8 Things To Do in Salem Before Summer is Over

The end of summer is on the horizon so take a moment to enjoy it for a few more weeks before we head into the fall. Here are eight things to do in Salem before summer’s end.

Soak in a Sunset

Experience the setting sun of summer in a scenic Salem setting. Our recommendations are to take in the view from Riverfront Park or the top of the Chemeketa Parkade. 

Park it for a Picnic

Pack a snack, lunch or dinner and feast al fresco. Don’t want to cook, grab take out from your favorite eatery (our local restaurants could use the support, too!) Visit the City of Salem Parks & Recreation website to search for your setting by resource, location or alphabetically. 

Ride Around

Cycle your way to the end of summer. For an easy cruise, try the 7 miles of flat trails at Minto-Brown Island Park. Looking for something a little more adventurous? Check out Salem’s only bike park at Geer Community Park. Want something off-road? Tucked away in South Salem you will find the Croisan Scenic Trail and Skyline Trail with two woodsy “pocket trails” each about a mile long. These trails are maintained by Salem Area Trail Alliance. Learn more about the group here.

Scream for Ice Cream

Summer is the perfect excuse to indulge in a cool treat. And we’ve rounded up a list (updated from the inaugural issue of Press Play Salem) of where you can find some local offerings. Find the story here.

Hit the River

Paddle. Boat. Swim. (if you dare) A river rendezvous is a classic summer activity and there are two Salem businesses offering a neat way for you to take to the river: kayaks and paddleboards! 

Both Woodward Surf Company and Salem Kayak Rentals rent out kayaks and paddleboards and offer a variety of guided trips on the Willamette River. And if you are looking for a unique date night, check out Woodward Surf Co.’s Water to Wine (a shuttle and paddle to Arcane Cellars) and Neon Nights (an illuminated adventure). 

Wander

Salem boasts three connected parks with a combined acreage larger than Central Park in NYC. Together, between Minto-Brown Island Park, Salem’s Riverfront Park and Wallace Marine Park connected by the Peter Courtney Minto Island Pedestrian Bridge and Union Street Pedestrian Bridge, there is plenty of space to wander. 

Or maybe visit some lesser-known locations. River Road Park boasts 16.1 acres alongside the Willamette River with developed walking paths; Pringle Park and Pringle Community Hall is a 4.4-acre wooded park in downtown Salem featuring walking paths; and Cascades Gateway Park is a large urban park covering just over 100 acres with a natural trail system and developed footpaths.

Wine Down

Take in a tasting on the patio of an area winery. A few of our recommendation are:

• Arcane Cellars: Nestled along the Willamette River, it has a beautiful outdoor area (and bocce ball!) Open 12 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment at 22350 Magness Rd. NW. Info: 503-868-7076, Arcanecellars.com
• Cória Estates: A lovely family-owned winery in South Salem that features amazing views of the vineyard and mountain ranges. Open by reservation only at 8252 Redstone Ave. SE. Info: 503-363-0525, coriaestates.com 
• Eola Hills Wine Cellars – Legacy Vineyard: Just outside of West Salem, the tasting room has incredible views of the vineyard and valley. Open by appointment at 1600 Oak Grove Rd. NW. Info: 503-362-1546, Eolahillswinery.com

Note: There have been many changes due to Covid-19, so be sure to check websites to confirm open hours, procedures, etc. 

Stretch out to the Street

While we have a few standard restaurant patios, thanks to Salem Main Street Association and the City of Salem dining outdoors has been reenvisioned in downtown Salem. Salem Summer Streets is a city initiative that closes off select streets for dining and entertainment ending in September. Additionally, a number of downtown eateries have extended their outdoor seating to specially blocked parking spaces making this truly the summer of the patio. Take advantage of it while you can!

***Please respect community safety by following physical and social distancing guidelines and wearing a mask.

Author: Carlee Wright

Carlee Wright is a community instigator with a grand love for Salem and notably fashionable shoes (Hello, John Fluevog!) who turns waste into wearable art in her "spare" time.