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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Check out our blogs for hidden gems, under-the-radar experiences and great seasonal ideas to work into your Salem area travel itinerary.
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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.
Check out this lineup of accessible and adaptive experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley.
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.
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.
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.
A Weekend in the Most Oregon Part of Oregon
Planning a trip to the Salem area and want to experience everything? From art galleries and gushing waterfalls to small-town history and world-class eateries and wine tasting, book your stay in the region and dive in with the help of this handy, 3-day itinerary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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