Salem was established in the early 1800's as a farming community. The town grew during the years of the California gold rush. Salem became the capital of Oregon in 1851 after it was moved from Oregon City. The capital was then briefly moved to Corvallis in 1855, but in that same year was permanently moved back to Salem. The first two Oregon State Capitol buildings tragically burned down. The third and current building was completed in 1938, complete with its distinctive gold-plated pioneer statue, the "Gold Man," perched atop.
Salem is located in the mid-Willamette Valley, about halfway between Portland to the north and Eugene to the south; it's about a one-hour drive from either city on '''Interstate 5'''. If comming in East of the Cascades Hwy. 22 will take you right into Salem.
Also Cherriots and Wilsonville's SMART system jointly operate the ''1X'' express transit bus between the Downtown Salem Transit Center and the Wilsonville WES rail station (with service to Tualatin, Tigard and Beaverton (with its MAX light rail connection to Portland and the entire Portland region). This bus and rail connection only operates weekdays and in the morning and afternoon (no mid-day, night or weekend service), but operates in both directions during its operating time. The current fare for the '''1X''' bus is $2.50 one way. The fare for the WES train is $2.30 which is valid as a 2 hour ticket on the Portland regional TriMet system, for a combined total fare of $4.80 one way from Portland to Salem.
All airline service to Salem come from '''Portland International Airport''', an hour's drive from the north. To get to Salem from Portland Airport, follow I-205 south to its connection to I-5.
The [http://www.cherriots.org/ Cherriots] bus system is city wide taking you from the suburbs to downtown and into Keizer, Oregon, and has central transit center in downtown Salem where all the buses arrive and depart. Currently the one way cash fare is $1.25 and a day pass is $2.50.
AC Gilbert's Discovery Village - 116 Marion St. NE Salem, OR 97301, Perfect for the younger kids, mostly preschool to about 13 years old. A hands on fun learning center housed in charming turn of century buildings and decor'. Call (503)371-3631 or fax: (503)316-3485 e-mail: info@acgilbert.org.
Bush House - 600 Mission St. SE Salem, OR 97302, Built just after the settler arrived from the Oregon Trail, this historic old homestead now houses the art of Salem's finest artists. Summer you can wander through the frangrant Rose Garden and take a hike on a popular trail with the lunch crowd from nearby businesses. Call (503)363-4714 or fax: (503)371-3342
Friends of Historic Deepwood Estate - 1116 Mission St. SE Salem, OR 97302 Call (503)363-1825
Marion County Historical Society Museum - 260 12th St Salem, OR 97301 Call (503)364-2128 or fax: (503)391-5356 or e-mail: mchs@open.org
Mission Mill Museum - 1313 Mill St. SE Salem, OR 97301 Call (503)585-7012 or fax: (503)588-9902
Oregon State Capitol - (Visitor Services) Salem, OR 97310 Call (503)986-1388 or fax: (503)986-1131
'''Western Antique Powerland''' - 3995 Brooklake Rd. NE Salem, OR 97303 - One of the largest museums of tractors, steam engines, and antiques farm equipment in the world. To add more interest they have implemented and Truck museum, and street car museum where you can catch a ride on an antique streetcar from days gone by. Pulling out the big guns the last week of July and first week of August every year with the "Annual Steamup". A display of large steam powered harvesters, antique cars, blacksmith display, parade of all equipment, electric railroad, miniature railroad, swap meet, and other activities. Call (503)393-2424.
Balloon Flying Service of Oregon, Inc.- 323 Marietta St SE Salem, OR 503-363-9799
Cascade Surge - 161 High St SE #249 Salem, OR 503-362-7308
''CLOSED due to housing development''Cottonwood Lakes Golf Center - 3225 River Rd. S. Salem, OR (503)364-3673
Creekside Golf Club - 6250 Clubhouse Dr. SE Salem, OR (503)363-4653 - Private Country Club - no Public Play
Festival Chorale Oregon - PO Box 12602 Salem, OR 503-362-0357
'''Enchanted Forest''' - 8462 Enchanted Way, Turner, OR (7 miles south of Salem) 503 371-4242, A land of Fairy Tales where you walk through Medievil Castles, walk down the wooden sidewalks in the wild, wild West,or meet a ghost in the Haunted Mansion. This small theme park has rides for the kiddies and adults with an Alpine Rollercoaster, bumper cars,trains and more. In one of their many restaurants is a gorgeous water show with colorful lights bouncing off streams of water. A fun place for the whole family. Next door is another attaction, Thrillville. http://www.enchantedforest.com/enchanted_forest.html
'''Thrillville''' - 8372 Enchanted Way, Turner, OR 503 363-9376 It may be small but it has thrill rides galore. The Scad Dive has you hurling straight down a 100 foot drop, the Ripper rollercoaster is fast and curvy, Extreme Turbo Force is like the Hammer on steroids. There are also rides for the not so brave, a carousel, bumper cars, go carts, rock climbing wall, and the biggest slide in the world (the kids really like that). On one of those rare but enjoyable warm days of summer the waterslides have as much as a 350 foot drop. http://thrillvilleusa.homestead.com/rides.html
Illahe Hills Country Club - 3376 Country Club Dr S Salem, OR 97302 503-364-0117 - Private Country Club - no Public Play
'''Salem Riverfront Park''' - 116 Mission St.NE, Salem, OR 97306 Sitting along the Willamette River in the historic downtown area of Salem. Kids will enjoy the huge handcarved carousel that the community got together and gave their time for this amazing project. It is considered one of the best carousels in the U.S. Also at the park is the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler popular for lunch and dinner cruises. Captain Chesbrough has a passion for the Willamette and will give you the most amazing history of settlers and the waters. Plans are now starting to come through for an expansion of the park with restaurants, shops and a bridge to take you across the river to Minto Brown Park. Bicycle rentals will be comming too.
Adam's Rib Smokehouse Co. - 1210 State St Salem, OR 97301 503-362-2194
Barbecue Pit - 2795 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302 503-364-7777
Barbecue Pit - 850 High St NE Salem, OR 97301 503-363-7775
Best Little Roadhouse - 1145 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302, A local favorite. The food is fantastic and for Salem it actually has some ambience. The Ceasar Salad with fresh grilled Northwest Salmon is the best. Also try the Tri Tip sandwiches or Salad the meat is so tender you don't need a knife. You can also order their Garlic Masher's dripping in butter and cheese, delicious. During the warmer months they now have dining al' Fresco. If you have kids bring them, they also have a minutature golf course just outside the building. 503-365-7225
Big Town Hero #13, Sandwiches & Catering - 3405 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302 503-391-1812
Boon's Treasury (McMenamins) - 888 Liberty St NE Salem, OR 97301 503-399-906
Brick Bar & Broiler, Inc. - 105 Liberty St NE Salem, OR 97302, Very popular with the college students, you will find it busy on weekend nights. The food is good here although it can get a little smokey from the bar. 503-375-0959
Broadway Cafe - 2860 Broadway St NE Salem, OR 97303 503-361-7694
'''Busick Court Restaurant''' - 250 Court St NE Salem, OR 97301 503-370-8107 The place to stop for Breakfast or Lunch if you are in downtown Salem. The Banana-Nut Stuffed French Toast was the starter selection for Rachel Ray's visit to Salem on "$40 a Day". Just to sip the special blend of coffee and read a paper is a treat in this quaint store front restaurant located just a half of a block from Salem's River Front Park. This is a good thing so you can stretch your legs after the meal.
Cottage House Restaurant - 574 Cottage St NE Salem, OR 97301 503-399-7075
Court Street Dairy Lunch - 347 Court St NE Salem, OR 97301 503-363-6433
Croissant & Company-Downtown 190 High St SE Salem, OR 97301 503-362-7323
DaVinci Ristorante 180 High St SE Salem, OR 97301 503-399-1413 Probably the best restaurant in Salem. Perfect for special occasions. It has Italian food at it's finest. Try the Pork Tenderloin it's quite tasty with Italian herbs. Also they make their own pizza in a beautiful stone oven. When you sit down they bring you fresh made warm foccacia. Popular with the martini crowd for happy hour drinks. It may be on the expensive side but well worth a visit. Gaslight Bar & Grill 2865 Liberty St NE Salem, OR 97303 503-399-8282
'''Gerry Frank's Konditorei''' 310 Kearney St SE Salem, OR 97308 503-585-7070, The best place for designer cakes and pastries. Try the Champangne cake with raspberry filling, delicious! Chocolate Carmel Turtle, Mocha, Lemonaide Cake. They usually have at least 20 or so flavors to choose from. They also have the best quiche in town. The sun dried tomatoe with asparagus is awesome. They have a good deal with their soup and half sandwich or quiche and a slice of cake for about $8.
Grand China 3330 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302 503-371-8855
j. james Restaurant 325 High St SE Salem, OR 97301 503-362-0888 (reservations)
Jackie Winters 900 Court St NE -212 Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1710
Los Baez 2920 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302 503-363-3109
Marco Polo Global Restaurant 210 Liberty St SE #150 Salem, OR 97301 503-364-4833 Excellent variety of Asian food. Vegetarian selections available, Spicy and not so spicy dishes that will spark your taste buds, and yet leave you wanting to come back to try another of the delicious choices on the menu. Open for lunch and dinner.
McGrath's Fish House 350 Chemeketa NE Salem, OR 97301 503-362-0736
Old Europe Inn 3195 Liberty Rd S Salem, OR 97302 503-588-3639
Ram Restaurant & Big Horn Brewery 515 12th St SE Salem, OR 97301 503-363-1904
''''''Rudy's at Salem Golf Club'''''' 2025 Golf Course Rd S Salem, OR 97302 503-399-0449, Atmosphere and great food, can't go wrong with a meal at Rudy's. Situated on a beautiful golf course in an old manor house it's a relaxing and enticing restaurant. Sitting next to wide paned bay windows that look out over the fairway you can sit in overstuffed chairs next to a blazing fire in a stone fireplace. They bring in prime corn fed beef and has an inhouse butcher so you get the freshest and best cuts of meat. A favorite is to go there on a Sunday morning where you will have the best breakfast in town. Try the Carmalized French Toast a lite and crispy blend of brown sugar, cinnamon and other unknown goodies surrounding thick bread. The omelettes are piled high with fillings. The sandwiches at lunch are almost gourmet, and the soups are all homemade.
Sassy Onion Grill 1244 State Street Salem, OR 97301 503-378-9180
Season to Taste Bakery & Deli 1313 Mill St SE #101 Salem, OR 97301 503-585-3600
Sybil's Omelettes Unlimited 2373 State St Salem, OR 97301 503-581-7724 Restaurant
Thompson Brewery & Public House 3575 Liberty Rd S Salem, OR 97302 503-363-7286
Wild Pear Downtown Deli & Catering 372 State St NE Salem, OR 97301 503-378-7515
A Creekside Inn - The Marquee House -333 Wyatt Court NE Salem, OR 97301 503-391-0837 OR 800-949-0837
Alden House Bed and Breakfast - 760 Church St. NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)363-9574.
Bethel Heights Farm B&B - 6055 Bethel Heights Rd. NW Salem, OR 97304 (503)364-7688
Bookmark Bed and Breakfast - 975 D Street NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)399-2013
Cottonwood Cottage B&B - 960 E St. NE Salem, OR 97301-1225 (503)362-3979 OR 1-800-349-3979
Eagle Crest B&B - 4401 Eagle Crest NW Salem, OR 97304 (503)364-3960
Fruitland Creek Bed and Breakfast - 5881 Fruitland Rd. Salem, OR 97301 503-585-9613
Marquee House B&B - 333 Wyatt Ct. NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)391-0837 OR 1-800-949-0837
Rozelli's B&B - 1311 Edgewater NW Salem, OR 97304 (503)391-1010
State House B&B - 2146 State St. Salem, OR 97301 (503)588-1340; 1-800-800-6712
Stone Lion Inn B&B - 4692 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97305 (503)463-6374
Best Western Black Bear Inn - 1600 Motor Ct NE Salem, OR 97301 503-581-1559
Best Western Mill Creek Inn - 3125 Ryan Dr. SE Salem, OR 97305 (503)585-3332 OR 1-800-346-9659
Best Western Pacific Hwy Inn - 4646 Portland Rd. NE Salem, OR 97305 (503)390-3200
City Center Motel - 510 Liberty St SE Salem, OR 97301 503-364-0121
Comfort Inn and Suites - 1775 Freeway Ct. NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)588-0515 OR 1-888-305-0515
Comfort Suites of Salem - 630 Hawthorne SE Salem, Oregon 97301 503-585-9705
Crossland - 3535 Fisher Road N.E. Salem, Oregon 97305-1419 Tel: 503-363-7557
Days Inn - 3340 Astoria Way NE Salem, Oregon 97303 Tel: 503-393-6000
Econo Lodge Salem - 3195 Portland Rd. N.E. Salem, Oregon 97303 Tel: 503-585-2900
Economy Inn - 2250 Mission St SE Salem, OR 97302 (503)589-8010
Marriott Residence Inn - 640 Hawthorne Ave SE Salem, OR 97301 503-585-6500
Motel 6 Salem - 1401 Hawthorne Ave NE I-5 at Exit 256 Salem, Oregon 97301 Tel: 503-371-8024
Oregon Capital Inn - 745 Commercial Street South-East Salem, Oregon 97301 Tel: 503-363-2451
Phoenix Grand Hotel - 201 Liberty St SE Salem, OR 97301 503-540-7800 OR 1-877-540-7800
Quality Inn Hotel & Convention Center - 3301 Market St. NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)370-7888 OR 1-800-248-6273
Ramada Inn - 200 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97301 (503)363-4123 OR 1-800-2-RAMADA
Red Lion Hotel - 3301 Market Street North-East Salem, Oregon 97303 503-370-7888
Rodeway Inn - 3195 Portland Rd. NE Salem, OR 97303 (503)585-2900
Residence Inn - 640 Hawthorne Avenue Salem, Oregon 97301 503-585-6500
Shilo Inn Salem Suites - 3304 Market St. NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)581-4001 or 1-800-222-2244
Sleep Inn - PO Box 18177 3340 Astoria Way NE Salem, OR 97305 (503)393-6000
Super 8 Motel - 1288 Hawthorne Ave. NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)370-8888
Tiki Lodge - 3705 Market St. NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)581-4441 OR 1-800-438-8458
Traveler's Inn Motel - 3230 Portland Rd. NE Salem, Oregon 97303 503-581-2444
Travelodge - 1875 Fisher Rd. NE Salem, OR Call (503)588-5423
Travelodge & Suites - 1555 State St. Salem, OR Call (503)581-2466