9 Standout Main Streets In The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most intriguing regions to visit in North America. Between stunning seascapes, lush rainforests, and some of the world's largest mountains, the area is a nature lover's paradise. There are also fantastic cities to visit, with a wide array of attractions, festivals, and hospitable communities that tie the historic districts and natural scenery together.
Often, the best place to really catch the true vibe of any place is downtown, and the Pacific Northwest is no different. These nine standout Main Street areas reflect the rugged beauty of the entire region through its architecture and heritage sites while also encompassing an appeal all their own. These main arteries of the community feature award-winning restaurants, dynamic events, and walkable areas that set each apart from the crowd.
Ashland, Oregon
Ashland's Main Street is the birthplace of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, giving visitors a peek behind the curtain to this thriving community. The Angus Bowmer Theater has ignited a vibrant downtown scene with over 100 restaurants, like Alchemy Restaurant and Bar at the Winchester Inn. Pioneer Street is home to the Resistance Wine Company's Rogue Valley Tasting Room, downtown's only winery, which specializes in syrahs and malbecs from Southern Oregon that pair perfectly with downtown's cultural vibe. Lithia Park is the town's botanical centerpiece, featuring a Japanese garden and offering splendid views of downtown from within 93 acres of forested canyonland.
Florence, Oregon
Downtown Florence is the perfect escape for the traveler seeking a coastal destination with a thriving community and cultural attractions. The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum on Maple Street highlights the region's Indigenous and settlement history, while Old Town, as the historic district is called, has open spaces like Old Town Park with a gazebo that hosts community events and complements the modern shops.
Another downtown feature is the Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center, highlighting the importance of the river that runs alongside Florence. From here, grab a map from the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum and embark on a self-paced historic site tour with the support of friendly and knowledgeable docents to answer any questions about early life in and around Florence.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is an amazing town along the Pacific Coast that offers stunning views of the immediate area from high points, such as the Astoria Column atop Coxcomb Hill. The tower features an observation deck, accessible via 160 stairs, that is well worth the effort. A great day in Astoria begins at Blue Scorcher Bakery and Cafe. The local favorite is a worker-owned cooperative in the historic Fort George Building overlooking the Columbia River. From here, stroll the historic streets and catch a show at the iconic Liberty Theatre, a 1925 Venetian Vaudeville palace in the heart of downtown that hosts a range of live productions and community events.
Winthrop, Washington
Winthrop is a mountain wonderland, washed in the spirit of the Old West. Downtown, a wooden boardwalk replaces a traditional sidewalk and features new retailers in vintage buildings, such as the Purple Sage Gallery and Aspen Grove. The Western mystique adds character to this downtown, making it one of the most distinctive to visit in the region.
The shopping district is also notable for its food and drink options, including East 20 Pizza and Fainting Goat Restaurant. The pizzeria utilizes local ingredients and is noteworthy for its quality pies, while the Fainting Goat specializes in curated menus with a sense of humor. Winthrop honors its past by preserving its buildings and heritage while also evolving into a premier destination in the Pacific Northwest.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a stunning Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains. The downtown area reflects the outdoorsy, fun-loving community through its creative outlets, like the Nutcracker Museum and the Greater Leavenworth Museum. The former has an impressive display of over 9,000 nutcrackers, while the latter explores the town's railroad heritage.
German influence is strong in the shopping district, with places like the Rhein Haus serving traditional delicacies, including a bacon-wrapped bratwurst. The community also hosts several events throughout the year, such as a traditional Oktoberfest, which features all the traditional fixings from sausages to pretzels and plenty of beer.
La Conner, Washington
La Conner is an attractive town on the Swinomish Channel in Skagit Bay, providing a solitary retreat in the Pacific Northwest. Residents love the outdoors, and downtown festivals like the La Conner Daffodil Festival in March and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April. Both of these events bring visitors to the region in celebration of the season's colorful harvest.
From quick bites to fine dining, La Conner offers something for every palate. La Conner Seafood and Rib House is a favored local choice for quality surf and turf on the historic waterfront. The Main Street district features several galleries highlighting the region, such as the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA). Here, guests can experience the significance of using diverse materials, techniques, and styles in the permanent exhibits by skilled creators from the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on the Northwest School art movement of the mid-20th century.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is known for its beautiful setting, architecture, and lively downtown on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. One of many landmarks is the Hastings Building on Water Street, a three-story Victorian masterpiece with an atrium featuring a skylight that showcases the area's love of fine architecture. Further along is the Tyler Street Plaza, an open-air gathering place and home to buskers and festivals year-round.
Downtown offers unique and historic places to stay, including the Palace Hotel. It was originally built by a retired sea captain in the late 19th century and today features 26 pleasant rooms and rumors of ghostly activity. For boutique accommodations and an elegant wine bar, book a room at the Bishop.
Wallace, Idaho
Wallace, in Idaho's panhandle, is one of only four US towns that are entirely listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its fabled downtown district has hosted US presidents and movie stars. Its mining history is detailed on the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, where you can follow the lead of a retired miner on a narrated tour aboard a classic trolley.
There is also a fun find amid all this history at the Center of the Universe. The community designated a manhole cover as the earth's epicenter in 2004, and it is one of several quirky attractions in downtown Wallace. Booking a room at the historic Brooks Hotel, Restaurant, and Lounge downtown is one of the best ways to stay immersed in the old mining town's history while also enjoying a sophisticated stay.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Historic Sandpoint's downtown section combines an Americana feel and stunning architecture that visitors will not forget. Art and culture are a signature element of the district, with galleries and studios, such as Art Works Gallery, an artist-run cooperative, and Hallans Gallery, featuring seminal black-and-white photos from the early 20th century.
The Panida Theater offers an excellent way to explore the town's past while enjoying a show. It opened as a vaudeville and movie house in 1927 and today hosts local and international film festivals and screenings, as well as a range of live performances. Foodies will love Cedar Street, which is packed with plenty of restaurants, like the Fat Pig, featuring seasonal menus and a cozy setting to enjoy after a show at the Panida.
Visiting the Pacific Northwest is an adventure in and of itself, but including a trip to at least one of these standout Main Streets is icing on the cake. Each one captures the essence of the region while also carving out its own niche. The districts are fun to visit, offering attractions or live shows that highlight the community's best qualities. From cultural sites to parks in the middle of entertainment districts, these nine standout Main Streets have it all, while the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, for which the region is famous, enhances downtown areas, making it a prime destination for a memorable visit.
