Jazz and Wine Festival Plays in Silverton

National Historic District and Victorian B&Bs Draw Tourists

May 19, 2009

Pretty Silverton is not just a gateway to the Oregon Garden and Silver Falls State park, it 's a great place to stop for a friendly welcome, good food and music.

The small town on Silver Creek, about 42 miles south of Portland, flourished in 1855 with a flour mill and, later, as a logging center. Those days are long gone, but Silverton thrives, as visitors stop on their way to Silver Falls, Oregon's biggest state park, and the 240-acre Oregon Garden. They also come to see the downtown National Historic District, where colorful wall murals depict the region's history.

One mural shows the highest of the 10 waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park. Another honors a piece of American history with copies of Norman Rockwell's famous World War II paintings, "Four Freedoms." There are many others, from a pioneer wagon train to the local baseball team.

Tourists often say that Silverton reminds them of Mayberry. Folks are friendly, shops and cafes dot the tree-shaded streets, and parking meters charge 10 cents. At the Silver Palace Theatre, which dates from 1935 (renovated in 2002), first-run movies are shown on a single screen, and the air is redolent with the aroma of real buttered popcorn.

Every spring, Silverton hosts a Jazz and Wine Festival, celebrating top jazz musicians and wines of the Willamette Valley. For the price of a ticket, participants take a "wine walk," with a map, scrip, program and wine glass. They stroll to the venues where musicians perform and at each place pay with scrip for a taste of the wines being served. It might be a cafe, pub, bank, antique shop or, if larger crowds are expected, the Palace Theatre. Recent musicians included such noted names as Dave Frishberg, Mel Brown, Nancy King and Ron Steens. Kate Davis, a remarkable young singer and bass player, impressed audiences with her talent and versatility.

While sipping and listening, festival-goers chat, come and go as they please and, in the shops, browse through antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, art and books.

A picturesque covered bridge spans Silver Creek, a foot-crossing between a pretty park and downtown. On the town side are serveral ngood restaurants and lively pubs. Creekside Grill serves sandwiches and salads on a terrace overlooking the rushing creek.

If you ask for the best place in town to eat, you'll be steered to the Silver Grille. In a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant serves appetizers, entrees and wines at reasonable prices. The soups are excellent, and the grilled fish sandwich is perfectly cooked. The Silver Grille also offers Sunday bruncy.

Rolling Hills Bakery Cafe is open daily except Sunday and has a deli filled with salads and cooked lasagna and quiches to go. The scones are fresh out of the oven.

Silverton has several B&Bs in classic, renovated homes. The Edward Adams House, built in 1890, has 3 bedrooms furnished in period style. Each has a queen-sized bed and private bath. The hosts provide a full breakfast.

Water Street Inn, also built in 1890, offers 5 rooms. Once the Wolfard Hotel, it was redone and opened again to guests in 2001 with present-day comforts. It's a block from the creek, in downtown Silverton.

The copyright of the article Jazz and Wine Festival Plays in Silverton in Oregon Travel is owned by Marilyn McFarlane. Permission to republish Jazz and Wine Festival Plays in Silverton in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.