As people spend more time “at home,” the urge to create a cozy environment increases. This applies even if you are staying in a Corvallis vacation rental or extended stay rental for 30-days or more.

Whether you are making Corvallis your home, or your “home away from home,” shopping local businesses strengthens your connection to the community.

The vibrant small business community is one of the things that make Corvallis special. Downtown Corvallis and other shopping districts contain an eclectic mix of niche boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and craft breweries. We’ll share some of our favorites here. The “Buy Local First Corvallis” Facebook group has a great list and profile of dozens of local businesses.

There are so many great local Corvallis businesses, that we can’t possibly mention them all. If you are interested in learning more about boutiques and independent retailers in Corvallis, don’t miss this directory from Visit Corvallis. 

Finding Unique Gifts for Yourself or a Loved One

Corvallis independent retailers include a number of niche boutiques. They offer special curated experiences and one of a kind goods. Here are a few ideas for gifts that move beyond the ordinary, but we encourage you to explore the community and find others.

A gift basket is always an appropriate gift when you want to give someone something special, but you can’t decide on the best gift. Bella Vino gift baskets design gift baskets and boxes to take or ship, featuring high-quality local and Oregon-made food and gift items. 

Looking for one of a kind? Corvallis excels at Art. The Arts Center, located on the edge of Central Park, is both a gallery and an art shop. The gallery features exhibits from artists throughout Corvallis and the region. Their art shop is a great place to find stylish decorative items, gifts, and accessories. Teal is an artist’s cooperative shop, and although they are not hosting a store this year, you can shop online or purchase directly from the member artists and craftspeople. 

If you like to think globally while shopping locally, then you may enjoy downtown’s fair trade boutique Many Hands Trading. 

Mod Pod is an eclectic boutique featuring a variety of gift items and clothing including some locally themed gifts. If you “need” a Corvegas mug, be sure to check them out. 

If you are shopping for a new toy or game, consider visiting The Toy Factory to choose from their collection of games, educational toys, puzzles, and more. 

If you enjoy giving American or Oregon made gifts, take a look at Softstar shoes. They sustainably handcraft comfortable, minimalist shoes for infants, toddlers, children, and adults in their Philomath factory and shop. 

The Comforts of Home Away from Home

Sometimes you may want a few personal items to help you feel at home. Here are a few suggestions.

Located downtown, ReStyle Home offers home decor items, unique gifts, fresh-cut flowers, and the opportunity to build your own terrarium or succulent garden. The Inkwell Home Store also sells quality kitchenware and decorative items. 

If you’re walking around Corvallis, or hiking in the many local natural areas, you may need some comfortable shoes. Footwise shoe store in Downtown Corvallis and Sedlaks shoes both have unique selections of quality footwear. If you need rain gear or outdoor wear for your stay, Peak Sports is a great choice, also downtown. 

One of the benefits of staying in a well-maintained guest home is you don’t have to worry about home maintenance. However, sometimes we have extended stay rental guests who are in the process of building or remodeling a home. Robnett’s Hardware has been a family-owned Corvallis staple since its founding in 1893. 

Willamette Valley residents love outdoor recreation. With so many parks and publicly accessible natural spaces, visitors also want to participate. If you need to purchase a bike or other recreational equipment check out Peak Sports, Five Star Sports, or one of the local cycling shops.

Local Treats and Good Eats

Craft beverages and artisan food are a big part of west coast culture and Corvallis is no exception. Not only is Corvallis located near Willamette Valley vineyards and wineries it is also home to craft breweries and a thriving network of food entrepreneurs.

Family-owned Burst’s Chocolates has been part of the community since 1938. The mouthwatering confectionery makes it a favorite among chocolate lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Artisan roasted coffee and specialty teas are available through Oregon Coffee and Tea, Bespoken Coffee Roasters, and others.

Delicious Takeout Meals

The Corvallis restaurant community has stepped up with expanding their curbside pick-up and delivery options in response to the ever-evolving social distancing guidelines. Many also offer outdoor dining when possible. As a consumer, you have access to both fine dining and quality casual dining at home. 

Here are a few resources to help you connect with Corvallis restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and take out eateries:

  • IOU Corvallis is a unique volunteer-led program. They partner with local restaurants that offer free take out meals on their designated event day (while supplies last). Community members donate money through IOU to support the restaurant. IOUs goal is to give restaurants a boost since they are operating in a highly uncertain environment and to provide meals to community members regardless of means. They list their partner restaurants on their website and include a mix of casual and fine dining as well as a variety of international cuisines. 
  • Visit Corvallis also published a great guide to Corvallis restaurants.
  • Finally, if you use Facebook or Instagram consider following Corvallis Culinary Connections to keep up on new and well-established take-out options. 

Supporting the local economy

The Small Business Administration reported that more than 90% of new jobs are created by small businesses with fewer than twenty employees. In addition, other researchers found that small business managers typically hire vendors locally, more frequently buy local products, and contribute to local not-for-profit organizations and schools.   

By stocking up on staples for your stay,  purchasing a gift, or simply treating yourself, you contribute to the economy and quality of life when you engage with small businesses. Whether you are relocating to Corvallis or just visiting, this is a win-win proposition!

Making Corvallis Your Home Away From Home

Whether you are locating to Corvallis or visiting for a short or extended stay, Fernwood Circle Guest Houses offer premium business travel and vacation rentals. All of our rentals are stand-alone homes in residential neighborhoods. 

Fernwood Circle Guest Houses are complete homes with kitchens or kitchenettes, living spaces, laundry machines, high-speed internet, workspaces, and yards or patios. Each home is different, but all are immaculately clean and comfortable. 

Visit our booking page to learn about our available vacation rentals.