My time as a small business owner in Halsey has allowed me to become acquainted with the other fun shops and stops in the area. I opened Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill the spring of 2017. We’re a family-owned mini fiber mill located in an old, historic hardware building in downtown Halsey, just five minutes off I-5.
We’re breathing new life into the space, which now offers opportunities to learn about fiber processing, take classes, and support local artisans and crafters. We also boast a shop full of locally crafted products, home goods and fiber.
When I’m not processing fiber, spinning or knitting, I enjoy visiting other small businesses nearby. Aside from driving the side roads and highways through the grass seed fields and countryside, here are a few of my favorite things to do when I’m out in the Willamette Valley.
My time as a small business owner in Halsey has allowed me to become acquainted with the other fun shops and stops in the area. I opened Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill the spring of 2017. We’re a family-owned mini fiber mill located in an old, historic hardware building in downtown Halsey, just five minutes off I-5.
We’re breathing new life into the space, which now offers opportunities to learn about fiber processing, take classes, and support local artisans and crafters. We also boast a shop full of locally crafted products, home goods and fiber.
When I’m not processing fiber, spinning or knitting, I enjoy visiting other small businesses nearby. Aside from driving the side roads and highways through the grass seed fields and countryside, here are a few of my favorite things to do when I’m out in the Willamette Valley.
Halsey
Travel down Peoria Road, which runs between Eugene and Corvallis, and you will find the The Country Bakery. If you love the country and baked goods, you will be in heaven here. This is a small bakery located in the kitchen of the owner. She carries pastry breads, pies, sandwich breads, cookies and lots of baked goods in between. The Country Bakery is open on Friday and Saturday.
If you are still hungry en route through Halsey, don’t miss Angelo’s Fiesta Grill, just at the corner of town. Angelo’s offers delicious authentic Mexican food served up by the nicest family. My favorite dish is the taquitos, which I order half-chicken and half-beef.
Brownsville
Located on the east side of I-5, Brownsville is a quaint, historic town with lots of charm. As a yarn lover, I have to recommend the Brownsville Stitching Parlor, where you can browse their large and colorful selection of yarn to inspire your next project.
Stop by Randy’s Café for delicious sandwiches made on fresh-baked bread, baked goods and your afternoon coffee.
In addition, Brownsville is home to the Linn County Historical Museum. The museum is housed in the original railroad depot and six railroad cars. The museum also features a covered wagon and exhibits information about pioneers, Native Americans and the early settlers in the Willamette Valley. It’s an amazing museum showcasing the history of the area and how it shaped Oregon.
Brownsville’s movie claim to fame is “Stand by Me,” which was filmed there almost 30 years ago. Each year the town hosts “Stand by Me” Day, which includes walking tours of the filming locations and a vintage car cruise in.
Brownsville hosts a variety of other charming antique stores, gift shops and cafés — all making for a great diversion off I-5.
