Six ways to celebrate your sweetie in Albany for Valentine’s Day 2015

Looking for something fun to do on Valentine’s Day 2015? We’ve got you covered. Look over our list of special celebrations in Albany, and you’ll find something that makes your heart go pitter-pat.

Idea #1: Get your heart racing

• Sweet Home Sweetheart Run: Do something good for your heart on Valentine’s Day –join the first annual Sweet Home Sweetheart Run. This fun run raises money for Sweet Home’s Parks & Recreation programs, and it starts and ends at the beautiful Weddle Covered Bridge in Sankey Park. More info: http://evrd.us/LBS+i

Idea #2: A romantic dinner. You just can’t go wrong with this classic date idea–especially with mouth-watering meals like the ones happening in Albany this February 14, 2015:

• Bo-Mack’s BBQ: This family-friendly barbecue favorite is offering their annual “Lover’s Delight” special on Valentine’s Day. The full meal includes delicious barbecue, beverages, salad, and Momma’s don’t-miss dessert. $40-50 for two. Offered Feb. 13-14.
• Calapooia Brewery: Live music and a special Valentine’s menu — plus the ‘Pooia’s always-delicious craft beer — make this a can’t miss Valentine’s date spot.
• The Flinn Steakhouse: Even more live music and great food in Albany! Award-winning blues musician Lloyd Jones is playing a special Valentine’s Day show at the Flinn Steakhouse. In addition to the regular menu, Flinn’s will offer duck confit, rack of lamb and other delicious specials. Dinner from 5-9 p.m., late-night menu from 9-11 p.m. Jones performs live from 8-11 p.m. Reservations recommended.
• Frankie’s: The farm-to-table cookery at Frankie’s is always exquisite, and Valentine’s Day should be no exception. Chef Cody Utzman is planning a special four-course Valentine’s Day menu at Frankie’s for $70 per couple.
• Mallard Creek Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Special: This beautiful golf resort in the countryside east of Albany is offering a Sweetheart Special–two entrees, two glasses of wine and a dessert to share, for $69 per couple. The entrees include slow-roasted tri-tip, braised short ribs, salmon, and more.
• Marks Ridge Valentine Dinner at the Winery: Enjoy a delicious Valentine’s meal in the winery at Mark’s Ridge. Each course is paired with wines to complement the meal, topped off with dessert and coffee. Buffet dinner at 4pm, featuring Chef Debbie Groves & the Wines of Marks Ridge winery.Limited seating, Pre-paid reservations required.
• Novak’s: The five-course Sweetheart Special at Novak’s Hungarian is available all weekend, from Friday Feb. 13-Sunday Feb. 15, and it includes traditional Hungarian delicacies you won’t find anywhere else. Paired with Malna (a non-alcoholic Hungarian drink made with organic raspberry syrup), it’s $59.99 per couple; paired with wine it’s $69.99 Reservations strongly encouraged.
• Sweet Red: This downtown wine bistro is offering an extravagant 7-course Valentine menu that starts off with flaming (that’s right, flaming!) dates, and just gets better from there. Seatings at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. Price is $50 per person.
• Vault 244: Have you eaten at Vault 244 lately? Chef Kyle Kish (formerly of The Painted Lady in Newberg) does some amazing things in the kitchen. On Valentine’s Day, Vault 244 is offering a five-course Valentine’s dinner for $60. Reservation only. Good news if you’re meat-free–there’s a vegetarian option too.

Idea #3: Dance the night away

• Sweetheart Dance Lessons: Do something different this year and take your sweetie out dancing. Heritage Mall and CJ’s Dance are offering dance lessons at Heritage Mall from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Swing, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Country and more.

Idea #4: A toast to love. Valentine’s weekend also happens to be a state-wide celebration of craft beer known as Zwickelmania, and breweries around the state are offering special events and tastings. We’ll drink to that!

• Deluxe Brewing: Deluxe Brewing in downtown Albany will be offering tours every hour, the chance to meet the brewers, and tastes of their delicious lagers.
• Mazama Brewing: Mazama Brewing, just off of Highway 34 in the western part of Linn County, is hosting brewery tours, tastes, and a special Valentine’s beer & chocolate flight in the tasting room.

Idea #5: Go see a show. Celebrate with a night at the theater–Albany has both live theater performances and cinema treasures to explore on Valentine’s Day.

• The Pix: Enjoy a great movie with a glass of local wine or beer and house-made snacks at the Pix. Each winter this independent theater celebrates the best movies of the year with the Pix Oscar Blitz. On Valentine’s weekend, Oscar-nominated historical drama “The Imitation Game” starring Benedict Cumberbatch opens.
• Regal Albany 7 Cinemas: If you want to sit back with a bucket of popcorn and see a just-released blockbuster, this 7-screen movie theater in the center of Albany is your best bet.
• For the family: Take the whole family on a special outing to see Linn-Benton Community Theater’s children’s performance. The 40th annual children’s show is “Follow Coyote,” a coming-of-age story set in 1842 on the Oregon Trail. 2 p.m.
• Albany Civic Theater: The Laramie Project. See an award-winning play together when you go see “The Laramie Project” at the Albany Civic Theater this Valentine’s Day. (Play contains mature themes; not appropriate for children).

Idea #6: Celebrate a day late:

• For procrastinators: The Feb. 14th Valentine’s Dinner at Sybaris Bistro is sold out, but you can still treat your sweetie to a meal by James Beard honoree Matt Bennett on Valentine’s weekend. Sybaris is offering their Valentine’s Menu again at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15. Four courses; $45 per person; $65 with wine pairings.

If you’ve got more great Valentine’s Day ideas to add to this list, we want to hear ’em! Leave a comment, send us an e-mail, or give us a call: 541-928-0911.

“Magical moment in wildlife” featured on KGW

Linn County is making headlines as a wildlife destination. The popular Grant’s Getaways segment on KGW News recently featured the area as the best place in the state to see bald eagles.

Hundreds of the majestic birds gather in treetops near Tangent, Oregon (just seven miles south of Albany) every day. Grant McOmie, host of the travel segment, says that such a gathering of the national symbol is called not a flock, but a “convocation.”

“One of the most amazing Oregon wildlife moments is found atop four story tall cottonwood trees near Tangent where an eagle ‘convocation’ draws up to 100 eagles in the Linn County tree tops each evening,” Grant says in the story on the KGW website.

Click here to watch the video:

For more information bird-watching in Linn County, check out the Wildlife Viewing page on AlbanyVisitors.com.

Ringing in the New Year in Albany

Looking for fun things to do in Albany this New Year’s Eve? Here’s our guide to mid-valley New Year’s Eve events:

The Flinn Steakhouse dinner and bluegrass concert: Live bluegrass music plus dinner and drink specials all night make this downtown steakhouse a great choice for New Year’s Eve. The Grange Hall Drifters, winners of the 2014 KRKT Country Showdown, will perform live (no cover). Open for dinner from 5 p.m. on; opening band Linden Wood starts at 8 p.m., followed by the Grange Hall Drifters.

Frankie’s Restaurant New Year’s Eve dinner: This farm-to-table restaurant in North Albany is planning a four-course New Year’s Eve dinner including fresh, whole Maine lobster and a flute of French champagne. $55 per person; seatings at 4, 6, and 8:30 p.m. Reservations: 541-248-3671.

The Growler Garage Old West Party: The Growler Garage and Taphouse will take you back to the Old West on New Year’s Eve at a party featuring saloon girls and six-shooters, a live band, and food and drink specials. $5 entry; party starts at 9 p.m.

Hoof N Holler Bull Riding and Cowboy Party: The Hoof N Holler at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center has been a New Year’s Eve tradition in the mid-valley for 21 years. With bull riding followed by a dance and cowboy party, it’s a New Year’s extravaganza complete with pyrotechnics and a balloon drop of cash- and prize-filled balloons. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., bull riding starts at 7:30 p.m. www.hoofnholler.com for tickets.

New Year’s Eve Cocktail Celebration: The Albany Optimist Club hosts this fundraising celebration at the Wheelhouse Event Center. All proceeds go to local youth organizations. The party features cocktails from two separate bars onsite, appetizers and dessert bar, plus live music by Mach Six (’70s and ’80s rock hits). 21 and over. Contact 541-905-4713 or 541-619-9593 for tickets.

Novak’s New Year’s Eve Buffet Extravaganza: Taste the flavors of a traditional Hungarian feast at the Novak’s Hungarian New Year’s buffet. 4-8 p.m. $8.95 for kids buffet, $18.95 adults, $21.95 to include sparkling wine. 4-8 p.m. 541-967-9488

Sweet Red Wine Bistro Masquerade Dinner Party: Enjoy a 7-course dinner at this downtown bistro, accompanied by a live jazz trio. Seatings from 5-7 p.m. or 7:30-9:30 p.m. $55 per person (drinks and gratuity not included). Reservations: 541-704-0510.

Sweet Red after-party: If you can’t make the dinner but still want to celebrate, Sweet Red is also hosting an after-party from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. with a cheese and chocolate bar and a midnight champagne toast. $20 per person; half price for masked party guests.

Sybaris Bistro New Year’s Eve Dinner: The annual Sybaris New Year’s Eve meal is a memorable affair. This year’s eight-course meal is no exception; click to view the extravagant menu. $75 per person (does not include beverage or gratuity). 7 p.m. 541-928-8157 for reservations.

Vault 244 Bistro and Lounge New Year’s Eve Dinner: This cocktail bar and bistro is planning a four-course meal on New Year’s Eve, including your choice of sparkling Spanish cava or French sparkling cider to toast the New Year. $55 per person. 541-791-9511 for reservations.

Do you know of a fab New Year’s Eve event we should add to our list? Comment and let us know!

Night-Time Magic: where to see Albany’s best holiday lights

Downtown First Avenue at Christmastime by Dan Bateman

Grab a cup of cocoa and make some memories on a festive drive this week–based on the nominations from this year’s Night Time Magic holiday light contest, we’ve put together a list of the best holiday lights in Albany! (Plus the folks from last previous years who are still going over the top on decking the halls).

Click here to be directed to our map of the best light displays around Albany!

If you know of more spots that should be included on a best holiday lights list, e-mail or leave us a comment and let us know!

2014 Winners

• Best Dressed Historic Home – Sharing the Magic of Christmas Inside and Out: 627 Broadalbin SW, Albany OR 97321. (northeast corner of Broadalbin and 7th).

This home is dressed to the nines! Those who attended the 35th Annual Christmas Parlour Tour, which featured this home, can attest that these homeowners provide lovely decor both inside and out.

• Even Robots Love Christmas: 4160 Evergreen St. SE, Albany OR 97322.

This display is complete with Santa, Mickey, a puppy, and our new favorite: a crazy Christmas robot. Be sure to drive by for a giggle and a smile.

• Christmas Creations Brighten the Night: 2110 Geary Street SE, Albany OR 97322.

This home is known year-round for the Pink Elephant out front, but we’re equally delighted with the Christmas cut-outs and the way every inch is lit up to create a bright and happy display.

• “A” for Effort, Pulling Out All the Stops: 2670 Kingston Way NW, Albany OR 97321 (corner of San Pedro Way NW and Kingston Way NW).

A beacon of lights flashing will guide your way to this most festive of all holiday light displays. Tune your radio to the custom radio station displayed on the sign in the front yard, and watch a light show that’s timed to the music and special effects you hear.

• Best Neighborly Effort: Washington Street Houses on the 600 block — 632, 633 and 624 Washington St. SW.

We have it on good authority that these folks pooled their resources to help newer neighbors really shine bright during the holidays. There is truly magic in the making of a community.

• Best Commercial Effort: Downtown First Avenue SW Sidewalk Trees and Snowflakes.

First Avenue has really taken on a new life with the magic of light. Volunteer efforts steered by the Albany Downtown Association Design Committee have led the way to brightening up Albany’s downtown during the holidays.

Want even more festive spots to admire? Here’s a list of previous year’s winners to admire:

2013:

• 514 NE 13th Ave.
• Santa on the Rooftop (downtown display best viewed from the Ellsworth Bridge and/or Water Avenue)
• 800 block of 5th Avenue SW
• 630 Seventh Ave SW

2012:

• 1001 Washington St. SW
• 1830 12th Avenue SW
• 3407 Pacific Blvd SW (Burcham’s Metals)
• 6127 Piedmont Place SW (this entire street goes all out!)
• 4295 Clay Place SE

2011:

• 730 Washington St. SW
• 425 6th Ave SW
• 2893 Mountain View Dr. SE
• 1340 NE Mayview Drive

Where are your favorite Albany holiday light spots? Comment and let us know!

Albany Holiday Favorites: Week 3

Only 10 days left until Christmas–in the middle of all your shopping, wrapping and baking, take time for some holiday fun, too.

Here are our top picks for holiday memory-making this week:

Monday, Dec. 15

Christmas Storybook Land continues through Friday, Dec. 19. This is the last week of Albany’s beloved display of holiday and storybook scenes–make sure you get over to the Linn County Fair and Expo center by Friday night so you don’t miss out on this mid-valley holiday tradition. Santa will be there in his workshop to greet children as you exit. Admission is free, but bring non-perishable food items to donate if you can. Hours are 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Storytime with Santa, 10 a.m. Take your little ones to Heritage Mall to hear a story from the jolly old elf himself. Photos with Santa are available for purchase afterward.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Go look at Christmas lights. 6-10 p.m. Spend some time admiring the holiday spirit of mid-valley residents when you take the Albany Visitors Association “Night Time Magic” holiday light tour. Map and driving directions will be posted soon!

Thursday, Dec. 18

Albany Senior Center Holiday Banquet, 12:30 p.m. All are welcome in this gathering at the Albany Senior Center, 489 Water Ave., for a festive holiday banquet, including a traditional meal, a visit from Santa Claus, a photo booth and hors de oeuvres. Sponsored by Brookdale Senior Living. Tickets $9; call 541-917-7777 for tickets and info.

“Trials, Tribulations and Christmas Decorations” live theater performance, 7:30 p.m. at Albany Civic Theater. It’s the final weekend for this funny, holiday-themed holiday show. $12 general admission, $9 seniors/students. 541-967-8140 for tickets. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20.

Friday, Dec. 19

Live Reindeer at Heritage Mall, 3-7 p.m. Two of Santa’s favorites from his reindeer team will be visiting Heritage Mall before they get ready for their big flight next week! Visit the mall and see the reindeer up close.

Horse-Drawn Christmas Caroling Wagon, 5 p.m. Enjoy a night of touring the Monteith Historic District in a horse-drawn wagon while singing carols. Hot Cider, cocoa, and cookies will be available for the riders.The ride is approximately 45 minutes long and has no stops. Ridges begin and end at  at Albany Tie Dye, 325 1st Ave NW, Albany. Photo opportunities with the horses are available before and after the rides. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for kids ages 4-11, and lap riders 4 and younger are free. Call 541-908-5778 for reservations. The Horse-Drawn Caroling Wagon continues Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Holiday Nosh Tour, 4-7 p.m. Taste your way through Albany as you ride a vintage trolley through Albany’s Monteith and Downtown Historic Districts, stopping at restaurants and historic homes for samples of food and drink from Albany’s finest chefs and artisans. This tour is currently full, but call 541-928-0911 to be added to a waiting list for any spots that may open up.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Whitespires Church Christmas Eve Sing-a-long. Gather at Albany’s lovely historic Whitespires Church for a carol sing-a-long on Christmas Eve. Call 541-928-2469 for more details.

Know of a holiday event this week that we left off the list? Give us a call (541-928-0911) or comment on this post to let us know.

And, stay tuned for next week on the blog, as we look ahead to New Year’s Eve happenings around the mid-valley!

Albany Holiday Favorites: Week 2

Holiday spirit abounds in Albany during the second week of December!

If you want to take your kids to see Santa, you are in luck–Old St. Nick is all over the mid-valley this week. Kids can ride with him on a train, chat with him over not one but two breakfasts, or visit him at his workshop. If you’re looking for holiday events to make you feel merry and bright and that aren’t focused on the 12-and-under crowd, we can help you there, too–an elegant historic home tour, live theater, and holiday wine tasting are all coming up this weekend.

Here are a few of our top picks for what to do in Albany, Oregon, Dec. 10-14, 2014:

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014

Christmas Storybook Land continues. Yes, we mentioned this last week, but it’s worth mentioning again! If you’ve never been, make sure to take your kids this holiday season. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland featuring dozens of storybook scenes, all created by Albany volunteers. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end. Admission is free; bring two cans of food if you’re able. This Albany, Oregon holiday tradition is open every day Dec. 5-19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on weeknights and 10-8:30 p.m. on weekends.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014

Heritage Mall cookie decorating. 2:30-4 p.m. Heritage Mall is full of holiday fun this month. Bring the kids to the mall for a free cookie decorating party. Stop by and visit Santa afterward; he’s there every day! (Other fun stuff at the mall includes live music nearly every day Dec. 12-21—check out HeritageMall.com for the schedule of performances).

Nutcracker Opening Night. 7 p.m. Linn-Benton Community College Russell Tripp Performance Center. Bring your kids and watch them stare in wonder at the fierce Mouse King, the magical Sugar Plum Fairy, and the other classic characters in Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, presented by Legacy Ballet. Tickets available at Linn-Benton Community College. $1 for every ticket sold is donated to FISH of Albany.Shows continue through the weekend at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Saturday Dec. 13, and a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday Dec. 13.

Friday, Dec. 12, 2014

“Trials, Tribulations and Christmas Decorations,” 7:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 12, Albany Civic Theater. Enjoy live theater in historic downtown Albany with this warm-hearted holiday-themed production that tells the tale of a grumpy widower whose family is determined to turn him from Grinch to Christmas-lover.  $12 general admission, $9 seniors/students. 541-967-8140 for tickets. Shows continue at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 13, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday Dec. 14.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014

Heritage Mall Kids Club Breakfast with Santa, 9:30 a.m., Heritage Mall. Free kids’ pancake breakfast with Santa at the food court of Heritage Mall, with tasty hot food from Applebee’s. Must be a Heritage Mall Kids’ Club member (registration is free and available online at www.heritagemall.com). Call 541-967-8230 by 5 p.m. Dec. 10 to reserve your seat.

Downtown Breakfast with Santa, 10 a.m., Sybaris. Enjoy a breakfast with the jolly old elf himself. Santa will mingle table to table while families enjoy a meal prepared by James Beard-honored chef Matt Bennett. Afterward, each child will be invited up to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they would like for Christmas. Tickets $25. Call the Albany Downtown Association at 541-928-2649 for reservations.
Candy Cane Express, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Take a ride on a real train with Santa. The Candy Cane express takes families on a 45-minute round-trip train ride with hot chocolate and candy canes. Train departs at returns at the Lebanon Train Depot. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Kids 3 and younger are free. Buy tickets online or call 541-259-6470. Train rides continue Sunday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014

Moulin Rouge holiday luncheon, 12:30 p.m. at Café Sirene. Enjoy a decadent French-bistro-style meal complete with live entertainment at Café Sirene. $25; 541-704-0889 for reservations.

Dickens Lunch at Sybaris Bistro, 12:30 p.m. Chef Matt Bennett re-creates the flavors of Christmas past with a holiday meal that the characters in the classic tale of “A Christmas Carol” would have felt right at home with. $27; alcohol and gratuity not included. 541-328-8157 for reservations.

Christmas Parlour Tour, 2-7 p.m. Revel in the sights and sounds of a Victorian Christmas as you tour inside Albany’s elegant historic homes and building, all decked out in their holiday splendor. You can tour in your own vehicle, or ride in a horse-drawn wagon or vintage trolley; rides, entertainment and light refreshments are included in the ticket price. Tickets $15, $12 for seniors and groups of 10 or more. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets and tour maps are available the day of the tour at the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave. SE, Albany. 541-928-0911 for info.

Marks Ridge Winery Christmas Carol Sing-a-long, 4 p.m.  Bring a friend and gather by the fire at Marks Ride Winery for wine, appetizers, and holiday cheer at the winery’s Christmas Carol Sing-a-long.

Pet Photos with Santa, 6 p.m. Heritage Mall. Bring your favorite furry friend to commemorate the holidays in a photo with Santa.
If you’re not exhausted just thinking about this much Christmas cheer, you can explore even more Albany, Oregon holiday events on our full event calendar.Know of something amazing going on in the mid-valley that didn’t make it into this blog post? Drop us a line and let us know.

Stay tuned for next week, when we keep the spirit alive with Albany Holiday Favorites, Week Three!

Albany’s Night Time Magic holiday light contest!

Once again, the Albany Visitors Association is helping to make the holiday season bright by sponsoring the 27th 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 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: _____________________.
• Decorations can be any style and lights can be white, clear or colored.

RULES:
1. Entries must be within the City limits of Albany.
2. Homeowners are encouraged to use lights to illuminate their decorations.
3. Lights need to be on from 5p.m. to 10p.m. December 1 – January 1st
4. Entries for neighborly efforts must have three or more partners in a concentrated area.
5. Entry/Nomination Deadline: 5:00 pm on December 6, 2014.

Click here for an entry form: Night Time Magic Holiday Light Contest Entry 2014

You can e-mail your completed form to info@albanyvisitors.com.

Or, you can drop by our office: 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 participating locations can pick up a list of participants and a map at the Albany Visitors Association beginning December 15.  Lights will be on through January 1, 2015.

A special thanks to Burcham’s Metals for helping to make the season bright. Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program, without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.

Absolutely Autumn: Top 13 things to do in Albany this fall

Photo: Fall Along Highway 20 by Nancy Hunt

Pull out your sweaters and start putting pumpkin into everything you bake–fall is here! In honor of the season, we’ve compiled the top 13 things to do in Albany this autumn. (We tried to keep it to ten, but we just couldn’t contain our enthusiasm.)

Your task: read the list, go do something on the list, and then leave us a comment telling us what else should be on the list!

1. Visit a pumpkin patch. This is an easy one. We grow everything in the Willamette Valley, and pumpkins are no exception. And a trip to the farm includes more than just pumpkins! Go for a hay ride, get lost in a maze, and generally have all kinds of fun on the farm.

Bose Farmily Farm. 35765 Cyrus Rd. NE, Albany. Fall harvest festival 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Open till 10 p.m. Fridays. Closed Mondays.

Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch. 36483 Hwy 226, Albany.  Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Know of others? Leave your suggestions in the comments!

2. Find a one-of-a-kind costume. Don’t be content with the same packaged-in-plastic costume all your friends will have. Find something unique in the racks and racks of vintage clothing available at the Albany Antique Mall, 145 SW 2nd. Ave, or browse from the selection of more than 7,000 costumes at The Costume Loft, 135 SE 2nd Ave.

3. Pick apples and taste cider. ‘Tis the season for crisp, juicy apples! Visit Adair’s Orchards, 36452 Hwy 226, Albany, and pick your own right off the tree. For fresh cider, head to Brocard’s Antique Apple Orchard, 28095 Highway 20 (25 miles east of Albany) on Saturday, Oct. 18. You can taste over 200 types of apples, watch cider-pressing on an antique press, and taste fresh cider.

Where do you go for apples and cider? Tell us about your favorites in the comments.

4. Run for your life. Get in the mood for Halloween with a Zombie Run! Run (or walk, if you dare) while zombies help you set a personal record for speed.

5k Zombie Chase, Lebanon, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Come dressed as either a human or a zombie and participate in the spooky fun.

Zombie Walk and Roll, Lebanon. 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Wear your best zombie outfit and watch an outdoor zombie movie.

5. Enjoy Oktoberfest. There’s no better way to celebrate this European harvest tradition than at Albany’s very own authentic European restaurant, Novak’s Hungarian. Novak’s Oktoberfest features traditional foods like house-made sausage, sauerkraut, and more. Their Oktoberfest runs all month, with special dinners on Friday and Saturday nights, and discounts on German beer and wine.

6. Ride the Trolley of Terror. This beloved Albany tradition features a spooky (but family-friendly) tour through town. Ride Albany’s vintage trolley (decked out in its Halloween finest) and enjoy scary tales from world-class storytellers along the Trolley of Terror route. Oct. 24-25; Call 541-928-0911 to reserve a spot.

7. Go on a leaf adventure. It’s hard to find a prettier sight than Oregon in the fall. Go for a walk or a scenic drive and admire Albany’s fall foliage. Post your photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag with #SeeAlbany and we’ll re-share them! If you tag #ORFallFoliage, the Oregon Fall Foliage Blog may feature your photos.

8. Nosh your way through town. It’s guaranteed to be a deliciously spooky evening when you sign up for the Halloween Nosh Tour, 4-7 p.m. October 25. Enjoy an evening of food and drink from Albany’s best chefs.

9. Visit a haunted house. If you enjoy being frightened, we’ve got some ideas for you!

Calapooia Middle School haunted house, 820 24th Ave SE., Albany. 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31.

American Legion Haunted House, 339 N. Main St., Brownsville. 4-10 p.m. Oct. 30 & noon-10 p.m. Oct. 31.

Morningstar Grange Haunted House, 38794 Morningstar Rd. NE, Millersburg. Oct. 17, 18, 24, 15 & 31, 7-11 p.m.; Oct. 19, 26 & 30, 7-10 p.m. Info 541-905-4113.

Frightmare Haunted House, Mid-Willamette Family YMCA, 3311 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany. Tours start every 15 minutes beginning at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25. Recommended for ages 10 and older.

10. Go Trick-or-Treating with your friends. Many local merchants open up their doors to costumed kiddos at special trick-or-treat events.

Downtown Albany. Saturday, Oct. 25. Costume contest at 10 a.m., trick-or-treating at downtown merchants begins at 11 a.m. Look for the pumpkin signs to mark participating businesses.

North Albany Village, Friday, Oct. 31. 4-6 p.m. Businesses at the shopping center at North Albany Road and Hickory Street NW will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Heritage Mall. Friday, Oct. 31, 5-6:30 p.m. Indoor trick-or-treating at all your favorite shops in the mall.

Timberview Care Center, 1023 Sixth Ave. SW, 1-3 p.m. Saturday Oct. 25. Indoor trick-or-treating for kids of all ages with the residents of Timberview.

Downtown Brownsville. 1-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Stop at locations with the big orange pumpkin sign for trick-or-treating fun.

11. Go to a (kids) Halloween party. Want to show off your costume and have some fun? Here are a couple of ideas.

VFW Halloween Party, 1469 Timber St. SE, Albany. 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Facepainting, crafts, hot dogs, games and more. Free. 541-926-9712 for info.

Downtown Albany. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 317 First Ave. W., Albany. Enjoy a magic show and costume contest for kids from 0-12.

12. Go to a (grown-up) Halloween party. Want to show off your costume and have some fun…without the kids around? Here are a couple more ideas!

Deluxe Boo-ery Tour and Costume Contest 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Live music, new beers on tap, costume contest and tours of the Sinister-Deluxe Brewstillery.

Boo! Boogie Bash Rough Stock Rodeo Saturday, Oct. 25, Linn County Fair & Expo. Enjoy a Halloween-themed rodeo! Doors open at 6:30, Rodeo starts at 7:30.

13.. Enjoy fall food & drink. Halloween is over and done with on Oct. 31, but the season for delicious fall foods and drinks keeps right on going!

Albany Farmers Market. Every Saturday at 4th and Ellsworth, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through November 22. Delicious squash of all varieties, freshly-harvested apples and pears, local meat and cheese and honey–it’s your place for seasonal goodness!

Coffee and pastries. Fall goes hand in hand with hot pumpkin drinks and tasty pastries. Check out Red Daisy Coffee, Sidekicks, Sweet Red, Loafers, and The Beanery for delicious fall treats. (And yes, Albany does have three Starbucks locations if you really need that name-brand latte!)

Oregon Wine. Every year after the mad rush of harvest in early autumn, Oregon wineries throw open their doors on Thanksgiving weekend in November for one last big party before the winter. It’s Oregon Wine Country Thanksgiving–check out the Heart of Willamette Wineries website to find special events near Albany.

Now it’s your turn! Comment and let us know: what’s on your list of must-do events in Albany each fall?

Nosh Tour Update

Update on the Oct. 25, 2014 Nosh Tour:

Only a few tickets remain for the Halloween Nosh Tour, and online reservations are now closed. You can still reserve a spot by calling 541-928-0911!

New at the October Nosh Tour:

We're on Instagram, and we want you to join us! Did you know that in addition to our Albany Visitors Association Facebook page, you can also find us on Twitter and Instagram?

If you're going on the October Nosh Tour, we want your help in showing the world what a delicious place Albany is! When you post a photo of one of the mouthwatering treats you're enjoying on the October Nosh Tour, tag it #NoshTour and #SeeAlbany. We may re-share the best #NoshTour photos on our social media channels, AND you'll automatically be entered into a drawing for admission to a future Nosh Tour. It's the gift that just keeps on getting more delicious!

Order your October Nosh Tour tickets now, and find us online if you haven't already!

Facebook: Facebook.com/AlbanyVisitorsAssociation

Twitter: @visitalbany

Instagram: @visitalbany