Nestled between I-5 and HW99, and the Oregon Coast, Corvallis is the perfect spot to stop on your way out to visit the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. Plan for an hour or two to explore as you drive through - there's plenty to see and do as you stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.
Tarntip is one of those gems that's well known to locals and regular visitors, but often missed by travelers new to the area. This family-owned Thai restaurant is located right across the street from Oregon State University's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and the Dawes House. Pop in for lunch in their comfortable dining room, or load up on tasty Thai takeout for a picnic at Avery Park. Don't miss their Thai iced coffee - it's an extra special treat on a hot summer day.
Avery Park is a gorgeous spot, perfect for walking off some lunch and getting some exercise after a drive. It offers 75 acres of woods mixed with luxurious open green space, and multiple playgrounds. You'll find some Corvallis favorites here, like the Georgia Pacific train engine that's been converted into a play area, the dinosaur bones that started life as a sculpture by OSU students and is now a favorite play and climbing structure, and the Avery Park Rose Garden, threaded with walking paths, trellises, gazebos, and tons of different kinds of roses. Peak bloom is in June, but you'll find fresh roses May through November. You can grab a free web app made by the City of Corvallis right here to help you figure out what kinds of roses you're enjoying.
Once you've had lunch and stretched out from driving, it's easy to head from Corvallis and out to the Oregon Coast. From Avery Park, just head north on 15th Street and turn left onto HW20. Enjoy a leisurely drive west through Philomath and then continue on to the Oregon Coast on either HW20 or HW34. We recommend taking HW34, also known as the Marys Peak to Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, if you have a little extra time. It's a beautiful drive full of excellent sightseeing opportunities.
Tarntip, located right across the street from Oregon State University, offers delicious, authentic Thai cuisine - the best in Corvallis. This small, family-owned restaurant is a Corvallis and OSU staple. Previously cash-only, Tarntip recently started accepting card payments.
Find Tarntip at 2535 NW Monroe Avenue in Corvallis (map). It's open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Learn more on on Facebook.
Avery Park is a large, beautiful city park with several playgrounds, a swimming hole, beautiful gardens, plenty of green space, picnic spots, picnic shelters, and more. It's a great spot to stroll in nature, enjoy a bite to eat, or take the kids to play.
Avery Park is located at 1200 SW Avery Park Drive in Corvallis (map), just south of Oregon State University. Learn more about it on the City of Corvallis website.
Featured photo by Reed Lane Photography. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
