Historic Aurora was founded as a Utopian Society in the mid-1800s. A group of mostly German people chose to live and work together for the betterment of the community. Aurora is built on the banks of the Pudding River and is one of the early settlements in Western Oregon. It quickly blossomed into a small successful village with a mill, shops, artisans, a grand hotel complete with a band, hops traders, a feed company etc. For more about the happenings in town www.auroracolony.com or local history visit the Old Aurora Colony: Historical Museum in Aurora, Oregon www.auroracolony.org
Today Aurora’s has been named one of the Top 5 Antique Shopping Destinations in America by CNBC and the Travel Channel. Many of the original buildings and structures remain in good condition and the town is full of shops, museums and places to relax. Historic Aurora is also the setting for a series of young adult books by Jane Kirkpatrick featuring the heroine Emma as she grows up in the pioneer NW. www.jkbooks.com
Historic Aurora is home to many fun events including…
First Friday – featuring music food & fun!
Emma Walking Tour – A self-guided tour of the historic district based on the Jane Kirkpatrick novels
Historic Aurora is a spring board to many things in the North Willamette Valley Area…
For events and happenings in the Aurora Historic District-Aurora Visitors Association: http://auroracolony.com
The #1 shopping destination in Oregon is just 10 minutes away… Woodburn Outlet Mall: http://premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodburn/stores
The biggest dahlia grower in America and fabulous flower farm… Swan Island Dahlias: http://dahlias.com/
Beautiful Winery & Wedding Venue… St Josef’s Winery: http://stjosefswinery.com
Want to Tour & Taste other wines? Cascade Foothills Winegrowers: http://cascadefoothillswines.com/
History of the Aurora Utopian Community… Aurora Colony Museum: http://auroracolony.org/
What’s happening in Aurora? Vintage Shops & More… http://iloveaurora.com
Coolest old stuff this side of Boston? Aurora Architectural Salvage: http://auroramills.com/
Great gluten free baking and local coffee… White Rabbit Bakery: http://whiterabbitbakery.com/
Local Hazelnuts and Chocolates in Aurora… http://pacifichazelnut.com/
One of the biggest Tulip Farms in the NW… Wooden Shoe Tulips: http://woodenshoe.com