Silverton’s Silver Lining
While searching for some breakfast one morning during our countryside adventure, a short drive led us to the town of Silverton. We stopped in to “Silverton’s Original Coffeehouse”, the Live Local Cafe. It was definitely live-ly and definitely full of locals. This time of year, I would guess we were probably the only outsiders there. Nevertheless, we experienced a warm and welcoming atmosphere while enjoying yet another delicious Oregon coffee (Longbottom Peruvian) and chai accompanied by scrumptious bagel breakfast sandwiches. Originating at Silver Falls State Park which is nearby, Silver Creek runs through town and the cafe features creekside dining which we would have appreciated on a warmer day.
Following Main Street into town, we passed The Oregon Garden. I had read about this place before but didn’t realize it was located right in the heart of Silverton — truly a silver lining if there ever was one for this small town and our adventure. Even though the day had begun with a drizzle, the rain seemed to be poised to take a break for a couple of hours… or so my weather app said — generally not to be trusted, but this time its predictions held true. I really wanted to check out the gardens so we stopped in for a tour. On this day in late October, we practically had the place all to ourselves.
The Oregon Garden is an 80-acre botanical garden divided into 20 different specialty gardens with a focus on the flora of the Willamette Valley and Pacific Northwest. We began our tour in the large central plaza known as the Bosque (forest in Spanish) where four brick reflecting ponds surrounded by 40 Pacific Sunset Maples were resplendent in fall color. This area immediately draws you into the heart of the garden which then branches out in all directions to a variety of unique spaces. Additionally, we explored the Amazing Water Garden and the Wetlands, both combining local water treatment with the creation of a healthy habitat for plant and wildlife.
It was definitely a fall feast for the eyes. So we roamed the grounds trying to find the best perspectives and angles to capture the essence of the season. Norman was on the DSLR this time and the first three photos here are his. I think he really nailed it. You can certainly tell the difference between those and the last three that I took with my iPhone.
As the clouds reappeared overhead and the skies became grey once again, we headed out on our way back to our country cabin. Time to relax by the fire with a glass of wine. I’m sure the Garden will be a place for many return visits throughout the seasons of our life here in Oregon.
Paris and Beyond 