Blog, Things to Do In Salem
Willamette Heritage Center Spring Exhibition: Grande Ronde Women-Our Story April 6- May 28, 2012
@The Willamette Heritage Center
The Willamette Heritage Center in Salem is a historical treasure trove that provides a glimpse into the lives of the missionaries and pioneering families when these early founders were putting down roots in the Valley. Changing exhibitions explore and highlight the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Mid-Willamette Valley.
The Center is currently celebrating the “Year of the Woman” through August 2012, and is opening their newest exhibit this week, Grande Ronde Women-Our Story. This exhibition celebrates the women of the Grand Ronde community, past, present and future. Women were especially instrumental in securing Grand Ronde’s restoration of tribal recognition and continue to provide valuable leadership for the community today.
Willamette Heritage Center Spring Exhibition: Grande Ronde Women-Our Story will be open April 6- May 28, 2012. In conjunction with the exhibit, the WHC and the Cultural Resources Department of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (CTGR) are planning a series of educational offerings that focus on key aspects of Grand Ronde culture highlighting the importance of women to the Native community in western Oregon.
April 7: Book Signing and Presentation: June Olson, Great Circle, The Grand Ronde Reservation 1855-1905. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm in the Church. Free. June Olson, former manager of CTGR’s Cultural Resources Department, has published this unique look at the first generation to call the Grand Ronde Reservation home.
April 7: Panel: Grand Ronde Women Leaders: Moderated by Former US Representative Elizabeth Furse 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm in the Church. Free to CTGR and WHC members, $2 students with ID, $5 non-members.
April 24: Chinuk Wawa Language Presentation and Class Presented by Dr. Henry Zenk, University of Oregon and Kathy Cole, CTGR Cultural Education Coordinator 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Church. Free.
The Willamette Heritage Center is located in Salem, Oregon, next to Willamette University and the Amtrak station. 1313 Mill Street SE Salem, OR 97301-6351
(503) 585-7012. Museum Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
About Willamette Heritage Center
The Willamette Heritage Center interprets two distinct historic periods on-site: The Thomas Kay Woolen Mill illustrates the industrial history of the Willamette Valley; and the Methodist Mission to Oregon and early Oregon settlement through the earliest Mission houses in Oregon, an Oregon Trail settler’s home, and an historic church. The five-acre campus is home to fourteen historic structures that present the stories and richness of Oregon’s past. Pioneer buildings at the Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill take visitors back to the early settlement of western Oregon.
Planning a trip to Salem, Oregon this spring? You are in luck! Spring is a fantastic time to visit Salem. Whether you are here to visit relatives, business, or just for fun there is something for everyone.
Here are some event highlights coming up. Be sure to visit TravelSalem.com to see all local events and suggested itineraries throughout the year.
Bentley’s Grill Easter Sunday Brunch on Sunday April 8, 2012. From traditional breakfast dishes to luncheon entrees, Chef Derek Ridgway and his staff have prepared a buffet sure to please the senses! Easter Brunch will be served from 9:00 AM until 3:00. Reservations recommended- 503.779.1660
8th Annual Oregon Garden Brewfest April 27-28, 2012
Willamette Valley’s biggest brewfest featuring musical entertainment, food, and yes..of course…Brews! Make a weekend of it and book The Grand Hotel in Salem 2012 Oregon Brewfest Package which includes overnight accommodations for two in a King Deluxe Room, an early check in of 1pm, a hot breakfast buffet served in the morning, two tickets to the Brewfest with tasting glass and five tasting tickets, shuttle to and from the event, and, to top it off… a late check out of 1pm. Packages start at $179 plus tax.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest
40+ acres of tulips set against a Mt. Hood backdrop for creating family memories! Gift shop, food, flowers and fun.
More events from Travel Salem:
April
Tulip Festival
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn
503-634-2243 or 800-711-2006
www.woodenshoe.com
55th Annual River of Gems
Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall
541-738-6811
www.wamsi.org
Hawaii Club’s Annual Lu’au
Cone Fieldhouse - Willamette University, Salem
503-370-6265
www.willamette.edu
Earth Day
The Oregon Garden, Silverton
503-874-2536
www.oregongarden.org
Earth Day at Champoeg
Champoeg Visitor Center, Saint Paul
503-678-1251 ext. 221
www.champoeg.org
Tulip Festival Drags
Woodburn Drag Strip, Woodburn
503-982-4461
www.woodburndragstrip.com
Annual Silverton Poetry Festival
Various venues throughout Silverton
503-936-6158
www.silvertonpoetry.org
Tulip Festival – Wine Down
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn
503-634-2243 or 800-711-2006
www.woodenshoe.com
Wulapalooza
Brown Field - Willamette University, Salem
503-370-6255
www.willamette.edu/org/wulapalooza
Oregon Ag Fest
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem
503-535-9353
www.oragfest.com or www.oregonstateexpo.org
The CanyonArts Festival
Santiam High School, Mill City
503 897-5615
www.canyonartsfestival.com
May
Iris Gardens open to public
Schreiner’s Gardens, Salem
503-393-3232
www.schreinersgardens.com
Wednesday Farmer’s Market
Downtown Salem
503-585-8264
www.salemsaturdaymarket.com
Silverton Wine & Jazz Festival
Main & Oak Streets, Downtown Silverton
503-873-5615
www.silvertonwineandjazz.com
Polk Home and Garden Show
Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall,
503-428-8224
www.polkhomeandgardenshow.com
Salem Saturday Market
Downtown Salem
503-585-8264
www.salemsaturdaymarket.com
Silverton Farmers Market
Town Square Park, Silverton
503-390-7276
Independence Farmers Market
Sterling Bank Parking Lot, Independence
503-838-5424
Peony Paradise
Adelman Peony Gardens, Salem
503-393-6185
www.peonyparadise.com
Peony & Iris Flower Farm in Bloom
Brooks Gardens, Brooks
503-393-7999
www.brooksgardens.com
Champoeg Founders Day
Champoeg Visitor Center, Saint Paul
503-678-1251 ext. 221
www.champoeg.org
Mother’s Day at the Iris Garden
Schreiner’s Gardens, Salem
503-393-3232
www.schreinersgardens.com
Mother’s Day Brunch
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Turner
503-371-7815 or 1-800-344-9463
www.willamettevalleyvineyards.com
Silver Falls Mother’s Day Wildflower and Birding Festival
South Falls Lodge - Silver Falls, Sublimity
503-873-8735
www.oregonstateparks.org
Keizer Iris Festival
Keizer Station, Keizer, OR
(Conveniently located right next to the I-5 freeway. Exit 260B)
503-393-9111
www.irisfestival.com
Sheep to Shawl Festival
Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill, Salem
503-585-7012
www.WillametteHeritage.org
Silverton Pet Parade
Coolidge & Main Streets, Silverton
503-873-5615
www.silvertonchamber.org
Season Opener
Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn
503-982-4461
www.woodburndragstrip.com
Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale
Woodburn Company Stores, Woodburn
503-981-1900 or 888-664-SHOP
www.shop-woodburn.com
Memorial Day Weekend at Cubanisimo Vineyards
Cubanisimo Vineyards, Salem
503-588-1763
www.cubanisimovineyards.com
Wineries Memorial Day Weekend Open House
Various wineries in the Willamette Valley
503-581-4325 or 800-874-7012
Memorial Weekend Open House
Redhawk Winery, Salem
503-362-1596
www.redhawkwine.com
Memorial Weekend Open House
Cherry Hill Winery, Rickreall
503-623-7867
www.cherryhillwinery.com
Memorial Weekend Open House
Cristom Vineyards, Salem
503-375-3068
www.cristomwines.com
Memorial Weekend Open House
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Turner
503-588-9463 or 800-344-9463
www.willamettevalleyvineyards.com
East Willamette Valley Wine Tour
East Willamette Valley Vineyards and Wineries
503-651-3190
www.eastvalleywine.com
Chicken BBQ & Capital City Jazz Band
Schreiner’s Gardens, Salem
503-393-3232 or 800-525-2367
www.schreinersgardens.com
Come howl at the moon and celebrate the Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills!
One of the most celebrated wine events in our region is coming March 24, 2012 to beautiful Zenith Vineyards! The 4th Annual EQUINOX brings wineries and fans of the Eola-Amity Hills wine making community together to enjoy delicious tastings and fare.
The Eola-Amity Hills are home to some of the most celebrated winemakers and acclaimed vineyards in Oregon. Come visit the gorgeous slopes and taste the spectacular wines that capture the unique “terroir” of this region. Discover why the Eola-Amity Hills are a hidden jewel in the Willamette Valley.
Plan on an entire weekend out this year! Special rates starting at $129 plus tax for two adults. Rates includes shuttle service to and from the event, hot breakfast buffet and a late check out of 1pm the next day. Note: Shuttle service applies only to guests who have booked the Equinox package. Reservations for the shuttle need to be made at the time of your package reservation.
Extend your visit with us and stay to enjoy many of the Equinox wineries right here in our own Bentley’s Grill!
Click Here to Book this Package
To purchase event tickets, visit www.zenithvineyard.com
Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills
March 24th 2012 7:00PM to 10:00PM
Where: Zenith Vineyard 5657 Zena Rd NW Salem
31 World Class wineries including: Amity Vineyards; Anthony Dell Cellars; Antica Terra; Argyle Winery; Bethel Heights Vineyard; Bjornson Vineyard; Brooks Wines; Bryn Mawr Vineyards; Calamity Hill Vineyard; Carter Vineyard; Cherry Hill Winery; Cristom Vineyards; Cubanisimo Vineyards; Dobbes Family Estate; Dukes Family Vineyards; Evening Land Vineyards; Grochau Cellars; Holloran Vineyard Wines; Kristin Hill Winery; Lewman Vineyard; Methven Family Vineyards and Winery; Mouvance Winery; Orchard Heights Winery; Redhawk Winery; Rizzo Winery; St. Innocent Winery; Stangeland Vineyards; Toluca Lane; Witness Tree Vineyard, Zenith Vineyard and ZIVO Wines.
Buy: Wineries will be offering the wines you taste at a 20% discount from retail for this night only!
Admission: $40 per person, buy your Admission online – print and keep your receipt as your entry to the event. NOTE: NO TICKETS WILL BE MAILED TO YOU… YOUR RECEIPT, OR EVEN JUST THE NAME OF THE PURCHASER WILL BE YOUR ADMISSION (YOU ARE ON A LIST).
Did you know that Willamette Valley is one of the most romantic places in the Northwest (well, we think so anyway)? Valentines Day is always a favorite on The Salem Block. We asked our staff for their top picks of “The Most Romantic Places” in and around Salem, Oregon and compiled this list. If you want to sweep your Valentine off of their feet, look no further.
Historic Deepwood Gardens – 1894 Queen Anne Victorian Home situated on approximately 4 acres of manicured gardens and nature trails set in the heart of Salem.
www.historicdeepwoodestate.org
Capitol Mall Park/Willson Park near the water fountain- Within the boundaries of the Capitol grounds exist hundreds of varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers providing a dazzling display for all seasons.
www.oregonstateparks.org
The Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill – A charming, five-acre, park-like historic site, with 14 historic buildings and homes. This one-of-a-kind site is picturesque and peaceful with a millrace stream dividing the lush landscape.
www.willametteheritage.org
Minto Brown Walking Trails- This large, 898.9 acre natural park in Salem includes open and wooded areas with many trails for romantic strolls.
www.cityofsalem.net
Bush Barn Rose Gardens/ Bush’s Pasture Park- Lush landscrapes, rich variety of roses, beautiful site filled with romance and history!
www.friendsofbushgardens.org
Salem’s Riverfront Park- 3-acre park located in downtown Salem along the Willamette River…also home to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel.
www.cityofsalem.net
The Salem Block (of course!)- Romance is everywhere here on the Salem Block.
Experience a night of “Grand Romance” at The Grand Hotel in Salem with a Grand Romance Package: includes overnight accommodations for two in your choice of Suite, sparkling cider delivered to your room, fresh flowers, and our complimentary extended Hot Breakfast Buffet. Top off this package with a late check out of 1 pm.
Bentley’s Grill- Open fire pit, elegant atmosphere, nightly specials, Northwest menu, Oregon wine and more….Bentley’s has a full bar and wine tasting in a comfortable lounge making this the perfect “date night” destination.
The Salem Conference Center- A first-class facility ready to host your next event, large or intimate gatherings. The Conference Center offers more than 30,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space, stunning architecture, art and a professional staff. Stroll through the plaza to see the current Oregon Artists Series exhibit- “Sculpture Now!”.
Just a quick drive away-
Silvercreek Falls- Nestled in the lower elevation of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains.
www.oregonstateparks.org
The Oregon Garden- Located in nearby Silverton, this is a spectacular 80 acre botanical garden and resort.
www.oregongarden.org
Oregon Wine Country- Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet, Chardonnay…wine tasting. Need I say more? Plan your wine tasting adventure. www.oregonwinecountry.org
Grand Cru Wine Tours- Offers sustainable Oregon wine tours throughout the Willamette Valley. Also your source for Oregon hiking wine tours.
www.grandcruwinetours.com
Adelman Peony Gardens- 15 acres of peonies, featuring nearly 250 varieties with profound color variation
peonyparadise.com
For more options, check out Ways to celebrate with your Valentine in The Statesman Journal. Share your favorite romantic destinations on our Facebook Page.
Image Credit: @nagva.travelportland.com
Mark your calendars, First Wednesday in Downtown Salem Oregon is coming up December 7! This is one of our favorite monthly events, always scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month throughout the year.
Events and activities are scheduled for 5 PM to 8 PM. First Wednesday is a great time to check out the many shops, galleries, and restaurants that make up our Downtown area.
Travel Salem’s Travel Café is kicking off the holiday spirit at the December 7th First Wednesday with ideas to help you party your way through 2012.
Visitors to the Travel Café will enjoy delicious treats from Trader Joe’s; Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum will be showcasing their museum, IMAX and Wings and Waves Water Park with a special raffle; The Lodge at Detroit Lake is offering holiday special discounts; Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry will be on hand to share all the details regarding their state-of-the- art facility; and Willamette Valley Vineyards will be pouring their spectacular wines.
For more First Wednesday details, contact Travel Salem at 503-581-4325 or visit Travel Café, the official Salem area destination visitors center located in The Salem Block building (181 High St. NE, Salem). The Travel Cafe/Visitors Center is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Photo credit: Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill, Salem
Will you be visiting relatives in Salem, Oregon for the holidays? Maybe you will be having out of town visitors this year and need some extra space. Or perhaps you need to pamper yourself and take a break from holiday planning and shopping? We have put together a special package just for you: The Grand Hotel in Salem Holiday Package.
Make your reservations anytime between November 20th and November 28th or December 18th through December 30, 2011 and receive a rate of $119 plus tax per night in a King or Double Queen Deluxe. Stay 2 or more nights and pay only $109.50 plus tax per night. Need extra space? An upgrade to a King or Double Queen Suite is only an additional $20 plus tax per night.
Here is what you get when you stay at The Grand Hotel in Salem:
- Convenient downtown Salem location close to many local holiday events, attractions, shops, galleries and restaurants
- Complimentary Hot breakfast buffet
- Indoor pool and Jacuzzi
- Fitness center
- Complimentary underground parking on site
- Hotel, Restaurant and Conference Center are all Earth WISE certified
Here is a list of a few local events happening in and around Salem Oregon to enjoy during your stay. Visit Travel Salem to help plan your Salem, Oregon visit!
November
Holiday Tree Lighting
Woodburn Company Stores, Woodburn
503-981-1900 or 888-664-SHOP
www.shop-woodburn.com
Pre-Thanksgiving Open House
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Turner
503-588-9463 or 800-344-9463
www.WillametteValleyVineyards.com
Redhawk Winery Wine Festival
Redhawk Winery, Salem
503-362-1596
www.redhawkwine.com
Wineries Thanksgiving Day Weekend Open House
Various wineries, Willamette Valley
503-581-4325
800-874-7012
www.TravelSalem.com
Redhawk Winery Wine Festival
Redhawk Winery, Salem
503-362-1596
www.redhawkwine.com
Willamette Valley Vineyards – Thanksgiving Open House
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Turner
503-588-9463 or 800-344-9463
www.WillametteValleyVineyards.com
Thanksgiving Weekend at Cubanisimo Vineyards
Cubanisimo Vineyards, Salem
503-588-1763
www.cubanisimovineyards.com
East Willamette Valley Spring Release Festival
East Willamette Valley Vineyards and Wineries
503-651-3190
www.eastvalleywine.com
Cherry Hill Winery Thanksgiving Open House
Cherry Hill Winery, Rickreall
503-623-7867
www.cherryhillwinery.com
Cristom Vineyards – Thanksgiving Open House Weekend
Cristom Vineyards, Salem
503-375-3068
www.cristomwines.com
Moonlight Madness
Woodburn Company Stores, Woodburn
503-981-1900
www.shop-woodburn.com
Aurora Celebrates the Holidays
Historic Downtown Aurora
503-939-0312
www.auroracolony.com
Salem Coin and Stamp Show
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem
503-588-8162
www.oregonstateexpo.org
December
Salem’s First Wednesday
Downtown Salem
503-480-1111
www.gofirstwednesday.info
The Greens Show
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem
503-585-5023 (Mon.-Fri.)
www.greensshow.com or www.oregonstateexpo.org
Star Trees Lighting
Willamette University, Salem
503-370-6300
www.willamette.edu/events/star_trees
Home for the Holidays
Cities of Stayton and Sublimity
503-769-3464
www.staytonsublimitychamber.org
Champoeg Holiday Gathering
Champoeg Visitor Center, St. Paul
503-678-1251 x 221
www.champoeg.org
Christmas in Hudson Hall
Willamette University – Hudson Hall, Salem
503-370-6255
www.willamette.edu
Historic Home Tour & Tea
Old Aurora Colony Museum, Aurora
503-678-5754
www.auroracolony.org
Festival of Lights Holiday Parade
City of Keizer
www.folholidayparade.org
Silver Falls Christmas Festival
South Falls Lodge – Silver Falls, Sublimity
503-873-8735
www.oregonstateparks.org
Salem Saturday Market’s Holiday Market
Oregon State fairgrounds, Salem
503-585-8264
www.salemsaturdaymarket.com or www.oregonstateexpo.org
Magic at The Mill
Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill, Salem
503-585-7012
www.WillametteHeritage.org
New Year’s Eve Family Fun
A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, Salem
503-371-3631
www.acgilbert.org
As the holiday shopping season approaches, what better time is there share the many shopping destinations visitors will find in Salem, Oregon?
Many of our guests love to explore the eclectic stores, galleries and boutiques throughout Downtown Salem along Center Street and the surrounding areas. The premiere stores located in Salem Center, in the heart of downtown, also attracts thousands to our community each year (not to worry- there is plenty of free parking located throughout!).
Here are some tips from our friends at Travel Salem:
Home to the only Nordstrom between San Francisco and Portland, and situated just off I-5, Salem is a key shopping destination for the Willamette Valley. From major names in retail to unique shops with local products, Salem has it all. Stroll past the historic facade of the Ladd & Bush Bank as you peruse the city’s charming downtown shopping core, filled with boutiques and cafes, specialty shops and antiques. More shopping therapy is available at Lancaster Mall with 80 specialty shops and diverse eateries.
Located north of Salem on Interstate 5 is Woodburn, home of the Woodburn Company Stores where over 100+ brand name stores offer shoppers quality merchandise at irresistible prices – not to mention it’s the largest tax-free outlet center in the West!
Photo Credit: Greenbaum's Quilted Forest
Quiltopia 2011 – A Weekend of Quilting Events in Salem, Oregon Quiltopia is coming September 30-October 1, 2011. This event is an annual quilt festival that will inspire you to learn the joys of using textiles in a traditional and/or contemporary art form. It will take place in several venues in Salem, Oregon including:
Quilter’s Tea “A Tisket, A Tasket … Oh! So Many Baskets! Imagery & Evolution in Quilts”
WHEN: Saturday, October 1st. Seatings at 11 AM & 2 PM
WHERE: 1116 Mission St. SE, Salem, OR 97302
COST: $30 per person – reservations required (includes tour)
CONTACT: Historic Deepwood Estate 503.363.1825
Take a romp through the 19th and 20th centuries as quilt historian and enthusiast Martha Spark presents a visual feast of basket designs in quilts. You’ll learn how these designs evolved in quilt imagery from the early 1800’s to the 1930’s – and see some beautiful examples of quilts throughout this period.
Quilt Show at the Willamette Heritage Center, 10am-5:00pm Friday-Saturday, Noon-5pm Sunday. Tickets $4.00. Cottage Tour, Sunday October 2nd. Tickets $5.00.
“Green with Envy Quilt Challenge” hanging in the Forest September 29 through October 5th. Free.
Special Quiltopia stay package at The Grand Hotel Salem. For more information on attending these events call Greenbaum’s Quilted Forest at 503-363-7973 or visit their website www.quiltedforest.com.
Oregon Artists Series’ 5th Annual Exhibit, “Sculpture Now!”, is opening at The Salem Conference Center with a special reception on Sunday September 18 from 3-5pm.
The event will feature live jazz entertainment by the Bill Hughes Trio and fabulous hors d’oeuvres by The Salem Conference Center.
The Oregon Artist Series is an annual exhibition that features the work of contemporary Oregon Artists.
The exhibit will feature five city-owned sculptures, plus seven others by artists throughout the Northwest. In addition to the sculpture garden, seven rarely displayed paintings from the Hallie Ford Museum of Art‘s permanent collection will be displayed in the lobby.
Tickets to the opening reception are $25 per person. For more information and ticket purchase, please visit www.boxofficetickets.com or call 503-589-1700
Stompers and Swabbies Compete in last year's Grape Stomp
Ever looked at your feet and decided they were a little too clean? Could maybe use a little color? Or perhaps you just miss the feeling of smooshing things with your toes? Well, Willamette Valley Vineyards has the cure for your toes’ woes.
The 21st annual Willamette Valley Vineyards Grape Stomp is coming Sunday, September 24th-25th!
Teams of two compete in this fun-filled event. You and a friend decide which one of you likes to squish things with their feet more, and that person becomes the stomper, jumping, running, and pushing the grapes into juice. Your partner is the “swabby” responsible for guiding the juice through the hole in the barrel and into the jug. So grab a foot friend and get stomping – the winner gets the glory of competing in the World Grape Stomping Championship in Santa Rosa, CA on September 30! Yeah, that’s a lot of grape stomping, but you could win a trophy and the right to call yourself the worlds best grape stomper!
Tickets are $10 and include a free wine glass and tasting.
There are only a few remaining reservations available, so call 1800 344 9463. Or, try your luck and just show up on September 24th.
- Where: Willamette Valley Vineyards, 8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner OR
- When: September 24th-25th, 11am-6pm