Corvallis

To some, Corvallis is a brief stopping place along the way to Salem or Portland. To others, it's a small town that gives you a chance to escape the bigger cities. Driving the area's economy are a growing engineering and high-tech industry, a burgeoning wine industry, and more traditional local agricultural crops, such as grass and legume seeds. Corvallis is home to Oregon State University and its Beavers. It offers plenty of outdoor activities as well as scenic attractions, from covered bridges to wineries and gardens.