We're newly relocated to the Pacific Northwest and decided to make this holiday about…read moreexperiences--not gifts. With our college kid home for three weeks, we searched for something fun and different and found Santiam Excursions in Lebanon, Oregon. We chose the Brunch Train and had an absolute blast. From the moment we arrived, the staff was genuinely warm and professional (even on the phone when we called with questions). That kind of thoughtful hospitality feels rare these days, and it set the tone immediately. We were seated in a vintage parlor car at an assigned table with sweet holiday décor, a table number, and a quick orientation from the team. There were also a couple of simple activity sheets at the table--an easy, surprisingly fun way to get us talking and laughing together. The 2.5-hour ride was scenic, mellow, and wonderfully unique, with vintage holiday music in the background. The owner even visited every table to check in--an old-school personal touch that made the experience feel extra special. We'll definitely be back to try their other excursions (especially the Portland/Columbia River options). Helpful hints for first-timers (based on our experience) ...GPS may take you to the wrong side of the tracks. We couldn't cross because the train was blocking access, so we had to drive several blocks to cross over and double back. ...No confirmation email with arrival tips. It would be helpful if they emailed GPS/parking guidance, but don't stress--parking is plentiful near the tracks and station. ...The office opens 30 minutes before departure. When doors open, it's a bit of a rush and not very organized. ...Seating seems to vary by group size. Larger groups (especially with kids) may be placed in a charming car with folding tables/chairs. Smaller adult groups seemed more likely to be seated in the quieter parlor-style cars. ...Bar service comes to you first. After you're seated, a staff member offers drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) before dismissing tables to the buffet. My Bloody Mary was great; my daughter loved her holiday mocktail. Beverages are additional to buffet/train ticket price and staff have mobile devices for your bar tabs (and tips) ...The buffet is a walk through multiple cars. Food is simple--eggs, sausage, pancakes, and basics. More "breakfast" than "brunch," but served hot and the catering staff was friendly. ...Explore the train. You can wander through the cars, including an outdoor car (brisk and fabulous). The bar car was crowded and very warm, so we skipped it, but plenty of guests loved it. A lovely final touch: after breakfast was cleared, staff invited everyone for complimentary hot chocolate back in the meal car. If you're looking for a meaningful, memorable way to connect with the people you love--this is worth it. Highly recommended, and we're rooting for their continued success.

My new husband and I really enjoyed the Father's Day BBQ train ride. The food was plentiful and…read moredelicious! The train ride itself wasn't very scenic, but that is beyond the control of the train management. Seating was very limited for the amount of tickets sold. Fortunately, we brought our own folding chairs and just set them up on the train. Otherwise, we would have ended up sitting on very uncomfortable cheap folding chairs in a boxy metal old cattle car with no windows. For something out of the ordinary to do, I would recommend this train ride. Just bring your own folding chairs.

Visited this location while touring police stations to determine needs for planning to build a new…read morepolice station. The facility is well taken care of and the staff was professional and accommodating.

Call me a cab they SUCK the left me at the wound care clinic they left me stranded I had just…read morerecently had surgery on my foot, I had to call a different cab company and they showed up within 10 minutes I definitely would not recommend call me a cab I would call this company the leave me stranded cab company

Call me a cab is a uninsured company in albany 1 the drivers ran a stop sign on kennel rd and I was…read moretraveling on Spicer going west towards albany when the driver ran into me I was driving 55 mph when hit and caused me to roll the dodge Dakota I was in 3 times or so and completely totaled the truck and recently found out they have NO auto insurance coverage And right now stuck with loss of truck about $3,000 and the tow Bill which is now well over $3,000 Plus they had a passenger when he drove into me Neither that driver or passenger was hurt And the owner and the lady that runs it as well as the driver that ran into me will return any phone calls to my insurance. And at time of wreck they give the sheriff a insurance that was canceled in the summer of 2018 the wreck was April 24 th of this year. I highly recommend people pay a little more for different cab company and be safe than to use CALL ME A CAB Which carries no auto insurance on their commercial taxi vehicles And I see them all the time blowing stop lights and signs and drive 90 mph thru town and constantly almost run into people almost daily Horrible taxi company for albany for sure

My wife and I stopped by during the Eugene Marathon weekend. Being over 30, we understand that…read morebirds are cool. There were 31 birds with their own exhibits. Admission was $16/person, but well worth it for the experience. There are informative displays about each species and also each individual bird.

During our August anniversary trip, my husband and I took some time to visit the Cascades Raptor…read moreCenter in Eugene. As someone who has volunteered at the California Raptor Center in Davis, CA for 3 years (and counting) and is also a primary handler/trainer of two education ambassadors (a Swainson's Hawk and a Peregrine Falcon), as well as an aspiring falconer, I am pretty well-versed in raptors. Therefore, Cascades Raptor Center was a no-brainer stop on our trip. It was a pretty warm day, as OR had just experienced a heat wave. The raptor center overall was very well-kept, with over 30 education ambassadors on display. All the enclosures were very clean and organized. There were various trainers in several enclosures working with their respective birds when we went, and one volunteer even had a peregrine falcon out on glove for the public to enjoy up close and to ask questions about. We actually made it just in time for the last flight show of the season, and boy was it a blast!! Hans the Eurasian-Eagle-Owl was the star of the show, but I thoroughly enjoyed the entire program. As you can see in the photos below, I snapped some lovely shots of the birds with my DSLR. Here I am sharing some of my favorites. The admission fee was worth it, especially as the raptor center mainly functions from donations. We also shopped at the little gift shop after for some mementos to take home. I would love to revisit on our next trip to OR!