One of the many flower fields to be seen on Highway 214.

Further down the road is the even smaller historic village of Mount Angel. The town’s Bavarian heritage is visible in its architecture, surrounding hop fields and numerous German restaurants. Mount Angel is the home to Oregon's oldest (1966) Oktoberfest ... a celebration held every year in the streets during September. Too bad we were here in the middle of July! We were fascinated by the large pole in front of the city hall displaying decorative wood icons of the various town merchants and tradesmen. You can click on the photo to see more detail.

After devouring homemade sausage and sauerkraut, we drove up a 300 foot butte to the Mount Angel Abbey. This nineteenth century Benedictine monastery is home to 100 monks who maintain the manicured grounds and elegant multi storied brick buildings. We walked the grounds and enjoyed the extraordinary views of the Willamette Valley and distant mountain peaks. We toured the small museum and were amazed at the unexpected world class taxidermy display and collection of civil war memorabilia. When we entered the Romanesque church, our jaws dropped when we saw the enormous pipe organ that is used for the Abby’s Bach festival held each July.

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