8 Towns in Oregon With Thriving Local Businesses
The beautiful state of Oregon is located between Washington, Idaho, and California and is home to cliffside shores running alongside the Pacific Ocean, and vast mountain ranges such as the Cascades. It is also home to dozens of adorable towns and small cities with endless attractions, and businesses to visit. Whether you are craving a caramel iced latte, need a new blouse for dinner, or just want to sample local cuisine, there is a thriving local business ready to welcome you with open arms.
Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego is a city located right next to Portland, Oregon, featuring the stunning Oswego Lake, a private body of water that is a popular spot for kayaking, boating, and other recreational activities.
Local cafes to check out include Ava Roasteria, an Oregon-based coffeehouse serving up sandwiches and mouth-watering baked goods. They also have a massive patio perfect for cozying up with a book. Another great option is Roseline Coffee, a Portland staple with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing a fantastic spot to sip a latte and people-watch. Happy Sparrow is a neighborhood cafe with Czech and Texas roots. They offer delicious kolaches, a Czech dish with its own added Texas flare. They also have picnic tables outside for your enjoyment.
All kinds of shopping can be done in Lake Oswego without having to journey to Portland. At Dennis' 7 Dees Garden Center, you can find healthy, beautiful plants and flowers, as well as gardening tools and landscaping decor. At Wyatt Moon Merchantile, shop the various art pieces, journals, jewelry, novelty items, spiritual items, and astrology items. Grapevine is a women's boutique that sells only the best outfits.
Grab grocery staples as well as handcrafted goods at the farmers market. At Parsons Farms, stock up on fresh produce such as apples, pumpkins, and berries, as well as other items like eggs, all at their outdoor market.
Dine out at Nicoletta's Table, a date-night fairytale serving up homemade Italian cuisine, including handmade pasta, pizzas, and bread. They also have an Italian market on site. Or, try something new and head to Aji Tram, a restaurant that combines Asian and American fare.
Ontario
A town with the same name as a Canadian province and located on the border along Idaho, Ontario, is a community-driven sweet spot on Interstate 84.
Whether you are just passing through, visiting, or happen to live in town, get your coffee fix at the local cafes. Sorbenots Coffee is an Oregon staple and is situated inside a blue house with a convenient drive-thru. Enjoy the quirky, welcoming decor as well as their take-home beans at Sugar Momma, and savor their delicious cookies and treats. At Bake-A-Deli, purchase something sweet, such as cupcakes, cake pops, brownies, and bread, or lunch items like wraps and sandwiches.
When it comes to shopping, enjoy local options like ProSoul Games, a store stocking all the best board games and table-top games, including Magic the Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, and popular card games. And AUBREES is an adorable women's boutique offering blouses, dresses, skirts, and accessories.
Try unique foods or grab the essentials at Gonzalez Market, a Mexican grocery store with meats, frozen items, and candy. Ontario Mini Market and Produce stocks fresh veggies, fruits, meat, and lots of snacking options.
Don't worry about the dishes and go out to eat at restaurants like Brewsky's Broiler, a pub serving up both American and Mexican favorites such as burgers, wings, tacos, and chimichangas. Another great eatery is Second and Vine Bistro, where you can try delectable wines, a new beer, or savor a cocktail. They also offer charcuterie boards, light fare such as sandwiches, and plates perfect for sharing.
North Bend/Coos Bay
The coastal area of Coos Bay and North Bend is located right next to the Pacific Ocean and is a prime spot for fishing, whale watching, and watersports. It is also home to dozens of cute, small businesses.
Meet with friends and enjoy the cozy atmosphere at The Tin Rooster, a cafe with fireplaces, couches, and a dessert case. Enjoy the convenience MetroBru offers with their drive-thru tiny cafe. At Empire Donuts, choose from over a dozen kinds, including filled, sprinkled, and fritters.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet Street Popcorn, which not only sells gourmet popcorn, but fudge, chocolate, and candy as well. Thrifty Sisters is the place to go for gently used clothing, jewelry, shoes, toys, and books. Bite's on Bait & Tackle has all your fishing needs covered and is located a short distance from the water.
Shop for snacks or liquor at Bungalow Market, which also has an on-site deli. At the Coos Bay Farmer's Market, browse the best locally grown produce, meats, and baked goods.
Start the day right with breakfast at the Pancake Mill, an adorable eatery serving waffles, crepes, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly baked pies. In the evening, stop in at Walt's Pourhouse, where you can enjoy pub favorites like burgers, pizza, and appetizers, as well as drink options like microbrews and unique Caesars.
Roseburg
Located right near the Cascade Mountain Range, the town of Roseburg is a cute, alpine oasis.
Stop for coffee at Cascades Coffee House, which also has chai, cold brew, iced coffee, and a fun section full of knickknacks. Caffeine Hero is a food truck-based coffee shop with espresso-based drinks, tea, Italian soda, and smoothies. My Coffee is a welcoming coffeehouse with an Arizona-esque interior, complete with greenery.
If you love to shop, make sure to visit the various boutiques and vendors at From Days Gone By, and find antique treasures such as furniture and decor. Reverie Record Shop is the place to go for both old and new finds. And Heroes Haven is a fully-stocked comic book store with the latest graphic novels and releases, as well as collectibles.
Shop local at Jackson Street Provisions, a market that only stocks locally made or independent goods including craft beers, meats, produce, flowers, dairy items such as cheese, dips, and seasonings. At McClendon's Old Fashioned Meats and Smokehouse, they have a massive and impressive meat counter, deli section, and locally sourced grocery area offering produce, baked goods, and essentials.
Travel back in time and head to Pete's Drive-In, a retro burger joint first established in 1965. Make date night one to remember with The Parrot House, located inside an old, Victorian-era historical home, and offering dishes such as steak, salmon, and house-made salads.
Redmond
Located not far from Bend, Oregon, Redmond has a picturesque mountain backdrop and offers an escape from bustling city life.
Enjoy the beautiful weather with a spot on the patio at Redmond Coffee Company. At Coffee Depot, you can choose to either walk up or take the drive-thru, and order items such as milkshakes, Italian sodas, and espresso drinks. Tite Knot Craft Coffee is inside a quaint home and also features a food truck outside.
Look no further for your new favorite outfit at Forever Sunshine, a women's clothing boutique with all the best styles. BrightSide Animal Center Thrift Store donates to an amazing cause and has everything from gently used clothes to decor and furniture. Rod's Quality Meats has a large meat counter with everything you can think of, plus seasonings and sauces.
Shop organic at Cornucopia Natural Foods, which has all your bulk needs, tea, coffee, vitamins, non-perishables, and self-care. Jordan's Fruit Stand is stocked full of amazing produce, including all the fruits and veggies you can handle.
Celebrate a big milestone at Brickhouse, a steakhouse located downtown with amazing steaks, as well as seafood options like scallops, prawns, and lobster. They also have an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. For somewhere more family-friendly, check out Loco Place, a Mexican restaurant with amazing tacos, a salsa bar, and an on-site Latin grocery store with all the best snacks and drinks.
Woodburn
Close to Salem, come for the tulips, and stay for the local businesses.
Get your morning cup of joe and enjoy the tons of seating options at Cafe la Onda, where you can also try a bagel sandwich, and take home beans. Miranda's Bakery has coffee and tea, as well as freshly baked cookies, dessert squares, donuts, and many more pastry items. Le Petit Bistro is in the nearby tiny area of Hubbard, only a five-minute drive, and is built in what looks like a converted garage.
If you are hoping to purchase reasonably priced furniture and clothes, journey to Ray of Hope Community Thrift Store, and support a great cause while you are at it. Elena's Fabrics and Jewelry has your next project covered with everything you need, including threads, beads, and accessories. B & P Hitz Fruit Farm is an outdoor stand with fruits such as apples and raspberries, as well as fresh honey and jams.
For imported Latin goods, Supermercado las Tarascas caries all the best, including baked goods, meats, and produce. El Torito Meat Market has fruits, veggies, a huge bakery section, and a well-stocked meat counter.
If you are craving Asian cuisine, Gina's Restaurant has all the best dishes, including potstickers, stir fry, kung pao, and fried rice. Craving Eastern European food instead? The Pierogi Place has not just pierogis, but piroshki, pelmeni, and crepes as well.
Klamath Falls
Situated right on Klamath Lake and Klamath River, there is plenty to see and do in this cute town located close to the California border.
If you need a latte, Gathering Grounds Cafe has you covered. They also have tons of seating, making it the perfect place to study or get some work done, as well as a cute patio. B.S. Coffee Bar is the place to go if you are in a rush or want something on the go since it is located inside a tiny trailer. Green Blade Bakery not only has yummy drinks but sticky buns, pastries, and fresh bread loaves as well.
To add flare to your home, Everybody's Vintage carries antique furniture, collectibles, and decor. If you need a new outfit or just want to treat yourself, shop the shelves full of dresses, rompers, bottoms, shoes, and accessories at Bloom and Flourish Boutique.
When it comes to groceries, Shern's Thunderbird Market carries all the essentials, including produce, baked goods, meat, dairy, and non-perishables. Imported goods can be found at Casa Mexico Fresh Food Market, which has all the best Latin goodies, as well as regular grocery items.
If you need some comfort food, David's Brawny Burger is an old-fashioned American restaurant with mouth-watering burgers and sides. To head out with friends, or just enjoy the summer weather, Common Block Brewing Company has a patio adorned with picnic tables, as well as beer flights and delicious pizzas.
Ashland
Ashland is right off Interstate 5, and is one of the last stops before you hit California.
When you are craving something caffeinated, head to a local cafe like Case Coffee Roasters, where you can sit amongst the modern interior, and enjoy premium beans. At Rogue Valley Roasting Co, sit on the beautiful patio, or stay inside and take in the rustic cabin design. Additionally, Noble Coffee Roasting has an open space concept, a merchandise area, and organic options.
For those planning to hit the trails, stop in at Mountain Provisions, where you can find everything from outdoor wear to camping gear and shoes. Paddington Station is a massive gift shop selling baby items, clothing, gifts and novelties, home decor, and jewelry. Ashland Artisan Emporium is a vendor collective with sections selling furniture, kitchenware, decor, jewelry, and self-care items.
When you need groceries visit the Ashland Food Co-op, or Ashland's Own Shop'n Kart, two locally owned grocery stores with produce sections, meat departments, bakeries, and all the essentials.
Wild Goose Cafe and Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with items like breakfast burritos, burgers, pasta, and steak. Craving something a little fancier? bird and rye is a hip joint with sandwiches, BBQ trays, fried chicken dishes, and craft cocktails, ales, and ciders.
So whether you have come for the beaches, hiking, and mountain climbing, or to visit iconic spots such as Portland and Salem, you will find a beautiful small town with all the perks that come with being away from the city. Enjoy a vibrant community, welcoming local businesses, and a place where you can truly enjoy nature and the state of Oregon itself.
