Beautiful cherry trees blooming in the early spring at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. Photo credit: Ron Cooper Source: Travel Salem on Facebook Did you know that studies have linked exercise and activity to increased energy, productivity and mental alertness? When you are traveling for an important meeting and/or conference, the benefits of physical activity are invaluable. When you are a guest of The Salem Convention Center and The Grand Hotel in Salem, you won't have to look far for easy opportunities to get out and be active! No matter what your fitness level is, we invite you to make the most of your down time between meetings/events and check a few of our personal favorite exercise spots in Salem, Oregon. #1- Salem's Riverfront Park Photo Credit: Travel Salem on Facebook If you have just a few minutes to take a break and grab some fresh air, you can't go wrong with Salem's Riverfront Park. This 23-acre stretch of green space is a favorite for locals and visitors alike and is less than a 5 minute walk from our facility. Home to Salem's famous Riverfront Carousel, this park is an ideal spot to get some activity in while enjoying views of the beautiful Willamette River. #2 Downtown Historic District Photo via Travel Salem on Facebook For a quick change of scenery, you only need to step outside! We are located in the heart of Salem's historic downtown where visitors and locals enjoy an eclectic mix of architecture, art galleries, boutiques, retail shopping centers, stores, as well as great restaurants and cafes within a few blocks of The Salem Convention Center. In addition, interesting places like the Oregon State Capitol plaza, Willamette University, Mission Mill Museum, Historic Deepwood Estate and many other sites are a just mile or less away. #3 Bush's Pasture Park Bush's Pasture Park Photo Source www.flickr.com Third on our list is Bush's Pasture Park, home to an exquisite collection of plants and designed landscapes, both historic and contemporary. This 90+-acre park is covered with cherry and apple orchards, Oregon White Oak trees and a rose garden with over 2,000 roses and open meadows. In other words, it's a gorgeous view to enjoy while being active. #4 Minto-Brown Walking Trails Minto-Brown Walking Trails Photo Source: www.cityofsalem.net Just a short drive away is Minto-Brown Island Park, a natural attraction offering Salem locals and visitors over a thousand acres of open and wooded natural beauty. Winding and stretching trails nestled in natural beauty make this a favorite destination for joggers, hikers, and bikers looking to squeeze a bit of activity into their day. There's even an off-leash dog area, should you happen to bring your pet along for the trip! #5 Silver Falls State Park Silver Falls State Park Photo Source OregonStateParks.org If you have some extra time between meetings, or just need a day to get away, we recommend checking out beautiful Silver Falls State Park, one of Oregon's largest parks. Hikers, runners, walkers and bikers of all levels enjoy the scenic trails, lush forests, open fields and waterfalls. If you make the trip, be sure to visit the Trail of Ten Falls, the park's most popular spot for both hikers and photographers alike. This trail takes visitors on a stunning eight-mile journey past some of Silver Fall's most notable waterfalls. Of course, if you're simply looking for a quick work out without too much hassle, consider these gyms and facilities located right in downtown Salem: Indoor Fitness Room and Pool accessible to guests of The Grand Hotel in Salem Courthouse Fit Crossfit Salem Epic Fitness Planet Fitness Between stunning outdoor parks and convenient gyms and facilities, there's no shortage of opportunities to get your heart rate up between events. Enjoy!
