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Stacey Newman Weldon | 07/09/2025 | Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries, Outdoor Recreation

August is for Unwinding: The Art of Doing Nothing in Corvallis

If your dream vacation looks less like a packed itinerary and more like a deep exhale, August in Corvallis might be exactly what you’re craving. Here, the pace slows, the traffic thins, and the skies stay sun-drenched just long enough for one more lazy walk along Riverfront Park. This is a place where you can embrace the art of doing "nothing," while actually doing quite a lot.

The Willamette Valley is at its sweetest in August, and nothing beats spending a soft morning picking sun-warmed berries at one of our many U-pick farms. Kiger Island Berry Farms is one of our favorite spots. It's set on a quiet farm just outside of town, with tranquil fields of blueberries and strawberries and views of the Cascades in the distance. Even better? They offer accessible blueberry picking options, with covered ground and the ability to drive right up to the ripest rows, making it easier for more visitors to join in the fun. Whether you're harvesting by hand or simply soaking up the scenery, it’s the kind of simple joy that leaves you feeling grounded.

If farm-to-glass is more your style, head out to one of our many local wineries for a relaxed afternoon of sipping and strolling. Most offer shaded patios, scenic views, and plenty of room to spread out. You won't be elbowing through crowds when you visit the scenic wineries and vineyards that dot the surrounding hillsides of Corvallis. Instead, you’ll likely find that no reservations are needed and most offer a mellow vibe and a winemaker happy to share their latest vintage.

Prefer a non-alcoholic pairing? Local breweries, the 2 Towns Ciderhouse tasting room, and several bars now offer craft mocktails and NA beverages, so everyone can join in the toast.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is head into the trees and not come out for a while. Corvallis is surrounded by thousands of acres of forested trails, from the shaded loops of Bald Hill Natural Area to the wide, winding paths of McDonald-Dunn Forest. It’s an ideal setting for forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature to reset your senses and boost your well-being.

You don’t need a plan. Just walk. Breathe. Listen. Let the quiet do its work.

Unwinding is for everyone. That’s why we’re proud to note that several Corvallis accommodations are Wheel the World-approved, making it easier for travelers to enjoy a relaxing, worry-free stay. Between accessible berry fields and inclusive lodging options, Corvallis is a welcoming escape for all kinds of travelers.

So if your August needs more stillness, more sun-dappled afternoons, and more blueberries by the handful, you’ll find it here in Corvallis. Come for the berries, stay for the breeze, and let the slow rhythm of summer work its magic. Whether you're planning a full itinerary or just craving a change of pace, this is your place to unwind. Start planning your August getaway today. Your perfect pause is waiting.

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113 SW 3rd Street, Alley Suite 101
Corvallis, OR 97333
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