Oregon

8 Towns in The Pacific Northwest With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

Published

3 months ago

July 7, 2024

8 Towns in The Pacific Northwest With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

Carved by glaciers, volcanoes, and dramatic landscapes, the Pacific Northwest of the US, formed by Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, is pure paradise. Its mountains are blanketed by lush rainforests, and the Pacific Ocean is lined by the cozy countryside. Paradisiacal peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Hood pierce the clouds, while glacial lakes such as Crater Lake and Lake Pend Oreille bring an eternal glow to the valleys. Beyond the jaw-dropping scenery, charming towns offer downtowns with dynamic communities. Ready for an exploration of these gems? Check out these towns where the downtown areas steal the show!

Ashland, Oregon

Street view in Ashland, Oregon, via Nature’s Charm / Shutterstock.com

As the birthplace of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland has cemented its status as a regal arts town throughout the decades. This performing arts venue attracts theater fans and art enthusiasts all year long, sparking a vibrant downtown where lots of restaurants and shops pop up to cater to discerning palates.

After a show, walk a few steps to Main Street or Lithia Way to dig into a symphony of local offerings. For quick bites, you can’t go wrong with Taqueria Picaro; locals especially love their mahi mahi tacos. If you fancy a drink with your group, the go-to in town are Skout Taphouse & Provisions and O’Ryans Irish Pub.

Commemorate your trip and snag a cool memento from the town’s quirky shops. Paddington Station has all things cute for sale, such as handy kitchen items and holiday novelties. When you feel like pampering yourself, indulge in some wellness shopping at Elder Apothecary, known for its line of herbs, teas, and tinctures.

Also located downtown is the crown jewel of Ashland: Lithia Park. This panoramic central park is an ideal place to wind down and just appreciate this town’s undeniable beauty. There is a Japanese garden, a fountain, a pickleball court, a picnic area, and miles and miles of riverside trails for visitors to explore.

Florence, Oregon

Dreaming of a paradisiacal coastal escape with a flourishing community? Florence might just be the haven you are looking for. It’s cradled right where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean. The town is home to the otherworldly Sea Lion Caves, which is the largest of its kind nationwide and fosters a thriving population of Steller sea lions.

On Maple Street, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is a worthy stop for curious minds. You’ll get to know the origins of Florence and the Siuslaw region at large. The museum also hosts a gift shop if you’d like a souvenir to take home, or you could swing by Ärtêfacts on Bay Street for unique coast-inspired tchotchkes.

Dive even deeper into the downtown area and have a taste of the vibrant locale. For a quick pick-me-up in the day, River Roasters serves an array of classic espresso drinks and specialty coffee. As a coastal town, Florence is abundant with top-notch seafood; head over to Mo’s Seafood & Chowder or Novelli’s Crab and Seafood for the best chowders on the Oregon Coast.

Astoria, Oregon

Close to the Washington border and nestled along the Columbia River, Astoria is another picturesque Oregon town near the Pacific. It’s famously known for the Astoria Column atop Coxcomb Hill; locals and visitors often flock to this site and climb over 160 steps to get uninterrupted city views from the observation deck. If you’re one to enjoy long walks, make sure to include the Riverwalk Trail in your list of things to do in town. You could start up east on Lagoon Road and traverse the 6.4-mile trail all the way to Pier 3 of the Port of Astoria. Along the way, you’ll encounter all that the electric downtown has to offer.

You can make a fun day out of visiting the Oregon Film Museum on Duane Street, and 80s film fans may even recognize the building from the riveting opening scene in The Goonies. The museum extensively showcases all the movies and TV shows that were filmed in Oregon.

Up to 200 local artisans and farmers offer their products to the public at the Astoria Sunday Market on 12th Street; if you love supporting local, this marketplace shouldn’t be missed. Live entertainment and an array of food kiosks make the market extra inviting.

As with most coastal towns, Astoria is brimming with high-quality seafood. If you want some fresh catch (or maybe wish to cook your own!), South Bay Wild Fish House, a restaurant and seafood market in one, might be right up your alley!

Winthrop, Washington

Street view of downtown Winthrop. Image credit MelissaMN via stock.adobe.com

Tucked in the mountains of Methow Valley in Okanogan County, Winthrop is a wonderland that will make you feel like you’ve jumped back in time. The spirit of the Wild West is very much alive in this mountain town; pair that with an ever-blossoming community and you’ve got yourself a fine getaway.

If you’re planning a fun day of skiing, Methow Trails is said to have the best cross-country skiing slopes in the area. For hikers seeking their next adventure, this mountain town is actually a gateway to the lush landscapes of North Cascades National Park. Meanwhile, folks who prefer a more casual hike might enjoy a stroll through Pearrygin Lake State Park.

In downtown Winthrop, the classic American Old West design is prominent. Walking through Riverside Avenue will feel like stepping into a spaghetti Western movie set. For a caffeine fix, Rocking Horse Bakery serves top-tier espresso drinks and luscious coffee cake. If you fancy mingling with fellow travelers or even locals, join the happy hour at Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon.

La Conner, Washington

La Conner, a charming little town on the Swinomish Channel in Skagit Bay, is a peaceful retreat in the Pacific Northwest. It is ideally nestled between Seattle and Vancouver, attracting urbanites looking for a nice break. The town bursts with friendly folks and a laid-back marina lifestyle.

While the town is a great place to be any time of the year, the best time to visit La Conner is around March, for the La Conner Daffodil Festival, or in April when the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is at full speed. The community hosts a few events in support of the festival and the streets are lined with good food and other offerings.

With so much art and culture to discover, curious cats can head downtown to the Museum of Northwest Art for a glimpse into the prowess of artists throughout the region. This creative spirit is also on full display at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, which not only celebrates traditional techniques but also offers educational programs to inspire future generations.

Visitors could explore more of downtown’s gems by renting bikes from PNW Exploration on Second Street. You could rummage for your next quirky collectible at Nasty Jack’s Antiques, find a good read at Seaport Books, and gobble on exquisite meals at Nell Thorn.

Leavenworth, Washington

Perched high up in the Cascade Mountains is the wondrous Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth. The town center is punctuated with Alpine-style structures that house one-of-a-kind merchandise shops and eateries. For holidayers who like to have a taste of authentic German fare, München Haus serves classic bratwurst and handcrafted brews. Meanwhile, Mozart’s Restaurant is popular for its seamless fusion of European and Pacific Northwest delicacies.

The downtown block, particularly Front Street Park, also hosts a plethora of events and festivals throughout the year, most notably the Christkindlmarkt, Icefest, and Christmas Lighting Festival during the holiday season. Of course, what’s a Bavarian town without a resounding celebration of Oktoberfest?

Outdoor fiends can go up Leavenworth Ski Hill for snow tubing and cross-country skiing in the winter; come summertime, the mountains reveal stunning landscapes and wildflower views ideal for quiet strolls. The town is also home to Leavenworth Reindeer Farm; this attraction is suitable for vacationers with kids as you’ll have close encounters with these marvelous animals.

Wallace, Idaho

Located in the mining district of the Idaho Panhandle, Wallace is known to be the Silver Capital of the World, having produced over a billion ounces of silver since its founding in 1884. Since you’re right in Silver Valley, discovering the town’s roots is a must at Wallace District Mining Museum on Bank Street downtown. For a close-up experience, sign up for the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, where you’ll discover a fascinating underground mine and witness the town’s mining methods first-hand.

Looking to take home something unique? Antique emporiums like North Idaho Trading Company and Johnson’s Gems, Jewelry, & Collectibles have rare and curious finds for all tastes. Browse through their overflowing with one-of-a-kind items and unearth Idaho gold and silver pieces that make the perfect memorabilia for your trip.

Beyond a colorful past and precious metals, Wallace is home to an ever-blossoming entertainment scene. Catch a performance at Sixth Street Melodrama and Theater, the town’s entertainment behemoth for over 40 years. On the same street, you can try local joints like Silver Corner Bar, famous for its pineapple cider, and Blackboard Cafe for some hearty Italian fare in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sandpoint, Idaho

Situated along the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is one of North Idaho’s premier skiing destinations. It’s home to the legendary Schweitzer Mountain Resort, a stunning mountain with terrain parks and ski slopes of varying difficulties.

For a change of pace after hitting the slopes, head to the dynamic locale of Sandpoint City Beach Park, adjacent to the downtown shops and restaurants. This lakefront park is ideal for afternoon picnics, features a nice, small beach, and even offers boat tours of the lake.

Fancy eating out after your antics with nature? Some local favorites are Joel’s, a homey family-owned Mexican joint in front of the downtown parking lot on Church Street, and Eichardt’s Pub Grill & Coffee, a lively hangout spot serving comfort bar grub amidst live music.

When you feel like shopping for some goodies, this lakeside town boasts bustling mercantiles that showcase local artisans and craftspeople. Come down to Cedar Street Bridge Public Market and check out an array of trendy food hubs, eclectic shops, candy stores, and so much more. At Farmin Park, the heart of downtown Sandpoint, the Farmers’ Market typically opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here, you’ll find an arsenal of fresh goods and produce all waiting to be discovered.

Downtown in the Pacific Northwest

Beyond awe-inspiring natural attractions, the Pacific Northwest bursts at the seams with characterful towns with downtown spots that hum with joy. From Ashland’s celebrated theater scene to Florence’s quirky shops and fresh seafood bounty, Oregon’s towns offer something for every soul. Washington gems like Leavenworth, modeled after beautiful Bavaria, and the time capsule that is Winthrop, with its Wild West appeal, provide otherworldly experiences. Meanwhile, Idaho’s Wallace, a land of fine silver and gold, and Sandpoint, a playground for skiing enthusiasts, complete this selection of coastal escapes. Bring your loved ones for a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of this beautiful region!

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Oregon

5-Star Defensive Lineman Visiting Oregon Ducks for Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup

Published

5 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

5-Star Defensive Lineman Visiting Oregon Ducks for Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup

Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 as the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes come to Autzen Stadium. On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.

Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 for the top-10 matchup with the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.

One week after revealing his plans to graduate a year early, Stewart will be in Autzen as the Buckeyes take on the Ducks.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Ohio State coach Ryan Day both have undefeated teams with College Football Playoff aspirations, but the recruiting never ends. Stewart projects as a player who can make an immediate impact.

Jahkeem Stewart under the Friday night lights. / Jahkeem Stewart / Instagram

After his visit to Eugene on Oct. 12, Stewart has plans to visit LSU on Nov. 9, USC on No. 16, and Ohio State on Nov. 30. Typically, the team with the last visit

The early signing period begins on Dec. 4, giving Day and the Buckeyes the last chance to make an impression on Stewart. That being said, LSU and USC have both been considered favorites throughout Stewart’s recruitment.

🚨NEWS🚨 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart has reclassified to the 2025 cycle, per @SWiltfong_‼️
Read: https://t.co/ZTuincsC7N pic.twitter.com/bPD8QrNm37
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) October 5, 2024

Stewart was already high-profile recruit, and he is now the No. 3 defensive lineman recruit in 2025 according to the 247Sports Composite.

247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks thinks highly of Stewart, writing about the elite defensive lineman’s athleticism.

“Reportedly highly productive sophomore campaign with 85 tackles, 33 TFL, 20 sacks. Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness,” said Brooks. “Elite young defensive line prospect given outstanding physical tools and promising movement ability who could become a serious NFL Draft candidate down the road.”

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning: ‘Tough’ Dillon Gabriel Injury Update After Michigan State

MORE: Will ESPN College GameDay Visit Eugene for Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Secure Recruiting Visit With Son of Former NFL Star

MORE: USC Trojans’ Bear Alexander Interested in Transfer To Oregon Ducks?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Recruiting Pushing To Flip USC Trojans Four-Star Commit

MORE: Largest College Football Stadiums: Ranking Oregon Ducks In Big Ten Conference

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Oregon

Friday’s win allows Oregon football to look ahead to matchup with Ohio State

Published

14 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Friday’s win allows Oregon football to look ahead to matchup with Ohio State

Oregon is undefeated, coming off its third straight convincing win and despite some unremarkable plays in recent weeks, is starting to look more and more like a team that should to be favored to land a spot in the College Football Playoff in December.

Now comes the most anticipated game of the regular season.

Bring on the Buckeyes.

The No. 6 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) will play No. 3 Ohio State – which is 4-0 heading into its game Saturday against Iowa – at 4:30 p.m. next Saturday in Autzen Stadium, a game between the two highest ranked teams in the conference.

“I think it’ll be a great challenge and a great opportunity for us in front of our home crowd,” quarterback Dillon Gabriel said after Oregon defeated Michigan State 31-10 Friday in Autzen Stadium. “You dream for moments like these and games like this and I think everyone’s excited for it.”

Despite this mid-October gem on its schedule, coach Dan Lanning said his team hasn’t looked ahead to Ohio State while it opened the season with wins against Idaho, Boise State, Oregon State, UCLA and now the Spartans.

“They’ve done a really good job of not listening to you guys, right?” Lanning said to media members Friday night. “But finally, you guys can talk about it. We’re finally there. We’re going to play them now. A great team. … There’s a reason why they’re one of the best teams in the country. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, and our fans are gonna have to show up.”

Lanning said the team would turn its focus to the Buckeyes at midnight on Friday. That wasn’t soon enough for wide receiver Tez Johnson.

“Right now,” Johnson said. “We turn the page right now. Obviously, it’s a big game … we’ll got out here and practice physical knowing that they got some really good players. But so do we. It’s going to be a really good matchup.”

Heading into their game against the Hawkeyes, the Buckeyes are the most prolific team in conference. With former Oregon coach Chip Kelly in his first season as offensive coordinator, Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring (48.8 points) and yards (534.8) per game, and No. 2 in passing yards (307.8) and No. 4 in rushing yards (227.0) per game.

They’ve also allowed the fewest points per game (6.8) for a No. 1 point differential of 42.0.

“I played Ohio State two years,” said defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a Michigan State transfer. “I know what they bring. We just have to compete that game. That’s a game we’re gonna have to compete. Everybody run to the ball, everybody in the right gaps, everybody playing for each other. That’s what we gotta do.”

In 2021, the Ducks upset the Buckeyes in Columbus, 35-28, the only victory for Oregon in 10 games against Ohio State. The two games prior were a 42-20 loss in the 2015 national championship game and a 26-17 defeat in the 2010 Rose Bowl.

“We’re two great programs that have been known for playing good football,” Gabriel said. “The things you look to as a young man playing the game is big-time moments and great atmospheres. So, super excited for it.”

Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him on X @chansen_RG or by email at chansen@registerguard.com.

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Oregon

Live updates: Michigan State trails Oregon 31-7 in fourth quarter

Published

21 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Live updates: Michigan State trails Oregon 31-7 in fourth quarter

MSU closes gap in waning seconds

A nice drive by Tommy Schuster puts points on the board for the Spartans. 31-10 looks like the final with 25 seconds to play. I’m sure there many out there that were more interested in that field goal than others.

Defense gets a stop, Chiles’ day is done

Tommy Schuster enters for the Spartans with six minutes and change remaining. Looks like the rest of the starting crew is still out there.

Touchdown, MSU!

In year one of a new coaching staff, and against teams that are probably in a different weight class, little things like getting on the scoreboard matter. A 75-yard drive ended with a Kay’ron-Lynch Adams one yard scoring run, and it’s 31-7 late. Chiles found a few receivers, including two first downs to Jack Velling, and a 35-yard strike to Montorie Foster. 8:27 remains to close the gap further.

Score blown open after long Oregon TD drive

After holding the ball for over eight minutes, the Ducks hit paydirt on fourth and goal from the two. For the second week in a row, there are just too many weapons for Michigan State to keep up with. 31-0 Oregon is your score now.

Fourth quarter looms with Oregon in control

Oregon has really slowed the pace and is taking a bunch of time off the clock while moving the ball. The Ducks are threatening again, as the end of the third quarter arrives. MSU’s defense needs the breather, they are getting leaned on right now. Let’s see if they can keep the end zone clean.

Ducks add field goal, 24-0 score

Well, it could be worse. A promising Oregon drive stalled out, and it was a nice job by Michigan State to force a 50-yard field goal, especially with an iffy Ducks kicking game. The attempt was good, and now Michigan State takes over on offense, still trying to put some points on the board.

Oregon takes over after empty possession

Michigan State’s offensive line is breaking down, and Chiles is doing his best to scramble around. Oregon’s defensive line is a handful for anyone. Jaron Glover had an opportunity to haul in a big play inside the red zone, but had the ball punched out at the last second. Still 21-0 early third quarter.

Lead extends to 21-0 going into half

That’s huge. Oregon marches right down the field, eats up the rest of the clock, and scores a touchdown. Gabriel throws his 135th TD pass and now the Spartans have dug quite a first half hole against a top 10 team for the second week in a row.

MSU gives ball back at two minute timeout

A few sacks derailed a drive that started off strong. Michigan State will get the ball to begin the second half, so this upcoming drive for the defense will be crucial to get a stop.

Ducks punch one in to go up 14-0

It is becoming clear that there isn’t much Spartan resistance for the Oregon ground game tonight. Oregon back Jordan James is up to 133 rushing yards on 14 carries, with the team up to 174. There is still 5:26 left in the half. Offense needs to put some points up quick.

Second quarter starts another turnover

Plot twist, this was NOT another Michigan State turnover. Charles Brantley is on an interception hot streak, and he just got the second red zone pick of the night for the Spartans. In a game with three drives that got inside the five, it is 7-0 Oregon with 11:17 left in the first half.

Gabriel runs in late first quarter score

The Ducks have gotten to at least the one-yard line in their last two drives, but no turnover this time. A couple big plays were capped off by a nine-yard touchdown run by Gabriel, and it’s 7-0 Oregon. End of the first quarter in Eugene.

Three-and-out for MSU, Ducks takeover

Nice decision from Chiles to not force anything on a third and a million. A nice punt from Ryan Eckley and another play by Spencer flips the field.

Oregon returns the favor; Spartans pick off Dillon Gabriel

Call it even! Fresh off of forcing a turnover at their own one yard-line, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws an interception at the Spartan one. Malik Spencer made a very athletic diving catch to secure the pick, and Michigan State takes over after the touchback.

Chiles fumble at the 1 squanders golden scoring chance

This is getting ridiculous. Yet another drive where Michigan State marches the ball right down the field ends with a turnover. This one is an Aidan Chiles fumble as he was reaching into the end zone. The most frustrating thing for Spartan fans is how good Chiles also looks. Multiple great throws, including a deep bomb to Nick Marsh that set the Spartans up at the two, set up the scoring chance. But one step forward has been followed by a step back too many times so far to hang with the big boy teams.

Hello Defense!

Michigan State won the toss and gave the Ducks the ball. That turned out to be a good choice. The Spartans force a three and out and the offense has an early chance to punch ahead.

Let’s get this party started

Nice surprise on this late-night for Michiganders. Tigers’ announcer Jason Benetti is on the call in Eugene for Fox. 3-2 Spartans and 4-0 Ducks on deck.

The Spartans continue the meat of their schedule with a trip across the country to face unbeaten and No. 6-ranked Oregon on the national stage.

Coming off a 38-7 home loss to Ohio State, Michigan State faces another top-10 team, but this time it’s on the road. The Spartans moved the ball well against the Buckeyes, and did not look physically outmatched for most of the night, but costly turnovers and mistakes proved too much to keep up with Ohio State.

Those mistakes will need to be limited, as the Spartans head into one of the most hostile environments in the country. However, Oregon has let opponents hang around in home games so far. The Ducks needed a late score to put away FCS Idaho in Week 1 and only beat Boise State out of the Mountain West by a 37-34 score. Oregon is coming off a pair of dominant road performances the last two weeks, with a 49-14 rout at Oregon State and 34-13 win at UCLA.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Griffin Beers.