Live Learn Philomath
Philomath — We promise not to snicker if you pronounce it wrong, but will likely correct you. It’s Philomath (FILL ōmath). Just think of Philosophy and Math. In fact, that’s exactly where the name comes from! Philomath was the name of a college before it became a city. And the origin of the word philosophy apparently means ‘love of wisdom’!
Philomath is a small town of less than 5000 people. It extends from the base of Mary’s Peak, the tallest peak in the Coast Range, to the Corvallis border. At it’s center is the Benton County Historical Museum – site of the original college and a great place to visit.
Philomath has a more rural feel and offers a less ‘downtown’ lifestyle for those of us who prefer to spread out a little and enjoy the countryside. It is home of the Philomath Frolic & Rodeo. Here’s how their website describes it:
The Philomath Frolic & Rodeo is held during the second full weekend of July with three Northwest Professional Rodeo Association sanctioned rodeos, (NPRA), Lions Club breakfasts, Beef & Chicken Barbecues, The Kids and Main Street Parades, Crafts booths, Food booths, Drill Team performances, Friday & Saturday Dance, Carnival Rides, Old Fashion Fiddle Jam, Musical Christian Cowboy Church Service, Bingo, Kids Korner, and much more to make a fun-filled weekend.
That’s not to say it doesn’t have a whole lot more going on, from small cozy houses to large hill-top homes, Philomath has at least three boutique wineries, horse farms, alpaca farms, and easy access to the fabulous Oregon Coast less than an hour away. And not to be missed is the Philomath Classic Car Show sponsored each year by the Philomath Chamber of Commerce. Oh, and for the love of learning, there’s the Philomath Science, Music and Marshmallows program.
Housing prices are slightly lower in Philomath when compared to Corvallis, so it’s a great option for ‘having it all’!