Last Saturday, Regina and I went into Oregon City to find a really neat little hobby shop to buy a birthday present for our brother. We parked by the municipal elevator and took the elevator down to Main Street. We found the hobby shop (701 Main Street) but it wasn’t open yet so we walked over to a wonderful restaurant called Mi Famiglia and had a couple of nice garlicky salads and beer. Yum, smelly and boozy! By the time we finished our lunch, the hobby shop opened.
I don’t normally go to Oregon City any more. I used to work in the O.C. from 1979-1985 but had forgotten what an interesting town O.C. is! Lots of history, lots of old buildings and LOTS of fun little shops in the downtown area. Take a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and rediscover Oregon City. The municipal elevator is free. The original elevator was built in 1915 and ran on hydraulic power. In 1924 the hydraulic power was replaced by electricity which provided a faster (five minutes vs 30 seconds) and more reliable way to travel the 89 foot ascent. The old elevator was replaced by a sleek, modern elevator in 1955. The observation deck offers great views of the city. 
Here is a picture of the old elevator on the right and the new elevator on the left, temporarily bridged with a catwalk between them. And here is a picture of Regina in front of the "new" elevator!
Have lunch at Mi Famiglia and stuff yourself on garlicky pizza, lasagna and salad, washed down with a good beer. Then go for a walk down Main Street and pop in the many interesting little shops – be sure to include the little hobby shop next to Mi Famiglia. It is a trip back to your childhood!
There's also a wonderful little bakery downtown by the river, sorry I can't remember the name or location. But they have excellent donuts, and especially maple bars! I hope they're still there.
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