The 9th Annual Mid Valley Brewfest

brewfest_vert_fullCome check out the 9th Annual Mid Valley Brewfest in downtown Albany. This event keeps getting bigger every year. Over 50+ beers on tap plus wine, cider, and spirits. Games on multiple screens, food carts, and entertainment.

Dates
Friday, October 20, 2017 – 5 to 9pm
Saturday, October 21, 2017 – TBD

Location
Downtown Albany on NW Water Ave between Broadalbin and Ferry Streets under the big tents. Entrance into the event is on the corner of Water and Broadablin.

Admission
$20 – 2 day pass
$12 – 1 day pass
All proceeds go to a local non-profit.

For more information, connect with the Albany Brewfest Facebook page.

Places to take your Valentine

Romantic-Valentines-Dinner-014_thumb1It’s almost that time of year when Cupid visits our fair city. If you procrastinated on what to get your sweetie-pie, perhaps a romantic meal will do the trick. For those desperate to wow someone this Valentines Day, here’s a short list of places to enjoy a fab dinner for two.

BBQ: Does your better half enjoy tickling a rib with you? Do they prefer a quiet night at home with some down-home BBQ? You’ll find it easy to pick up meals to go from BoMack’s BBQ Express in Downtown Albany, complete with traditional sides such as mac ‘n’ cheese, green beans, corn bread, tater salad, and extra sauce. BoMack’s is located at 315 Lyons St. Telephone (541) 791-7058 to ask about their specials.

Wine and Dine: If your significant other loves kitties on the Internet (who doesn’t?) then Cellar Cat in Downtown Albany just might be the cat’s meow. Featuring a bistro atmosphere with “cattitude”—Cellar Cat boasts a unique wine list, seasonal entrees, appetizers, and house-made desserts. They might even light a candle for your big date. Located at 211 1st Avenue, telephone 541-704-0304.

Hungarian: Just tell your handsome hunk that “Momma” is holding a table for you! Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant is located in a historic building in Downtown Albany at 208 2nd Avenue, and the menu is guaranteed to knock your guy’s socks off. Don’t wait until the last minute though, telephone 541-967-9488 for reservations or to inquire about V-Day specials.

Flaming dates dessert and more wine: Granted, you’ll most likely want a little something more solid than dessert, and Sweet Red Bistro and you and your date will appreciate their delectable morsels prepared with love. Located at 208 1st Avenue in Downtown Albany, Sweet Red is cosy and romantically lit. Telephone 541-704-0510 to check on V-Day specialities.

Cocktails and small plates: If you really want to impress that special someone, the Vault 244 Bistro & Lounge in Downtown Albany will tell them you care. From its lush and cozy lounge with a fireplace and classy cocktail bar, your date will be mesmerized. A creative menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, tapas or full dinners, is sure to please event the most discerning palette. It could be the perfect spot to slip a ring box in front of her. Telephone 541-791-9511 for more info. The Vault is located in Historic Downtown Albany at 244 1st Avenue West.

What to do in Oregon in 2017

17_OECGet ready for an Oregon year to be remembered! Many travelers will visit Oregon for the very first time—particularly in late August when a Total Solar Eclipse will occur on the 21st. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is prime TSE viewing territory, and many locales along the eclipse route will feature special viewing activities, food, celebration, and drink, including Albany.

The new 2017 Oregon Events Calendar, published by Pamplin Media Group, can help you plan your vacation—whether you hail from New York or Newberg. The Albany Visitors Association will have a supply of the publication at their office soon, but until we do, check out the digital edition.

In addition to the eclipse, Oregon is home to numerous annual music festivals, cycling and paddling relays, brew smackdowns, winery and culinary tours, and other venues to taste and experience our state in an entirely new way throughout the year. So come on, join us this year in Albany, Oregon.

*For print copies, please contact AVA at 541-9288-0911. Copies can be mailed, or you can stop by the office at 3rd and Lyon Streets in Downtown Albany, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Newsletter subscription contest

subscribe_buttone_webSpam? No Ma’am! Our Albany Visitors Association e-newsletter is full of great ideas for visitors, new residents, and terrific events and places for family outings. We’ve got you covered, no matter the season. And, we’ll never sell your email address to anyone.

Special November Subscription contest

For e-news subscribers who sign up during the month of November, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free Holiday Nosh Tour ticket (Value $45.00) Wind your way through an Albany evening on a delicious tour of culinary delights aboard the Trolley. The Nosh Tour is scheduled for Saturday, December 17th, and we’re holding a ticket for one lucky new subscriber.

Don’t lose out on all the news fit to print. Subscribe now!

Halloween Nosh Tour Canceled

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Notice: Due to conflicting events and levels of interest in the Halloween Nosh Tour, we have canceled this month’s event. If you have tickets that you paid for online, please telephone our office for a refund, or we may be able to apply the funds towards the December 17th Holiday Nosh Tour. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please stay tuned for more about the December tour.

Albany is becoming well-known for its farm-to-table eateries, delicious delis, distinctive breweries, wineries and distilleries. With Halloween fast approaching, fun-loving foodies will not want to miss Albany Visitors Association’s October “Nosh Tour.”

Slated for Saturday, October 29, 2016, the tour begins at 4:00 p.m. and guests will be treated to a surprise smorgasbord of culinary samples by local restauranteurs and vintners. It’s bound to be a deliciously good time.

The AVA Nosh Tour is a special event—participants will check in at the Albany Visitors Association and climb aboard the city’s historic trolley. They’ll meet local chefs, get the behind-the-scenes low-down on how meals are prepared, and taste incredible sample plates along the way.

Limited to 28 participants, coveted Nosh Tour tickets are available by pre-registration only, and you must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Tickets are $45 each, or $40 for two or more. This includes transportation on the trolley and all food, drink, and of course, Halloween fun!

To pre-register and reserve your space, telephone the AVA at 541-928-0911. Tickets may also be purchased online by credit or debit card on the AVA culinary tours web page at https://albanyvisitors.com/visitors/dining/culinary-tours-and-events/#Albany%20Nosh%20Tours

The Seven Wondrous Trails – Chapter 3

Culinary delights

By AVA Executive Director Jimmie Lucht

*This trail is designed primarily for those 21 and older; however, if a (c) appears after the attraction, it is suitable for children.

Albany is located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, but it is also known for the agricultural products that are grown here—and has been historically called “Oregon’s Bread Basket.” This self-guided tour offers tastings of wine, beer, cider, root beer, distilled beverages, handcrafted chocolate, and berries. In addition to the places mentioned below, when you explore the backroads of Albany, make sure to stop at our bountiful roadside stands bursting with farm fresh produce.

albany_oregon_west_shore_magazine_1887Your trail begins in historic Albany. To fully understand the ‘backbone’ of the region, a visit to the Albany Regional Museum (c), at 136 Lyon Street S, 541-967-7122 is a must. Next stop, Monteith House (c), at 518 Second Ave SW, 541-974-7603. You’ll see culinary arts in action—1800s-style during Monteith’s open season, mid-June through September each year.

For an ice cold glass of root beer or a bite of a “Class V Burger” and famous chili beer, Calapooia Brewing Company will accommodate. Located at 140 Hill Street NE, telephone 541-928-1931.

springhill-winery-albany-oregonAfter your burger, take a small backroads trip to Springhill Cellars, at 2920 NW Scenic View Drive. The tasting room is open May through November (with appointment scheduled tastings December through April). Springhill is a small family-owned winery producing award winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Mark your calendars for the annual Federweisser Festival in November. The event 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 nearly normal German flavor, and at night, a floor-stomping barn dance with a live rock-n-roll band helps work off the extra calories.

Heading west on the trail, your next stop is 4 Spirits Distillery, at 6040 NE Marcus Harris Ave, in Adair Village, 541-760-0696. This small craft distillery specializes in award-winning small batch vodka, American whisky, bourbon whisky, rum and single malt whiskey.

Going south on Highway 99W towards Corvallis, turn east onto Granger Avenue and discover Vivacity Spirits, 720 NE Granger Ave, 541-286-4285. Meet the founders Caitlin Prueitt and Chris Neumann, and taste their signature Turkish Coffee Liqueur—no dessert should be without it!

mead_slide_03_nectarcreekReturning to Highway 99 heading south, turn east onto Highway 34 (NW Van Buren Ave), and stop at Nectar Creek Mead, 33848 SE Eastgate Circle, 541-760-1343, in Corvallis. Their specialty is craft mead created from local Willamette Valley honey. Nectar Creek was started when two brothers pursued their dream to sustain traditions-old mead recipes and their desire to preserve honeybees and the agricultural heritage of the Valley. In the same complex as Nectar Creek, Mazama Brewing awaits. Located at 33930 SE Eastgate Circle, Suite A, Mazama is a family owned and operated production microbrewery. Jeff and Kathy Tobin started home brewing in 1984 and recognized they had found a passion in their new hobby. In 2011 they traveled to Belgium, which provided the inspiration to start the brewery. Telephone 541-230-1810. Before you leave the complex, make sure to pop into 2 Towns Ciderhouse, 33930 SE Eastgate Circle, 541-357-8301. Three childhood friends who lived in two different towns, banded together with meager savings and a love of craft brewing and cider to launch their dream business. The philosophy is to advance the cider craft industry through a mix of both old and new cider techniques and experimentation.

eagle_at_ankeny_wildlife_refuge_by_sarah_buys_8272126745Whether you choose to head north, south, east or west, culinary treats are to be found in every direction. A visit to Ankeny Vineyard (c), at 2565 Riverside Drive South, in Salem, 503-378-1498, is filled with opportunities to taste fine wines, or side-trips to neighboring historic Cox Pioneer Cemetery (c) and the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge (c).

Few buildings in Oregon were more important to settlers than flour mills. In 1858 Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site (c), at 32655 Boston Mill Drive in Shedd, 541-491-3611, began processing local farmer’s summer grain harvest. Thompson’s Mills is a unique survivor of times past, chronicling 150 years of Oregon rural life and honoring the owners who adapted the mill to the changing world around it. It is the oldest water-powered mill in the state and its turbines can be seen in action on guided tours. A water-right that predates statehood produces the water flow that still runs the milling machines for demonstrations today.

marks-ridge-winery-deck_viewMarks Ridge Winery, at 29255 Berlin Road in Sweet Home, 541-367-3292, is the pride and joy of Jay and Janet Westly, who look forward to sharing their handcrafted wines with you in the dramatic setting of their winery. Their tasting room is said to have one of the best views at an Oregon winery.

Continue on Berlin Road to Springbank Farm (c), 32264 Berlin Road in Lebanon, 503-819-6209. Springbank is home to blueberries, wine, and even a farm camp. The camp’s amenities include horse riding, creek-play, straw castles, pigs, bunnies, goats, sheep, chickens, herding dog, and barn cats.

victorian-chocolateAnd finally… who doesn’t like chocolate? To finish your tour, head over to the Victorian Chocolate Company (c), at 959 Grove Street, in Lebanon, 541-401-3765. Let Kelly Reetz, chocolatier extraordinaire, tempt your taste buds with his delicious confections and in particular, his truffles.

There’s a little something for every person in your party along this culinary trail, as well as a few surprises. Stop at the historic sites, take a walk in a garden, visit a local museum, but most of all, enjoy the wonder-filled Willamette Valley and the graciousness of Albany.

5th Annual Craft Brew Smackdown

craft-beerAn afternoon and early evening craft brew tasting event for the hard cider and beer lovers. Sponsored by the Greater Albany Rotary Club, the Albany Historic Carousel, and the Albany Downtown Association, the event takes place on Friday, September 16, 2016.

Participants are invited to meet at the AVA (starting at 3:00 p.m.) to get their glass mugs, wristband, and board the trolley if so desired. The trolley will run the entire route throughout the Smackdown. The event will run until 8:00 p.m.

Breweries, distilleries, and cider houses will bring their products into downtown small businesses so that attendees can taste and visit with shop owners at the same time.

Tickets are $20 and the price includes a free tasting glass and 10 tasting tickets. Advance tickets go on sale two weeks prior to the event and can be purchased at the Albany Downtown Association, located at 126 Ferry St. SW or the Albany Visitors Association on the corner of 3rd and Lyon. Loafers Restaurant will also be selling tickets at their downtown venue, 222 Washington St SW. Proof that you are 21 will be required for all ticket purchases.

The Downtown Trolley will be traveling the Smackdown route and you can catch it for free. After the Smackdown, the trolley will run participants to two “after-parties” to be held at the Calapooia Brewing Company and Deluxe Brewing.

Approximately 24 craft breweries and distilleries will be pouring for the event. Ticket proceeds help fund the non-profit sponsor organizations running the event.

Exploring the Seven Wondrous Trails – 1

Finding magic in Albany, Oregon

*The following article is the first installment in a series of seven, that will focus on local restaurants, events and unique businesses in Albany. The “Seven Trails” posts are written by AVA Executive Director Jimmie Lucht.

MelissaBabcockSaylor_AWalkInThePark

Melissa Babcock Saylor

TRAIL #1 – Albany and The Arts

Starting out on our trail, you will be amazed, entertained, surprised and enlightened by beautiful pieces of art at the Gallery Calapooia, 222 1st Ave W., Suite 100, 541.971.5701. The gallery makes shopping for that perfect home accent or gift easy, as the works of 20 regional artists display their works in oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, jewelry, pen and ink drawings, layered vinyl images, fabrics, collage, felted art, photography, glass and ceramics.

Paint your own pottery or create a special ceramic piece, and the fine folks at Sure Fire Design will help glaze and fire it for you, 210 SW 2nd Ave, 542-1.928.7339.

When the pottery is wrapped and ready to go, the gentlemen (and ladies too!) can try their hand at fly-tying and get the scoop on the latest and greatest places to fish in Oregon. Mitch Smith, owner of Two Rivers Fly Shop is bound to fill your ears with big fish tales, 204 1st Ave W., 541.967.9800.

After tying a few flies, it’s time for a round of golf at the Albany Golf and Event Center, 155 Country Club Lane, 541.926.6059.

Next up? Take a leisurely afternoon stroll through the Talking Water Gardens, 577 Waverly Drive NE.  And if you crave even more rest and relaxation, what about a pampering spa treatment at the Level Three Salon and Spa, 317 1st Ave W, 541.905.4158.

On Friday evenings during the summer months at Albany’s Monteith River Park, enjoy the Movies At Monteith. The movies are free and concessions are available. Showtimes are at dusk, which varies, so please refer to the online schedule.

Since you’ve worked up an appetite, try one of Albany’s unique restaurants featuring award winning chefs. Visit Sybaris Bistro or Frankie’s Restaurant to enjoy a glass of local wine and an in- season, farm-to-table dining experience. Then back to your hotel so you will be rested and ready for another adventure in the morning—stay tuned for the next installment of the Seven Wondrous Trails.

Food and Farms this April in Albany

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Planting classes, farmer’s market, and a whole week of restaurant deals? It’s clear April is the foodiest month of the year in Albany. And if you’re not into food, don’t worry, we’ve got parades and acrobats too! Read on to find activities and events in and around Albany, Oregon this April.

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Albany Farmers Market Opens for the Season 

The 32-week farmers’ market season starts with fewer than 20 vendors with spring greens, radishes, rhubarb, honey, eggs meat cheese, baked goods, cut flowers, vegetable starts and other nursery plants

Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 4th & Ellsworth, City Hall parking lot, Albany, OR

Albany Restaurant Week

Come down to the 1st Annual Downtown Albany Restaurant Week. Don’t miss your chance to try out a new restaurant or get reacquainted with one you haven’t been to in a while. Ten outstanding locally owned restaurants are participating. Each one will have 3 $10.00 specials for you to try.

April 18th-24th, 2016, locations vary


Fun for kids and adults alike

Little Sprouts Create a Fresh Herb Planter at Garland Nursery

A great way to encourage a child to explore new foods is to have them take part in their growth. At this month’s Little Sprouts, we are creating yummy herb planters for each young gardener to take home, care for, and to spice-up family meals. Registration required call 541-753-6601. Cost is $7.00 per child.

Saturday April 9th, 2016

Procession of the Species Parade

Come and watch or participate in this annual parade, held in Historic Downtown Albany, at 4th and Broadalbin Streets, starting at the Courthouse steps. Calling all parade entrants! Celebrate Earth Day by signing up for the Procession of the Species Parade! Create a costume and come join the celebration.
Saturday April 23rd, 2016. Assemble 9:30 a.m. on the Court House Steps

Chinese Acrobats at Heritage Mall

Join us for a spectacular display of acrobatics from a group of traveling Chinese Acrobats! 541-967-8238 Ext. 202

Saturday April 23rd, 11:00 a.m. at Albany’s Heritage Mall 

History Bites Brown Bag Lunch Series

Learn the fly-fishing history of western Oregon and find out about local fishing opportunities and how they fish them. You’ll also receive information about the necessary equipment and local resources for fly-fishing instruction.

Light Refreshments. Free Admission.
12:00 on Wednesday April 13th, 2016 at the Albany Regional Museum

Don’t see what you’re looking for this April? See all Albany events.


Albany is packed with interesting things to do and see. Check out these gems to enjoy anytime. 

Albany Regional Museum
Open Tuesday through Friday: 11am to 4 pm. Saturday: 10am-2pm. A fun collection of Albany memorabilia, photos and artifacts make the museum a must see. 136 Lyon S, Albany. (541) 967-7122, armuseum.com.
Donations encouraged, free for members.

Albany’s Historic Carousel and Museum
Open Monday through Saturday: 10am to 4pm, Wednesdays till 9pm. 503 First West, Albany. (541) 791-3340, albanycarousel.com. Free

Antique & Collectable Shopping
Enjoy shopping antique & collectible shops in Historic Downtown Albany, albanydowntown.com

Covered Bridge Tour
Step back in time as you travel through the covered bridges of Linn County. Pick up a self-guided driving tour at the Albany Visitors Association.

Downtown Movie Night

Enjoy a movie in the atmosphere of the restored Pix Theater, one of the finest examples of commercial Queen Anne Architecture in the city of Albany. Open 7 days a week.
Pix Theater, albanypix.com, 321 2nd SW, (541) 967-SHOW. $.

Albany Civic Theater
Located in the Historic Regina Frager Auditorium. 111 West 1st Ave. PO Box 82, Albany, (541) 928-4603, albanycivic.org. $

Linn County Genealogical Society
An extensive assortment of historical and genealogical holdings are available for members and the general public in the Albany Public Library. 2450 14th Ave, Albany. (541) 791-1618, lgsoregon.org. Free.

The Linn County Historical Museum
Open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm and on Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
It is well worth several visits.  It is housed in the relocated railroad depot and railroad cars at
101 Park Avenue in Brownsville. $


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Did you know that two of world’s most famous magicians lived in Albany? Have you ever wanted to learn the stories behind the fancy tombstones in Albany’s historic graveyards? Do you simply love everything vintage, antique or retro? You’re in luck this May–it’s National Historic Preservation Month, and Albany is celebrating in a big way.

Don’t miss our May newsletter and check out our website for fun history-focused events coming in May.

For information contact the Albany Visitors Association
www.albanyvisitors.com

New Year’s Eve 2015 and New Year’s Day 2016 in Albany

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It’s time to welcome 2016! Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a cowboy party, a decadent multi-course meal, or something in between, you’ll find a fun celebration in Albany, Oregon this New Year’s Eve.

Don’t forget to make your plans for a place to stay after the party. Take a cab to one of Albany’s comfortable hotels for a safe and relaxing end to your evening. Best Western Prairie Plus Inn, Comfort Suites, and Holiday Inn Express are all offering discounts and special rates during the holiday season.

Keep reading for details on New Year’s Eve in Albany, and some ideas for what to do the first day of 2016 as well.


Albany 2015 New Year’s Eve Celebrations

New Years Cocktail Celebration | 7 p.m. Dec. 31, 2015. Enjoy live music, creative cocktails, appetizers and a dessert bar. The New Year’s Eve Cocktail Celebration is held at the Boys & Girls Club of Albany, 1215 Hill Street, and proceeds help support the club. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event. 21 and over only. Info: 541-905-4713

Hoof N Holler Bull Riding and Cowboy Party | 6 p.m. Dec. 31, 2015. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with bull riding and a cowboy party at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center on, Dec. 31 2015. Gates open at 6 p.m., bull riding starts at 7:30. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Info: 503-589-2999 or www.hoofnholler.com

New Year’s Eve Casino & Cocktails at Boulder Falls Inn | 8 p.m., Dec. 31, 2015. Dance the night away at the new Boulder Falls Inn in Lebanon. Enjoy live music from Fate 55, dancing, casino games, spectacular raffle prizes, specialty cocktails, plus mouthwatering appetizers and desserts. Tickets: Boulder Falls Inn New Year’s Eve

Cellar Cat New Year’s Eve | 1 p.m.-close, Dec. 31, 2015. Special bar menu beginning at 1 p.m., New Year’s Eve dinner from 5-midnight, with or without wine pairings; live music from 9-midnight. Info: 541-704-0304 or www.cellarcat.com

Frankie’s Restaurant New Years Eve | Dec. 31, 2015. Multi-course dinner, fine wine, and cocktails. Call for reservations: 541-248-3671. www.frankies-oregon.com 

Vault 244 Bistro | Lounge New Year’s Eve |  4 p.m.-close, Dec. 31, 2015. Four-course dinner featuring tapas, salad, entree and dessert, including sparkling Spanish cava or sparkling French cider. Info: 541-791-9511 or www.vault244.com 

Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant New Year’s Eve Buffet | Dec. 31, 2015. Experience Novak’s authentic Hungarian recipes at their New Year’s Eve Buffet Extravaganza; reservations strongly encouraged. Call: 541-967-9488 or www.novakshungarian.com 

Sweet Red Bistro Masquerade Banquet | Dec. 31, 2015. Ring in the New Year with a multi-course masquerade banquet at Sweet Red Bistro. Call: (541)704-0510

The Day After: New Year’s Day options in Albany

Sybaris Hangover Brunch | 11 a.m. Jan. 1, 2016. Start the new year by enjoying a unique take on the ultimate hangover foods. Info: 541-928-8157 or sybarisbistro.com/

New Years Day at Frankie’s | 3 p.m.-close, Jan. 1, 2016. Come watch college ball games on the big screen at Frankie’s Restaurant. 541-248-3671,  www.frankies-oregon.com.

First Day Hikes | Jan. 1, 2016. Start the new year off like a true Oregonian: with a hike. Oregon State Parks is offering free guided  First Day Hikes at 28 parks on Jan. 1, 2016, including seven different locations in the Willamette Valley. Click for details: First Day Hikes

We’ll add to this list as we learn of more! If you know of a public New Year’s dinner, event, or party to add to our guide, send details to info@albanyvisitors.com.

Photo: Vault 244 by W Design

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