Five things to do on a snow day in Albany

Is sitting at home with kids on the fifth straight snow day starting to make you crazy? No worries! There are plenty of things to do with your family in Albany. Bundle up, drive cautiously, and have fun!

1. Explore a park. Albany has more than two dozen parks, a community garden, and several running and walking trails. Bryant Park, one of the few spots in Albany to feature a good downhill slope, becomes a favorite sledding spot in the snow.

2. Visit the museum. The Albany Regional Museum is open from 11-4 on weekdays. Their current exhibit is all about what it was like to grow up in Albany 100 years ago.

3. Go see a movie. The Albany Pix Theater features new releases and special holiday movies. A special snow day showing of "Free Birds" and showings of the holiday family movie "Elf" will keep kiddos entertained.

4. Visit Santa. The big guy in red is in residence at Heritage Mall from now through Dec. 24th. Let the little ones tell him all about their Christmas wishes and get that classic Santa's lap photo.

5. Go to Christmas Storybookland. Bundle up (it's not heated!) and visit Albany's very own holiday wonderland.(6:30-8:30 p.m. weekdays, 10-8:30 p.m. weekends) A community tradition for 37 years, Christmas Storybookland lets visitors wander through more than 80 storybook and fairytale scenes, marvel at a dollhouse village, and enjoy elaborate model train displays. Admission is free, but bring a can of food to donate if you can.

Foodie gifts from the mid-valley

Is there someone on your Christmas gift list who gets giddy about new restaurants, can't wait  for the farmers' market, and refuses to eat things that come out of a can? 

You're in luck, because the Willamette Valley is home to a food culture like no other–we're fiercely local and unashamedly proud of the great food and drink that's produced right here in Oregon. If you're looking for foodie gift this holiday season, here are a few ideas for the locavores on your list.

Nosh Tour tickets. Give your loved one the gift of a memorable food experience. The Albany Nosh Tour invites visitors to step onto a trolley and take a food tour through historic downtown Albany. With half-a-dozen surprise stops on each tour, you're guaranteed to have a mouthwatering evening. Past Nosh Tour itineraries have included Sybaris Bistro, home to James Beard-honored chef Matt Bennett; award-winning microbrewery the Calapooia Brew Pub, and Novak's Hungarian Restaurant, one of only two authentic Hungarian restaurants in the United States.

You can buy tickets for a specific Nosh Tour or a gift certificate redeemable for any 2013-14 Nosh Tour, and you'll be sure to please any food-loving friends and family.

Buy tickets to upcoming Nosh Tours:

• [pmshop id=527]
• [pmshop id=528]
• October 2014 (exact date TBA) Halloween Nosh Tour
• December 2014 (exact date TBA) Holiday Nosh Tour 

Or buy a gift certificate your loved ones can use toward the purchase of any 2013 or 2014 Nosh Tour tickets.

• [pmshop id=529]

Cookbooks and cooking classes. Interested in enjoying some good home cooking? Consider buying your loved one a "Taste of Italy" cookbook from Albany chef Ruby Lewis. Lewis travels to Italy regularly to sample the cuisine and gather new recipes. She was first in her class while studying at Academia Barilla in Parma, Italy. You can also learn directly from the chef at Lewis's Italian cooking classes; purchase your sweetie a spot in an upcoming class and enjoy mastering Italian cooking together.

World-class wine. Nothing goes better with a great meal than high-quality wine, and the Willamette Valley (named the 2013 wine region of the year) is known for having some of the best wine in the world. If you're looking for red wine, try an award-winning Pinot Noir from Springhill Cellars; they've been winning awards with their Pinot since 1988. If a sweeter wine is your style, try a Riesling or Gewurtzaminer from Marks Ridge Winery; these white wines pair well with dessert and lighter meals. 

Locally-grown nuts. The famous Christmas song may talk about chestnuts roasting over an open fire, but if the songwriter had ever visited Oregon, he'd likely have changed his tune. Oregon is famous for its hazelnuts–also known as filberts. Ninety percent of all hazelnuts in the United States are grown right here, in the Willamette Valley's fertile orchards. Hazelnut Hill sells hazelnuts raw, roasted and candied–a great and uniquely Oregon-inspired treat.

Sweet and Spicy Cider. Take a sip of one of  2Towns Ciderhouse's hard ciders and you'll taste the why they've gained a devoted following in a short time; each batch is custom-crafted from locally-sourced apples, pears, and berries. The brewers at 2Towns feature specialty seasonal releases like the Nice & Naughty, a warm and cinnamon-spiced cider for winter sipping. If a someone on your list would enjoy being the first to sample a special-release cider, buy them a membership in 2Towns Ciderhouse's Cider Supporters club; it's only $30 for a lifetime membership and includes early samplings of all special releases and 15% discount on all cider purchases.

To find out more about great Willamette Valley restaurants, wineries, breweries and farms, stop in at the Albany Visitors Association (110 3rd Ave SE, Albany;) call us at 541-928-0911; or e-mail us at info@albanyvisitors.com. We'll happily talk up our favorite local food and help you pick out the perfect tasty Oregon treat for your loved ones.

Touring the valley with AVA’s kiosk volunteers

When weary travelers on Interstate 5 pull over at the Santiam rest stop just north of Albany each year, they're greeted with friendly smiles and free coffee–all thanks to the Albany Visitors Association's welcome kiosk, and the crew of volunteers of who staff it.

Two dozen of those hard-working volunteers recently toured the Willamette Valley on the AVA's annual Volunteer Appreciation Day, swapping kiosk stories and enjoying a glorious autumn day. 

 

From helping lost travelers find their way to providing conversation to lonely truck drivers, volunteers say they work at the kiosk because they like the chance to meet people and serve the public.

"If you've ever been a waitress, that's what it's like," said Colleen Barrigar, a 3-year volunteer from Lebanon. "People just want you to talk to them." 

Sometimes, the visitors are locals: truck drivers who stop at the kiosk regularly for coffee and chit-chat. Other times, the visitors are from far away. In the summer of 2013, more than 14,000 visitors stopped at the kiosk, hailing from 18 foreign countries and 45 U.S. states.

Nona and Dennis Burkhart recall communicating via gestures and smiles with a non-English-speaking traveler who was fascinated by one of the drink options at the kiosk: apple cider. Despite speaking no English, she left a message in the guestbook–in Chinese. A fellow traveler translated what she'd written: Thank you very much! Cider is very good!

Other comments left in the guestbook this year range from the flattering: nice pretty ladies! to the heartfelt: You're saving lives, one cup of coffee at a time.

 

Volunteers say they're often asked to pose for picture in the kiosk, which is modeled after an ornate Victorian home like the ones found in Albany's historic districts. "If I had a nickel for every time someone took a picture, I'd be rich," Barrigar said.

Another common task: helping travelers navigate unfamiliar Oregon roads. John King recalls sitting down with a woman who seemed "on the verge of an anxiety attack." She had traveled from Couer d'Alene, Idaho, to Oregon, intending to arrive in Seaside. Instead, she took a wrong turn in Portland and drove 60 miles in the wrong direction. King sat with her until she calmed down, gave her step by step instructions to find her way to her intended destination, and sent her on her way. Another time he helped honeymooners who were supposed to drive to Seattle but ended up at the kiosk instead. Sometimes travelers put donations in the kiosk's jar in thanks for the coffee and directions, but volunteers say that's not the real reward.

"It's the interplay between the people, is why I do it," said volunteer Kevin Oliver. "I just love talking to people."

At the 2013 Volunteer Appreciation tour, two dozen of the AVA's volunteers visited a harvest festival at Bauman Farms, where they tasted apple cider and freshly-made donuts, shopped at the farm store, and made friends with the farm animals. Lunch at the Farmstead Restaurant in Molalla was accompanied by an awards ceremony, with volunteers receiving certificates in recognition of their years of service.

After lunch, volunteers traveled to Ankeny Lakes Wild Rice Company just north of Albany, where they learned about wild rice production and the dozens of different blends of rice sold by the family-owned company. Volunteers ended the day at Ankeny Vineyards, where winery owner Joe Olexa personally served tastings of his favorite varietals, and told stories about his vineyard. The winery dog, Lily, welcomed guests as they relaxed in the afternoon sunshine on the patio overlooking a wildlife refuge.

AVA Executive director Jimmie Lucht said the annual tour is just one way of thanking volunteers for all the hours they contribute to welcome visitors to the mid-Willamette Valley. "We could not do what we do if it weren't for you," he told volunteers. "You are the ones who make it possible."

National Historic Preservation Month – May 2013

 

Preservation Month ~ May 2013

“See, Save, Celebrate”

 

The Office of Historic Preservation, along with many cities across the United States, will again promote National Historic Preservation Month in May 2013.  This year’s theme is “See, Save, Celebrate!”

 

 “Preservation Month was designed to raise awareness about the power historic preservation has to protect and enhance our homes, neighborhoods and communities – the places that really matter to us. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and towns, and enables all of us to become involved in the growing preservation movement.” For more information visit www.preservationnation.org

 

Albany has gained quite a reputation as a must see destination for people who love historic buildings. Four districts on the National Register of Historic Places boast over 800 historic homes and commercial buildings, three museums, and two historic churches. Thirteen classic architectural styles are represented in Albany, giving it a reputation as having the most varied collection of historic architecture in the state. Everything from the simplicity of the early federal style to the eclectic and fanciful Queen-Anne style grace the historic community.

 

Many local events are planned to show-off Albany’s historical attractions, instill community pride, promote heritage tourism and show the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.

 

In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month,

the following events are being held in the

Albany area throughout May, 2013

May 1

Hidden History Scavenger Hunt Photo Tour available on the Albany Downtown Association (ADA) website www.albanydowtown.com, or pick up a hard copy at the ADA office 240 Second Avenue SW #140.  Return entries to the ADA by 5:00pm May 21 to be entered to win a prize. The grand prize winner will be announced at Preservation Awards Presentation May 22nd.

 

Friday, May 3rd

Upstairs Downtown Loft Tour 4 to 8 p.m. and Wine Walk 5 to 8 p.m. Loft Tour is free. There is a fee for Wine Walk, with over 20 wineries participating. Sponsored by the Albany Rotary Club and the Albany Downtown Association: (541) 928-2469 albanydowntown.com.

 

The Albany Regional Museum will participate in the upstairs tour – come see how they’ve reorganized their collections areas – this day will also serve as the public opening of the Ferguson Collection Exhibit. An extensive private collection of art in woodcarvings by well-known local artist Bob Ferguson. The collection will remain on display during regular museum hours Monday through Friday, 12noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2pm. 136 Lyon Street S. www.armusem.com, (541) 967-7122

 

Saturday, May 4th

Old Fashioned Farmers’ Market,  every Saturday, 9a.m. to 1p.m. Purchase hand-picked produce, fresh flowers, baked bread, local eggs/meats and more at Albany’s old fashioned farmers’ market. Saturdays. 4th & Ellsworth, City Hall parking lot. locallygrown.org.

 

Linn Genealogical Society presents: “Keepers of the Stones” On-line cemeteries before Memorial Day. by Leslie Lawson 1:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Albany Public Library, 2450 14^th Ave, Albany, Oregon. lgsoregon.org. (541) 791-1618 Free.  

 Monday, May 13th

Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 1st Ave. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave) 5:30 p.m. Learn about Albany’s historic architecture & history. Co-sponsored by the Albany Downtown Association and the Monteith Historical Society, (541) 928-2469 albanydowntown.com Free. Donations can be made to the Monteith Historical Society.

 

Tuesday, May 14th

How to Research Your Historic Building. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Santiam Rooms Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. (541) 917-7560. Free.

 

Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 2nd Ave. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave) 5:30 p.m. Learn about Albany’s historic architecture & history. Co-sponsored by the Albany Downtown Association and the Monteith Historical Society, (541) 928-2469 www.albanydowntown.com Free. Donations can be made to the Monteith Historical Society.

 

Thursday, May 16th

Hackleman District Walking Tour 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., meet outside Ciddici’s Pizza, 140 5th Ave SE. (541) 917-7560 or anne.catlin@cityofalbany.net. Free.

 

Friday, May 17 – May 31

Albany Civic Theater presents: “Hay Fever” A classic comedy by the highly quotable Noël Coward, Directed by John Carone 111 First Avenue West, Downtown Albany. Performances May 17, 18, 24, 25, 26 (m), 30, 31 In the 1920’s, in the English countryside, the Bliss family lives in a state of artistic, bohemian untidiness, which is made even more chaotic when each of the four members of the family invites a guest for the weekend… without actually getting around to telling anyone else. www.albanycivic.org for more information.

 

Saturday, May 18th

Big Pick Up – Monteith House Museum Pre-Season Clean-up,

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 518 2^nd 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.

 

Vintage Music from the 1850s by Out of Compliance & Albany Landmarks Commission preservation info booth during the Old Fashioned Farmers’ Market, 9a.m. to 1p.m. Purchase hand-picked produce, fresh flowers, baked bread, local eggs/meats and more at Albany’s old fashioned farmers’ market. Saturdays. 4th & Ellsworth, City Hall parking lot. www.locallygrown.org.

 

Window Repair Workshop with Chris Gustafson of Vintage Window; 1 to 4:30p.m. This comprehensive class will include how vintage windows work, basic window repair techniques and simple maintenance techniques for homeowners. Begins at 622 Walnut Street SW. Registration requested (541) 791-2277 or anne.catlin@gmail.com. Free.

 

Sunday, May 19th

Linn County Historical Society Presents: Oregon’s Heritage Trees & Markers at 2:00 pm, Annie Von Domitz, Chief Community Assets Officer for the Oregon Travel Experience: Heritage Programs representative will present a program on Oregon’s Heritage Trees & Markers at the Lakeside Center of the Mennonite Village located at 2180 54th Avenue SE in Albany (541) 926-4680. This Linn County Historical Society sponsored program is free and open to the public.

 

Tuesday, May 21^st

Friends of Historic Albany Summit #3 1:30p.m.at the Albany Regional Museum 136 Lyon St S, Albany. 3rd annual meeting of Albany’s historic organizations, partners, friends and neighbors. Please mark calendar and plan to attend. The topic of this meeting will be Historic Albany, Oregon partnering in outreach opportunities, an Oregon Heritage All Star Community (how can we best utilize this designation), and host of the 2014 Oregon Heritage Conference. Questions? Contact Rebecca Bond (541) 928-0911 rebecca@albanyvisitors.com

 

Wednesday, May 22nd

Preservation Awards Presentation at the City Council meeting, 7:15 p.m., Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW, (541) 917-7560 or email anne.catlin@cityofalbany.net.

 

Thursday, May 23rd

Pioneer Bedtime Story at Monteith House 6:30 to 7:30p.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 Daughters of the American Revolution and the Monteith House Museum, 518 2^nd Ave SW. Free.

 

Just outside of Albany…

 Saturday & Sunday, May 4th & 5th

Carriage Me Back to 1918  Sat. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sun. noon-4 p.m., Linn County Museum Friends & Moyer House, 101 Park Avenue, Brownsville, (541) 466-3390, $ www.historicbrownsville.com

 

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 17th-19th

Annual Linn County Lamb & Wool Fair, Scio Lamb Fairground, Scio, OR (503) 394-3389 www.lambfair.org.

 

Saturday, May 18th 

Boston Mill Society’s Annual Meeting 1-2 p.m. The Boston/Thompson flouring mill east of Shedd is the oldest water-powered mills in Oregon. Ranger Tom Parsons and BMS Board members Larry and Roy Thompson will speak. Tours of the mill and refreshments will be available. Board members 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, sweaters, tote bags, aprons, art cards, and mugs. Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, 1 1/2 miles east of Shedd, (541) 491-3611 www.bostonmill.org Free.

 

Saturday & Sunday, May 18th-19th

Civil War Reenactment Presented by the Northwest Civil War Council. Battle reenactments with artillery, infantry and cavalry. Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 4+ acres of living history with reenactors in period clothing and uniforms, campsites. Battles are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Many demonstrations Civil War era Church service on Sunday morning at 9:30am. Admission $5- $8 free for children under 6. Cheadle Lake Park, east of Lebanon to the north of Hwy 20. http://nwcwc.org/events.html

 

Preservation Opportunities Year-round

 

Tour Historic Districts

Seems Like Old Times, a self-guided walking/driving tour will guide you through three districts on the National Register of Historic Places with over 700 buildings, historic churches and museums. Available online and at the Albany Visitors Association. www.albanyvisitors.com

 

Albany Regional Museum

Open Mon. through Fri. 12noon to 4 p.m. Sat. 10am-2pm. A fun collection of Albany memorabilia, photos and artifacts make the museum a must see.

136 Lyon S, Albany. www.armuseum.com  (541) 967-7122.

 

Albany’s Historic Carousel and Museum

Open Mon. through Sat., 10am to 4p.m. 503 First West. www.albanycarousel.com (541) 791-3340.

 

Antique & Collectable Shopping

Enjoy shopping antique & collectible shops in Historic Downtown Albany. www.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, www.albanypix.com $, 321 2nd SW, (541) 967-SHOW.

 

Albany Civic Theater

Located in the Historic Regina Frager Auditorium. 111 W. 1st Ave. PO Box 82, Albany, $ (541) 928-4603. www.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 14^th Ave, Albany, Oregon. www.lgsoregon.org (541) 791-1618.

                                                                                                 

The Linn County Historical Museum

is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. 

It is well worth several visits.  It is housed in the relocated railroad depot and railroad cars at

101 Park Avenue in Brownsville. 

 

For information contact the Albany Visitors Association

www.albanyvisitors.com 

More about: Sunday, May 19^th, Linn County Historical Society Presents: Oregon’s Heritage Trees & Markers…

 

 The Oregon Experience Historical Markers may be placed to commemorate people, places, events, and geological features. Markers are traditionally placed near roadsides with adequate pullouts as an educational feature for motorists traveling on our highways. See http://ortravelexperience.com/ oregon-historical-markers.

 

The goals of the Oregon Experience Heritage Trees program is to recognize Oregon trees of significance, to educate the public about their value, to promote their appreciation and to protect them as part of our state’s heritage. See http://ortravelexperience.com/oregon-heritage-trees.

 

Preservation Month 2013: See! Save! Celebrate!

 

More From: Preservation Nation

 

Local businesses understand the value of giving old buildings another chance — in addition to helping establish the surrounding community as an economic magnet by engaging residents and drawing in new visitors, reusing historic places adds to the charm and character of the surrounding area.

 

Here are just a few of the ways you can help:

 

• Consider shopping at nearby mom-and-pop stores or farmers’ markets to support your community.
• Take a walk down the Main Street in your town to get to know the people behind your local businesses.
•  Check around to see if there are any “Buy Local” campaigns near you – you’ll find other people who are passionate and proud of their locally grown products and stores.

 

Most of all, local, sustainable, vibrant communities are places where we can go to explore our heritage, learn about our past, and grow a bright future for the next generation.

 

In other words, preservation starts here. preservationnation.org

6th Annual Albany Photo & Video Contest

ATTENTION ALL IMAGE MAKERS!

The contest is now closed.

You can see this year's contestants on our Flickr page! Cast you vote for "People's Choice Award" by emailing Cathy Bradford of AVA at cbradford@albanyvisitors.com.

The Albany Visitors Association (AVA) is proud to sponsor the 6th Annual Albany Photography Contest. The purpose of this contest is to find images suitable for use in the coming year’s marketing program for Albany and Linn County.

The contest is open to photographers of all skill levels. First through third place ribbons will be given to winners in each of six categories plus overall winners Champion and Reserve Champion. There will also be a ribbon awarded for Peoples’ Choice, with a winner voted for by the general public. Prizes will be awarded to Champion, Reserve and People’s Choice winners.

The cost is $2.00 per photo entered. Categories for the contest include: Scenic, Landmarks, Events, Life in our Community, Open, and Digitally Manipulated.

There is a separate category open to AVA Board and Staff. They may enter photos in the same theme categories as shown above, however, their works will not be eligible for prizes or awards, but will compete for ribbons only and may be used in the marketing program.

Photos will be displayed in a show on Flicker (accessible from AVA website) for the month of March. Selected photos may be used for promotional purposes to promote tourism in Albany, Linn County and the region.

Deadline for submission is 5:00 pm Friday, February 22th, 2013. For further information, contest rules and entry forms contact the Albany Visitors Association. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2013 PHOTO & VIDEO CONTEST PACKET

CLICK HERE TO SEE LAST YEAR'S WINNERS!

Journey to the Center of Albany – Summer Passport 2012