Vacation Spots in Oregon

by Jimmie L. Lucht
(Albany, Oregon)

Dentzel American Carousel Museum

When you are considering vacation spots in Oregon, I would love to have you step back in time and visit my town, Albany, Oregon.

If you can picture yourself visiting a Norman Rockwell painting, you will enjoy your stay in Albany.

You can walk down the city streets and see the refurbished old store fronts, shop in the wonderful little boutiques and antique shops, and dine on terrific foods.

After your meal you will want to walk to Monteith Park on the banks of the Willamette and Calapoolia rivers, just a block away from downtown, providing shade trees, picnic tables and a view of the rivers.

In the summer months you will find concerts in this park on Monday and Thursday evenings, so bring a blanket or your favorite lawn chair, relax and enjoy!

You can pack your own picnic basket or enjoy the enticing selections from the local vendor booths.

Bring a bottle of wine from one of the Willamette Valley’s many award winning local wineries and make it even better.

While you are visiting, you will not want to miss the carousel project and Dentzel American Carousel Museum.

With the donation of a 100 year old carousel mechanism brought to Albany from California, a group of local people got together and are in the process of carving and building a beautiful carousel.

People who have never carved or painted before, are now producing true works of art that will eventually populate the carousel.

Drop by and I guarantee a smiling volunteer will be sure to greet you and will be more than happy to explain the process of taking detailed drawings through the rough stages, to the customized and detailed carving; to the layers of paint that end with a visit to the automotive shop for a finish that shines just like a new car.

Although the finished project is a couple of years away, it is still a visit you won’t want to miss.

Before you leave our little town make sure you visit the historical homes in the area.

You can get a detailed map and description of the homes from the Albany Visitors Association.

The map shows you how you can walk, drive or bicycle by the homes.

You won’t want to miss the first frame built home in Albany, the Monteith House, or the “Owl house.”

There are 88 homes and buildings on this tour, and over 700 historical homes and buildings in the four National Historic Districts.

You might want to top off your stay with a few nights at a local bed and breakfast.

A large old Victorian home called the "Train House Inn" or a cozy bungalow called the "Pfeiffer Cottage Inn."

In my opinion, Albany is one of the best vacation spots in Oregon. I will be looking for you to visit soon!!

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