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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September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month and the Salem area’s celebratory lineup is something everyone will want to get in on.
If you’re looking to squeeze every last drop out of summer with kids in tow, look no further. These Salem-area attractions are a huge hit for all ages, including the adults that escort them there! So round up the crew and get ready to have a few more summer hurrahs as a family at these unique locations and attractions.
It’s not officially summer in Oregon until your lips—and fingers—are stained red with strawberries and purple from marionberries, or you’re eagerly sticking your fork into a from-scratch peach cobbler made with fruit you picked yourself.
Stop and smell the roses—and admire the goldenrods, dahlias and geraniums while you’re at it.
Explore some of Oregon’s world class vineyards
The secret might be out about Oregon’s vineyards — Time Magazine just touted the Willamette Valley as one of the world’s top spots to go wine tasting, after all — but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to fight the crowds during May’s Oregon Wine Month celebrations. In addition to Oregon’s bounty of world-class vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms, we also have a bounty of wide-open spaces and friendly faces.
If you love art, you’ve come to the right place. Salem and the surrounding area is thriving with buzzy museums, local galleries and outdoor art that’s sure to inspire. In addition to Salem’s Public Art Walking Tour and the First Friday events held each month, spring is a particularly vibrant time to peruse the art scene, as it’s bursting with creativity. Check out this curated list of must-visit art exhibits and venues in the Mid-Willamette Valley:
Explore Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley’s Nightlife Scene
While you're exploring all the wine, waterfalls, art walks, and historic gems in the Salem region during the day, be sure to save up a little energy to experience its nightlife, too.
From veteran breweries to upstart pubs in big cities and small towns alike, there’s never been a better time to be a craft beer fan in Oregon. And given that February is Oregon Craft Beer Month, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the breweries that make the Salem area so special. So whether you’re celebrating Oregon Craft Beer Month or are looking for refreshing beers all year long, here’s a look at nine game-changing breweries in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley.
From thundering waterfalls to towering old-growth forests, there’s no question that Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley offer some epic outdoor adventures - but did you know that the region is home to some unique indoor activities and attractions, too?
Photo-worthy locations throughout the region
Fall has arrived in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley: Leaves are changing color, harvest festivals are welcoming families with hayrides and pumpkin patches, and the crisp autumn air inspires outdoor enthusiasts to throw on a light jacket and hit the trail.
Explore the Scenic Bikeways Around the Mid-Willamette Valley
Road cycling is a popular pastime around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley, and is it any wonder why? Salem is home to miles of protected bike lanes, scenic backroads away from the city show off vineyards and orchards, and the Willamette River provides a beautiful backdrop through it all.
Stay in the loop.
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