Corvallis is centrally located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, and right between I5 and the Coast Range, making it a great pit stop on a long drive, particularly if you're headed to the Oregon Coast. If you've been in the car awhile and need a place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat, Corvallis has plenty of opportunities for both.
The recently-opened Valley Rock Gym offers an opportunity to really get some exercise in after a long drive. They offer over 8,000 square feet of climbing terrain including two youth climbing areas, five 20-foot auto belays, climbing training zones, a party room, a fitness area, and a yoga studio, as well as locker rooms with showers, family bathrooms, and a gender-neutral bathroom with a shower. This is an especially good stop if you've got a carload of kids who are getting a bit rambunctious due to too much time in the vehicle. You can let them use their energy up, get cleaned up, and then you can all enjoy a great breakfast or lunch right in the same building at Ants on a Log Cafe.
Ants on a Log Cafe offers coffee, smoothies, seasonal salads and soups, and lots of other yummy, healthy snacks and small bites, perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch. They source all their ingredients from local farms, and cater to a variety of dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and peanut-free, and they even offer a few nut-free options. Their food is organic, too, and they work hard to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, as well.
If you're looking for a one-stop-shop to use up some extra energy and refuel with a healthy meal, Valley Rock Gym and Ants on a Log Cafe is perfect.
When you're ready to hit the road again, you can just head straight south on 4th Street and veer right to enter the Corvallis-Newport Highway, which will take you through Philomath and to a choice between HW20 or HW34. Both routes will take you to the coast, and both are lovely drives. The Corvallis-Newport Highway (HW20) is the faster drive, but if you've got the extra twenty minutes or so, we recommend taking HW34, also known as the Marys Peak to Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. There's some excellent sightseeing opportunities and pit stops on this beautiful drive.
Ants on a Log Cafe serves coffee, fresh smoothies, seasonal soups and salads, and house-made baked goods with ingredients sourced from local farms and businesses. They aim to minimize waste, support organic practices, and accommodate a variety of dietary needs.
Ants on a Log Cafe is located at 401 SW Jefferson Avenue in Corvallis. They're open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Learn more at www.AntsOnALogCafe.com.
Valley Rock Gym is a modern, full-service climbing facility with a focus on community, climbing, wellness, and education that also offers yoga and fitness classes.
Valley Rock Gym is located at 401 SW Jefferson Avenue in Corvallis. They're open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. Day Use passes are $20 for adults and $16 for students, seniors, and youths.
Learn more at ValleyRockGym.com.
Featured Photo: A climber tackles one of the climbing walls at Valley Rock Gym. Photo via Facebook. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
