling a bit pumpkin-shaped from summer goodies? Well this event should help keep you ship-shape for Halloween treats. The marathon takes place on Saturday, October 21st at Cheadle Lake in Lebanon. Telephone 541-848-3978.
Boo Boogie Bash Rough Stock Rodeo How about getting your cowgirl or cowboy boots on and heading out to the Linn County Fair & Expo Center? On Saturday, October 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. you can boogie with the best of the rough riders. Pre-admission tickets are $13 buckaroos or $15 at the door. Small ghouls and boys under 5 are free with accompanying adult. Check the event website at www.wildwesteventsinc.com or telephone 541-895-5335 for more information.
Albany Downtown Trick or Treat and Costume Contest On Saturday, October 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. you can bring the entire family down for a safe and fun way to celebrate. Downtown stores will open for trolls, witches, ghosts, goblins (and Captain America too!) or any child ready for a treat. Sponsored by the Albany Downtown Association, check www.albanydowntown.com for more information or telephone 541-928-2469.
Zombie Zoup Run On Saturday, October 28th, Sweet Home is getting their sweet treat on with an exciting run for everyone. The event starts at 10:00 a.m at the Jim Riggs Community Center. For more information and registration, visit the event website at www.zombiezouprun.weebly.com or telephone 541-367-5128.
Heritage Mall Trick or Treat at the Mall If the zombies in the family haven’t found a party yet, Heritage Mall is hosting a Halloween Day/Night trick or treat event from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31st. Check out their website at www.heritagemall.com or telephone 541-967-8238 for more information.
From all of us at AVA, have a safe and Happy Halloween!
September Featured AVA Photographer
A huge shoutout to Mike Krutsinger of MKrutsinger Photography. Mike is our featured AVA photographer for September, and is volunteering with AVA to help give back to his community. His feature gallery reflects Albany Visitors Association’s summer Linn-Benton Farm-to-Table dinner that was held at Weddle Covered Bridge. It will give you a hint of what’s in store for next season!
*If you would like to contact Mike Krutsinger in regards to his commercial photography services, please email us.
Gallery
Click on any of the images to see better, You can exit the gallery at any time by pressing the escape key.
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- Weddle Covered Bridge
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- The rushing creek beneath Weddle Covered Bridge in Sweet Home, Oregon.
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- Before the guests arrive.
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- Sass Winery selections.
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- Setting up.
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- A bouquet of loveliness.
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- Crisp white linens.
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- Fresh from homegrown Albany, bouquet of crocosmia.
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- Delectable appetizers prepared by Chef Derek Ridgeway.
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- An assortment of appetizers welcomed diners.
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- Almost time.
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- Come sip with us and Sass Winery.
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- The crew from 1859 hard at work.
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- More yummy creations by Chef Ridgeway of Boulder Falls Inn 1859 Restaurant.
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- Almost ready – the gazpacho.
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- Delicious course, by Chef Derek Ridgeway.
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- Delicious!
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- The variety on the menu was amazing!
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- One of the items in the dinner.
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- Starting out the inner with salads and soup.
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- A musician accompanies the dinner.
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- AVA Executive Director Jimmie Lucht and his wife Nancy attended.
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- Gathering at the welcome reception.
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- A selection of Sass Winery.
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- Happy diners dig in.
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- Patty Louisiana.
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- A toast to summer!
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- Diners from far and wide.
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- 1859 Restaurant staff.
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- The stupendous team of 1859 Restaurant.
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- Jerry Sass of Sass Winery educates diners his varietals.
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- Plating food for 50 diners at once takes a team!
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- Did you leave room for dessert?
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- Dinner guests are happy!
Northwest Small Towns – Visit Albany
Stained glass window at Whitespires Church, by Nancy Zaffaro
Travel writer Nancy Zaffaro recently visited Albany and wrote an in-depth blog post about our city’s vibrant scene. From culinary delights to architectural history and heritage, Zaffaro leads her readers on a journey through Albany’s historical roots to the present day.
Here’s a a preview of Zaffaro’s blog on Confetti Travel Cafe:
“Today, Albany is a delightful travel destination, with interesting history and architecture and a culinary scene that far exceeds what’s expected for a town of 52,000. Albany, an hour and a half south of Portland, provides a chance to enjoy small town life at its best. The Willamette Valley town sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Calapooia Rivers, and offers a full calendar of outdoor concerts, arts fairs, movie nights, bike tours, wine walks, brew fests, historic home tours, and antique fairs. Nearby Corvallis, home of Oregon State University, only extends the offerings of things to do.
Leave behind big city traffic and tensions. Albany’s close proximity to Portland, Eugene, and coastal towns make it a great day- or weekend-trip, but truly, spend even more time if you can. My recent four-day trip left me knowing there was more to see and do.”
Read the entire blog post on Confetti Travel Cafe’s website.
Be a part of a worldwide eclipse broadcast
Graham Jones of Global Communication and Science will present live coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse during a live streaming broadcast.
The five-hour live coverage will include telescope feeds, maps and animations, and interviews with people on the ground. The goal is to present the eclipse as a scientific and cultural event that will inspire tens of millions of people across the US and beyond.
Albany Visitors Association will participate in the broadcast and AVA Executive Director Jimmie Lucht will present real-time TSE reporting from the Willamette Valley.
Jones is a British astrophysicist and university teacher based in Japan. His Global Communications program focuses on solar eclipses as teachable moments to inspire young people around the world.
If you are planning to film or take photos of the eclipse, Global Communications would like to hear from you in advance of the big event so they can feature your footage in their eclipse live stream. Connect to their website for more information on how to submit your work.
The 2017 – 2018 Albany Visitor Guide
The Albany Visitors Association 2017 “Albany Visitor Guide” is now available. Published each July, the colorful magazine is jam-packed with ideas for visitors or even those who want to discover what’s new in our city. The guide is free to both industry and the general public.
This year’s feature story focuses on the community spirit and vision that it took to create the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum. Other sections include Albany’s growing and vibrant cuisine scene, recreation (swimming, hiking, biking, fishing), entertainment, shopping, and the history and heritage of Albany and Linn County.
View the Digital Flip Book
Pick Up Your Free Hard Copy
Stop by the Albany Visitors Center at 110 3rd Ave SE for your free copy or telephone AVA at 541-928-0911to order multiple copies for businesses or tourism organizations. AVA is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
