GO GARDEN-HOPPING IN THE SALEM REGION

If you’re the type of person who stops to smell the roses—and admire the red tulips and yellow peonies—you’re in luck. April is National Garden Month and the Salem region is home to almost 20 public display gardens bursting with blooms in all colors, sizes, and scents. Here’s a roundup of Salem-area gardens you don’t want to miss this spring and summer.

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THE REGION’S PAST COMES ALIVE AT THESE HISTORIC HOT SPOTS

You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the fascinating and diverse heritage of the Mid-Willamette Valley. From the Kalapuya people who lived here for thousands of years to an eccentric natural-history museum at a 143-year-old monastery and a music-loving communal society that thrived at the end of the Oregon Trail, celebrate Historic Preservation Month — and every month — by exploring the area’s storied historic hot spots.

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ACCESSIBLE AND ADAPTIVE FUN IN THE SALEM AREA

From ADA-accessible playgrounds with stair-free slides and quiet carousel rides to wheelchair-friendly tree climbs and trails that wind through Oregon’s old-growth forest, the Salem area has incredible indoor and outdoor adventures for everyone in your family, including those with mobility issues and sensory sensitivities. Check out this lineup of accessible and adaptive experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

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RAISE YOUR GLASS TO CELLAR SEASON IN THE SALEM AREA

Looking for a cozy activity during the cooler months? January through March is the Willamette Valley’s cellar season and an insider secret for wine lovers looking to enjoy flights of new releases next to a crackling fireplace with fewer crowds — and greater probability of meeting winemakers. Cozy up to the chill vibes at these Salem-area vineyards during their downtime months — you can hit all of them in a weekend, easy. Check websites for hours, guided tours and special events.

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Feed Your Soul With Art, Music And Theater In The Salem Area

The Salem region’s arts and culture scene offers a sure-fire way to get whisked away to a magical place. Wandering around the multi-media galleries, catching a local theater or comedy performance, and treating your ears to a classical violin concerto will surely nurture your soul. Read on for an inside look at how to immerse yourself in the Salem area’s thriving arts and culture community.

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Savor the Flavors of these Local Tastemakers

From world-class Pinot Noir and authentic German currywurst to aguas frescas-inspired craft cider and vegan chocolate, the Salem area is home to some of Oregon’s top culinary luminaries. Discover what inspires these extraordinary tastemakers and then stop by to sample their creations — and nab unique holiday gifts to take home with you.

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36 Hours In The Salem Region

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Get Your Halloween Thrills At These Spooky Salem-Area Events

If you’re a scare-seeker, you’re in for a treat. Nobody loves the frightful season more than the Salem region and we have the ghost stories, ghouls and haunted-house hijinks to prove it.

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Commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month and these Salem-Area Icons

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off September 15 and the Salem region is ready to celebrate. Whether you plan on watching the Aztec dancing in Woodburn’s Downtown Plaza, catching a live band at the ¡Viva Salem! Todos Unidos festival, or chilling out with a tequila cocktail and gaucho-style steak, look for these local Latin luminaries who are inspiring their community.

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These Salem Area Food Pods Dish Up Good Times and Great Food

As a self-proclaimed foodie with Pacific Northwest roots, I’m no stranger to the Willamette Valley’s discerning lineup of eating and drinking establishments. But sometimes I just want to enjoy a salty tripas street taco and frosty Oregon beer in a laid-back, family-friendly space. Enter the DIY culinary curiosity known as food-cart pods.

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Where to Kayak, Swim and Post-Paddle Nosh Around the Salem Area

When the temps heat up, the Salem region has gushing rivers and cold lakes where the whole family can have a blast. Bring your own kayak or SUP (stand-up paddleboard), rent one for the day or take a thrilling whitewater rafting tour. Or maybe you just want to let the kiddos splash around in a swimming hole while you soak up the sun.

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Take A Farm And Foodie Tour Of The Salem Region

The secret’s out: The Mid-Willamette Valley is a world-class agricultural hotspot. While spring and summer are ripe time to explore the blooming flower gardens and cherry orchards, popping into family-run farm stands and picking strawberries and petting alpacas — any season is a great time to take the self-guided Marion Farm Loop and Great Oaks Food Trail and sample the bursting bounty firsthand.

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