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Corvallis is in the state of Oregon in Benton County. By car, this town is about an hour and half south of Portland, almost an hour north of Eugene, or almost an hour south of Salem, the Capital of Oregon. The town was first known as Marysville, but was later changed to Corvallis in 1857, which meant "heart of the valley" in Latin. Nestled at the foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range, Corvallis residents enjoy a multitude of mountain biking trails in their own backyard. As of 2012, Corvallis has a population of about 54,998.

People from around the world are drawn to Corvallis to attend Oregon State University. Corvallis has a history of excellence in regard to education; the Corvallis School District continually has some of the highest Scholastic Aptitude Test(SAT) scores in the nation. Corvallis has the highest education level and the second highest income level in the state. Corvallis is the birthplace of Hewlett-Packard's computer inkjet printing process and was home to Nobel Prize-winner, Linus Pauling. The computer mouse was invented by a graduate of Oregon State University. Corvallis also spawned Randy Couture, who is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame.

Get in

By plane

While there is no commercial passenger service to Corvallis Municipal Airport, Portland International Airport (PDX IATA) is located a few hours north. HUT Shuttle runs every two hours with a scheduled travel time of 2.5 hours. Eugene Airport also has a few commercial flights, although options for getting from Eugene to Corvallis are limited.

By car

From Interstate 5 Corvallis is located 10 miles (16km) west from the "Lebanon Corvallis" exit at Exit 228 along Hwy 34. Upon approaching from the east you will cross a bridge which leads you right into downtown Corvallis. You can also turn left at the last light before the bridge, indicated by a sign saying "Oregon Coast / Reser Stadium," then take the exit that says Eugene/Junction City and that will take you into Southtown Corvallis avoiding the narrow one way streets.

From Eugene you can take either I-5 (via Albany) or Hwy 99.

By train

The closest Amtrak station is Albany, some 15 minutes north by car. Some shuttle bus services are available. You can use Linn-Benton loop bus from downtown Corvallis to go to Albany. This service is not provided after 7 on weekdays and on Sunday.

By bus

Get around

  • Corvallis Transit System runs all over Corvallis, allowing for quick, fareless, and efficient transportation pretty much anywhere. CTS. Buses are available on weekdays and Saturdays but on Sundays no public transport is available.
  • Car rental is available from Hertz and Enterprise both on 9th.

See

  • Oregon State University (located between 14th and 30th and South of Monroe St.). Oregon State has a beautiful picturesque campus with many historic buildings, some of which are more than a century old. Make sure to check out the Memorial Union building and Dixon rec center located in the middle of campus just off of 25th and Campus Way. The sports programs are also a great attraction and a good way to spend a day. 
  • Benton County Courthouse, 4th St. Hopefully you can visit this courthouse for pleasure and not because you have to. This courthouse, in downtown Corvallis, was built in 1888 and is the oldest active courthouse in the state of Oregon. 
  • Avery Park, 1310 SW Avery Park Dr (Just off of Philomath Blvd). Avery Park is one of Corvallis' most popular parks. There are several playground structures throughout the park; a historic locomotive, an art sculpture that resembles dinosaur bones, and a rose garden with over 250 varieties of roses. 

Do

  • DaVinci Days. Summer festival that has been growing by leaps and bounds every year. A festival focused on science. Includes a kinetic sculpture race through mud, water, and dry land. Also an independent film festival. 
  • Fall Festival. This festival has been happening in Corvallis for years. Happens the first Sa Su after the University term begins. Located in a park downtown includes crafts and music. 
  • Saturday Market. Head downtown to the waterfront on Saturdays for a local Farmer's Market that includes many organic options. Berries in Oregon are a can't miss treat. 
  • Darkside Theater. Although Corvallis is a small community the people support independent thought and movies. You will* find this indie theater. 
  • Corvallis Riverwalk. Enjoy a lovely walk along the Willamette River. 
  • Biking and hiking. 
  • OSU Sporting Events. Many sports to choose from. In particular, if you've never been to an American Football game then attending a Beaver football game might be fun. The game day atmosphere on campus is absolutely electric. Buying tickets in advance may be advisable. 
  • Walk the OSU Campus. 
  • Movie Theaters The best places to go for run-of-the-mill blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.

Buy

  • Urban Laundry, Monroe Ave (right between Dutch Bros. & Qdoba). A larger than life boutique featuring all of today's most sought after brands like 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Juicy Couture, Volcom, LRG, Matix, True Religion & more.Shop online at ShopLaundry.com 
  • Miss Meers (next to Noah's Bagles on 4th and Madison). An upper class shoe store that sells a variety of brands like BCBG Girls, Nine West, and Two Lips. 
  • Kaari K, 3rd (between Madison and Monroe). An upper class clothing store, a lot like TBD at Nordstroms. They have great brand names like Juicy Couture, Seven For All Mankind, C&C, and Paige Denim. 
  • OSU Student Store. Everything you need to be a Beaver fan along with a large selection of books. 
  • Burst's Chocolates. Burst's Chocolates specializes in handmade small-batch gourmet chocolates. Made fresh in Oregon, they are a premium gift for any occasion. 
  • Taking It Home, 425 SW Madison Ave (located between Starbucks & Noah's Bagels in the same shopping center on 4th & Madison.), ☏ +1 541-752-6452. 10AM - 5:30PM. A high-end home interiors shop, great place to find gifts or pick up something for yourself. Merchandise includse clocks and canvases, Tag dishware & linens, handbags, Michele soaps & stationery, Root candles, jewelry, among many others. Definitely visit during the holidays! 
  • Brown House, 462 SW Madison Ave (Corner of 5th and Madison), ☏ +1 541 738 2527. 10AM - 6PM. A modern home store with bedding, bamboo towels and sheets, accent pillows, vintage furniture and various linens. Brown House carries Jonathan Adler, Marimekko, Dwell Studios, Inhabit, Thomas Paul, Bliss Living, India Rose, David Fussenegger, Chilewich and Lotta Jansdotter. 

Groceries

  • First Alternative Co-op. At 2 locations 
    • 1007 SE 3rd
    • 29th & Grant
  • Fred Meyer. On Kings Blvd 
  • K-Mart. 
  • Market of Choice. At the corner of Circle Blvd and 9th 
  • Rice N' Spice. Asian groceries on Van Buren 
  • Safeway. 
  • Winco Foods. On Walnut Blvd 

Eat

Budget

Nearly any fast food restaurant you are looking for can be found on 9th St. Corvallis also has many pizza delivery services and restaurants. Some notables local venues are: Cirrelos Pizza, Woodstocks Pizza, Endzone Pizza Bar, American Dream Pizza, Pizza Pipeline, and The Pizza Pedler.

  • Bento Oriental Express, 1425 NW Monroe Ave. # F on the corner of 14th and Monroe. Good, Cheap Japanese bento. They do not take debit cards. They also serve authentic Chinese food. 
  • La Roca. Burritos, fast, good. 
  • Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe. Excellent Hawaiian food. Across the street from OSU Campus on Monroe street. 
  • Shogun Bowl, 2461 NW Monroe Ave ('across from the campus). Cheap Japanese food 
  • Taco Uruapan. Authentic Mexican. 
  • Thai Chili. Excellent Thai Restaurant. Right across the street from Campus on Monroe street. 
  • University Hero. Sandwich shop makes fresh bread everyday (wheat or white). 
  • Yogurt Extreme. A fun frozen yogurt shop next to Market of Choice and on Monroe street across from OSU. 

Mid-range

  • Alpine Bakery. French. 
  • American Dream Pizza. The most popular pizza establishment in town, this restaurant has two locations (locations below). In the evenings be prepared for long lines downtown. Order pizza by the slice or for the family. The best chocolate chip cookies for only $.75, or 3 for $2. 
    • 214 SW 2nd St, +1 541 753-7373****Outside rooftop seating with full service after 4:30PM, in the summer, weather permitting*****
    • 2525 NW Monroe Ave, +1 541 757-1713
  • Aomatsu Sushi & Grill, 122 NW 3rd St., ☏ +1 541 752-1410. Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30, Dinner Mon-Sat 5-10, closed Sunday. Sushi and Korean BBQ. Good happy-hour specials after 8:30. 
  • Block 15. Brew pub with high-quality bar food at 300 SW Jefferson (3rd & Jefferson). 
  • Bomb's Away Cafe. A unique blend of Mexican and Cajun, this hip restaurant is a favorite among the locals. Go to the BACRoom for a 4-table bar and privacy. 
  • Cloud and Kelly's Public House, 126 SW 1st St, ☏ +1 541 753-9900. Excellent Irish-style food with regular music events. 
  • El Sol de Mexico. The best Mexican food in corvallis. On Garfield and 9th Street just north of Grant. 
  • Evergreen. A quaint Indian restaurant serving buffet in the afternoon for only $5.95(load up!). 
  • Interzone (16th and Monroe). Small Family owned organic coffee shop that serves organic vegetarian and vegan food. Breakfast till 2 with a larger menu on Sa Su. Great for people watching too. 
  • McGrath's Fish House, ☏ +1 541 752-3474. Circle Blvd, south of 3rd/99W near KMart. One of a regional chain of seafood restaurants. 
  • Nearly Normals, 14th (14th and Monroe). Corvallis is home to many vegetarians and this is the most popular vegetarian restaurant in town. Outdoor seating in the summer. 
  • Riverview Mongolian Grill, 1st St. Asian Buffet 
  • Squirrel's Tavern, 100 SW 2nd St, ☏ +1 541 753-8057. Awesome burgers, including a great vegetarian option, the Sun Burger. Great fries, as well. Low-key, slightly "divey" atmosphere. One of Corvallis' better pubs, with outdoor seating. 

Splurge

  • Big River Bar & Grill, 1st St. Trendy Italian and American food. Always crowded for dinner, so arrive early since they don't take reservations for smaller groups. 

Drink

Sports Bar

  • Clodfelters (Right next to Oregon State University). Good sports bar feel. Huge crowds after different college sporting events. Its big night is Wednesdays, which is "Pint Night". During this night, a different beer is featured (such as Fat Tire, or Heff), free pint glasses. Starts at 7PM and 9PM. 
  • The Endzone. A relatively new bar in town. A very big place with lots of room. Known primarily as a sports bar with pool tables and dancing. Great place to go and have fun. 

Dance

  • Cantina, 1110 NE 2nd St. in Corvallis. 
    • This is another popular dance club. It's known for it's Saturday night 80's mix/Ladies night. It is combined with Senor Sam's Mexican restaurant. Another great place to get your "groove on."
  • AJ's, 137 SW 2nd St. 
    • This is a great small place to go and have fun. On Tuesdays they offer some fun games with prizes (usually a bingo or something of that sort).

Alternative & Dive

  • Crowbar, 214 SW 2nd St. As part of American Dream Pizza. Enter through the pizza parlor, or from the alley. Nice, small bar with happy hour after 11PM. Very chill, having somewhat of a romantic feel. 
  • Downward Dog, 130 SW 1st Ave. Small, dimly lit bar. Very nice, and romantic. Great place for a few friends to gather and have a drink devoid of the loud, college bars. Very nice! 
  • Squirrels (2nd & Monroe). Outdoor patio and 2 floors of music, good beer and cheap appetizers (.50!). Occasionally has shows with pool on the 2nd floor. Local favorite. 

Other

  • Sanchos (15th and Monroe, upstairs). This is more of a Mexican restaurant- bar mix. A smaller place, but still fun. It's known for dollar tequilla shots every night until eleven. One of the few places in town that will do flaming drinks, with a minimum purchase. 

Sleep

Cope

  • For some basic auto needs, you can always go to Les Schwab which is on circle and 9th.

Go next

  • Marys Peak, the highest peak in Oregon's Coast range, is about 15 miles west of town and has good hiking and biking.
  • McDonald Forest is a research forest operated by OSU. Peavy Arboretum, off HWY 99, is a popular hiking spot.
  • Chip Ross, a hilly open-space, good for hiking. North of town, adjacent to McDonald Forest.
  • Bald Hill has popular walking paths and trails with great vistas. Adjacent to the fairgrounds, west of town.
  • Avery Park, a large city park with picnic areas, ball fields, a rose garden, and play structures. Kids like the 'dinosaur bones' and historic train.
  • Willamette Park is a city park just south of town, along the Willamette river. Includes soccer fields, boat landings, primitive campgrounds, and a disc golf course.
  • Trysting Tree Golf Course is a public course operated by OSU.
Routes through Corvallis
Newport ← Toledo ←  W  E  → Albany → Bend
Portland ← Monmouth ←  N  S  → merges onto → Eugene


This city travel guide to Corvallis is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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