Tucked into Willamette Valley wine country between Mill Creek and Pudding River, the little town of Aurora originated as a utopian settler community in 1856. Now its downtown is a National Historic District, a delight to history buffs. Yet it might still seem like a utopia to lovers of vintage finds and antiquing. “I love Aurora so much,” says Em Henderson, interior designer, New York Times bestselling author of STYLED, TV personality, and founder of Style By Emily Henderson. “It feels like going back in time. The amount of walkable antique stores is incredible. I’d say every other month I head out for a half-day of shopping and lunch at Filberts.”

As the town is just a half hour from downtown Portland, production designers, art directors, interior designers, stagers, and stylists flock to Aurora’s quaint Main Street for inspiration, unique finds, and fresh takes. They find treasures from every era, style, and craftsmanship period, along with contemporary art. “Aurora is the go-to destination for those seeking authentic charm to elevate their living space,” says Max Humphrey, interior designer, author, and featured ‘Next Wave’ designer in House Beautiful magazine. “Whether you’re looking for the perfect piece of art for your gallery wall or a vintage dining table, this town has got you covered.”

It’s no wonder The Travel Channel cited it as one of “America’s Best Antique Shopping” towns, and it was listed as Oregon’s top antiques destination by House Beautiful and Country Living magazines.

SHOP

For contemporary goods with heritage flair, visit  Mill Creek Market. Peruse the meticulously curated book collections spanning cocktail mixology to gorgeous cabin photography; take in the sensory delights of the apothecary section with its dreamy scents; let timeless kitchenware and drinkware inspire visions of dinner parties and lazy Sunday mornings. Mill Creek Market is a haven for locally sourced makers, small batch goods, thoughtful gifts, and home and hosting essentials – plus timeless vintage pieces upstairs. Check out Foxy Den, their in-house boutique interior design firm that specializes in vintage decor for modern living.

Visitors could spend the whole day exploring the wonders found in Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage and its new annex building. One of the largest antique and salvage shops in the country, its main building and namesake is an 1890s hop, grain & feed mill made of old-growth fir. On the inside, there is aisle upon aisle and cranny upon cranny of period decor, mint condition antique lighting, reclaimed fireplace mantels, antique art glass windows, farmhouse tables, hardware, and much more.

Otherwise meander through several expansive antique malls. South End Antique Mall is a regular resource for film and television art directors, and Main Street Mercantile offers every era of furniture, art, and decorative accessories. For a pristine selection of iconic mid-century modern pieces, especially lamps and barware, head to Timeless Antiques.  Find a curated gallery of unique, high-quality vintage art, as well as exhibits by many contemporary Northwest artists, at Historic Art & Services, which also provides framing and conservation services. On the second weekend in August and September, vendors take over Main Street for the Aurora Outdoor Antiques and Artisans Market.

EAT 

Find a cozy table in White Rabbit Bakery, which has an upscale vintage vibe, and grab a delectable breakfast or lunch. Think apricot lavender coffee cake, raspberry almond whoopie pies, and turkey-cranberry sandwiches on fresh house-made focaccia – plus plenty of allergy-friendly menu items as well. Alternatively, make a reservation for high tea with a distinctive Northwest flare at Granny Fi’s Shortbread and Tea Room, which is famous near and far for its eponymous shortbread. After a full day of shopping, kick back with a Farmhouse Pear Martini, at  Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen, which pays homage to the acclaimed local hazelnut in a number of its scratch-made dishes and has delightful patio seating overlooking orchards.

STAY

Whiskey Hill Store is a restored schoolhouse that is now a family-run general store and cafe, serving breakfast and lunch. Besides hosting local markets and special events, Whiskey Hill has an impeccably designed guest suite, the Mountainview Suite, in the attached residence. The well-appointed room has custom woodwork, reclaimed fir doors, and vintage and antique furnishings, as well as views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson. Meander downstairs for coffee and a homemade breakfast Monday through Saturday. A large group will enjoy the Meridian Guest House next door, a renovated 1960s ranch house that sleeps up to ten.