Grand Service Stories, Oregon, Travel Tips

The 8th Annual Oregon Garden Brewfest is coming up and features the finest beers around, music & entertainment, beer tasting lessons, Homebrew Competition,  Brewer’s Tasting Dinner and so much more.

Brewfest is on Friday and Saturday April 27th and 28th from Noon-11PM In the Grand Hall at The Oregon Garden (a fabulous 80 acre botanical garden and resort) in Silverton, OR.

Grand Hotel Salem Brewfest Package!

Why drive?  Be safe and 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;
• Early check in of 1pm;
• 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.

For more Brewfest information and schedules visit oregongardenbrewfest.blogspot.com  and visit the Grand Hotel Salem Brewfest Package page for accomodations.

Image Credit: Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

If are visiting Salem area this spring and seeking a unique  experience, we recommend you make a stop in Woodburn, Oregon (approximately 30 minute from our hotel) and visit the spectacular fields of tulips and daffodils at the 27th Annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.   Don’t forget your camera!

The event will take place March 30-April 30th, 2012 and features 40+ acres of tulips and daffodils and activities that include a crafters market place, pony rides, children’s play area, gift shop, tulip market, food, entertainment, wooden shoe making, and so much more.

Be sure to visit their events schedule so you can take full advantage of this wonderful annual event and download directions to their fields.

Stay up to date by visiting their Facebook page for more photos and festival information.

History of the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
The Iverson family began growing tulips in 1974 and bought a few acres of bulbs in the late 70s. By the early 1980′s they had over 15 acres and needed to broaden the market base so in 1983 they started the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm.

In 1985, the farm opened its fields for Easter weekend to grow the business, and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival and their business has expanded ever since.

The trail behind South Falls at Silver Falls

Silver Falls

Distance from the Grand Hotel: 27 miles

Recommended transportation: Car

What to bring: Water, camera, comfortable shoes, picnic
lunch, and a swim suit for the day use area.

What not to bring: Pets (Sad Face)

Silver Falls is a mecca for waterfalls and a special
destination that many local Salem residents hold very dear. It offers lots of options
for hiking and sightseeing the various falls, as well as provides an expansive
Day use area for group gatherings and wading in the river. Just getting there is
itself a breathtaking experience, as the drive on North Santiam Highway weaves through
a scenic countryside of expansive wheat fields, vineyards and Christmas tree
farms.

When you arrive, enter the Day Use area and pay the $5 per
car fee. This will give you access not only to the many picnic areas and the
swimming area, but is also a good starting point for the hike around South
Falls.

The long walk – You have the choice to take a long (7 miles)
hike to visit each of the 10 waterfalls in the park. It features a “moderate”
climb of 700 feet, but coupled with the distance it is not a hike recommended for
the faint of foot.

The not-so-long walk – By skipping North and Twin Falls you
can shave 2 mile off of this hike and end up back at the starting point after about
5 miles.

For less experienced hikers and children, the quick (0.7
mile) loop around Lower South Falls is perfect. It takes you down and behind
the waterfall itself, providing a unique point of view for photo ops.

After you have experienced the park and you are still up for
more adventure, you can choose to take the long way back via Highway 214 and
visit the quaint town of Silverton.  You can even rest your feet while taking a tour of the town on the Silver trolley!

How to get there:

Take Highway 22E east to Highway 214 and follow signs to the
park.

The long way back – Take Highway 214 to Silverton, then take
Highway 213 (Silverton Rd NE) back to Salem.

Here is a summertime travel tip:  Come to Salem, Oregon and stop by the Mission Mill Museum to get a taste of Oregon and American history.   Mission Mill Museum interprets the history of the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill which produced wool products from 1889 to 1962 and represents one of Oregon’s earliest and strongest industries. Mission Mill also interprets the history of Jason Lee’s Methodist Mission to Oregon which settled in the Willamette Valley in 1834 before the major Oregon Trail migrations. The missionaries brought formal education, industry and large scale agriculture and advocated for U.S. government in the Oregon country.

There is always something new to see at Mission Mill Museum- and this summer is no exception. The museum is hosting numerous activities for the whole family to include a Summertime concert series, Summer Day Camps, Exhibits and more.  Be sure to visit the calendar on their site: www.missionmill.com for latest news and events.

Mission Mill Museum in Salem Oregon is featured in this video brochure produced by Caitlin Stroud of CCTV’s Non-Profit Center:

We are now a Blue Star Museum – FREE Admission for Active Military Families -
NOW Through Labor Day

Visitors come to Salem, Oregon for numerous reasons: many are here for business, to visit family and friends, for special events, and many just want to escape for a few days and do something different.

Salem is a vibrant city with a variety of activity and unique destinations to suit any taste. We are so fortunate to have a wealth of online resources available to travelers to help them plan their time here.  These sites are dedicated to informing their readers of great events, unbiased reviews of shops and restaurants, and more.  The people who post to these sites are truly passionate about our city and want to share their insight with you.

We have begun keeping a list of these resources on the right site of our blog under “Salem Oregon Resources”.  I wish I could highlight them all today- but here are a few to get you started.  Make sure you check back as we keep this list updated.

Salemites.com- This is a blog dedicated completely to Salem, Oregon events and topics- great way to stay current and learn about events and businesses you may not have heard of otherwise!

Travel Oregon Everyone knows that TravelOregon.com is a great resource for the entire state- but they have a wonderful section devoted to the entire Willamette Valley.  Check it out for tips on great attractions and sights in our region (and the best wine!).

TravelSalem:  We refer to TravelSalem.com frequently because  they are a reliable source of current travel news and tips for visitors!  Put this site on your “Must See” checklist as you plan your vacation.  We also love their “Reel to Real” virtual tour series.

Go DownTown Salem Want to know what is happening just blocks from the hotel?  Use this site to get great info on landscape of Downtown Salem.

The Salem Heritage Network and Discover-Neighborhood-History (DISCOVER) Love history and architecture?  Our city is rich with culture and history- and these 2 sites have great suggestions to discover unique and wonderful places right here that may not be on your radar.

Planning an Oregon vacation (or “staycation?) Check out this showcase experience for the Adventure Seeker from Travel Salem’s Reel to Real Video Series! Visit TravelSalem.com for more videos from their Reel to Real series:

Visually discover the Salem, Oregon area’s unique experiences that will transform your “Reel virtual” visit into a “Real time” visit. These lively “experiences” will help you discover the real you. Are you a Family Voyager, Naturalist, Adventure Seeker, Gourmand, Relaxer or a Culture Seeker? Find out!

Check Out:

Travel Salem
181 High St. NE
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-581-4325
800-874-7012
www.travelsalem.com

Detroit Lake Recreation Area
PO Box 574 (mailing)
Detroit, Oregon 97342
www.detroitlakeoregon.org

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
44000 N Santiam Hwy. SE
Detroit, OR 97342
503-854-3346
800-452-5687 (camping reservations)
800-551-6949 (hours)
www.oregonstateparks.org

Hoodoo Ski Area
Hwy 20, Box 20
Sisters, OR 97759
541-822-3799
www.hoodoo.com

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
503-947-6000
800-720-ODFW
www.dfw.state.or.us/

Silver Falls State Park
20024 Silver Falls Hwy. SE
Sublimity, OR 97385
503-873-8681
800-452-5687 (camping reservations)
800-551-6949 (hours)
www.oregonstateparks.org

Willamette National Forest
541-225-6300
www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/

Planning a visit to Salem, Oregon and the Marion & Polk County region? Be sure to utilize the “Reel to Real” feature from Travel Salem help you plan your trip. “Reel to Real” will turn your “Reel virtual” visit into a “Real time” visit by sharing video experiences geared for the Family Voyager, Naturalist, Adventure Seeker, Gourmand, Relaxer or a Culture Seeker.

Find out which Reel experience suite you the best! Visit www.TravelSalem.com and view!

Photo by dnkbdotcom

Traveling during the holiday season is not something that most people find themselves looking forward to.  How unfortunate! November-December travel has always been known to be a little tricky, but add the economic cutbacks the airlines are making- not to mention the overload of fees and overbooked flights- it is no wonder travelers are left with holiday headaches.

Remember, you are not alone.  Most of us are simply trying to get to a destination to see loved ones and with patience and strategic planning- the travel experience does not have to be as awful as you may fear.  In fact, it is possible to actually enjoy the experience if you can remain flexible and patient.  Follow these wise tips I found on Independent Travel.com for a smoother and more enjoyable ride- by plane or automobile:

Avoid peak travel dates.
If you are looking for a deal, you won’t find one on the peak travel days. Travel off-peak whenever possible. Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Fridays this year — fly on the holiday itself if possible, and avoid Sunday evening at the end of the long weekend.

Book early.
Haven’t booked your holiday travel yet? It’s time to stop waiting and start booking. Fares are only rising so those who hold out in hopes of a late-breaking sale are likely to get left out in the cold or pay a very steep price for their procrastination.  Book sooner rather than later, particularly if you require very specific travel dates or times. With the current state of the airline industry, it is never too early to book your holiday travel flights. While many of the best deals are probably already gone, keep an eye on our holiday travel deals for any last-minute bargains. Be prepared to be flexible with dates and flight times.


Know your airports.
Checking alternate airports is a pretty standard tactic, but at this time of year it can really make a difference. At no time can the alternate airport gambit pay off better than during the holiday crush. You can score on almost every front — parking, rental cars, traffic to and from, nearby hotels — and save both time and money.

For example, a recent flight to Hanscom airport outside Boston dropped me right into Thoreau and Minuteman country near the peak foliage season, offering a very different experience than flying into Logan. Upon my return, the car rental agent informed me that my flight might be running late and let me hold onto the car keys until we were sure that the flight would take off, with no additional fee. Only at a small airport can you get that kind of treatment. Also, keep in mind that smaller airports see fewer flights and, typically, fewer delays — not a small consideration during the busy holiday travel season.

Plot connections carefully.
When booking flights, check your search results carefully for sufficient time during layovers, and build in some time for flight delays and weather woes. Particularly during the winter months, peak travel times often bring peak travel delays, and your connection is more likely to be jeopardized. Avoiding really tight connections may save you a sprint through the terminal at least, and a really nasty stranding at worst. Also, it is best if you can muscle your flight path into position so that connections are in places less likely to experience delays — specifically, airports in warmer climates.

Leave early.
During peak travel times, much of the trouble you’ll face lies on this side of the security check-in, from traffic jams and full parking lots to absent shuttles and long lines. Rather than striving to “arrive at the airport early,” you may want to try to “leave for the airport early” to anticipate all the peripheral delays you may encounter.

Pack wisely.
In the past, you may have been able to fit everything into your carry-on without having to check any baggage — a strategy we still recommend. However, the TSA rules about liquids and gels make this a trickier proposition. For the record, you may bring liquids and gels in three-ounce or smaller containers, packed within a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. You’re also allowed to bring any liquids (such as coffee or water) or gels purchased after you go through a security checkpoint onto your plane with you. If you want to bring more than the three-ounce amounts, you’ll have to pack the items in your checked luggage.

When packing, keep in mind that most airlines are now charging travelers a fee for checking a second — or even a first — bag on domestic flights.
Use the Web for more than just booking.
The latest self-service developments in online travel can be tremendous time-savers during peak travel times. Whenever possible, print your boarding passes at home or use check-in kiosks. These services are no longer restricted to the airport, and can be found in hotels and other places in increasing numbers.

Think about doing your holiday shopping online and having your gifts shipped to your destination. This will cut down on luggage and the risk of them getting lost.

Travel early or late in the day.
As a rule, airports are least congested at times when normal human beings would rather be at home or even asleep. Delays are far less likely for morning flights, and airports usually unclog as the afternoon and evening peak passes.

A couple of caveats: Staffing can be spotty for really early flights, so although your flight is highly likely to be ready to leave on time, check-in may take a while, along with other personnel-dependent steps like riding shuttle buses.

Consider package deals.
Peak travel periods can be the best time to buy package deals, even for folks who would never buy one, as the bundled pricing offered by packages can be very competitive, even (or especially) at times of high demand.

Be prepared for more than the usual slowdowns at security. Even though the TSA’s liquid and gel rules have been around for a few years now, infrequent fliers may still be caught off guard.

Gas up the night before you travel; no one leaves enough time for buying gas on the way to the airport.

Investigate your frequent flier options to get better (and better guaranteed) seats.

Bring diversions. Take along work, books, magazines, a CD player, some healthy snacks — whatever you need to get through delays. This goes double when traveling with kids.

Keep your cool. Airline employees have considerable power over your well-being. Unfortunately many enjoy wielding it against you, and few respond well to anger.

Have phone numbers for everything: your hotel, your car rental agency, your airline, friends at your destination. Directory assistance is expensive, whether from your cell, from a phone booth or from home.

Check flight status repeatedly. Know your airline’s 800 number as well as your flight numbers and exact times.

When traveling on an E-ticket, carry a printout of your itinerary from your airline or booking site.

Choose nonstop flights. The worst, most brutal delays occur in connecting airports, where you have no home, friends or family to retreat to.

With airlines continuing to cut back on service, it’s more important than ever to confirm your flight several days before you leave — that way you’ll have a little leeway to make alternate plans if necessary.

If you know you’ll need long-term airport parking while you’re away, be sure to reserve yourself a spot ahead of time at an off-airport lot so you’re guaranteed a space.

Don’t overpack even checked luggage; overstuffed bags that must be opened for a security check are much harder to repack.

Do not wrap gifts, especially if you intend to carry them on the plane. Even in checked baggage, there is a strong chance they will be unwrapped for inspection by security personnel. Consider gift bags instead of wrapping paper this holiday season — you can easily remove the items from their bags if required and you don’t have to do a last-minute wrapping job at your destination.

Give your cell phone a full charge, and write down or program the phone number of your airline so you can call easily as your flight time approaches.

If you’re leaving pets at home and you haven’t made kennel reservations, do so right away.

Put It All Together

Travel during the holiday is the time to lay all your travel savvy on the line. For example, if you:

• purchase a package deal in one click of the mouse
• print out your boarding pass at home
• leave early enough not to sweat the small stuff
• travel light enough not to have to check any bags
• proceed directly to and through security
• arrive at the gate on time and at ease
• and nail your connections …

… you might actually enjoy traveling this season

Blog Your Oregon Travel Adventures!

You don’t have to be a featured staffer for top travel magazines or online publications to be a savvy travel writer;  nor do you have to host and maintain your own blog (blogging is a big commitment- trust me!).   Travel enthusiasts have a variety of places where they can preserve and share their precious travel memories to show to family and friends, strangers (if you want to) and revisit once the adventure has ended.  Go See Oregon is a community made up of people who have traveled through Oregon and share their experiences- the good and the bad!  It is a great place to get ideas on where to go in Oregon….and find out if an attraction or activity would be the right fit for you.

In fact, we want to encourage our guests who stay at our hotel to blog about their Oregon adventures- whether it is taking in the historical sights or browsing through charming downtown Salem, Oregon or enjoying a relaxing afternoon tasting some of the finest wines that are available.  We want to hear your experience!

Check out some of these sites that I found on one of my favorite travel blogs:  Everything-Everwhere .

Travel Blog Hosting and Aggregation

• Boots N All
• Fuzzy Travel
• Get Jealous
• Globe Notes
• My Trip Journal
• Real Travel
• STA Travel Blogs
• TravelBlog.org
• TravelBlogs.com
• TravelBlogger.net
• Free Travel Blogs
• TravelPod
• Travel Post
• Travelers Point
• Trip n Tale

Please share your Oregon travel experience in one of the communities mentioned in this post, and we just might post it in our blog.  You can post a link to your travel blog on the Official Phoenix Grand Hotel Facebook page or submit it on our Contact Us page…and your adventure just might get featured to all of our readers too!