Advice for Summer Trip (Salem, Albany: hotel, to live, centers)

[Leap of Belief]

Taking a poll of opinions of the Best HISTORIC Downtown City Centers in Oregon state?

Which downtowns do you think have personality and charm? Rate them if they are booming, making a come back or cool but run down? Input on best features would be great too :-) Places to eat???

There are a lot of historic downtown city centers that are working toward revitalization. We are making summer travel plans and want to take the family to visit the historic side of the PNW.

Thanks!

[karlsch]

You might want to read this:
"The City of Albany, City of Baker City, City of Oregon City and City of Roseburg have been selected to participate in the Performing Main Street program."
The whole article;
Oregon Cities Selected For New Main Street Program (Industry)

I happen to live here:
Historic Baker City, Oregon

Google Image Result for http://www.sos.state.or.us/archives/county/images/scenic/baker/DSC0159.jpg

[Silverfall]

I'm not sure where you are coming from, but most settlers started making their way here around the 1850's or so. Since you are capitalizing the word historic, I'm not sure what you are expecting. Oregon just isn't that old.

Sisters, OR has a very charming downtown area. I like Silverton, OR as well. Mt. Angel has some interesting Bavarian architecture to their downtown area.

Salem's was just put on the Historic Register in 2001 I think, but it still needs revitalization.

[Inthesierras]

McMinnville has a great old downtown area that has been renovated. The Turkey Rama will be there in July, always a ton of fun for families. Several streets are blocked off and you can walk around, eat, play games, and go on carnival rides.

[Silverfall]

Speaking of festivals, there are the Historic Bridges all over Oregon and I think Stayton has a summer festival around theirs.