Albany is located in the Willamette Valley, 1 hour south of Portland, off I-5. Established in 1848 and with a population of 29,462, Albany—despite being a center for the manufacture of rare metals, food processing, and the timber industry—has never forgotten its Victorian beginnings.

The construction of I-5 bypassed Albany’s older commercial and residential areas, leaving some 700 historic structures, both commercial and residential, intact.

Albany now boasts representatives of every architectural style and form in the United States since 1850. The Monteith House, built in 1849, is one of Oregon’s oldest buildings. At various times a storehouse, residence, and trading post, it is now a museum. Albany’s historic churches are also worth a visit, and Monteith Riverpark on the Willamette River is a reminder of the city’s origins.

A short drive east from Albany is Scio, the 10th-oldest town in Oregon and home to five covered bridges set among gentle hills that criss-cross rich farmland planted with crops of mint, hazelnuts, blueberries, apples, and pears.

A cycle tour is a great way to discover the area’s delights. Scio makes a very pleasant day-trip from Albany.

Portland International Airport is 1 hour north of Albany by I-5, and there is train and bus service.