Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
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Things to do in Salem, Oregon (OR): The Best Food & Drink
Named from the anglicized form of the Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace, Salem provides visitors with exactly that - plus a horde of historic sites to explore and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Oregon's capital, one of the oldest cities in the state, exudes simple, small-town hospitality with just enough politics and culture to keep things interesting. Tour the grand, gold-domed State Capitol to learn about the workings of the government, then head to the observation deck for a fantastic view of Salem and its surrounding area. Although the whole city is a living history lesson, brimming with old buildings and landmarks, the Mill Mission Museum is a definite standout. Art buffs should not miss the impressive Pacific Northwest collection at the Hallie Ford Art Museum. In between sights, take time to people watch or picnic at Bush's Pasture Park, or enjoy wine tasting at some of the local vineyards. Salem's idyllic setting, in the heart of the emerald Willamette Valley, coupled with its historic role as political hub for Oregon make it the perfect choice for a delightful and interesting weekend away.
Restaurants in Salem
1. Prestige Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Private, custom winery tasting tours, waterfall hikes, and truffle hunting excursions. Prestige Wine Tours is excited to share the joy and inspiration of the Willamette Valley with you!
2. Ale Ways Brewery Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Ale Ways is not a location, it's an ethos. Our tour company is dedicated to perpetuating Oregon beer culture and a buy local mindset. Join our exploits as we explore, taste and tour behind the scenes at the finest breweries around Salem and the mid Willamette valley. We are driven to provide the ultimate craft beer adventure! We utilize local hotels & resorts for our tour pick up and drop off locations: The Oregon Garden Hotel & Resort Silverton 895 W Main St, The Grand Hotel Salem 201 Liberty St SE, The Double Tree Hotel Salem 1590 Weston Ct NE.
3. Legacy Estate Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Join us at Eola Hills' newest tasting room at Legacy Estate Vineyard. This tasting room boasts gorgeous vineyard views, a large patio complete with umbrellas and adirondack chairs, and a beautiful new tasting room fully stocked with all of our wines.
4. Bethel Heights Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
We believe our vineyard tells a story and is a living history of just one of many pioneering families who have chosen to raise wine grapes in Oregon. We started small as two families: in-laws, brothers, sisters, cousins, and we are proud that Bethel Heights has stayed in the Casteel-Dudley-Webb family since our beginning in 1977. We have now welcomed grandchildren, spouses, and non-family employees to Bethel Heights. Some of us have changed roles. And some of us are stepping up in the business, taking over where our family began. Through it all, we have strived to allow our wines to show their sense of place, speak to the history of our vineyard, and tell the story of our family.
5. Cristom Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Set in the scenic Eola Hills, the winery at Cristom Vineyards offers Chardonnay, Pinot and a rare Viognier wine.
Reviewed By brmusicman - Chicago, United States
Due to COVID-19, Cristom is doing tastings only by reservation; we arranged a tasting via our hotel’s concierge. Our tasting, on a Friday morning, was a fantastic experience—we were the only ones there! The gentleman who assisted us with our tastings, Tim, was excellent—he was extraordinarily knowledgeable about the winery, the wines on offer and how they were made, and the region. A couple of times during our tasting, he even brought out maps to help us understand some of the geographic detail of the region. The wines were great!—so great we ended-up buying a few and shipping them home (nicely, they waive shipping fees for six bottles). We tasted a great variety of rose, whites, and reds. Cristom featured the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay you would expect in Oregon, but is also growing Viognier and Syrah! The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir was excellent; it was fun to taste how microclimates and soil variations on their properties affected the expression of those varietals. We were lucky enough to taste both the Viognier and Syrah, and they were excellent; the Syrah is made in a traditional northern Rhône style with Viognier mixed-in. The setting is lovely: a large patio with gorgeous views. We had perfect weather and enjoyed the view, including the mountain range in the distance. A fantastic experience: great setting, great service, great wine. Put Cristom on your list for sure!
6. Mystic Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
We are a small producer of Oregon Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and even some Barbera. Most of which is grown in the Columbia Valley. Pinot Noir and Dolcetto is planted on our property. Our prices range from $18-$60 a bottle.
7. Stangeland Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
One of the pioneer winegrowers of the Eola Hills area planted in 1978. After selling grapes to other producers for a few years the winery was established in 1991-1992. While production has always remained small we produce world class Pinot Noir as evidenced by 3 time Gold Medal recipients from the International Pinot Noir judging: "Mondial du Pinot Noir" held annually in Sierre Switzerland. WE have limited distribution currently in 16 States, Montreal Quebec, and occasional exports to Norway. We also produce limited bottlings of Estate Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Tempranillo, Rose of Tempranillo, and an Ice wine made from Gewurztraminer. Cozy eclectic tasting room, picnic areas, fantastic 180 degree panoramic view from Cascade mountains to the beautiful eola hills. Most wines priced from $15 to $35.
8. Honeywood Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Honeywood Winery is Oregon's Oldest Winery. Starting the day after prohibition in 1933, it is home to Oregon's first tasting room, and many historic fruit wines. Honeywood specializes in making superb wines for every palate; from Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris to Marionberry & Pear! This is a must stop for everyone who likes good wine, good people, and rich history.
Reviewed By augiegirl14 - Prescott, United States
We were familiar with Honeywood wines when we lived in Oregon many years ago but had never visited their tasting room. On a recent visit to Salem from Arizona we decided to go and are so glad we did! It's a lovely gift shop/tasting room and our hostess Crystal was so much fun, hospitable and knowledgeable. Admittedly, fruit dessert wines will not be everyone's cup of tea (glass of wine :) but they are very delightfully different. There is a tasting list provided and one can choose any five to taste with absolutely no tasting fee--remarkable in this day and age. The glass is carefully rinsed with a few drops of the new wine between tastes so that the flavors can stand as distinctive. There is a small selection of more well-known varietals--my husband was quite intrigued by the Merlot. But the standouts were definitely the fruit wines--my favorites were the elderberry (a bit of an herbal or medicinal character?), the raspberry, and the Peach Supreme. Think of cocktail additions, mimosas, even ice cream topping? I purchased the raspberry and my friend got the strawberry--neither sickeningly sweet nor artificial flavored in any way, just fruit and wine. An experience that still makes me smile!
9. Bryn Mawr Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
High Hill. High Risk. High Reward. Perched high on the western crest of the Eola-Amity Hills near Salem, Oregon, our 21 acre estate vineyard reflects the marriage of shallow volcanic soils and cool marine winds that pass through the Van Duzer corridor. This builds intensity and dimension in our grapes that inspire us to make great wine.
Reviewed By flatwhite25
Bryn MaBryn Mawr exceeded expectations both in the quality of wines, variety of grapes and hospitality of the team. We went on a Tuesday in the winter and were met by a roaring fireplace and knowledgeable staff who walked us through an overview of the Willamette Valley, the winter tasting menu and shared some history of the vineyard. The wines were nuanced and balanced with some unique varietals for the region.wr exceeded expectations both in the quality of wines, variety of grapes and hospitality of the team. We went on a Tuesday in the winter and were met by a roaring fireplace and knowledgeable staff who walked us through an overview of the Willamette Valley, the winter tasting menu and shared some history of the vineyard. The wines were nuanced and balanced with some unique varietals for the region.
10. Coria Estates
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Coria Estates is a family-owned winery in the heart of the Willamette Valley. We aspire to make great wines to be enjoyed with great food around the table. In our family, wine is a symbol of unity, love and hard work; these three elements are threaded throughout the growing of our grapes and into the care of our winemaking.
Reviewed By jasonv134 - Salem, United States
Coria’s Wine Tasting was exceptional. The environment they have created is very relaxing, with an incredible view. The pairing of candy and wine was spot on. The quality was excellent and the pricing was more than fair. Brandi provided top notch service and is very enthusiastic about her job. We went on a sunny October day with a high in the mid-50s, so with the wind it was a little cold. When we called to make a reservation they suggested on bringing a blanket, which we greatly appreciated and made our time more enjoyable. We will definitely be back!
