How to Spend a Long Weekend in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

72 Hour Weekend Adventure

You could spend weeks crisscrossing Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley, and you’d still only scratch the surface of what makes the area so special. We’re lucky to host dedicated farmers, passionate winemakers, devoted historians, and others who are eager to share their experiences with curious visitors.

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8 Great Places to Capture Stunning Photos This Fall Around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

Photo-worthy locations throughout the region

Fall has arrived in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley: Leaves are changing color, harvest festivals are welcoming families with hayrides and pumpkin patches, and the crisp autumn air inspires outdoor enthusiasts to throw on a light jacket and hit the trail.

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Explore the Farms and Food Stands of the Mid-Willamette Valley

Indulge in a foodie-focused, self-guided tour of the region

For generations, farming has been a way of life for Willamette Valley ranchers, vintners, and growers. Over the years, Oregon’s Willamette Valley has become known for its legendary pinot noir grapes, and today produce 99% of all hazelnuts consumed in the United States. These days, the region hosts nearly 19,500 farms—more than the rest of the state combined—across nearly 1.6 million acres.

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Road Cycling Around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

Explore the Scenic Bikeways Around the Mid-Willamette Valley

Road cycling is a popular pastime around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley, and is it any wonder why? Salem is home to miles of protected bike lanes, scenic backroads away from the city show off vineyards and orchards, and the Willamette River provides a beautiful backdrop through it all.

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How to Have Fun on the Water in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley This Summer

Explore the Waterways around Salem

The stretch of Highway 22 heading east from Salem is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for many reasons: The highway is a jumping-off point for hiking at Silver Falls State Park, passes the sublime Detroit Lake, and offers access to some of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s best hidden-gem hiking trails.

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The Ultimate Guide to Camping and Outdoor Adventure in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

New and exciting outdoor ventures you can enjoy this season

What does the perfect summer day look like to you? Does it involve paddling a quiet river while ospreys and eagles soar overhead, climbing a tree for old times' sake, or noshing on s’mores and sleeping under the starry night sky?

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5 Fun, Fascinating Museums Around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

Learn about Salem’s Interesting Past

As the capital of Oregon, Salem is no stranger to history. The city and surrounding communities host a wide range of commemorative markers, key sites from Oregon’s past, and (unsurprisingly) several museums that help visitors understand the regional history.

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7 Must-See Gardens to Visit in the Mid-Willamette Valley This Spring

Salem in Bloom

For so many reasons, the Mid-Willamette Valley is the perfect place to grow a garden or plot a nursery. Our volcanic soils are rich in nutrients, our damp autumns and wet springs provide plenty of nourishment for growing plants, our mild winters stop frost from forming, and our summers rarely sustain temperatures that scorch thirsty plants.

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Your Spring Bucket List

Must Do Outings Around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

Spring has sprung! Time to enjoy some of the region's most beloved seasonal activities.

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Sweet Treats in the Mid-Willamette Valley

Unique desserts from local makers

Satisfy your sweet tooth with handcrafted goodies and treats made with local ingredients and lots of love.

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8 Unique Places to Stay in the Salem Area in 2022

Cabins, garden resorts, vineyard views and more

Make your stay in the Mid-Willamette Valley a memorable one in one of these 8 unique lodging properties.

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Holiday Happenings In Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

The most wonderful time of the year is here, and with it comes a bevy of holiday happenings—some of which are returning after scaling back in 2019 or taking the season off altogether.

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