small town for setting for a book? (Portland, Eugene: hotels, house)

[seattle789]

I'd like to take a couple short trips to Oregon this summer, from my home base in Seattle, to complete research for a book I'm working on--that is where to physically locate the story. I would like to visit the sort of town I'd like my character to be in anyway, so it's a win win. (The real town would get a fictitious name.)

I've reviewed this and other websites, and know I'd like to go to the Willamette Valley, although it's difficult to find out exact details from websites.

Are there smaller (less than 15K residents) towns along the Valley that have a good tourist trade in the Spring/Summer with a friendly "main street" section that would house some hotels or BBs and be in the vicinity of wineries? I know Eugene and Corvalis may fit the bill, but I would hoping to not locate the story right in a college town, although those towns are certainly worth visiting to find out.

The story is a not so serious fiction, and the character will work in a restaurant.

I appreciate any help. If you need advice on Seattle, please ask away.

[PNW-type-gal]

Try Silverton and Mt Angel - Mt Angel has a lovely monastery. They aren't "tourists" towns per se, but they have a number of festivals and attract tourists from nearby towns.

There are also some small towns in wine country that fit the bill.
Welcome to the Willamette Valley

Further south there is Ashland, which has the Shakespeare Festival and gets a lot of tourists - it's not in the Wilamette Valley, though.

[backdrifter]

The only thing is that there really aren't many tourist-y towns in the Willamette Valley. Eugene and Corvallis are both rather large cities (especially Eugene, population 150,000+) and not necessarily touristy either, though Corvallis could possibly work. I would look at Ashland, as PNW-type-gal suggested and also Jacksonville in the Rogue/Applegate Valley region of Southern Oregon. Jacksonville would probably be perfect for that. It's in the middle of Southern Oregon wine country, and is a small, touristy town with a "friendly" main drag with B&Bs and such. It's extremely picturesque.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I'll echo the Jacksonville area. You may also want to venture east of the cascades to Joseph.

[Silverfall]

In the valley Silverton would be my choice, but agree that it is not super touristy...quaint thought.

Touristy, I think of Ashland, Bandon, and Cannon Beach, none of which are in the valley.

[seattle789]

Thanks everyone. Maybe that explains why I couldn't find any typical "cute" touristy towns in the Willamette Valley. I guess I'll just have to make a trip or two this summer to see how things look. Of course drink some wine.

[Todd.LA]

Silverton comes to mind, though it's a bit east of the core wine producing area. McMinnville, Dundee, and Lafayettee are all in wine country. Dundee in particular has become quite touristy, with a handful of chic bistros associated with the wine industry. All of these areas are rural but still in Portland's orbit, receiving a lot of wine-loving day trippers from the city.

Eugene is probably too populous for your needs, with more than 150,000 residents; likewise, Corvallis has more than 50,000 residents.

[seashelly]

Has anyone suggested Cottage Grove yet?

[seattle789]

Originally Posted by seashelly

Has anyone suggested Cottage Grove yet?

Indeed, I've looked up Cottage Grove, seeming to be a physically ideal location. (Willamette Valley, close to Eugene, pretty covered bridges and nice area) and seems very livable. But not touristy. Do you think it would (or does) support a cafe or bakery?

[KarlaT2]

I'd say Silverton too, but no wineries really close to there. Silverton is so cute. I love that town.
Some people have mentioned Newberg to me in other threads, and I know they are building a new resort there (Springbrook) and there are wineries in that area. I have to check that out myself, so if you get there before I do please relay your impressions! Also McMinnville sounds nice, and also near wineries I believe.