A Hidden Gem College Town In Oregon Boasts Mountain Views And A Thriving Art Scene

Now that the pandemic is well and truly behind us, Oregon is certainly having a moment. Not only are its gorgeous state parks experiencing a boom in visitors, but Portland has developed a serious reputation as a bucket list foodie destination and one of the coolest college towns in America. Still, the state's visitor numbers are way less than heavy hitters like Florida and California, making it something of an off-the-beaten-track destination. That means the Beaver State still has plenty of hidden gems to discover, such as the lovely college town of Corvallis, with its arts scene and mountain views.

Taken from the Latin word meaning "heart of the valley," Corvallis is a relaxing leafy city of 61,000 people tucked away in Willamette Valley around a 90-minute drive from downtown Portland. The city's walkable nature means that the nearby mountains, rivers, and trails are within easy reach, and the large student population of Oregon State University keeps things lively yet laid-back.

If you are planning to stay over in Corvallis, the average cost of a three-star hotel is around $92 a night. If you want to treat yourself to something more luxurious, a four-star option will set you back more in the region of $131. Enjoying the city's culinary scene won't break the bank either. While there are some high-end restaurants, many of the foodie hot spots are fairly inexpensive with a meal costing on average $16 per person.

While Corvallis isn't a major sightseeing destination, there are still plenty of things to keep you busy for a few days, like shopping, dining, and cultural events. It is also a great base if you enjoy outdoor activities. The downtown area is only a short distance from the miles of multi-use trails and off-road adventures that wend their way through the surrounding woodlands, meadows, and mountains. You can enjoy the flora and fauna while hiking or cycling through nearby McDonald and Dunn Forests or taking the scenic trail to the summit of Oregon's Bald Hill. Afterward, see how the state got its nickname at Bruce Starker Arts Park where beavers are frequently seen building their dams in creeks and streams. For a longer adventure, you can take the 60-mile Corvallis-to-the-Sea (C2C) trail. It can be completed in one day on a bicycle if you are fit enough, or you can spread the trek out over longer by foot.

Back in town, there is always something of interest happening in the cultural scene. Check out the Arts Center or Corvallis Museum for regular exhibitions, catch a live performance at one of the town's theaters, or enjoy a range of fascinating street art by taking the Downtown Corvallis Alley Art Walk. It is worth checking out the town events calendar ahead of your visit because Corvallis hosts a diverse range of festivals and events throughout the year.

Corvallis has a pretty diverse culinary scene for a relatively small city. Load up on Syrian cuisine at Khalo Naser, delicious Asian dishes at Tarntip Thai, grab a chunky pastrami sandwich at Old World Deli, or indulge in Latin American and Caribbean flavors at Del Alma. If you are more in the mood for globe-trotting in one sitting, head over to Common Fields where you will find food trucks serving international dishes. There are regular live events in the friendly communal dining area plus the usual craft ales and cocktails. Vegans and vegetarians won't go hungry either with a range of enticing options including the superstar crispy cauliflower tacos at TacoVore.

As you might expect for a city with a big student population, Corvallis offers a lively nightlife scene, and you're never too far away from a great watering hole. If you're into dive bars, you can even download the Corvallis Dive Bar Crawl, which will take you on a journey through some of the city's most beloved local spots. Most of them have reasonably priced menus to help soak up the booze. Check out Bière Library for its excellent draft beers and Belgian-inspired comfort eats, Harrison Bar & Grill for its fun atmosphere and unfussy pub grub, or Squirrel's Tavern for a cozy interior and American bar classics to go with the brews and wine. Elsewhere, you can enjoy some quality craft beers at Block 15 Brewing or sample award-winning local bourbon at 4 Spirits Distillery.