Regardless of whether you’re visiting Corvallis for work, an OSU campus visit or sporting event, or just to explore, there’s so much to do in this idyllic college town. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Corvallis.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Odd Bird Cafe, where you’ll find a good mix of sweet and savory plates. Their ham Benedict is out-of-this world delicious; for an off-the-beaten path choice, the shrimp Benedict doesn’t disappoint. For those with a sweet-tooth, there are many options, although the Berries Romanoff is one of my favorites. Local berries and a house-made brandy-brown sugar fromage blanc sit atop fresh baked biscuits. If you’re visiting either Wednesdays or Saturdays, from April through November, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., visit the legendary Corvallis Farmers Market. Vendors are lined up on First Street with a huge selection of produce, meats, and artisan gifts. The Mushroomery, a family-owned and certified organic mushroom farm located in the Oregon Cascade Mountains, offers a variety, including enoki, lion's mane, maitake, oyster, shiitake, and more, depending on the season. Grab a mouthwatering pastry from Camron Ridge Farmstead or pick up a colorful bouquet from GreenGable Farms. You’ll also find a good selection of delicious food stands. The Naked Crepe offers both sweet and savory options while Rivas Dulce Vida delivers Salvadoran and Mexican flavors with their pupusas, tortas, and tacos.
From downtown, drive north to McDonald-Dunn Forest, which is owned and operated by Oregon State University's (OSU) College of Forestry. Part of a vast collection of OSU Research Forests that span over 11,250 acres, McDonald-Dunn offers about 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and trail running. Parking in the area is sparse, so be sure to get there early. For a flat stroll, visit Peavy Arboretum, which features a system of trails surrounded by towering sequoias and aromatic western red cedars.
After a morning of stretching your legs, head to 4 Spirits Distillery, which is located on highway 99 in South Corvallis. Owner and veteran Dawson Officer named the distillery in recognition of four soldiers he served beside. Although the business has been giving back to the community since 2012, they established the 4 Spirits Foundation in 2023 as a way to support our veterans. You’ll find a collection of highly regarded whiskeys, rums, gin and vodkas, along with a solid selection of food. Their food menu includes everything from salads and wings to burgers and sandwiches. Be sure to ask your server about daily specials, which feature in-season produce.
(Photo: 4 Spirits Distillery, Corvallis, Oregon, by Dustin Samplawski)
To learn about the history of Corvallis, you’ll want to check out the Corvallis Museum. Opened in early 2021, the two-story building features over 140,000 historical artifacts, along with regional artwork, and a robust gift shop. There’s a $5 entry fee for non-members, but it's well worth a visit. While you’re downtown, continue along 2nd street, where you’ll weave through small shops, including Sedlak’s Shoes, Grass Roots Book & Music, Art In the Valley Gallery, Revolve, among many more. On 3rd street, you can find the popular lifestyle boutiques, Restyle, Inkwell Home Store, and Second Glance. The downtown area mostly encapsulates first, second, third, and fourth streets, and is very walkable.
There are so many dinner options in this small town, but two of my favorites are Khalo Nasser and The Show. Khalo Naser serves authentic Syrian cuisine; expect to find housemade pitas, succulent lamb dishes, crispy falafels, and melt-in-your mouth baklavas. The dining room is spacious and offers a fun and lively atmosphere - great for date nights. The Show, located on ninth street, serves authentic Chinese food full of vibrant flavors. Grandma’s Pork Pot Stickers and one of the hot pot dishes should be on your list of items to try. The pot stickers are made in-house and take me back to the days my dad used to make them in our kitchen. They offer plenty of seating along with take-out and delivery.
There are many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in this part of the Willamette Valley. Marys Peak, located in the Siuslaw National Forest, offers a challenge to hikers and trail runners. At 4,097 feet, it’s the highest peak in the Oregon Coast Range, so visitors can expect to see snow up there as late as late April. From mid-May through July, there will be plenty of colorful wildflowers in bloom. Bald Hill Natural Area is another favorite; the vast 284-acre park has many hiking trails and is a popular spot for dogs and their owners.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way slightly out of town to the Dizzy Hen in Philomath for some of the best hearty breakfast plates in Oregon. Their menu changes often to ensure you’re getting the freshest ingredients which are reflective of the seasons. Their Pork Ragu with grits and a fried egg is a staple. Not a carnivore? They also have several vegan options.
Book some relaxation time at Honeycomb Salon - they offer massages, facials, and nail services. The Cleansing and Clearing Reiki Facial done by owner Alicia Brown is a fun experience. One of my favorite treatments is the cupping therapy they feature as an add-on to your massage.
Create a mini-wine tasting adventure. There are a few tasting rooms within the town, including Valcan Cellars, Corazón Wine Bar & Kitchen, and Fullerton Winery. The surrounding area also presents many tasting opportunities, with some a mere 15 to 20 minutes away. Lumos Wine Co. in Philomath, features a gorgeous modern space in what was once a dude ranch. Along with wine tasting they host events such as yoga and live entertainment. In the warmer months, you’ll find food trucks such as Nick’s Soul Food and Nomadic Pizza.
Round out your last day in this charming town with a stop by Sugar J’s along the riverfront for a scoop (or two, or three!) of homemade, small-batch ice cream. Choose from a variety of flavors, including cake batter, cinnamon, brown butter pecan, and many more. Sit at one of the picnic tables set up outside; it’s a great spot for people-watching.
Although you’ll find an assortment of options for lodging, including airbnb’s, hotels, and motels, Corbin B&B is a unique choice. Set across six acres, you can select from a tiny house, an airstream, or a suite. Enjoy a full breakfast for $20 per day, along with casual Sunday dinners shared with the host and other guests.
Article by Jean Chen Smith. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
