Beautiful cherry trees blooming in the early spring at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. Photo credit: Ron Cooper Source: Travel Salem on Facebook Headed to Salem for a meeting, event or convention in the next few months? Lucky you! Salem, Oregon is one of the best kept travel secrets around. During the summer and fall months, our city is alive with exciting festivals, games and daily outdoor activities. Our downtown location puts us in close proximity to some of Salem's best restaurants, galleries, parks, shopping and local attractions. So next time you are here on business, take a break and follow our recommendations to make your trip a pleasurable one too! 1. Discover local food and treasures at the Downtown Salem Farmer's Market & Saturday Market (April-October) Salem Saturday Market provides local growers of agricultural products, producers of prepared foods, artisans and crafters with the opportunity, sites and services to market their products directly to the consumer. The organization operates several Farmers Markets, including Saturday Market, Keizer Sunday Farmers Market, Wednesday Farmers Market, Thursday Evening Farmers Market @ Broadway Commons, Salem Hospital Market and the Holiday Market. Visit their site for schedules and locations: www.salemsaturdaymarket.com 2. Relax and Unwind at Salem's Riverfront Park Salem's River Front Park just a shortwalk away and features 23 acres of stunning views of the Willamette River, the famous Salem Carousel (ranked among the nation's best carousels), open green space, play areas, paved walkways , a picnic pavilion and an 87-foot stern wheeler called the Willamette Queen. As an added bonus there is no charge for parking. There is nowhere better to take in a sunny summer afternoon than Salem Riverfront Park. Be on the lookout for delightful festivals such as: World Beat Festival June 28 & 29, 2014 www.worldbeatfestival.org The Bite and Brew of Salem July 25-27, 2014 www.thebiteandbrew.com 3. Explore a piece of Salem History at the Reed Opera House The renovated Reed Opera House is located at the center of downtown Salem Oregon. It was originally built in 1869 and has great historical significance in Salem, Oregon's history. The building houses numerous offices, retail, and dining establishments. However, the highlight is experiencing a live theatrical production by the Salem Repertory Theatre. 4. Take a tour of the Oregon State Capitol The Oregon State Capitol Tour is a great way to learn about the important events in Oregon's state history, see the magnificent rotunda, and have a closer look at where Oregon's 30 state Senators and 60-member House of Representatives meet. Designated as the State Capitol State Park in 2007, the grounds surrounding the Capitol feature ornamental and native trees and shrubs. It is also the setting for the Walk of the Flags, Waite Fountain, Parade of Animals sculpture, a Liberty Bell replica, and a gazebo constructed in 1982. 5. Take In a Volcanoes Baseball Game (June-September 2014) Catch a game at the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. The Volcanoes are a Single-A Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. 5 Time Northwest League Champions: 1998 ~ 2001 ~ 2006 ~ 2007 ~ 2009. Visit their site for details and game times: www.volcanoesbaseball.com 6. Tour four Salem-area heritage museums for the price of one! Don't miss out on this exceptional deal! See four culturally rich local attractions for just $20 when you purchase the Absolutely Heritage ticket. The Absolutely Heritage Ticket can be purchased at Travel Salem (181 High St. NE, Salem) or through AbsolutelyTix.com. The ticket gives you access to the following museums: Historic Bush House: The Bush House is the home of Asahel Bush, one of Salem's most predominant citizens and founder of the Oregon Statesman newspaper and Ladd & Bush Bank. The charming Victorian estate was built in 1878 and is centered in Salem's historic district on 100-acres of public park known as Bush's Pasture Park. The Bush House is operated by the Salem Art Association and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful park is loved by Salem locals and is home to numerous festivals and cultural events through out the year. Hallie Ford Museum of Art: With a collection of over 6,000 culturally and historically diverse objects from ancient times to modern day, the museum supports the liberal arts curriculum of the University, and is a vital cultural resource for the City of Salem and beyond. Historic Deepwood Estate: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Deepwood is a beautiful Queen Anne style home set in formal gardens and native areas. The site is owned by the City of Salem and managed by the non-profit Friends of Deepwood.Historic Deepwood Estate is an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian Home situated on approximately 4 acres of manicured gardens and nature trails set in the heart of Salem near its downtown core. Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill: Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill: (Formerly know as Mission Mill Museum). This great museum is designated an American Treasure by the National Park Service and hosts outstanding exhibits and events throughout the year attracting thousands of visitors, history buffs, and school groups each year. The museum preserves the history of the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill and represents one of Oregon's earliest and strongest industries. 7. Take a leisurely stroll through Bush's Pasture Park You will often find Salem Oregon visitors and locals enjoying the tranquil Bush's Pasture Park, a 90.5 acre park that features 4 playgrounds for children; a Municipal Rose Garden; Historic Bush Museum; plenty of trees and open meadows making this a wonderful stop. Don't miss Annual Salem Art Fair & Festival July 18-20, 2014! www.SalemArt.org Please visit TravelSalem.com for a complete list of Salem, Oregon attractions!