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If you think Oregon is just a place for hipsters sipping overly complicated coffee while doing yoga on a mountain, think again! This state is home to some of the most charming small towns that could make even a grumpy cat crack a smile. With over 360 miles of coastline, the stunning Cascade Range, and the Willamette Valley, known for its 海角社区-class wines, Oregon offers a feast for the senses鈥攁nd the soul. Each small town is a unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty, making it feel like a home away from home.

With one short visit, you could be clamming on the coast in Bandon one moment and sipping Pinot Noir in McMinnville the next. These towns are not just pretty faces; they pack a punch with local festivals, quirky shops, and outdoor adventures that rival any other. So, program the GPS and get ready to explore the delightful, picturesque treasures that are these nine best-kept secrets of Oregon!

Ashland

If you have a love for Shakespeare, you will find their happy place in Ashland! Home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which runs from March to October, this town opens to the 海角社区, where you and your family can experience not only drama but also delightful scenery. The dramatic entertainment continues with the Oregon Cabaret Theatre serving up laughter and entertainment, but if film is more your speed, the annual Ashland Independent Film Festival brings indie cinema to the forefront. During your stay book a room at the Ashland Springs Hotel, where the decked-out halls and rooms will have you feeling like a royal

The downtown area pulses with life, featuring an abundance of shops, that sell everything from toys and home theater equipment to fine jewelry, and art galleries like Art & Soul Ashland, brimming with local art, so if you are looking to bring a piece of Ashland home, your wish is a short stroll away. Local wineries are a sip away, with many offering tastings that will make your taste buds sing and have you completely forgetting about California's wine country. For some fun outdoors you can head to Lithia Park, where walking trails wind past duck ponds and flower-filled gardens鈥攑erfect for early morning meditation. Also nearby, hiking trails in the Siskiyou Mountains and Grizzly Peak are where you will discover ample opportunities to explore Oregon鈥檚 natural beauty.

Hood River

Hood River has a way of making every visitor feel at home. This town is a paradise for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts, thanks to its prime location near the Columbia River Gorge. The Hood River Fruit Loop is a sweet treat for the senses, featuring numerous farms and orchards, particularly known for their cherries and pears. If you are thirsty for something local, several craft breweries and distilleries, including Full Sail Brewing, are waiting to fill your glass.

You will definitely enjoy the breathtaking views awaiting along the Historic Columbia River Highway, where a scenic drive will become a highlight of your trip. The annual Hood River Valley Harvest Fest turns local produce into a community celebration that makes for a fun occasion for the whole family. With access to numerous hiking and biking trails along the river, Hood River ensures every weekend adventure is packed with fun and natural. There are many accommodations to choose from during your time in Hood River, but the best of them is the Hood River Hotel with its European-style interior design.

Sisters

Sisters is a town that wears its Western spirit proudly, and a walk down Main Street proves it. Western-themed shops and eateries, like The Barn in Sisters, line the streets, making it a perfect spot for social media posts and photoshoots. There are several occasions a year to draw you to this town. The Sisters Rodeo, held annually in June, draws crowds from all over the state for a true taste of cowboy culture, while the Sisters Folk Festival showcases a mix of musical genres, bringing the community together to celebrate local talent. Additionally, for a splash of color, do not miss the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, the largest of its kind in the U.S., where quilts adorn the town like art installations.

Just a short drive away, Smith Rock State Park offers exhilarating rock climbing and hiking, catering to outdoor enthusiasts eager to challenge themselves. Meanwhile, the surrounding Deschutes National Forest provides access to numerous trails, ensuring outdoor fun is always within your reach for a day outside of town. If visiting during the winter months the FivePine Lodge and Spa is especially beautiful and divers beyond five-star comfort. In Sisters, every corner invites you to explore, celebrate, and embrace the wild heart of Oregon.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is not simply a spot on the Oregon coast; it is a destination where your Instagram feed will thank you and the memories of a lifetime are made. Famous for Haystack Rock, this 235-foot sea stack stands like a proud sentinel against the waves, making it a must-see for both photographers and nature lovers. Not to mention it just so happens to be within eyesight of one of the best hotels in the area, the Hallmark Resort & Spa, a perfect choice if you are looking for rooms right on the beach. Also, as you stroll along the sandy shores, keep an eye out for tide pools teeming with marine life.

If you are feeling creative, the annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest invites everyone to unleash their inner architect鈥攏o hard hats required! The next contest will be held on June 21st. Alternatively, in November, the Stormy Weather Arts Festival brings three days of special events, live music, and local artists and craftspeople, making it a delightful time to visit away from the summer heat. For those who prefer a more rugged experience, Ecola State Park offers hiking trails that lead to breathtaking Pacific ocean views. Cannon Beach is an experience that makes every moment feel like a seaside adventure.

Florence

As you approach the town of Florence, you see that it greets you with open arms and the sound of crashing waves, making it a prime spot for a coastal getaway. This charming town on the Oregon Coast is known for its breathtaking dunes and beautiful beaches. The beauty of the scenery in the surrounding area is unmatched in the state. Nearby, Siuslaw National Forest offers a playground for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature, with plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for spotting wildlife. While you are at it, do not forget to check out the South Jetty Beach, where you can witness these marine life in their natural habitat. For those who enjoy fishing or boating, the Siuslaw River grants you ample opportunity to cast a line.

The Old Town area features historic buildings that house delightful shops and restaurants, inviting you to explore at your leisure. Including the Three Rivers Casino and Resort, where you can find not only cozy accommodations but also quality dining and entertainment. Each year, the Rhododendron Festival, the second oldest flower festival in the state, blooms with color, celebrating the town鈥檚 floral heritage through parades and activities that are fun for the whole family. Florence is the coastal retreat that balances relaxation with adventure, while inevitably leaving you wanting more.

McMinnville

Hidden deep within the forest lies the elven-like town of McMinnville, inviting you to explore its eclectic mix of history, culture, and fun! The entire town feels like a colossal tree house. At the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, you can gaze upon the legendary Spruce Goose, an aircraft that has stood the test of time. Main Street is where the magic happens, boasting numerous wine-tasting rooms and eateries, like 1882 Grill, that will turn any meal into a celebration. The annual McMinnville UFO Festival is a quirky highlight, where ET fans gather to celebrate the town鈥檚 rich lore surrounding extraterrestrial encounters鈥攏ext year's days are May 16th and 17th.

Be sure to book a room at the Tributary Hotel. Here, you can retreat into elegance and luxury after a day out exploring the town. Something that will bring you closer to the warm spirit of the residents is the local farmers鈥� markets that offer a bounty of fresh produce and artisan goods, perfect for finding everything you need to prepare Saturday brunch. The historic Granary District, with its converted 1892 buildings, is great for finding bars and restaurants like the Alpine Crossing or Loft & Lies in a setting that casts a romantic atmosphere in the evening, ideal for couples looking to spend some time away.

Bandon

By heading back to the coast you will find Bandon, where if you are not careful, you might just redefine your understanding of coastal beauty, you might find yours. One thing that is certain, you will permanently be daydreaming about its rugged coastline! Known for dramatic sea stacks that jut out of the Pacific like Poseidon鈥檚 own sculptures, this town is a paradise for photographers and artists. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the town's vibrant art scene, featuring galleries, such as Art by the Sea Gallery and Second Street Gallery that showcase the town鈥檚 talent and creativity. You can also dive even more into the area鈥檚 soul at the Bandon Historical Society Museum, where artifacts tell the stories of early settlers.

Golfers from far and wide flock to the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, where the course鈥檚 challenges are rivaled only by the breathtaking views around them. However, for the best ocean views, head to Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. The waves crashing against the cliffs here are an awe-inspiring display. While in town the Table Rock Motel puts you right on the beach so the waterfront views never end and it even comes with electric car charging ports. Finally, the annual Bandon Cranberry Festival, held in September, kicks off the fall season and demonstrates the region's agricultural prowess, while local beaches invite you to try your hand at clamming and crabbing.

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, history has a way of wrapping itself around you, much like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Founded during the Gold Rush in 1851, this town is a treasure trove of well-preserved historic buildings that whisper stories of its past. The town also happens to be recognized as a National Historic Landmark. For a different perspective on history, visit the Jacksonville Cemetery, a resting place for many of the town's early pioneers. Connecting you even more to the past is the heavily recommended Jacksonville Inn. This brick-and-mortar hotel has been welcoming guests since 1967 and is equipped with everything you need to ensure your stay in town is comfortable and relaxing, including delicious dining options.

The annual Britt Music & Arts Festival transforms the town into a lively hub of sound and creativity, attracting music lovers from all over. If you have a passion for natural flora you will get a kick out of the abundance of wildflowers scattered in the area鈥檚 forest adding to its botanical diversity. Meanwhile, local wineries, including the award-winning Del Rio Vineyards, just twenty short minutes from town, entice wine lovers to explore their exquisite selections. Lastly, Roxy Ann Peak thirteen miles from the town center challenges hikers to ascend its trails for panoramic views of the stunning Rogue Valley and the forest that tucks Jacksonville away.

Cottage Grove

No visit to the state of Oregon could be complete without a stop in the gorgeous town of Cottage Grove. It is most known for being the 鈥淐overed Bridge Capital of Oregon,鈥� so this is a town where your camera will definitely get a good workout. This town proudly showcases its stunning bridges, including the iconic Chambers Bridge, perfect for a photo op that will make your friends green with envy. The beauty continues with the nearby Cottage Grove Lake, where kayaking and fishing await and perfect scenes for painting are numerous. Additionally, there is also the impressive Row River Trail, perfect for biking and hiking, offering views that are nothing short of breathtaking while extending the list of reasons to escape into the great outdoors.

While commercial accommodations are somewhat limited to a few selections like the Best Western and Cottage Grove Inn, there are a number of cozy options available on Airbnb connecting you even close to the heart of the town. For a touch of whimsy, visit the historic Bohemia Gold Mining Museum, where the tales of prospectors and treasure hunters amaze visitors and leave you curious if all the gold is actually gone. Cottage Grove is a charming destination that invites you to get away from the hustle and bustle of major cities in a way that can not be replicated.

From the coastal charm of Cannon Beach with its towering Haystack Rock to the historic streets of Jacksonville, where the Gold Rush whispers through the antique shops, these towns pack a punch of personality. With each stop, visitors are greeted by stunning landscapes, quirky local art, and mouthwatering culinary delights that keep taste buds on their toes. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the hiking trails, lakes, and rivers that surround these secret hideaways, offering adventure at every turn. Festivals celebrating everything from local produce to wildflowers bring communities together, making it easy to feel right at home. Oregon鈥檚 small towns are a treasure trove of experiences that promise to leave you refreshed and inspired.