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

Happy 150, Albany.

In the year 1864, the United States was in the grips of the Civil War; Queen Victoria ruled over the United Kingdom; and on Oct. 14, way out west in Oregon's Willamette Valley, Albany was officially incorporated as a city.

One hundred fifty years later, the city has grown to more than 50 thousand people, but some things are still the same–the Calapooia and Willamette Rivers still meet right downtown, forming a perfect place for fishing, canoeing, and splashing in the water's edge. Historic houses that have been standing since the 1800s still line the streets of the town. And mild winters, sunny summers, and fertile soil still make this the perfect growing location for farmers, who bring their tasty treats to market each week to share with the rest of us.

To celebrate all the things we love about Albany, the community is planning a 150th birthday celebration the weekend before the official Oct. 14 incorporation date. Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12, plan to come downtown for the town-wide party!

A few of the things you can enjoy at the 150th Birthday celebration:

On Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Farmer's Market downtown across from the Linn County Courthouse:

• Heirloom apple tasting
• free birthday card making for kids
• pioneer-era food activities for kids
• live music

On Sunday, Oct. 12, from 1-4 p.m. at a birthday party at City Hall:

*kids can contribute to a time capsule

*prizes for the oldest Albany resident attending; the best party hat or old-fashioned costume; longest beard; and best jack-o-lantern.

*free trolley rides

*cake, ice cream, pie, sausage, cheese, and other local goodies

How you can get involved:

Put your love of Albany in writing! Forms are available at the Albany Visitors Association for residents to write down their favorite things about Albany. They'll be read aloud at the party on Sunday, as well as collected for an archive of the occasion. You can e-mail completed forms to albany150birthday@gmail.com, or drop them off at City Hall or the Albany Visitors Association.

Halloween Nosh Tour: A deliciously spooky evening

Tickets are on sale now for Albany's most popular food tour of the year, the annual Halloween Nosh Tour. The tour features local food and wine paired with ghoulish story-telling and historic buildings decked out in Halloween splendor. The Halloween Nosh Tour is Saturday, Oct. 25, from 4-7 p.m.

Riding on-board Albany's vintage trolley, guests on the Nosh Tour will stop at half-a-dozen different surprise locations, with food and drink from both well-known chefs and brand-new establishments featured along the way.

Although the itinerary for the Halloween tour won't be revealed until guests step on board the trolley, here are a few sneak peeks to look forward to:

• a ride on-board Albany's vintage trolley, which was once owned by an Oregon celebrity.
• stops in two of Albany's four historic districts.
• a chance to meet the chefs and hear about how they create their signature dishes.
• delicious, seasonally-inspired food.
• locally-produced beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options included).

Sound intriguing? Tickets are still available!

Tickets are $45 each or $40 for two or more and can be purchased at the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave. SE, Albany, 541-928-0911. Guests must be 21 and over. All food, beverages and transportation are included in the ticket price.

For more information, call 541-928-0911 or email info@albanyvisitors.com.

Action and adventure at Jet Boat World Series in the mid-valley

 Oregon Jet Sprint Boat race

Photo courtesy of Oregon Jet Sprint

Adrenalin junkies, head to the mid-valley this weekend for the biggest race of the year. The World Series of Jet Sprint Boat Racing comes to Oregon this year at the Global Jet Sprint Facility just outside Lebanon, from Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 1.

Racing teams from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and all over the U.S. are flying in to compete for top honors in this high-speed sport that’s not for the faint of heart.

Just how challenging is it? Picture a body of water just 12 feet wide and and filled with hairpin turns. Add lightweight boats powered by 1,000-horsepower engines rocketing through at 80 miles per hour, and you’ve got a Nascar-style sport that’s pure excitement.

This year’s races are held at the brand new Global Jet Sprint Facility (36280 Airport Road, Lebanon OR), a change from previous years, when races were held in Tangent, Oregon. Organizers say the new location makes for easier viewing for the spectators–an important factor this year, as 2,000+ visitors are expected to come watch the World Series.

Camping is available on-site for visitors who want to attend all three days of races. Children are welcome to attend with their parents. Tickets, camping information and details are available on the website of the Oregon Jet Sprint Association, www.oregonjetsprint.com.

Movies at Monteith has hit downtown Albany

Albany Downtown Executive Director Rod Porsche shows off the new screen at the Movies at Monteith test night

Guest Blogger: Free summer movies in Downtown Albany

Beginning July 11th with the Disney hit "Frozen," Movies at Monteith will have officially kicked off for the summer! Albany Downtown Association is proud to announce the line-up for Movies at Monteith this year at Monteith Riverpark. If you're reading this after July 11th, fear not! We still have these blockbuster and classic movies ahead:

• Frozen, July 11th
• North By Northwest, July 18th
• LEGO Movie, July 25th
• E.T., August 1st
• Wizard of Oz, August 15th

Concessions, contests and raffles start at 7 p.m., movie starts just after dusk. Bring the entire family for this fun, FREE event!

A new spin on an Albany tradition

Movies at Monteith is a new version of a longtime Downtown Albany summer tradition, previously known as Movies by Moonlight. This year we've moved the event to the park so families can spread a blanket on the grass and really enjoy the evening watching a great movie under the stars.

Moving to Monteith Riverpark will make for a better movie watching experience on all fronts — bigger screen, more room for movie fans, and it will also be much quieter than the previous location, near the foot of the Ellsworth Street Bridge.

Albany Downtown Association was able to purchase a huge inflatable movie screen that will allow more people to enjoy the show. The screen measures 24 feet wide and 20 feet tall. We are partnering with Albany Parks and Recreation on this event as they have provided the park and audio equipment for Movies at Monteith in exchange for occasional use of the ADA inflatable screen– a true win-win situation.

We are also going with a new movie distributor, allowing us to acquire the rights to movies previously unavailable, including Disney films. We also got lucky in that Disney's "Frozen" is blacked out every day this summer, except July 11th, the date we wanted to show it at Movies at Monteith.

A crowd-pleasing line-up

The movies for the summer film series are designed to appeal to broad audience, especially families with children.

North By Northwest is a 1959 classic adventure/thriller starring Cary Grant and directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

The LEGO Movie will appeal to a wide audience when it's shown on the 25th.

E.T. was the winner of our "Fan's Choice" Facebook contest and offers families a chance to see this 1982 Steven Spielberg classic in a way they've never seen — under the stars!

Completing the line-up is Wizard of Oz on August 15th, within days of the 75th anniversary of its original release in August of 1939.

We'll see you this summer at Monteith Riverpark for Movies at Monteith!

For more information check the Movies at Monteith Facebook page.

About the author

Rod Porsche is the Executive Director of the Albany Downtown Association. Rod has lived in Albany for 12 years with his wife Kate and his two girls, Savannah Kay, 11; and Maddie Jo, 9. The Porsche family fell in love with Albany's historic districts and have restored two homes in town, including the Governor George Chamberlain house — Albany's tallest home — which Rod thought was cool at first, though he's now tired of climbing four flights of stairs each day.

Discover the past during National Historic Preservation Month

In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, the following events are being held in the Albany area throughout May 2014.

Friday, May 2nd: Upstairs Downtown Loft Tour and Wine Walk. 4-8 p.m. with over 20 wineries participating. Sponsored by the Albany Rotary Club and the Albany Downtown Association. 541-928-2469 or www.albanydowntown.com. Loft Tour is free, there is a $15 fee for wine walk.

Friday, May 2-May 17: Albany Civic Theater presents: “A Little Piece of Heaven,” directed by Loren Dunn. An unlikely relationship is forged in this quirky tourist shop called “A Little Piece of Heaven.” Suspicion and distrust turn to respect and trust in this place where long-lost things are finally found. 111 First Ave. West, downtown Albany. www.albanycivic.org

Saturday, May 3: Old Fashioned Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Purchase hand-picked produce, fresh flowers, baked bread, local eggs/meat and mroe at Albany’s old-fashioned farmer’s market. 4th and Ellsworth, City Hall parking lot. www.locallygrown.org.

Saturday, May 3: Linn Genealogical Society presents: Southern Midwest & Ozark Research. 1-3 p.m. Presented by Karen Steely, owner of the Past Matters, Vancouver Wash. Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave., Albany. www.lgsoregon.org. 541-791-1618. Free.

Monday, May 12: Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 1st Ave. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave) at 5:30 p.m. Learn about Albany’s historic architecture and history. Sponsored by the Monteith Historical Soceity. www.monteithhouse.org. 541-979-9108. Free (donations to MHS welcome).

Tuesday, May 13: Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 2d Ave. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave) at 5:30 p.m. Learn about Albany’s historic architecture and history. Sponsored by the Monteith Historic Society, www.monteithhouse.org. 541-979-9108. Free (donations to MHS welcome).

Saturday, May 17: Big Pick Up — Monteith House Museum Pre-season Clean Up. 9 a.m.-noon. 518 2d Ave SW. As part of Albany’s Big Pick Up, the Monteith Society will lead volunteers in some clean up and light maintenance of Albany’s oldest home. (541) 928-0911.

Saturday, May 17: The Albany Regional Museum presents History Bites. Brown bag lunch series at noon continues with “Collections Care part II, Photos.” This new series is being offered the third Saturday of each month. Bring your own lunch. Beverages provided for museum members, available for $2 for guests. Regular museum hours are Tues-Fri, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 136 Lyons St. S. www.armuseum.com. (541) 967-7122. Free.

Sunday, May 18: Linn County Historical Society presents: Finding Fremont in Oregon 1943. 2 p.m. Presented by Loren Irving at the Lakeside Center of the Mennonite village. 2180 54th Avenue SE in Albany. (541) 926-4680. This Linn County Historical Society sponsored program is open to the public and free.

Thursday, May 22: Pioneer Bedtime Story at Monteith House. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Circle around the fireplace and listen to a pioneer tale. Light refreshments will be served following the story and the first 20 children will receive a book to take home. Sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Monteith House Museum. 518 2d Ave. Free.

Wednesday, May 28: Preservation Awards Presentation at the Albany City Council meeting. 7:15 p.m. Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin St. SW. 541-917-7560 or e-mail: anne.catlin@cityofalbany.net. Free.

Just outside the Albany area, more historic opportunities await:

Saturday, May 3: Brownsville Farmers Market, Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The market is located at the vacant lot at the corner of Main and Park St. Find fresh produce, flowers and many other items from local producers. 541-466-5709, www.historicbrownsville.com. Free.

Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & 4: Carriage Me Back to 1900. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Linn County Museum Friends and Moyer House. 101 Park Ave., Brownsville, 541-466-3390. www.historicbrownsville.com

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 16-18: 79th Annual Linn County Lamb & Wool Fair. Scio Lamb Fairground, Scio, Ore. 503-394-3389. www.lambfair.org

Saturday, May 17: Boston Mill Society’s Annual Meeting. noon-2 p.m. The Boston/Thompson flouring mill east of Shedd is the oldest water-powered mill in Oregon. Ranger Tom Parsons and BMS Board Members Larry and Roy Thompson will speak. Tours of the mill at noon and 2p.m. Refreshments will be available at noon, followed by the meeting at about 1 p.m. Board member and officer elections will be held. If you are interested in the future of this historic site, plan to attend. The gift shop will be open with T-shirts, tote bags, aprons, art cards, and mugs. Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Stie, 1.5 miles east of Shedd, 541-491-3611. www.bostonmillsociety.org. Free.

Wednesday, May 21: Hear the amazing stories of Teddy Roosevelt’s adventures as a rancher, Rough Rider, and our 26th president. 11:30 a.m. 117 N. Main St., Brownsville Christian Church. Info: contact the Linn County Museum at 541-466-3390. www.historicbrownsville.com

Albany’s flag tradition

If you’ve lived in Albany for long or driven through town on President’s Day, Memorial Day, or another patriotic holiday, then you’ve seen the American flags lining Albany’s streets. This patriotic display doesn’t just happen by chance–here’s the story behind Albany’s flag tradition.

For 53 years, Albany Boy Scouts and other volunteers put out flags around town on patriotic holidays. However, following the death of the lead volunteer in 2003, volunteer involvement waned, and the program was discontinued in 2005. The Albany Downtown Association revived the program in 2009.

Now, the Albany Downtown Association staff and a team of volunteers head out early in the morning to put up 90 flags all around Albany, continuing the town’s tradition of patriotism. Each of the flags is sponsored by an individual or business who contributed to the purchase of the flags. Though today’s weather was sunny, some years the team has braved rain and windstorms as they continue the Albany tradition.

If you want to volunteer to assist with putting up and taking down Albany’s flags, call the Albany Downtown Association at 541-928-2469.

For more information about the history of Albany’s flag display, click here to read an article from the Albany Democrat-Herald.

Ten romantic things to do in Albany this Valentine’s Day

Romantic ideas for a Valentine’s treat

Good news for people who’ve waited until the last minute to plan a Valentine’s Day date with their sweetie: there are plenty of places in Albany offering specials for a romantic evening.

Valentine meals

Novak’s Hungarian: You’ve got several chances to take your date out for an authentic Hungarian feast at Novak’s. This Albany favorite is offering their Sweetheart Special, a five-course dinner for two, on Thursday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 15. 541-967-9488.

Marks Ridge Winery: There are still a few spots available at the winery’s Prime Rib & Pinot event on Feb. 14. Enjoy a vertical tasting of estate-grown pinot noir paired with appetizers, a prime rib dinner, and dessert. 541-367-3292

Heart-shaped pizzas and Taste of Italy Valentine Feast: Enjoy a tasty Valentine-themed meal at home or out. Pizza King has been making heart-shaped pizzas on Valentine’s Day for 28 years; order one and enjoy it with your family. If you want to dine out, Chef Ruby Lewis’ Valentine Feast at Pizza King is sold out for Friday, Feb. 14, but openings are available on Saturday, Feb. 15. for this four-course Italian feast. 541-926-9468

Loafer’s Station: This downtown Albany restaurant is offering a special limited Valentine menu on Feb. 14. The meal includes steak and lobster for two, wine, dessert to share, and a rose. Loafer’s also has other menu specials available for those who want a different dining option. 541-926-8183.

Frankie’s: This new North Albany favorite specializing in locally-grown, farm-to-table cuisine is planning a special “His & Hers” menu in honor of Valentine’s Day. 541-248-3671.

Sybaris Bistro: Downtown Albany’s well-known fine-dining spot is all sold out for Friday, Feb. 14, but spots are still available for Feb. 15. Delay your date a day and enjoy the innovative cuisine at this eclectic Northwest bistro.

Other date ideas

Live Celtic music: For a laid-back evening, enjoy craft beers at the Calapooia Brewing Co. while listening to live music from Northwest neo-Celtic band Lark. Music starts at 8 p.m., no cover.

Pix Theatre: Take your sweetie out to see a romantic movie. The Pix Theatre in downtown Albany is showing the Oscar-nominated film “Her.” Owner and resident movie geek Rod Bigner calls it “a very outside-the-box look at love, relationships, and what it means to share your life with someone.” The Pix serves dessert, chocolate, beer and wine for an extra special-occasion treat.

A walk in the park: No money? No problem. May we suggest taking your sweetie for a sunset stroll? Albany has miles of walking public walking paths and trails. Check out the Albany Parks Department’s site for maps and descriptions. We recommend the Dave Clark riverfront path–it runs right along the Willamette River for plenty of scenic vistas, and it’s nearby downtown shops for window-shopping or free attractions like the Albany Regional Museum (open 11 a.m.-4 p.m.); Historic Carousel and Museum (open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.); or Gallery Calapooia art gallery (open 11 a.m.-6 p.m.).

Do you have other Valentine’s Day date suggestions? Comment and let us know!

Night-Time Magic: Albany’s don’t-miss holiday light displays

If you’re looking for the best places to see holiday lights in the mid-valley, don’t miss the winners of this year’s Night-Time Magic Holiday Light & Decorating contest. Sponsored by the Albany Visitors Association every year for 26 years, the winning homes and neighbors are full of sparkling seasonal cheer. Take a drive or a stroll around Albany this weekend and enjoy these festive locations:

(Click here to download a PDF document with driving directions for your holiday light tour: Directions to Holiday Light Contest Winners 2013)

26th Annual Night-Time Magic Winners

“Christmas Village,” Fifth Avenue S.W., block 800. A favorite for caroling tours by foot or horse-drawn wagon, this neighborhood of glowing historic homes creates a Hallmark-worthy moment in the Historic Monteith District. (photo by Pat Kight)

“Sharing Christmas Joy with Our Community,” 514 NE 13th Avenue. A working carousel stands center stage with a Ferris wheel, reindeer, a snowman and elves at the ready. Be sure to look for Bumble, the Abominable Snow Monster, as seen in the classic Rudolph TV special. Owners: Ed & Elaine Cardwell. (photo by Rebecca Bond)

“The Candy Cane Comeback,” 630 7th Ave. SW. A now-past holiday tradition in Albany was to hang giant glowing candy canes along Pacific Boulevard. A few of those old-time candy canes are left in town and proudly displayed by those who were here to remember. Always dressed for the occasion, this home has a welcoming seasonal porch and for Christmas, the traditional candy cane beckons to guests and passersby. Owners: Kim & Julie Jackson. (photo by Julie Jackson)

“The Santa Claus Greeter,” 317 First Ave. SW. The owners of this downtown building have been recognized for their restoration efforts on the J.C. Penney building for their work on the front facade, but ho, ho, ho, who wouldn’t go over the bridge to North Albany just to come back and get a joyful glimpse of Santa all lit up and waving to folks as they enter downtown. A walk along Water Street is more festive this time of year under Santa’s watchful eye. The Santa came to downtown in 2012 and is fast becoming an Albany tradition. Owners: Rick & Sherri Mikesell. (photo by Cathy Webb)

To participate in next year’s 2014 Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program, call 541-928-0911 or email info@albanyvisitors.com.

Other Festive Spots to Visit:

The Piedmont Neighborhood (from Pacific Blvd. southbound, turn right onto Belmont, then right onto Piedmont). This neighborhood won in 2012 and pulls out all stops every year, including Santa, a reindeer and sleigh, and a giant snow globe.

31495 Easy Ave. SW (south on Oakville Road, left onto Easy Ave.) This extra-spirited house has its own radio station visitors can tune in to, timed to choreograph with its holiday light display. The show starts every half hour, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. every night.

Christmas Storybookland. Albany’s one-of-a-kind winter wonderland. Walk through displays of storybook and fairy tale characters, marvel at the model trains and dollhouse village, and visit Santa. Bring a can of food to donate if you like. Details at www.christmasstorybookland.org

Santa at Heritage Mall. Get the classic photo on Santa’s lap at Heritage Mall, plus other holiday activities including storytime with Santa, Christmas music specials, and visits with live reindeer. Details at www.heritagemall.com.

Pastega Family Light Display at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Formerly the PepsiCo Light Display at the Pepsi bottling plant in Corvallis, all of the beloved holiday characters from the traditional display have been transferred to the Benton County Fairgrounds, off of 53rd Ave in Corvallis.