Best quaint/charming shops/sightseeing near Silver Falls State Park?

April 12, 2014 4:16 PM

Looking for charming and quaint attractions, sightseeing, shops, etc near Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. What are the best places, cities, and other things to go do nearby after visiting the State Park? Dog friendly is a really big plus!
posted by skjønn to Shopping (3 answers total)

Oh hey that's where I grew up! The closest quaint area is downtown silverton, about a twenty minute drive on the silver falls highway. Lots of nice bars, restaurants, and antique/boutique shops. The Oregon gardens are in silverton and it's really great if you are into botanical things. I believe a winery opened up across from the Oregon gardens since I've left, but the willamette valley is known for their wine so if not there are others within an hour. The mt angel abbey is beautiful if you like architecture.

Aumsville/sublimity/Staton areas don't have the historic downtown areas that silverton does, so I'd avoid that. Salem is pretty dead but I can give you are few pointers if you venture that far! If you have children the Gilbert House Museum is amazing!!
posted by cakebatter at 6:37 PM on April 12, 2014 [2 favorites]

Ok more salem: the Elsinore theatre is gorgeous and then you could get coffee and snacks at the governors cup. Take your dog to bush park and visit the rose gardens and historic open houses there, and if he wants a second walk, the Minto Brown Island Park or downtown Riverfront Park. The Capitol is pretty and open to the public and also has a huge park with lots of statues. There is a farmers market downtown on Sundays with very good Peruvian tamales (I hope that lady still sells them!)

Edited to add the reed opera house mall. My favorite soap comes from a craft soap maker there.

That should give you a good jumping off point!
posted by cakebatter at 6:43 PM on April 12, 2014 [1 favorite]

McMinnville is lovely and, unless I am mistaken, It is also the birthplace of Metafilter. Salem is my home and I agree with all of Cakebatter's recommendations and would have posted identical suggestions! Minto Brown Island park is so beautiful! You could also, depending on when you visit, tour the Capitol and climb up the stairs to the Gold man, or maybe even visit the Oregon State Hospital where they filmed One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest! Memail me if you think of specific questions! I also grew up here!
posted by W.S (disambiguation) at 2:24 AM on April 13, 2014