Day Trip From Portland: Aurora Antique Capital

The first designated landmark district in Oregon is the town of Aurora.
Surprisingly, it has the feel and look of an 1850s New England village and not a traditional Pacific North West historic feel to it.

Aurora was founded in 1856 by a Christian sect led by William Kiel. Not only did Kiel provide spiritual guidance to his flock, he was also a faith healer and ministered to them for health issues. Father Kiel, also known as Dr. Kiel led his group along the Oregon Trail to Aurora from Missouri. They envisioned Aurora as a utopian society, and upon settling the area, all property was community owned.

The architecture used in building the colony closely parallels New England style architecture. Additionally, all structures in town were painted the same white color. The new colony did thrive and eventually encompassed about 18,000 acres.

Aurora is a great locale for a day trip and very convenient to both Portland and Salem. It is just about equidistant from both cities off I-5. The drive is around 20 to 25 minutes from either city and one Cultural Oregon is sure you will be glad you made.

Upon arrival in Aurora you may think you somehow took a wrong turn and drove to a movie set for a mid 18th century New England town. But, you have not. This feeling is your assurance that you are in Aurora.

As you amble through town you will be awed as you step back to a quieter century. This is a town to lazily walk through, no fast strides are needed. Your eyes will be fooled too, at first glance they tell you that you have somehow gone back in time as they gaze as the beautifully preserved yet active historical buildings. The air is clean and still, no city noises distract you. It also smells like the country.

Although this experience alone is reason enough for a visit, there is lots to do in Aurora. It is the self proclaimed Capital of America for Antiques, and deservedly so, as the town has made two top ten antiquing lists. One source was The Travelchannel.com and the other was MSN.com. The antique shops are located in the historic buildings of downtown Aurora.

For the most part, they are high end shops. Many are used as sources for interior decorators and producers of movies and TV shows. A particular favorite of Cultural Oregon is Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage. This fascinating store sells all sorts of architectural antiques and oddities. As you browse through the store you can find antique hardware, antique windows, claw bathtubs, old siding and beams and fireplace mantles plus uncountable other similar items.

All the antique dealers try to maintain a fresh stock with frequent new additions. Many stores in historic buildings specialize in a specific genre of antiques such as pottery, jewelry, architectural salvage and of course furniture. One shop specializes in furniture and artifacts from the 1950s.

Auroras small population includes many artists and artisans. Many galleries are in the historic downtown area that show and sell their works.
Founded by what we would now consider a cult that trudged the Oregon Trail to found a new society it managed to prosper. How they did it and how they lived can all be explained by a visit to the charming Aurora Colony Museum.

In addition to providing a history of Aurora, there are ever changing exhibits of the original families that settled Aurora and the museum is brimming with furniture, artifacts and art that help tell the story of Keil and his followers. Cultural Oregon feels this is a no brainer to visit it! But not on a Monday as it closed on Mondays.

Sometime during your visit you will want to eat. If your not planning on a picnic there are several very good cafes for you to enjoy your lunch.

Although Aurora is a small community with about a 1,000 residents, it is surrounded by very prosperous farms. It is also set in the breathtaking Willamette Valley where many great state parks are located. The town is fortunate that its idyllic setting, fame for antiques, high quality local organic farm goods, wineries and well-known micro brews all serve to attract visitors.

The towns major event is The Summer Hops Festivals. Each month though, the town celebrates the First Saturday and local merchants put together great displays of their latest acquisitions and special First Saturday pricing.

The great location in the Willamette Valley may spur you to spend a few days in the Aurora area. Luckily, there are many Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, motels and even RV hookups in and near this historic landmark town.