Locally Made Shopping Trip, Corvallis, Oregon (A)

This bountiful market sells local, seasonal produce, breads, eggs, meats, honey, jams, cheeses, and some crafts. The market's attractive location along the Willamette riverfront makes it a good spot to stop for breakfast or lunch, and there are many delicious pastries and hot local foods from which to choose. Order a made-to-order sweet or savory crepe (when mushrooms are in season, my favorite is the chanterelle, onion, and feta buckwheat crepe), delicious pad thai made with seasonal veggies, or a southwestern burrito introduced to Corvallis by former residents of New Mexico. When your food is ready, grab a bench or picnic table and listen to live music or enjoy the people watching. The market is open Saturdays mid-April through Thanksgiving from 9am – 1pm.

Avalon Wine, which is housed in a hundred year old historical building, specializes in Oregon and Pacific Northwest wines and gourmet foods. Avalon takes wine seriously-- their online site was rated as one of the ten best online wine shops by Food and Wine Magazine-- and at the store you will find many highly rated, hard to find wines from this premier wine producing area. The Willamette Valley's temperate climate is similar to the Burgundy region of France, and, as in Burgundy, pinot noir and chardonnay grapes predominate. There are over ten Corvallis area wineries and Avalon's knowledgeable staff will help you select a local wine to take with you or will ship it anywhere in the United States. The store hosts wine tastings by local wineries on many Saturdays, and is open Monday to Friday 11- 6, and Saturdays from 10-4.

This cooperative gallery, which has been showing original artwork by local artists for over 20 years, is staffed on a rotating basis by member artists. If you want to meet local artists this is the place to shop. Many of the already-framed original artwork on display depict the natural beauty around Corvallis. The paintings, photographs, and prints by both emerging and established artists are reasonably priced, and the handmade cards, ceramic, wood, and glass crafts make even more affordable souvenirs or gifts. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 – 5:30.

Botticelli's is a colorful, whimsical store featuring the work of hundreds of craftpeople from Corvallis and across the Northwest. This is fun place to browse and a great place to shop for gifts that combine art with function. Some of my favorites are the sturdy fused glass coasters in brilliant colors, but there is so much to look at: vases, sculptures, nightlights, boxes, quilts, jewelry, clocks, tableware and even beautiful handmade soaps are for sale. Many of the pieces have a folk art feel. Botticellis is open Mondays through Friday 10:30 -5:30.

This candy store, with a pleasant, old-fashioned atmosphere, was established in 1938 by Charlie and Rhea Burst and Chocolatier Patrick Magee carries on the tradition of handcrafting chocolates in small batches so they are always fresh. Some of the best are the buttery ganache chocolates in luscious, contemporary flavors like Earl Grey, pinot noir, key lime, and lemon mint. There are plenty of traditional favorites like peanut brittle and cherry cordial filled chocolates to choose from as well. Burst's is open 9 – 5 daily September through May, and 9 -5 on Saturdays during the summer.

Run by well known local artist Bill Shumway, Pegasus displays and sells works by Corvallis artists in addition to some international artists. Shumway's paintings, many of local scenes, are available to view and purchase, and he is knowledgeable and willing to chat about the local art scene. Figurative, abstract, and landscape painters and photographers are represented, and the gallery also sells wood and metal sculptures, ceramics, and glass work. There are well-attended, convivial artist receptions on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The gallery is open 10:30-5:30, Monday to -Friday, and 10:30 – 4 on Saturdays.

Soft Star Shoes are sold nationally but made right here in Corvallis. Stop by the family run workshop and store to watch the shoes being cut and stitched by hand. Employees make moccasins, boots, and slippers for both children and adults in a variety of designs and colors from formaldehyde-free leather. You can also custom order designs and colors and Soft Star will mail you the completed shoes. The workshop's soft running shoes have become popular among fans of minimalist footwear and would make an interesting gift for a runner. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 9-5.

The shopping experience at the Artshop, located in a former church on the edge of beautiful Central Park, is one of the best in Corvallis. The Artshop selects exquisite, high quality local and regionally made jewelry, ceramics, prints, and paintings, that are not available in other Corvallis shops. The pieces, which are extremely reasonably priced, are displayed in a visually beautiful way so that the tiny shop doesn't feel crowded. To the rear of the shop is a gallery which features shows by local artists. The displayed artwork is also for sale. The store is open Tuesday to Saturday 12pm – 5pm.