Albany is slowly becoming a hipster destination. Their Amtrak station has **FINALLY** upgraded…read more(back in the day, people would wait for the train out by a tree that would envy Charlie Brown's Christmas one) Their carousel has been restored. Novak's, once housed in a temporary building, has fancy downtown digs. Unlike Corvallis, Albany has evolved into a "date night" kind of spot. Back in the day, Albany stank of the paper mill north of town. You could find Albany from its fumes. They were also famous for the spray foam sculptures right off I-5 by these folks- https://www.sprayfoaminc.com/ https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/22474 Albany once had a few nurseries devoted to garden sculpture, but they seem to be gone. Albany is known for its enormous Costco, as well as its "Talking Water Gardens"- https://www.cityofalbany.net/departments/public-works/wastewater/twg While Albany is still a sketchy place, they've upgraded. A pleasant pit stop on the way to Portland (or Eugene) Oregon's Albany is a lot more pleasant than the Californian one. Interesting trivia- Albany, California's "Cafe Eugene" was inspired by Pacific Northwest cuisine. Sadly, it closed this past December- https://www.eastbayexpress.com/WhatTheFork/archives/2017/12/19/albanys-cafe-eugene-to-make-way-for-cantina-del-sol

Albany is a cute little town to visit. We got out and walked around after lunch at Bo-Mack's. It is…read morea clean little town. It was a Saturday afternoon and not too many other people out walking around. We were down by the Antique mall and restaurants, so I might have thought more people might be out and about, since it wasn't raining. If you like the old buildings, this is a fun walk, they have have some going back to the 1850's. On our way out of that area, I saw a nice little lake by the shopping zone, very nice park.

Oh, I loved this. My BFF lives in Salem, so I know they have a carousel since we've visited with…read morethem. But I don't even know how I found out Albany had a carousel a couple weeks ago and I'm really glad we did. It was worth the 50 minute drive from Eugene. We went on a Wednesday, because they have happy hour on Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m. (they close at 4). Rides were half off (usually $2 per ride token). Some of the concessions are half off as well which was nice! And don't sleep on the concession stand; it's got a great menu and it's reasonably priced. Since I was there with my toddler, an adult was required to ride with her to make sure she was secure (there are not restraints on the animals) and for that reason, the accompanying adult was free. My sister and I took turns on baby duty, though we did all go on at least once (so that used two tokens). And they do a free ride as the final ride, so we all had fun on that one too. This place is run by volunteer power. So thankful for them all so we can have a great time! The historic part of the carousel is that the mechanism is a Dentzel 1909 piece donated by the great-grandson of the founder of Dentzel Carousel Corporation and the National Carousel Association. The objective was to enchant people with the finest carousel in the world, and they may well have met the brief here. There is a menagerie of animals here and they are all beautiful. The outside animals are stationary, and the inner two rows are "jumpers" (they move up and down). The animals are all hand-carved. I think I heard on the video playing in the souvenir shop that the outer animals cost $10,000 and $7,500 for the jumpers, and they're worth it because of the beauty and labor expended. Downstairs there's a museum, which we didn't have an opportunity to visit this time. But I am really looking forward to checking it out. The gift shop (also volunteer-run) has some really nice items, from carousel-specific to more generic gift items. I just wish they had more for smaller children, because I wanted to buy a t-shirt for my toddler but had no luck. But there is a sticker for every one of the animals on the carousel! I bought a couple stickers for the two my daughter rode on. Each of the animals has names, too, which would have made my search easier but I managed. They have a few rooms for rent, so you can have parties or events here. You can also join as a member at one of several levels and get a variety of benefits, one of which is unlimited rides. I can imagine this would be a magical place for a birthday party. I really have to applaud the thought and care that went into creating this attraction. They have some fantastic events; their 21-and-older Derby Day event is sold out weeks in advance. They have weekly story time events, and if we're in Eugene when they happen we may drive up for it. There was a tea, and a Mother's Day event is planned (with a free ride for the moms!). They even have a weekly sensory friendly period, when the carousel runs quiet (yay for DE&I!). I really appreciate the focus on inclusivity here, from the aforementioned sensory days to weight inclusion. There's even a Tea-Rex dinosaur themed tea party coming up! They also give back to the community, such as their carving program for teens to learn the craft. It's simply wonderful. There's free street parking on the blocks around the carousel. Besides that, parking gets a little tricky so you'll want to consult their webpage to see what the parking options are. I cannot wait to visit again with my daughter for more fun rides and to explore the museum. (Review #2400, May 8, 2026.)

Awesome lil museum that is so amazing! They carve each & every animal for the carousel! Each ride…read moreis $2 & you get the ride token from The gift shop or the ice cream Counter. Great staff! Everyone was so happy & helpful! Def a must see if you are in Albany.

I do not visit Albany as regularly as I used to, but I have noticed that some staff or volunteers…read moreat this library have made dramatic improvements. I do not mean to denigrate the Salem library, but the new books shelf at the Albany library is MUCH more interesting. I read voraciously, but Albany is sourcing titles which have completely escaped my attention--and that of big-name book lists. The same discrimination is being shown in the little store run by the Friends of the library. Their shelves used to be blah, but are now always worth a look.

The library is huge, the dvd collection expansive and the people who work there are very helpful.read more

First train ride into Portland from Albany train station. Train arrived on schedule with about 5 or…read moreso minutes to board. The conductor was very friendly. The onboard staff at the food bar was friendly and nice selection. We sat in business for the legroom and enjoyed the air-conditioning and views. The train station had ample indoor seating and clean restrooms as well as friendly staff. A nice way to travel.

The lady working the counter today (10/25/2024) was absolutely amazing! Not only did she handle a…read morefull train breaking down by getting most people a new ticket or other method of transportation, but she also accommodated a full university band. I've actually seen less people at the Portland station, which employees dozens of people. This lady did it all by herself! She deserves a raise and a promotion!

I found myself in Albany for work, however I was a little early for the job, so I set out to find a…read morequiet place to stretch my legs. I was blown away that this little slice of nature used to be an industrial site and still has activity along the rail tracks, but you'd never know it. It's very peaceful with many types of birds, both air and water borne. I saw several other people in the parking area, but the nature area is so large that you don't see anyone else while walking around. Nice job Albany, I'll put this on my list of places to revisit when I need some respite from the city.

So I've walked here quite a bit with my wife when it was first put in but heard recently that this…read moreplace isn't anymore. at one time this place was pretty nice place till they stopped taking care of the place as in the city of Albany. The other thing that I've seen as they were even taking care of place you had to go with somebody cause of all transients who moved around the outside this place and made it there homes. So I'd call for info if you decide to make a trip and to take a look for your selves. Be safe and enjoy.

I grew up in the area, so I've been before. it's a nice old building that looks like I think a…read moresmall county courthouse should. It's not just a courthouse. Lots if not most of the county offices are here also. I was here not long ago because my dad needed a copy of a veteran form for something, as underfunded as the county is, they don't charge veterans for that. Cool.

Lovely little theatre in the heart of Albany. The prices are more than reasonable for the quality…read moreof the plays. Try it--you'll like it! Jackie B, Albany

Community theater at its best. The plays are good quite frequently and they are reasonably priced…read more For a bonus, you get to meet the cast at the end of the show.

We had a great NYE that started with a Christmas lights tour from Sunshine Limo! We are new to…read moreEugene so didn't know of any NYE events. I stumbled upon the lights tour and talked to someone who was very helpful with information, costs, and options. Communication with the company was great from the time I made the reservation until we were picked up. Ian was our fantastic driver who picked us up on time and with chocolates . We started on the west side of Eugene in the hills, to the east, and then dropped off at the restaurant where we had dinner reservations. Ian made several stops to take pics of us and drove thru many neighborhoods with beautiful displays. We loved talking to him and hope he enjoys his upcoming Wyoming trip! The limo was clean, stocked with water, drink, and decorated with Christmas garland. We were able to play our own music (sorry about the Richard Cheese songs!)

It was fairly okay, didn't really have much to say and the lights are okay but somebody ended up…read morekilling the mood for me by LOUDLY and very rudely blaring music on their phone, probably should've said something but it was very distracting combined with music ALREADY playing.

Wow. I'm shocked that this lady considers herself a helper. I called for an appointment. She did…read moresay she meets over the phone. Ok. No problem. Going into this subject blindly, I had questions...! Physics practice in many different ways. When I asked if she could recommend someone she knew who offered a non phone, in person service different than what she does she... HANG UP ON ME! Wow. Please be cautious with people who immediately show a lack of empathy or a lack of kindness because we usually seek upon them for help. I hope this message finds you and that you realize rudeness should not be part of your repertoire.

Chatting with Stina is like catching up with an old friend. Her insight, advice and ability to read…read moreyou and accurately predict things to come, make her an absolute pleasure to talk to. She can pick up on developments taking shape in the future and help you work through your present emotions with a gentle and reassuring touch.