The Bentley’s Grill Lounge Bar will also serve up special Fat Tuesday cocktails like the Hurricane, Gator Bite, and Fat Tuesday Punch. This is an event we look forward to every year, and you don’t want to miss out.

Fat Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras, occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday and is a day of celebration and the opportunity to enjoy that favorite food or beverage that you give up for Lent. New Orleans has made this celebration famous and has a long standing tradition of wearing Mardi Gras beads and giving them to others. If you can’t be on Bourbon Street for Fat Tuesday, Bentley’s Grill is the next best thing.

Reservations recommended- visit bentleysgrill.com or call 503.779.1660

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.

One lucky couple who enters a special drawing will win 50% off wedding package when they enter the Half Off a Salem, Oregon Wedding Package before February 13 (an estimated savings of over $1500).

“Our wedding packages include everything from ballroom rental to experienced event staff and even a complimentary champagne toast” says Director of Sales & Marketing, Donna Earley. “Our goal is to alleviate some of the planning details while giving the bride and groom the wedding they envision. This promotion is a great way to help them save on the overall costs associated with a wedding.”

The total prize package includes:

• 1/2 off a Salem Conference Center Wedding Package*
• Complimentary Night in a Jacuzzi Suite at The Grand Hotel in Salem
• Gift of Champagne & Chocolate Strawberries in Suite upon Arrival
• Dinner for two at Bentley’s Grill

To enter the drawing to win 50% off, visit their Half Off Wedding Package Sweepstakes page at facebook.com/SalemConferenceCenter.

*The Salem Conference Center Wedding Packages include Ballroom Rental, Setup & Clean Up, Tables & Chairs, Table Linens & Glass Centerpieces, China, Silver & Glassware, Buffet Lines (if requested), Dance Floor, Cake Cutting & Service, Wireless Microphone, Staging & Head Table (if requested), Guest Book & Gift Tables, Portable Banquet Bars, Dedicated Banquet Staff to Service Event, Complimentary Champagne Toast for Bride & Groom, Experienced Special Events Coordinator. The package does not include food and beverage.

The Salem Block EV Station is getting good use!

In July, Salem Oregon joined communities such as Corvallis, Eugene and Portland in ECOtality’s push for emissions-free driving.  Under the The EV Project, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations were installed in various locations our city- including one here at The Salem Block!

The EV charging stations are publicly available  and located at the following sites:

• Salem Public Library
• Salem Conference Center
• Marion Parkade
• West Salem Library
• Chemeketa Parkade
• Riverfront Park
• The Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill

ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project and will oversee the installation of approximately 14,000 commercial and residential charging stations in 18 major cities and metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. The project will provide an EV infrastructure to support the deployment of 8,300 EVs. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through a federal stimulus grant, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

Remember, its not too late to book your holiday package and enjoy the seasonal sights and attractions in and around downtown Salem, Oregon.  The Grand Hotel in Salem is offering 2 special packages for a limited time:

1) When you reserve The Grand Hotel in Salem Holiday Package between December 18th -December 30, 2011, you will 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.

2) Guests who book the New Years 2012 Package for December 31, 2011 will enjoy: An early check-in of 12 noon on 12/31 and a late check out of 2pm on January 1/2012 and $100 gift card for you to enjoy at Bentley’s Grill .

Guests will also enjoy access to our complimentary hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool and a spa tub, fitness facility, our convenient historic downtown Salem, Oregon location, complimentary parking, and easy access to Salem Oregon attractions, downtown restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and shopping.  Our standard room amenities include: Cable television service. Blackout drapes/curtains and Complimentary Wi-Fi.

To book either of these (or both) packages call our Reservations Desk toll-free 877-540-7800 or visit our Reservations Page.

We want to help you ring in 2012 in “Grand Style” and invite you to stay in downtown Salem, Oregon.  We have put together a very special New Years 2012 Package just for the occasion.

When you book this package you receive

• An early check-in of 12 noon on 12/31 and a late check out of 2pm on January 1/2012
• $100 gift card for you to enjoy at Bentley’s Grill - Subject to seating availability on New Years Eve-reservations recommended
• Complimentary hot breakfast buffet and late 2pm check out on New Years Day.  For an additional $50 checkout as late as 5pm
• Free downtown parking and a fun atmosphere

You will also enjoy access to our indoor pool and a spa tub, fitness facility, our convenient historic downtown Salem, Oregon location, complimentary parking, and easy access to Salem Oregon attractions, downtown restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and shopping.  Our standard room amenities include: Cable television service. Blackout drapes/curtains and Complimentary Wi-Fi.

To book this package call our Reservations Desk toll-free 877-540-7800 or visit our Reservations Page.
What a great way to start the New Year!

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

The Salem Conference Center, Bentley’s Grill and The Grand Hotel in Salem is proud to be a Supporting Sponsor of the eighth annual Bonaventure Senior Living Civil War Dinner & Auction at the Salem Conference Center November 17, 2011.

The event benefits the support after-school and summer activities at Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion & Polk Counties. This outstanding organization plays a vital role in our community by promoting academic success, healthy lifestyles, character and leadership skills to approximately 10,500 youth in local clubs, athletics, and outreach programs.

So are you a Duck or a Beaver? Wear your colors with pride and support your team at this exclusive dinner and auction! This is the perfect way to get pumped up for the 2011 Civil War Game on Saturday November 26 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR.

Here is a preview of the fabulous items that will be auctioned off this year

• Bandon Dunes Golf Trip for 2
• Dinner for 10 at the Alcyone
• 7 days, 6 nights in Kona HI
• 4 Day, 3 night golf trip to Palm Springs
• Super Bowl Party for 50 at Jonathan’s Restaurant
• Behind the Scenes of NASCAR in Las Vegas
• Civil War Game Tickets
• Variety of Oregon Golf Packages
• Duck and Beaver memorabilia and merchandise

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.civilwarauction.org or call 503.581.7383 Ext 15

Owner and Wine Guide Byron Williams and his staff offer their unique knowledge combined with a passion for Oregon wine.

Having fallen in love with Pinot Noir several years ago, I have explored many of Oregon’s wineries. In order to learn more I started working in a winery tasting room and taking classes at Chemeketa Community College’s viticulture center. Grand Cru Wine Tours is my way of sharing my love of Oregon wines with you. - Byron Williams

The company offers a variety of personalized wine tours to choose from; one tour in particular that has received a lot of attention is Wiking- Oregon Wine Hiking Tours that showcase some of the great wines in the region, as well as the beauty that the Willamette Valley is known for.

These Wiking Tours have received a lot of attention!

New York Times – Wiking in Oregon
Polk County Itemizer Observer – Vino and a View
Grants Getaways – Off Road in Wine Country Article

To learn more about Grand Cru Wine Tours, visit them at www.grandcruwinetours.com or call (877) 98-Pinot