How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Salem, Oregon

Salem, Oregon's capital, is an understated destination known for its quiet lifestyle and captivating countryside. Only an hour south of Portland, the "Cherry City" is the perfect choice for a weekend if you want to enjoy an escape to serenity and natural wonders. Here's how to spend the perfect weekend in Salem, Oregon:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Enjoy a sublime stroll in Bush’s Pasture Park, where you'll find about 90 acres of white oak trees, botanical gardens and hiking trails. Willamette University’s football and baseball stadiums are both located in the park, so it’s not unusual to hear the sudden cheer of a crowd or the crack of a baseball bat connecting for a home run.
2. Visit Hallie Ford Museum of Art on State Street, a treasure trove of modern art and ancient artifacts. From Egyptian coffin masks to Native American baskets to a wealth of contemporary regional works, the museum has an impressive collection, and a rainy afternoon is the perfect time to see it.
3. See a classic film or live performance at one of the most appealing performance venues in the American West—the historic Elsinore Theatre on High Street. Restored in 2004, the amazing theater boasts a Tudor Gothic setting that includes a high-ceilinged lobby, incredible stained glass windows, massive Shakespearian-themed murals and much more.
4. Stop by the Mission Mill Museum on Mill Street to appreciate the area’s industrial past by visiting well-preserved mills and old homes containing authentic period furnishings. Although the museum is more educational than entertaining, its authenticity makes for a true journey into Oregon’s bygone days.
5. Make a side trip to Silver Falls State Park, only a half-hour drive east and the biggest state park in Oregon. Waterfalls run the gamut from tiny to towering, and hikers will love the trails that wind through the hills and forests.
6. Visit one of the handful of excellent vineyards in the region. Choices include the intriguing Ankeny Vineyard, which has a nature refuge area and is just a short drive southwest, and the Willamette Valley Vineyards, a massive facility lthat boasts plenty of vintages as well as panoramic views of the valley.
7. Make sure to visit the Oregon Garden on W. Main Street if you're a nature lover. It's an impressive site with more than 20 themed areas that include water gardens, wetlands and even a "playful garden" just for the kids. An interesting footnote: The Garden includes the Gordon House, the only building in Oregon designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Tips & Warnings

• Salem has a small airport, McNary Field (also known as Salem Municipal Airport), not far from downtown, but many visitors flying into the region arrive via Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Be prepared for rain when visiting the Willamette Valley.