When one hears Salem, one may automatically think of witch trials. However, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, lies the capital of the US state of Oregon. Salem is nicknamed the Cherry City for its burgeoning cherry industry in the past. The city has plentiful offerings for all travelers from gardens to markets and vineries to festivals. The Willamette River flows along Salem; this city is surrounded for the most part by hills, including the volcanic Salem hills in the south.

The fun never stops in Salem and its calendar is full of events – fairs and festivals. Visit Salem in the near future to enjoy your slice of entertainment. Some of these are the ‘Uncorked Wine Auction’ and ‘25th Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival’, both in May. Ensure that you check the dates and timings of both these events before scheduling a visit.

Schreiner’s Gardens

Feast your eyes on a cornucopia of irises at the Schreiner’s Gardens. A major grower of the iris flower, visitors can view the endless varieties of this lovely blossom. For those interested, the garden also has an information catalog about the flower.

Willamette Queen

Paddle wheelers have been used in the past as a major means of transportation, and are still used for tourist purposes. The Willamette Queen is an 87-foot twin paddle wheeler that operates on the Willamette River. One can enjoy various events on board this boat with family and friends. Have dinner parties and excursions or even plan to hold your wedding on the Willamette Queen.

Salem Saturday Market

Like a mark of the local flavor, the Salem Saturday Market brings to you homegrown produce – fruits, vegetables, and meat. Also on sale in this open-air market are flowers and art and craft items. Clean and convenient, the market is a great place to make some great purchases with the indigenous imprint.

Bush House

Bush’s Pasture Park is a beautiful garden in Salem and it is the site of the Asahel Bush House, now a museum. It is a Victorian House built in 1877-78 in the Italianate style. The house is part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. Its main features include the original furnishings of this stately mansion, as well as fine art.

Take the chance to explore the many wonders of the charming city of Salem.