Once upon a time Da Vinci Days was a fun, multi-day event. I fear, however, those days might be…read moregone (if 2012 is any indication). To begin with the kinetic sculpture parade: In past years there had been a large variety of sculptures. Some sculptures were local, and some from many miles away. This year, I suspect most were only from Corvallis and the immediate region. While in past years there were dozens of sculptures, this year there were far fewer (maybe 15?) and most looked like the same machine with different decorations......in short, kind of boring. The parade of sculptures was so short that I, along with every one standing nearby, were saying as it ended "This must just be a short break in the parade......more will be by soon." But that never happened. The film festival: In past years, the film festival featured many films you might never see....and that has not changed. The trouble is, the films of the past (at least most) were interesting and well made. This year it seems as if the coordinator of the film festival was either drunk or high while picking the films. Virtually all were (what I'd guess you'd call) "artsy", cheap sorts of films..... similar to what one might see made by angst ridden 19 year olds for a college film class. The main festival: Upon entering (after paying way too much money) you are greeted by one of several un-uniformed "security" people (I presume volunteers) who will proceed to search each and every bag you are carrying. I asked why they were searching and they simple said "For your protection." To this day I'm not sure what they were protecting me from? Al Qaeda? Tea Party terrorists? Serial killers? Get real Da Vinci Days.......this is a small festival in a small town. You're impressing no one (but the feeble minded or paranoid). And then the final straw: After walking around and seeing some of the same events and booths I've seen 100 times before at every other Corvallis event (except this time I had to pay) I tried to dispose of a soda bottle. While it's admirable that the organizers of this event are into recycling, they (for some odd reason) have decided that all recycling bins need to be guarded by a neon vest wearing pseudo-cop. I don't know what training manual was used to educate these people, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was written in German and published in 1939. Before I had two seconds to determine which bin to dispose of my bottle, I was loudly and rudely yelled at "You need to put that into this one! No.....don't put it in any others!" This was repeated a little later when I attempted to throw away a paper plate. Geez......if, for some reason, I wanted to pay for abuse, I'd hire a dominatrix. All and all I'm giving Da Vinci Days a big thumbs down. I can easily think of 100 better ways to spend my time.........like eating tin foil and shaving my head with a cheese grater.

This is like an institution in Corvallis. We saw Stop Making Sense last night. Great experience,…read morethe sound system is fantastic. Make this a must visit location when you're in Corvallis.

My favorite place in Corvallis, because it makes me feel at home. The cinemas that I grew up going…read moreto in Italy looked a lot like Darkside. There's always something worth watching, American or foreign, in any of the four small projection rooms. It's affordable, has good popcorn, and better movies than any other cinema in the surroundings.

This is a wonderful farm! Friendly people and fresh delicious produce. Plus - it feels good to…read moresupport our local framers!!!

Beautiful farm!! Incredible May Day festivities here, delicious food and vegetables farmed fresh…read morefrom the garden and not to mention, Incredible hosts! So greatful for this community! I can't wait to come back again and again!

Great place for weddings and parties! I just attended a wedding at the Elks Lodge. In a town with…read morelimited party space for groups over 100, this place works well - affordable and easy to decorate. The wedding was held in the entry main area (airy and open), and then we adjourned to the large reception room in the same building complete with a stage for music, dancing floor, tables, buffet lines, kitchen, and a full, real bar. Also, on-site parking makes it even more convenient.

Really cute place. Tiny, but had lots of nice art on display…read more I really liked the single little birdie paintings. Everything was displayed very well, and the staff is very helpful. Prices were very reasonable too.

Art in the Valley is a delightful gallery in downtown Corvallis. The works of many local artists…read moreare interspersed in a way that compliments each one. You can find the perfect painting, pot, scarf or card. I stop by whenever I am in the area.

Fantastic artist...so many options to choose from. She could do almost anything people asked for…read moreand all turned out amazing. She is super patient and fun to work with.

I just participated in an event yesterday and I had such a great time and I have beautiful pictures…read moreof myself covered in art. I was a model for a class and it was my first time ever doing anything like this. I was so comfortable and the atrisits really make it easy to feel at home and beautiful. As a woman with some insecurity and self esteem issues, I left feeling beautiful and good about myself. Everytime I look at the pictures I get the same feeling. I can't say enough good things about the Gilded Cat and all you have to do is look at the pictures of the work and it speaks for itself.

Enjoy summer baseball at Goss Stadium. Maria and I have season tickets in the cow bell section…read more Bring the family, or not, and enjoy collegiate baseball. #CorvSMB

Corvallis Knights are a local intercollegiate summer baseball team part of a league designed to…read morehelp younger/redshirt college players improve their game before the NCAA season starts. With that in mind, attending a Corvallis Knights game is just like attending a minor league game, lots to see and experience. Might buy a multi-game package for next season and enjoy a cold Block 15 beer while I cheer on the home team.

Corvallis Central Park is a great place located just a few blocks west of downtown Corvallis…read more Hidden on the edge of the park in what looks like a protestant church is the for sale gallery of the Corvallis Arts Council. If you love art, especially locally produced art then you have to check this place out. The statues outside in the park are great, but the real treasures are on the inside. Definitely worth a visit!

Oregon is a place for the arts- from Bruce Starker Arts Park to Eugene's Hult Center, and…read morePortland's Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The Corvallis Arts Center is in a converted church right off Central Park. Its landmark is a ballerina statue out front. It has a pleasant setting. They highlight local artists, with a diverse gift shop. There are plenty of treasures. The Corvallis Arts Council showcases the arts of Linn-Benton County. Beautiful little spot. A gem hiding in plain sight- truly outrageous!