Salem, Oregon: Beauty of the Willamette Valley
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| Kayakers on the Willamette River |
ORIENTATION
Salem is situated in Marion County, just 64 mi (103 km) north of Eugene and 47 mi (76 km) south of Oregon's largest city, Portland. Located within an hours drive of both the Cascade Mountain wilderness and the sandy beaches of the Pacific Coast, Salem is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes nature has to offer.
HISTORY
The first residents of present day Salem were the Kalapuyas, a Native American tribe. The Kalapuyas inhabited the Salem area for over 5,000 years. With the arrival of European-Americans in 1812 and the introduction of smallpox, malaria and other diseases, the Kalapuyas population declined drastically.
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| Statue representing the Oregon Pioneer on Oregon's State Capitol |
Permanent settlement of Salem began in 1842 when Jason Lee's Methodist mission established the Oregon Institute. The mission dissolved in 1844, but the town of Salem was founded in 1850. The name Salem is the anglicized form of the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning peace. The town gained its title as Oregon's capital after a spirited contest that began in 1851 with the provisional government moving the capital to Salem from Oregon City; it was then moved for a short time to Corvallis in 1855, only to move permanently back to Salem the next year.
As Salem matured and grew, residents built schools, churches, industries and agricultural enterprises. Salem's food processing and logging industries were particularly successful. In 1903, Salem was dubbed The Cherry City in recognition of its excellent cherrys, celebrated by the Cherry Festival (held annually during the early 20th-century). Salem's roots in the lumber and textile industries gradually gave way to high technology. In 1989, Siltec, a computer chip manufacturer, established a facility which by 1996 had grown to over one million square feet of manufacturing and became Mitsubishi Silicon America.
As it enters the twenty-first century, Salem continues to be the heart of Oregon's government and a center for finance, retail, and services in the Willamette Valley. New schools are under construction and new housing developments scatter the hillsides in West and South Salem, which were previously occupied by orchards and fields.
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| Climate
data from the Southeast Regional Climate Center |
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CLIMATE
Although Salem enjoys an average of 216 rainless days a year, it still receives on average 40 in (1010 mm) of precipitation annually. The majority of this precipitation falls during the winter months so visitors should prepare for sudden showers by bringing an umbrella or rain gear. Summer temperatures average 81°F (27°C), with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F (4°C). This relatively mild climate means visitors to Salem can enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
TRANSPORTATION
Highways and freeways in the Salem area are easy to navigate and make various attractions and venues easy for travelers to find. Salem itself offers a stable of transportation options for local residents and visitors alike. For those who crave the independence of their own vehicle, Salem has numerous rental car companies. If driving yourself isn't an option then ride in a luxurious limousine or opt for the spontaneity of one of the city's many taxi services. Salem Public Transit provides public transportation services within the urban boundary of Salem. Airport shuttles operate seven days a week, year-round, and serve air travelers arriving at the McNary Field Airport.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITES
Historical Attractions
Rich in cultural tradition and heritage, Salem boasts an array of historical
sites and museums well worth the visit. The Historic
Elsinore Theater, built in 1926, is a Gothic Tudor-style theater
known as the Showplace of the Willamette Valley. This unique theater features
different musical performances monthly. The Mission
Mill Museum complex gives visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps
of Oregon pioneers as it features 19th-century furnishings and artefacts,
showcased in several historic houses including a woolen mill and a machine
shop. Tours are led across this five-acre park by guides in period costumes.
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| Mission Mill Museum |
Children share in the opportunity to appreciate Salem's historic value at A. C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. This discovery center features five authentic Victorian homes packed full of fun exhibits and experiments for children. For those who enjoy classic architecture at its best, the Historic Deepwood Estate is a must see. This 1894 home is one of Oregon's finest examples of Queen Anne Victorian-style home.
Vineyards
The Salem area is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the United States. The fertile volcanic soils and micro-climates of the hills surrounding Salem are home to an assortment of wineries and vineyards. In the summer, Kathken Vineyards offers a truly unique experience for wine and music enthusiasts alike. Live musical performances are offered over a glass of house wine in the vineyard's majestic two acre park, with numerous picnic tables, a BBQ, fire pits, tiki torches and a koi pond. Either pack your own picnic basket or sample food prepared by local vendors. Another popular local winery is the Redhawk Vineyard. This winery with a sense of humor steers from tradition with comical labels such as Grateful Red, named after the popular rock band the Greatful Dead. Salem's vineyards are known for their picturesque locations and most feature views of both the Coast Mountains to the west and the snow capped volcanoes of the Cascade Range to the east. As a testament to the success of the region's vineyards, Salem celebrates with its annual Wine & Food Festival. Held in mid-February, this festival kicks off Oregon's wine season by bringing together wine, food and art from around the state, all complemented by Northwest musicians.
Shopping
Salem is a haven for bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts, with an extensive collection of antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores bursting with unusual finds and collectibles. Bordering the Willamette River, Salem's historic downtown district is home to a diverse assortment of restaurants, shops and galleries housed in buildings that were built at the turn of the 20th century. The Salem Collector's Market features knowledgeable dealers, varied merchandise and an assortment of unique treasures. Browse through over 230 craft and collectible booths year-round at Spencer's Alley, one of the largest craft malls in the Northwest United States, or hunt through Antique Village's 2,500 square feet of glassware, silver, furniture, jewelry, dolls, pictures, jukeboxes, records, linens and much more.
Experience a colorful taste of Salem at The Salem Saturday Market, which features locally grown produce, plants and cut flowers in addition to homemade specialty foods, baked goods, arts and crafts. E. Z. Orchards features the best that the fertile Willamette Valley has to offer including homegrown produce, flowers and herbs, as well as a wide selection of gourmet foods including preserves, baking mixes and mustards. The mixed berry and peach shortcakes are among the more popular items.
Outdoor Activities
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| Silver Falls State Park |
Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Salem provides a spectacular location for a smorgasbord of outdoor activities. Choose from bird watching, hiking, backpacking and bicycle touring, all within a short drive of the city. With the Willamette River flowing through the city, there are many opportunities for water sports, from water-skiing, kayaking and canoeing to fishing for trout and salmon. One of the states largest parks, Silver Falls State Park features lush greenery and ten impressive water falls, making it a local hot spot for picnicking, hiking, overnight camping and guided trail rides.
Gardens & Parks
Within the heart of Salem there are many public gardens and commercial flower farms available for visitors to enjoy. View the blooming fields at the Wooden Shoe Bulb Company in order to choose the perfect bulbs for fall planting. Visit Schreiner's Iris Gardens or Cooley's Gardens, two of the nations largest iris growers, in the spring to see the spectacular beauty of acres and acres of irises blooming.
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| Bush House Museum |
Bush Pasture Park in downtown Salem is a hub of entertainment. Admire the elegant Bush House Museum, an 1878 Italian Victorian house with many of its original furnishings. After browsing through the Bush Barn Art Center, home to two galleries featuring paintings, ceramics, woodworks, basketry, jewelry and cards by local artists, take a stroll through the Bush Conservatory Greenhouse and Rose Gardens.
Divided by the Willamette River, Salem Riverfront Park is a beautiful setting for city events. This park features an outdoor amphitheater, children's playground, a carousel with hand carved ponies and the Eco Earth, a large, ceramic-tiled sculpture.
Indulge in a fun-filled day at one of Oregon's premier amusement parks, Thrill-Ville USA featuring two giant waterslides, a roller coaster, miniature train rides, an antique carousel and Go-Karts.
Festivals & Fairs
Salem's mild climate allows the city to host a variety of festivals and fairs throughout the year. The Oregon State Fair & Expo Center, held annually at the end of August and beginning of September, serves as a staple of entertainment for young and old, complete with concerts, rides, competitions, food and other amusements. In June, the Salem World Beat Festival is a two-day event of non-stop entertainment, featuring over 125 performances of international music and dance complemented with cultural exhibits, food, clothing and hands-on crafts. Some other annual events worth checking out include the Salem Art Fair & Festival, the Festival of Lights Holiday Parade and the Jefferson Mint Harvest Festival.
