Just because we’re a farm doesn’t mean we’re hundreds of miles from civilization. As much as we love being in the county, a trip to town now and then is nice. I’m thankful we’re short drive from several towns where fun things abound.
Boulder’s Farm is in rural Polk County, home to several towns namely Dallas, Monmouth, Independence and Falls City. Each one has a personality all its one and something to offer.
Dallas
Best-selling author Thomas Hager speaking at Dallas Public Library 
Coffee and books at Karma Coffee and Bakery 
Catching up on my reading at Pressed Coffee
Dallas is the county seat. It also feels like two towns rolled into one. There’s the downtown section, which still retains the look and vibe of small town America, and is home to Pressed Coffee, Karma Coffee and Bakery, the Dallas Public Library and the West Valley Public Tap House—all places I frequent. Just up the road from downtown and laid out a lot like an extended suburban strip mall is the newer section of Dallas. Anchored by Safeway, Walmart and Walgreen’s, I shop here from time to time. It’s also home to Muchas Gracias, a Salem-based Mexican restaurant and one of my favorite places to have lunch.
Monmouth
Still life with a Kindle and an IPA at Crush Bar 
Craft Bar West has the best signs 
Watching March Madness at Rookies Sports Bar 
Reading in the Western Oregon University Library 
Saturday morning coffee at Java Crew 
Portland Timbers and a beer at Main Street Pub
Monmouth is a college town, home to Western Oregon University. Main Street across from campus has become a stomping ground of mine, especially local establishments Crush Bar, Main Street Pub, Craft Bar West, Java Crew Coffee and Sing Fay Chinese Restaurant. A block off Main Street is the Monmouth Public Library, the best small town library I’ve ever encountered (and one that supplies me with tons of quality reading material). Lastly, Monmouth is also home to Rookie’s Sports Bar, my favorite local spot to watch college football and basketball.
Independence
Brew’s patio is made for reading and drinking 
The cinnamon rolls at Ovenbird Bakery are to die for 
Riverview Park is the perfect reading venue
Down the road from Monmouth is Independence, Polk County’s up-and-coming destination spot. During warm summer evenings, crowds flock to the outdoor amphitheater at Riverview Park to enjoy live music and family-friendly movies. The patio at Brew across the street is my favorite spot to sit outside in the sun and have a beer or hard cider while I read my book. Ovenbird Bakery next door is legendary not just for its fresh baked bread, but also its cinnamon rolls and quiches. The recently opened Tap Station, housed in a converted service station, serves up great beer and hard cider and is in the process of recruiting local food carts to operate on premises. With a name like Independence, it’s THE place to be on the Fourth of July.
Falls City
I don’t spend a lot of time in Falls City, but when I do, it’s to hang out at the Boondocks Tavern. Falls City is also home to the Bread Board Bakery and Deli, famous for not just its bread and pastries but also its pizza. With the Boondocks, Breadboard, local waterfalls and a nearby mountain-biking course, Falls City is positioning itself as a tourist destination for fun-seeking people throughout Oregon, Washington and beyond.