Mt. Angel has lots to offer whether it's Oktoberfest or not

During Oktoberfest, the tiny Bavarian town of Mt. Angel swells with visitors. The biergarten, weingarten and food booths take over the town, and the sound of accordions seems to come from everywhere.

Locals often share their favorite statistic: The 3,000-person town of Mt. Angel jumps to approximately 300,000 during Oktoberfest.

But outside Oktoberfest, Mt. Angel is still a thriving, vibrant town where it's impossible to leave without a new friend (and maybe a buzz). When you decide you need a little German charm, Mt. Angel can still deliver, even outside the "gartens."

So when you burn out on the fest hall crowds, get your fix of small-town charm, with or without your stein.

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Must visit: Mt. Angel Sausage Co.

Mt. Angel Sausage Co. is a Food Network favorite for obvious reasons: sausages, handmade in-house, smoked and served in a melange of different ways. For sausage lovers, this is heaven: Perfect snap and juicy center, with a mastery of spice on the inside. Who could go wrong? 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for dining, 105 S Garfield St., 503-845-2322

For something different: Drunken German

Mt. Angel has four main bars: Bierhaus, Tiny's Tavern, Frank-N-Steins and Drunken German,  recognizable for its large deck and controversial name.

Bierhaus is often considered the obvious choice during the festival, but the Drunken German keeps things a little more varied in terms of decor and drinks. During Oktoberfest, the Drunken German hosts live bands and comics, but the real delight of the bar is its variety and kind service, inside and outside. Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to midnight Fridays-Sundays. Extended hours for Oktoberfest; the bar will close at 2:30 a.m. 115 Church St., 503-845-6509

For your morning Josef: Old Stone Coffee & Collectibles

Serving an exclusive Silver Falls Coffee roast from the neighboring town, Old Stone has that antique shop feel that makes it a lovely spot for a morning cuppa, especially if you peruse the tchotchkes and trinkets on the shelves. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Extended hours during Oktoberfest; the shop closes at 10 p.m. 95 N Main St., 503-845-2151

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For a breakfast bite: Leona's Bakery and Cafe

Delightful frosted cupcakes and cinnamon rolls are available to go if you're not willing to sit for a diner breakfast at this cute bake shop on the outskirts of the town square. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Limited menu and hours during Oktoberfest; Leona's closes at 11 a.m. for breakfast. 415 South Main St., 503-845-5090

For German gold: The Glockenspiel

The Glockenspiel restaurant has an actual Glockenspiel, a coo-coo clock that anyone can see throughout the day. The walls are lined with wood, with plenty of figurines and steins on display. If you like German food, you know you're getting the classics here: the sausages, the wiener schnitzel. But the must-order is the German chocolate cake, traditionally served with coconut cream on the outside and in the batter.11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Extended hours during Oktoberfest: The restaurant will open at 10:45 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. 190 E Charles St., 503-845-6222

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BONUS: Escape to the Mount Angel Abbey for a bizarre break

The Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary is a picturesque visit on the outskirts of town, with a lovely landscaped mall and Stations of the Cross for contemplative strolls, a library for a quiet workplace and ... a basement full of taxidermy animals and strange artifacts. 

The Mount Angel Abbey Museum is my favorite strange outing and/or test during early courtship (how weird are you? Are you down to drive 45 minutes to check out a dead and stuffed deformed fawn?). Plus, it's away from the commotion of Oktoberfest, for all my fellow introverts. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, 1 Abbey Drive, Saint Benedict

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