Wine Culture And History In The Mid Willamette Valley by The Grand Hotel in Salem in Salem, OR

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Mid-Willamette Valley is all abuzz with excitement as we prepare to celebrate the annual grape harvest at vineyards all over the region with a series of special events and tastings at the annual Wine Country Thanksgiving. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, the Grand Hotel in Salem welcomes all visitors traveling here to celebrate this season's yield and the many world-renowned wines that are produced in our region. While you are here, we hope you will take an extra day or two to explore some of Salem's top cultural & historical attractions. Many of these attractions are within walking distance or a very short drive from the hotel. Here are just a few suggestions to help you plan your itinerary! Willamette University located in Salem's downtown district and within walking distance from our hotel. Founded in 1842, it is the oldest university in the western United States. Stroll the picturesque campus with red brick academic buildings and color-changing trees. As you explore Willamette University's picturesque campus, stop by the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the third-largest art museum in the state. Arguably one of the best-kept secrets in town, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art boasts a robust collection in their permanent and rotating exhibits by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, as well as a diverse collection of traditional European, American and Asian art; plus artifacts that date from antiquity. Since a trip to Salem wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Oregon State Capitol, directly across the street from campus. Take a guided or self-tour as you admire the building's Modernist Art Deco design and witness our state government in action. During your visit, be sure to stop by the Oregon WW II Memorial honoring Oregononians who fought this historic war at home and abroad. Since the hotel is located in the heart of downtown Salem, you can easily take a self-guided walking tour through its seven-block historic district to admire the many historical sites architectural gems. Explore ornately-designed buildings like the restored 1926 vaudeville house, Elsinore Theatre, built in 1926. Or browse through the unique assortment of shops and dining options located in the Reed Opera House, built in 1870. You'll find a large concentration of architecturally significant homes in the Court Chemeketa Historic District. Here are some other points of interest to explore during your Salem, Oregon visit: Bush House Museum- an elegant 1878 Italianate mansion built by pioneer businessman Asahel Bush II is set in a 100-acre park, step inside and step back in time with a guided tour of the museum's exhibits of textiles, photos and historic artifacts. Willamette Heritage Center -home to the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill and the oldest timber-frame structures in the state. Take a self-guided or docent-guided tour of the grounds to dive into the history of each building and its significance to the story of Salem. The Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health- a fascinating look at the stories of the hospital and the people who lived and worked there through a series of engaging, interactive displays. Frank Lloyd Wright's Gordon House- the only example of Wright's work in Oregon, and the only Wright work in the Pacific Northwest that is open to the public. Located just east of Salem. Deepwood Museum and Gardens- a gabled Queen Anne home built in 1894 and features enchanting gardens designed by the Northwest's first female landscape architecture firm, Lord & Schryver. Bush House Museum- a beautifully-preserved home once occupied by one of Salem's most prominent families. The Bush's Pasture Park Rose Garden features heirloom roses and “The Mission Rose,” which was a gift to missionary Jason Lee and his wife. Adjacent to the Bush House Museum, you'll find the Bush Barn Art Center and Annex, showcasing artwork from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The Grand Hotel in Salem, Oregon features 193 luxurious and comfortable rooms and premier suites. Headquarters hotel for the Salem Convention Center, Our goal is to make your visit to Salem, Oregon as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If you need more information or ideas, our friendly and gracious front of house staff is always happy to help point you in the right direction. You can also visit Travel Salem and request a free visitor's guide. Click here to book your stay!