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As a traveler, there is nothing like learning more about a town by enjoying what its downtown offers. From its local shops and homegrown restaurants to vibrant activities that showcase its robust culture and heritage, a great downtown leaves a lasting impression and makes your trip memorable.

If you are traveling to the Pacific Northwest region, Oregon鈥檚 downtowns have all that in spades! With a mix of Native American culture, the great outdoors, farmer鈥檚 markets, music and wine, and European heritage, these towns in Oregon will make you sing Petula Clark鈥檚 classic Downtown song. As the song goes, 鈥淣o finer place for sure鈥攄owntown. Everything鈥檚 waiting for you.鈥� Well, let us not keep them waiting鈥攈ere are 9 towns in Oregon with the best downtown areas in 2024!

Ashland

For a charming downtown experience, Ashland, Oregon, is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Nestled in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, Ashland is renowned for its Shakespearean charm and vibrant arts scene. A stroll through Lithia Park reveals a 93-acre oasis with serene duck ponds, vibrant flower gardens, and the soothing sounds of Ashland Creek. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival features 海角社区-class performances that grace the stages year-round.

Downtown Ashland is a haven for art lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Quaint streets are lined with eclectic shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Farm-to-table dining can be enjoyed at local favorites like Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, or one might savor a leisurely coffee at Mix Bakeshop, known for its delightful pastries and scenic outdoor seating. The downtown offers a blend of historic architecture and modern boutiques, making Ashland a destination for those seeking culture, nature, and small-town charm.

West Linn

For history buffs, West Linn is one of the best downtowns in Oregon to visit due to its Historic Willamette Walking Tour, heritage trees, and meteorite display. The tour takes you through what once was a Native American trail, now lined with restored buildings and well-kept old trees acknowledged by the Arbor Day Foundation. Cap the tour off with a view of the largest meteorite in the US, the Willamette Meteorite, which the natives of the land discovered.

If you would rather sip and stroll, visit West Linn every fall for its Willamette Distillery/Spirit Stroll and Autumn Wine Walk. Want some vintage thingamajigs? Drop by the Vintage West Linn shop, an adorable bungalow-turned-store that sells vintage gifts and knick-knacks. The city also has a farmer鈥檚 market every summer, so you can grab a bite and unwind while viewing the great Willamette Falls.

Sisters

Named after the nearby volcanic mountains called Three Sisters, this town鈥檚 quaint Old West and mountain villa vibes are best experienced through its downtown live rodeos, three-day folk festivals, and Western-style inns. Sisters Rodeo is an annual summer event where pro rodeo athletes giddy it up for the crowd, while Big Ponderoo and Sisters Folk Fest celebrate the town鈥檚 love for Americana, bluegrass, and multi-genre music.

Visitors who are fond of arts and crafts might want to drop by around July for Sisters鈥� internationally recognized Outdoor Quilt Show, where master quilters from around the 海角社区 display their stunning quilt designs. Before leaving, visit Raven Makes Gallery for contemporary Native American art or Canyon Creek Pottery for your very own Sisters-made pots and mugs.

Bend

A high-desert adventure with stunning mountain views and a vibrant craft beer scene awaits in Bend, Oregon. Sat along the Deschutes River, Bend is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities and bustling downtown area. Visitors often flock to Drake Park, a picturesque spot with lush green lawns, mirror-like ponds, and a riverfront walkway perfect for a leisurely stroll. For those seeking more excitement, the Old Mill District offers shopping, dining, and outdoor activities with the beautiful Cascade Mountains as a backdrop.

Bend's downtown is more than just an outdoor paradise. It boasts a year-round farmer's market, eclectic boutiques, and a thriving arts scene. Events like the Bend Summer Festival, Fall Festival, and WinterFest keep the town lively throughout the seasons. Local breweries, such as Deschutes Brewery and 10 Barrel Brewing, provide a taste of Bend's famous craft beer culture. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural events, and culinary delights, Bend is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Silverton

For an absolutely picturesque downtown, Silverton is Oregon鈥檚 best-kept secret鈥攁 secret garden, if you may鈥攕ince it is locally known for its botanical garden and idyllic downtown lined with trees and flower bushes. After stopping to smell the roses at the 80-acre Oregon Garden, head over to the Silverton Country Historical to know what life was like 150 years ago with the Silverton pioneers. You will probably see the town鈥檚 eye-catching murals along the way, which fit the vibe of the town鈥檚 weekend Crafter鈥檚 Market.

Almost everything in Silverton looks like art brought to life鈥攆rom its vintage-gas-station-turned-coffee-shop at Silverton Coffee Station to The Noble Fox鈥檚 outdoor seating that overlooks Silver Creek River. If you are aiming for an Instagram-worthy place, Silverton should be one of your must-visit towns in Oregon with the best downtown areas in 2024!

Independence

Bringing in an exciting twist to the usual heritage walks, this Oregon town turns its historic walking tours into a 鈥淕host Walk鈥� every October! Not only do you learn Independence鈥檚 history of being a port trading hub in the Willamette River and the 鈥渉op capital鈥� of the area, but you will also get local lore and tales of the spectral nature of its historical downtown locations.

Not into the supernatural? The Independence Heritage Museum is always open, sans spooky, and the yearly Hop and Heritage Festival brings in hop-tastic fun through cornhole tournaments, craft beer, and live music. You can also enjoy the town鈥檚 flourishing business district that鈥檚 open year-round, like the sweet tooth paradise Melting Pot Candy, the cozy reading nook of Second Chance Books, and the enthralling artworks of River Gallery.

Brookings

A seaside escapade with magnificent views of the Oregon Coast and a charming azalea garden await you in the small Oregon town of Brookings. Being the only Oregon city worthy of the title 鈥淎zalea City of America鈥�, visitors often take a weekend trip here to enjoy its Azalea Park, filled with ancient native azalea bushes lovingly cultivated by the locals. If you are up for a by-the-sea camping trip with birdwatching, Harris Beach State Park and its Bird Island are the go-to places. You can also go biking in Brookings鈥� bike-friendly streets and seaside parks.

As lovely as those are, Brookings has more to offer than flowers and sea breeze. Its farmer鈥檚 market is open the entire year, while its downtown is always busy year-round with events such as Brookings Downtown at Sundown summer concerts, Fall For Downtown during September, and Nature's Coastal Holiday for the winter holidays.

Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego downtown is a wonderful mix of scenic landscape, preserved history, and sophisticated shopping galleries. Spend the day at Oswego Lake and stroll through George Rogers Park to admire the town鈥檚 preserved furnace鈥攁 great reminder of what once was a booming iron industry in Oregon.

When here, do not miss the town鈥檚 upscale shopping complex, Lake View Village, to experience Lake Oswego鈥檚 fine dining options (Five Spice Restaurant, Lake View Taphouse) and gift shops (Glassybaby, Lucky Me Boutique). Finally, admire the trees and stars at Millennium Plaza Park to enjoy the heart of Lake Oswego鈥檚 downtown. Farmer鈥檚 Market, movies at the park, open-air concerts, and a fireplace you can hang out at are just some of the things you can do here.

Molalla

An adorable mini train park, farm stays, a toast or two at the town鈥檚 brewery, and a view of Molalla River are just some of the must-visit spots in Molalla, Oregon. Named after the river that was named after the natives of the area, Molalla offers visitors a laid-back way of life through its quaint downtown attractions and accommodations.

Learn more about its people and river namesake at the Dibble House Museum, then enjoy some drinks and some mini golf at Molalla River Brewing Company. If you are traveling with kids, they will get a kick out of the adorable Molalla Train Park and Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo! To fully experience the Molalla way of life, stay at one of its inns or farm stays, like Drizzlewood Farm or The Prairie House Inn, and visit during summer for the Celebrate Molalla festival.

Final Thoughts

While most Oregon towns are not as big, populated, and known as other cities in the United States, these charming towns are still rich in character and Oregon's uniqueness. It is still metropolitan without being too urban but with a sprinkle of 鈥渟mall town togetherness鈥� and a good helping of scenic views from nature. From wine tasting and live rodeos to mini train rides and flower parks, consider visiting these towns in Oregon with the best downtown areas in 2024!

After all, a city鈥檚 downtown is often the heart and soul of a place. It can easily give you a glimpse of the area鈥檚 culture, history, and way of living. Instead of beelining to your next booked recreation, try to take some time to soak in the sights, culture, and vibe of your destination to make your trip truly memorable. 鈥淪top and smell the roses,鈥� as they say. You will not regret it!