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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Dive Into The Fascinating History Of Salem And The Mid-Willamette Valley

If you’ve ever wondered what life was like for the pioneers who arrived via the Oregon Trail or the Kalapuya people who lived in the area for thousands of years, now’s your chance to find out. May is National Historic Preservation Month and the Salem region has loads of museums and historical places of interest that celebrate the area's diverse heritage.

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Stop And Smell The Flowers In Salem And The Mid-Willamette Valley

If you find it impossible to walk by a blooming pink peony, purple iris or yellow rose without stopping to give it some love, you’re in the right place. April is National Garden Month and the Salem region is home to 17 spectacular display gardens where you can spend the entire afternoon wandering through fragrant and colorful blooms, gleaning inspiration for your own garden.

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Sit, Sip And Stay With Your Pup In The Salem Region

Traveling with your fuzzy buddy? Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley roll out the welcome mats —and water bowls — for your four-legged family. From pooch-friendly wineries to comfy outdoor patios and wooded hiking trails, here’s a quick roundup of places to enjoy good times with your pup, and maybe even score a few treats along the way.

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Fall In Love With These Salem-Area Sweet Spots

Calling all lovebirds — it’s the month for romance and the Salem region is definitely feeling the mood. Whether you’re looking to treat your sweet to artisan chocolates, passionfruit boba tea, sugar-free cupcakes, or a giant glazed doughnut for two, this roundup of sinfully delicious goodies will make their knees buckle.

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Cozy up to Cellar Season in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

January through March is Cellar Season in the Willamette Valley, when over 700 vintners take a breath between the holiday craze and the first bud break in spring. Tasting rooms are usually less crowded this time of year, inviting wine connoisseurs to linger fireside with close friends — usually while enjoying just-released vintages and chatting up the winemakers themselves.

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Create The Perfect Holiday Gift Basket With These Uniquely Salem And Willamette Valley Goodies

If you’re looking for a gift that reflects the bounty of Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley, a gourmet gift basket is a five-star pick. Everybody loves artisanal treats that both taste incredible and support local makers, right?

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All Aboard! Explore the History of Planes, Trains & Automobiles in the Salem Region

Our region has a long and spectacular history when it comes to all of the transportation industries. If you have any train- or plane-obsessed kiddos in your crew — or gearheads of any age — you’ll definitely want to spend an afternoon geeking out at these fascinating hands-on attractions found throughout the region.

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Check out fall’s greatest hits in salem and the mid-willamette valley

Early fall is a standout time to visit Salem and the surrounding area. Whether you want to take a leaf-peeping hike through a magical state park, explore local history and Indigenous art, or if you just want to sip cider, ogle giant pumpkins and wander through a corn maze with the kiddos, the Mid-Willamette Valley is the place to be for unforgettable fall activities.

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