Old World charm is alive and well in Mt. Angel
Randal C. Hill
50plus Magazine
The idyllic hamlet of Mt. Angel, less than an hour south of Portland, was established when a group of Benedictine monks and a handful of German-Catholic families settled the area in the 1880s. Today, Mt. Angel is a quaint little burg that boasts Old World buildings including noteworthy ornate churches. German-inspired cuisine can be found at such downtown establishments as the Mount Angel Sausage Company, and the Glockenspiel Restaurant and Pub.
Every October, about 350,000 fun-seekers — 100 times the resident population — descend on Mt. Angel for its legendary Oktoberfest, to enjoy sports tournaments and races, arts and crafts exhibits, beer and wine gardens, a farmers market and community dinners. Costumed participants cavort in leather lederhosen, feathered hats and colorful dirndls (Alpine-inspired peasant dresses).
You needn’t wait for fall to visit, though. Another popular attraction is the peaceful and pristine Mount Angel Abbey, a Benedictine monastery established in 1884. Set upon a hilltop above the town, the abbey encompasses 300 manicured acres where some 50 black-robed resident monks can be seen strolling the grounds. “The monks at Mount Angel Abbey are more connected to the outside world than you might imagine,” says Oregonian scribe Melissa Binder. “They use technology, including Facebook; play pool and croquet, and have snowball fights.”
And you can forget the Hollywood stereotype of dour, wizened monks hunched over ancient, dimly-lit desks; chances are the fellows you encounter here will greet you with a ready smile, ready to chat and answer questions.
Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour, visit the abbey’s two natural history museums or peruse the library’s collection of rare books. Coffee is available in the gift shop, and adults can slake their thirst at the Benedictine Brewery. The abbey is one of only three monasteries in America to offer beer crafted from hops grown on the grounds and water drawn from the monks’ well. Black Habit Dark Ale is a particular favorite.
There’s also a retreat house available that offers overnight or short-term stays. Guests of all faiths can enjoy three buffet meals, a spectacular view of the Willamette Valley below, an escape from electronics and the opportunity to participate in services conducted by the monks.
What’s it like to live here? “I love living in Mt Angel. It has beauty, small-town charm and a close-knit community,” says resident Linda B. “It is very busy during Oktoberfest — with visitors from near and far — but it’s exciting, and a boon to the community.”
Whether you’re looking to visit a neat little off-the-beaten-track town or to simply enjoy a relaxing stroll, centering on peace and beauty, Mt. Angel should fill that bill perfectly.
For more information, go to mountangelabbey.org or call (503) 686-1647.