WHY THE SALEM AREA IS THE MOST OREGON PART OF OREGON (MOPO)

What does it mean when we say Salem is MOPO? It means that Salem, home to the landmark Oregon State Capitol, and the surrounding small towns in the verdant Willamette Valley are the quintessential Oregon experience. The Salem area has it all — a diverse history and Tribal heritage, award-winning wineries, craft breweries, towering waterfalls and old-growth forests, generational farms, public gardens, and a buzzy arts scene. Here’s a sampling of why the region checks all the boxes — and is undoubtedly the Most Oregon Part of Oregon.

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RAISE A GLASS TO OREGON CRAFT BEER MONTH

Fancy a fresh pint of handcrafted Pacific Northwest beer? February is Oregon Craft Beer Month and the perfect time to visit the Salem area’s small craft breweries and take your taste buds on a journey around the region — and the world. From hyper-local pilsners and beer made by monks to cask-conditioned English stouts and special offerings related to Zwickelmania — the state-wide craft brew celebration — here’s a sampling of some of the local breweries pouring it on this month.

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THE SALEM AREA COMES ALIVE AFTER FIVE

Forget about staying in, Salem and the surrounding area have a thriving nightlife scene. Whether you want to belly up to a saloon-style bar for a hand-pressed bacon burger and flight of whiskey, catch a live jazz or comedy show, high-score on Star Wars pinball, or try a friendly game of axe-throwing with your pals — these buzzy nightspots keep the good times rolling after the sun goes down.

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RING IN THE MAGICAL SEASON

CHECK OUT THESE ICONIC HOLIDAY TRADITIONS IN THE SALEM AREA

‘Tis the season and the Salem region is feeling the spirit, big time. Whether you want to hike among towering Douglas firs in search of locally made ornaments, peruse a bustling Christmas market while the kids go snowless tubing, or cozy up next to a fire with a glass of pinot at an award-winning vineyard, these classic winter activities will have you eating, drinking, and feeling merry.

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WE HEART THE ARTS

Discover the Salem Area’s Rich & Thriving Performing Arts Scene

Theater and music lovers rejoice: In the Salem region, you’re never far from the arts, whether it’s a landmark theater, a historic schoolhouse converted into a community theater, an intimate music venue, or a college campus with a thriving performing arts scene. Our local communities go all in for the arts, offering visitors a diverse selection of live performances. Check out this rundown of amazing local venues and then catch a show that you’ll remember forever.

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PUMPKINS, HAYRIDES AND APPLE CIDER, OH MY! CELEBRATE FALL AT THESE SALEM-AREA HARVEST FESTIVALS

The Salem region’s deep agricultural roots — and accolades — are on full display every October, when family farms open their patches and orchards to the public for activity-packed harvest festivals that are a blast for the whole family. Get lost with the kiddos inside a six-acre corn maze, pick Honeycrisp apples and carving pumpkins, play corn hole, or just kick back with a hard cider and listen to live music. Check out these amazing harvest festivals and enjoy a full day of old-fashioned farm fun.

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TAKE A FALL HIKE AROUND THE SALEM REGION

The Mid-Willamette Valley is a hiker’s paradise year-round, but fall is particularly spectacular. Late September through November, bigleaf maple and Oregon ash trees turn golden and drop their leaves onto the trails, and dusky Canada goose and other migratory birds start arriving for the winter. Regardless when you’re planning to visit — or if you’d like your hike backdropped by the Willamette River, Roosevelt elk, gushing waterfalls, or old-growth forests — there’s a trail near Salem calling your name. Some trails are accessible to people with mobility issues; check links for details.

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UNUSUAL SALEM-AREA SPOTS FOR CURIOUS VISITORS

If you’re into quirky history, fun facts, and the road less traveled, the Salem area is filled with places that will both intrigue and delight you. From vintage first-lady gowns adorned with lace to antique beer-bottle collections and cow tombstones—check out this offbeat lineup and get your weird on.

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SPOTS TO SWIM, PADDLE, AND CAST A LINE IN THE SALEM AREA

If you’re looking to cool down this summer with some water-centric fun, we’ve got you covered. Just take your pick from the region’s gushing rivers, refreshing lakes and calm reservoirs and your entire crew can make a splash. Jump in a cold lake and swim, paddle with your pup on a SUP (stand-up paddleboard), catch trout from your canoe or take a guided kayak or whitewater rafting tour. No matter which water adventure or local spot you choose, just dive in and have fun.

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SALEM-AREA SUMMER EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

When it comes to summertime fun, the Salem region reigns supreme. The warm temps and blue skies are glorious and the perfect setting for all of the area’s outdoor music festivals, parades, carnivals, powwows and rodeos. Check out this exciting lineup of summer events in the Salem area and then round up the crew for some unforgettable summer fun!

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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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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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