Vintage Wares and Vintage Wines

The Willamette Valley is known for award-winning wines as well as a countless supply of antique shops. From Cottage Grove in the southern Valley to Salem, and including the areas of Albany and Corvallis, endless opportunities allow you to connect the past to the present.Start your morning just south of Eugene-Springfield in Cottage Grove. This community cherishes its mining past with an annual Bohemian Mining Days Celebration in July. Its downtown is on the National Historic Register and is home to a number of antique shops. Continue past the pedestrian covered bridge built to mark the town’s centennial and follow the winding road to Lorane. This small valley is home to some of the area's acclaimed wineries. The Willamette Valley's climate is often compared to the wine regions in France, making for many award-winning vintages. Visit Hinman Vineyards, nestled in the rolling hills or King Estate with its majestic chateau-like winery. Return to Eugene-Springfield and spend the rest of the afternoon shopping the many antique stores in Springfield’s historic downtown. Take a walking tour of the historic district or simply experience the past upclose at the Historic Interpretive Center in the Springfield Museum.Head north of Eugene to Coburg - an antique lover’s dream with antique shops galore. Antiques are so much a part of this community they hold a yearly Antique Fair in September which brings treasure seekers from far and wide.Spend your first night in one of the many accommodations in Eugene-Springfield or continue up Interstate 5 to Albany to overnight in a quaint bed & breakfast inn. Start your day in Albany and once again get transported into the past. Albany features over 700 historic structures, which include every major architectural style popular in the United States since 1850. Shop the many antique stores and then stop in for lunch at Flinn's Parlor. Flinn’s living history dramas and interactive plays will get you in that old world mindset. Take time to tour the city’s four historic districts before heading on your way.Highway 20 will lead you to Corvallis, home of Oregon State University. The beautiful Benton County Courthouse, built in 1888, can serve as the meeting point as you and your family explore the historic downtown area and antique shops on your own. Just south of Corvallis, the Benton County Scenic Loop will take you past some more of the area's fine wineries. Tyee Wine Cellars, Alpine Vineyards and Bellfountain Cellars are all within easy reach of this route. To the north while on the loop you can get the taste of Springhill Cellars, Serendipity Cellars and Airlie Winery. Benton-Lane Winery, and Broadley Vineyards are all within easy reach of this route. Each winery has a story to share and offers an enjoyable and educational experience.Overnight in Corvallis along the lazy Willamette River or continue north to the state capitol, Salem. Downtown Salem offers quaint one-of-a-kind shops, antique stores and numerous historic attractions. Step back in time as you visit Mission Mill Village, an historic woolen mill museum with pioneer homes and specialty shops on the grounds. Tour Bush House and Historic Deepwood Estate to find out more of Salem's history.Just south of Salem you can visit Willamette Valley Vineyards, the largest winery in Oregon. Heading west of Salem you can experience the many wineries of Polk and Yamhill Counties. This scenic area allows you to hop from winery to winery and sample the complex flavors of this growing region. Experience a vintage vacation in the Willamette Valley.