The Grand Hotel in Salem

2013 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism Coming to The Salem Block!

grandhotel — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:23:18 +0000

It was announced last month that Salem will be the host city of the 2013 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism which is taking place right here on the Salem Block April 14-16, 2013.

Travel Salem, in partnership with the Salem Conference Center, responded to the Travel Oregon bid for a 2013 conference location. “This is a great opportunity to showcase Salem and all of the wonderful offerings that make our city and region so attractive to leisure visitors, as well as meeting and event planners. Travel Salem will be working with many businesses and organization to ensure another successful and memorable conference,” said Debbie McCune, Travel Salem’s Director of Sales.

More than 400 tourism professionals are expected at The Salem Conference Center next April for two and a half days of educational seminars, networking, and to develop new ways to create the best Oregon Experience possible for visitors and the industry.

To learn more about this premiere gathering, visit www.oregontourismconference.com and www.travelsalem.com.

Salem, Oregon Spring 2012 Highlights

grandhotel — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:30:28 +0000

Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest

Planning a Salem Oregon trip this spring? If so, you are in luck! With so much to do and see, boredom is not an option (unless that is what you want).

You can start by stepping outside the Grand Hotel Salem Lobby and taking a stroll down Liberty Street and check out our vibrant downtown scene; lose yourself in one of the many cafes, galleries, shops, and historical sights to see.

For more suggestions, read the Salem Conference Center post 8 Great Place to Visit in Salem Oregon and visit the Travel Salem kiosk conveniently located in The Salem Conference Center, or visit them online www.travelsalem.com. Here are some of local event highlights happening this Spring:

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

Oregon Garden Brewfest
The Oregon Garden, Silverton
503-874-8100 or 877-674-2733
www.oregongarden.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

Doing our Part to “Clean the World” and Help Prevent Disease

grandhotel — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:53:50 +0000

Ever wonder what happens to that unused soap and shampoo in your hotel bathroom when you check out?

As part of our efforts to run a more sustainable and green hotel, we recycle all used soap products from guest rooms through an outstanding organization called Clean the World. The housekeeping staff at the Grand Hotel in Salem collects and saves unused soap and shampoo from our guest rooms and ships them to a soap recycling plant where it is either re-batched or sterilized. The soap products are then delivered to domestic homeless shelters and impoverished countries suffering from high death rates due to acute respiratory infection and diarrheal disease.

The Grand Hotel in Salem is the first hotel in Oregon to partner with Clean the World. Since then, the organization has put over 9.5 million soap bars and 200,000 pounds of shampoo and conditioner back into human use, simultaneously eliminating over 600 tons of waste. We are happy to report that so far in 2012, The Grand Hotel in Salem has collected 195.93 pounds of soap and 115 pounds of bottled products for the organization- all in all 1045 bars of soap that will be distributed to children and families worldwide.

To understand the powerful impact this project has on the world, just watch this CBS News story. We will never look at hotel soap and shampoo bottles in the same way.

For more information on the process, visit www.cleantheworld.com.

Featured Event Package: 8th Annual Oregon Garden Brewfest April 27-28, 2012

grandhotel — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:23:51 +0000

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.

Willamette Heritage Center Spring Exhibition: Grande Ronde Women-Our Story April 6- May 28, 2012

grandhotel — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:57:08 +0000

@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.

Cast your vote in Best of the Mid-Valley 2012 Poll before April 8, 2012

grandhotel — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:36:53 +0000

The Statesman Journal wants readers to vote for their favorite people, businesses and things to do in Marion and Polk counties in their annual Best of the Mid-Valley Poll before Sunday April 8, 2012. Bentley’s Grill, The Salem Conference Center and The Grand Hotel in Salem are nominated in several categories and we need your help!

Please visit the Statesman Journal Best of the Mid-Valley 2012 Poll before Sunday, April 8 and cast your vote! We have some very big competition and it would be a big honor to win “Best Of” in any of these categories:

Salem Conference Center is nominated for

Best Wedding Venue
Best Use of Social Media
Best Caterer
Best Customer Service
Best Green Business

The Grand Hotel in Salem is nominated for

Best Hotel
Best Green Business
Best Customer Service
Best Use of Social Media

Bentley’s Grill is nominated for

Best Restaurant
Best Family Restaurant
Most Creative Cocktails
Friendliest staff
Best Business Lunch
Best Happy Hour
Best Burger
Best Romantic Dinner
Best Place To Impress a First date
Best Use of Social Media

Please spread the word and remember you can vote every day….Thank you for supporting us!

2012 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Will be More Beautiful than Ever

grandhotel — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:07:25 +0000

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.

Spring Event Highlights in Salem, Oregon

grandhotel — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:19:06 +0000

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

Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills 2012 Grand Hotel Package

grandhotel — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:22:32 +0000

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).

2012 Oregon Active Transportation Summit Coming the The Salem Conference Center April 16-17

grandhotel — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:13:12 +0000

We are thrilled to welcome the 2012 Oregon Active Transportation Summit to Salem in April. The Oregon Active Transportation Summit (OATS) is a grass-roots effort to promote bicycling, walking and mass transit options in Oregon. The event will take place April 16-17 at The Salem Conference Center. The Grand Hotel in Salem is the host hotel for the event.

The mission of the 2012 conference is “Thinking Even Bigger”. There will be a variety of exhibitors and topics to be presented include Economic Benefits; Advocacy; Planning, Technology and Tools; Funding; Equity and Social Justice. Some of the past initiatives of OATS include Share The Road Plates, RideOregonRide.com, and Oregon’s Scenic Bikeways.

This is an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and strategies, share your best ideas with people of equal passion, and walk away energized to continue improving the world of active transportation.

To learn more about the event and to register, visit The Oregon Active Transportation Summit online.

Event Venue
Salem Conference Center
200 Commercial St. SE
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-589-1715

Event Lodging
The Grand Hotel in Salem (attached to Salem Conference Center)
201 Liberty St. SE
Salem, Oregon 97301
877-540-7800

The standard room rate is $119 per night (one person). When you make a reservation, please reference the group name (Oregon Active Transportation Summit) at the time of booking. This will allow you to book into the block and secure the negotiated rate. Call 877-540-7800 to book a room.