Community Spotlight: Silverton-All this and Bobbie too!
Randall C. Hill
50plus Magazine
SILVER FALLS STATE PARK sparkles as the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system — and deservedly so. Here you can enjoy 9,200 acres of spectacular scenery and miles of trails to 10 waterfalls.
Silverton is the first town you motor through on your Silver Falls trip from the south; however, not to spend some time here is to deny yourself the experience of one of our state’s most delightful burgs.
The shallow, crystal-clear Silver Creek burbles through town and offers relaxing views from the many decks built over the stream by local businesses. Colorful murals dep
icting local history and heroes adorn the sides of more than 30 buildings around town.
A pleasant stroll through downtown — which features antique shops and a host of places to eat and drink — brings you to the life-sized statue of Bobbie the Wonder Dog. A Scotch Collie who became lost in Indiana during a 1920s family road trip, Bobbie somehow traveled safely more than 2,500 miles to arrive six months later at his family’s home in Silverton.
Think warm-weather festivals here. In May, the highly anticipated Wine and Jazz Festival takes place. A month later comes the Strawberry Festival (visitors swear by the scrumptious strawberry shortcakes). August brings the Homer Davenport Days. Silverton-based Davenport was Oregon’s first media superstar and one of America’s best-known political cartoonists during the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era. Local folks celebrate him with a parade, live music and street races featuring — yep! — actual davenports on wheels.
Just outside of town you’ll find the spectacular Oregon Garden, a botanical theme park with more than 20 separate gardens. The tranquil 80-acre grounds also include the Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence in the state and the only such structure in the Pacific Northwest to be open to the public.
A day in Silverton is a feast for the senses. Beautiful landscapes, wonderful shops, friendly people and great community events. If you go, give Bobbie a pat!
