16 Things to do in Salem, Oregon

[@evanburroughs9329]

Antique Powerland just north of Salem @ the Brooks exit is a great place to see old tractors, trucks, logging stuff and a steam powered sawmill. Weekends from Memorial Day thru Labor Day many of the 14 separate museums are open, you might even be able to get a ride on an antique trolley or a miniature railroad.

[@om617yota7]

Antique Powerland does the Great Oregon Steam Up, last weekend of July and the first weekend of August. All the museums are open, huge swap meet, all kinds of antique engines and machinery running around, a huge parade. Second weekend is Military weekend, with a bunch of military vehicles on display, and taking part in the parade. Well worth the trip. Can't see it all in one day. Better than the state fair for someone like me.

[@srohr04]

How did the Enchanted Forest not make it on your list? It's just a few miles south of Salem, visible from the I-5 freeway and is an amazing landscaped theme park that has been visited by generations since the 1960s. Hand painted artworks that include many familiar nursery rhyme characters and delivered in their own individually unique motifs along with entire sections of the park devoted to everything western frontier life to fairy tale-like settings. Other then the one located in Canada, I've never found anything like Enchanted Forest in my travels.

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was closed when I went. I really wanted to go to it!

[@srohr04]

@@ThroughMyLens That's too bad. It can be difficult to get the full experience in Oregon unless you are visiting in the summer months. Hope you come back.

[@dvferyance]

Far more interesting than a hospital that did make the list.

[@kelseydahlstrom1071]

@@ThroughMyLens Unfortunately the pandemic may have shut it down permanently. :( its a family run operation and when the pandemic forced them to close they couldn't afford to keep it up.

[@jeanettavalleau648]

Enchanted Forest is open! Unfortunately, Word of Mouth is not. They had temporarily closed and just announced they will not be reopening but interested in selling their business.

[@SonjaPedersen-lg4mo]

Bro Salem during spring so pretty

[@RelaxedRoamer]

I just want to say thanks for another wonderful trip. Really satisfying and enjoyable!

[@LezbollahMothra]

I live here and am embarrassed by how few of these things I’ve done, definitely going to do some of those hikes as the weather warms up! But im saving this video for next time a relative visits otherwise the main salem locations i know are dive bars and dispensaries (which I’m surprised you didn’t mention alongside all the bars/wineries). Kinda neat to see my city through a stranger’s eye! You should check out Olympia WA- seems like the type of town you’d like, based on ur videos :)

[@mikejankowski6321]

WOW, what a great video! I'll start at the end...pies and donut holes, yum! And coffee thrown in. So many great places for architectural and landscape photos. Good job capturing it, felt like I was there in a few places (minus the rain). Got to put these places on my go-to list.

[@kelseyoran1332]

So glad you enjoyed your visit!! We love living in Salem.

[@johnwilliams3415]

Salem has become a dump

[@LIK64]

Lived in Salem for 3 yrs, worked at Willamette University. Been to Silver Falls so breath taking place to visit.

[@emilyelizabethlol]

i was born here in salem and this was super cool for you to look at the things that raised me!!!

[@MaxieBee]

I live there. Since I’ve lived here for so long I don’t see much special about it, but yeah there are lots of things to do. Enchanted forest is one of them, used to go there all the time as a kid and remember spending my 12th birthday there. Haven’t been in a long time, but I remember that being really fun for kids, especially this one Bob sled roller coaster

[@greg3275rt]

Fun fact: The Eco globe is an acid leach ball left over from industrial processes that were done down by the river. My understanding is there wasn’t any good way to dispose of it so they painted it and put a fence around it.

[@MrAhhsum]

correct! thanks for reminding us!

[@spongebob430]

I would say bush park is also a good place to visit I went on a school field trip when I was 7 and it’s such a cool place to visit

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

Thank for sharing your trip in and around Salem. Enjoyed seeing each recommendation. Seeing all the flights of beer got me especially thirsty

[@natalieschmotzer2796]

Konditerei! Best cake anywhere! Also, Annie’s for breakfast. Oregon Garden, Enchanted Forest, many other wonderful parks in Salem, as well. Willamette University campus and Hallie Ford museum of art has some fairly important exhibits. Don’t forget Saturday Market downtown about 6 or 7 months of the year. Salem Cinema for artsy and indie movies (no young kids, though). The Yard food park on State street, has a great common area you can eat the food you buy from the vendors. Northern Lights Theatre pub reopened, where they have second run inexpensive movies and food. Family friendly. Did you say Minto Brown park? I forgot, sorry! Also, IKE Box cafe/coffee place. Schreiner Iris gardens, and Wooden Shoe Tulip farms, not too far up the road. Salem Audubon nature reserve, too.

[@Branden-vl9sl]

Konditerei must be a german cake shop?

[@_kass3939]

As a local for quite sometime now I’ve done everything on your list and more. You forgot Bush house in Bush pasture park, The Elsinore Theatre, and the Hallie Ford museum. Also try the Willamette valley cheese company; they do samples there of their cheeses. Also I like Xicha Brewing Co for beer flights and margaritas.

[@colinwilliams3459]

I've performed at the Elsinore a few times for school related things. Very cool structure

[@_kass3939]

@@colinwilliams3459 it is a great structure with gothic interior you don’t see anymore. Plus it’s haunted 😳 👻

[@stevekrumbah6333]

Thank you so much born and raised in salem and I feel you Did a great representation of my town you definitely Earned a new sub and I will also check out your other videos thanks again

[@gaiusbrutus]

Love seeing oregon getting some attention. All parts of oregon are gorgeous the coast and the gorge are my favorite

[@kxrv6629]

Another great video. We have visited Salem a number of times and have had several unique experiences there. Thanks for giving us some additional ideas. Here are a few observations: We watched the Total Eclipse of the Sun from the grounds of the State Mental Hospital-indescribably primal. Saw a bald eagle do a barrel-roll and dive for a fish along the riverwalk beyond the Globe. Attended Star Wars themed food and decor event at Archive Coffee and Bar. My favorite restaurant is Marco Polo as the name implies an Italian-Asian fusion restaurant with intriguing vegetarian options. I also recommend the weekly Farmer’s Market when it gets back in full swing. Did you know there is a “Moon Tree” on the Capitol grounds? If you are headed out of town to Silver Falls SP I also recommend The Oregon Gardens and a tour of the Gordon House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only design in Oregon. Keep them coming Josh!

[@danielginther4879]

Bush pasture Park and museum near deepwood

[@ThroughMyLens]

Will have to check it out next time, thanks!

[@troysheffield277]

Right across the street from the capitol is Willamette University--one of the oldest colleges west of the Mississippi. Stroll the grounds and the Millstream and see what's happening across campus.

[@doublee3886]

As a Willamette University graduate I recommend the library, the food court and the Hailey Ford Museum.

[@robingilmore1444]

Dude! I live just a bit east of salem and never knew about some of these places. As usual, I loved the video and will go look closers at my neighboring town. Thanks for the ride. O, very very sweet babies.

[@andrewbarcenas141]

Bigwig's donuts are also egg and gluten free which is great for those who have allergies! Can confirm though, you don't notice the gluten missing. It is a bit expensive, $20 for 2 dozen donut holes.

[@om617yota7]

Thank you! Eating gluten free out of necessity, donuts are something I miss!

[@rhondaz356]

I have never been there. You certainly highlighted some reasons to visit... very informative and interesting 👏👏

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@suzettecalleja3122]

I don't know why but the state capital reminds me of Griffith Park Observatory from the outside, but the inside reminds of a Frank Lloyd Wright building. Thank you. Always love seeing your family. The Twins are getting big.

[@ThroughMyLens]

It really does, you are correct! Yea it is crazy how big the kids are getting!

[@californiahiker9616]

Oh I love stopping at the Honeywood Winery. Their Current Noir Wine is great for making hot mulled wine in winter. Ive been to Silver Falls. I took a ton of photos while walking behind the fall. Hiking in April, I wasn’t exactly prepared. Man, was it cold! I got pretty wet. So do come prepared. A rain coat would do wonders for you here!

[@the3ns1]

Love your review of this sweet city

[@503lean]

thanks for enjoying my home town

[@Beh0ldas0n]

Great video as always, would love to visit some day.

[@debbieboatwright44]

yes, those donuts are amazing. i get them every year.

[@HELLARARE4ever]

Hey Josh, i loved your video on Salem but am surprised you haven't mentioned ENCHANTED FOREST, it's a very well-known theme park and it's perfect for children. If you ever go back definitely take your kids there as it would be perfect for them

[@smorisch]

Great video. Thank you.

[@chucky116]

glad u enjoyed ur visit we normally get forgotten because of Portland

[@critters16]

Thank you, I can't wait to see these things when I get there!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Have fun!

[@alrightnow7521]

Kinditori is one of my favs, also bush park,salem is a great town , i always enjoy my visits, hard to do it all.

[@DavidHaney1]

GR8 Vid, Loved it. Do more cities !!!

[@JimAllhiser]

The Old Mill is super cool!

[@gnarlynicholasreviews]

Very disappointed you didn't include the Coin Jam under your favorite eateries. As the name suggests, it's also a barcade, but unironically has the best food downtown.

[@soapysoap9043]

What did you eat there?? I haven’t been!

[@gnarlynicholasreviews]

@@soapysoap9043 Oh you have to go! It's my favorite place in town, not just the food but the ambiance. Super casual, relaxed environment. But I get the "Bowser BLT" which is your standard bacon, lettuce, tomato, but also w/ grilled chicken, some kind of amazing sauce, wrapped in pita bread - w/ a side of house fries (which by themselves are insanely good)

[@christophertaylor9100]

Enchanted Forest is fun for kids, just south of Salem. Also check out the Northern Lights Theater Pub for great food and cheap movies.

[@MrAhhsum]

word of mouth is amazing

[@philippeplouchart8156]

The best Pinot Noir is sold at the Willamette Valley Winery in Turner, just south of Salem. You left out the Enchanted Forest attraction park, also near that winery.

[@BbNeel91]

the actual building for one flew of the cuckoo's nest was across the street from the state hospital and was torn down in 2017.

[@AmbientWalking]

Amazing and awesome and absolutely cool. Love this journey! 👍👍

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bgzbgz492]

Great video! I live in salem and just an fyi to people coming to visit. The Word of Mouth Bistro is out of business as of April. '22

[@hhbadarin]

I have visited the city in 2014, it's one of the most beautiful cities in the US. Highly recommended.

[@ThroughMyLens]

We had a great time in the city as well!

[@E3B2SLIFE]

Would love to work with you to do a 32 things to do and I’ve lived here for 4-5 years now and starting to know a few great places that are missing.

[@robertadams7129]

Bro i live right over the bridge in west salem. I wish i knew you were coming.. i could show you some cool places. Also dine at my restaurant.

[@oliverolover]

Your kids are growing SOOO fast! OMG!

[@cronchycatmom]

Omg anyone who lives in or goes to Salem NEEDS to put Dough Hook donuts on their list. Seriously better than voodoo with a ton of vegan and Omni options. It's on Lancaster and Sunny view. I bring every one I know there and it never disappoints.

[@om617yota7]

Thanks for the recommendation. If they do GF, I am absolutely checking them out!

[@jeremyrice9589]

Ha! I was coming to say the same. The top donuts in the state. Better than Blue Star in Portland IMO. BEARSCAT donuts are great too. King donuts are excellent. And roths are always good. Lots of great donut options in town. Dough Hook is prob number 1 though.

[@om617yota7]

I stopped in at Dough Hook. Anyone heading there for GF options, be aware that GF is only by special order, not a regularly available thing.

[@tanabetours1768]

EZ Orchards (fresh fruit doughnuts!), Roth's Vista (bet maple bars!), and Wicked Sweet,have the BEST doughnuts imho!

[@bootchop88]

my personal favorite thing to do in salem is leave.

[@charlagewalker8802]

😂😂😂 me too I lived there for 3 years

[@om617yota7]

Yep, grew up there. Got out as soon as I could.

[@DJPez913]

Great, then stay away! Already making the city better :)

[@iShallEatChips]

Nice! This is my city.

[@richardturner2455]

Do they have book stores, weekend open market's and local entertainment spots?

[@timothyhance4044]

as someone who lives in Salem I'm surprised you didn't mention our growing supply of homelessness and drug addicts easily visible from every street and street corner don't forget the The market Street exit underpass where all the homeless conjugate.

[@cronchycatmom]

There's a big camp off the parkway and hyacinth, and the skate park has a camp again as well

[@davidk1579]

Yeah you can get your best deals on crack on market Street under the bridge. Bring your EBT card you can get two for one.

[@jameshughes4508]

As someone who's experienced homelessness in Salem & Portland.....might I suggest participating in remedies that will alleviate homelessness.

[@allanrichardson9081]

You mean CONGREGATE? If they were CONJUGATING, they’re either learning verb tenses or making love. I’m sure the latter is not allowed!

[@om617yota7]

Yep, grew up in Salem. It's no accident that I moved out of town as soon as I could.

[@xugg8959]

Wabi Sabi Tea is also a great place for high quality tea and boba tea as well.

[@shoeshane6494]

There's two things to do in Salem. Drive south on Interstate 5 until you get to Eugene, or drive north on I-5 until you get to Portland.

[@veryraretristan6405]

Just don’t go to the river front at night lot of bums that are high go there and people inject stuff under most of the bridges

[@kccarrtheoregonhillbillyhi4803]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@mixeddrinks8100]

ohh oregon! I hope you made it to Tillamook. I am intrigued by Honeywood, wonder are the wine sweet? I do like them sweet, more of a hard cider person but fruit wine are intriguing. The Apple Cider Donut, sounds weird but intriguing, can't imagine what it would be like.

[@SarahKatreenHoggatt]

Honeywood is my favorite winery. Their wines are sweet and are all wonderful. Those donuts are also delicious which reminds me, we are overdue to go get some. :D

[@TheGuidingKey123]

Also you missed out on the yard food truck amd bars and fork forty it's a food hall with some of the best K children in oregon

[@kellyjohnson3617]

My gramma used to work at that mental hospital. It’s def historic. She knew the guy who wrote One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. Silver falls State park is incredible. Oregon has lots of great places for food snd drink. They take their hot drinks and brews very seriously. The food and wine culture has really blossomed as well. I’ve never been to the pie place. My niece lives in Salem. Next time I’m up there I will have to check it out. Also the apple cider donuts sound amazing. Does that donut hole place make them fresh to order like Pips in Portland?

[@ThroughMyLens]

Crazy that your grandma knew the guy who wrote the book! I agree Oregon is pretty amazing for the food and drink scene. They were working on the donuts when we ordered so ours were really fresh, but I am not sure if they normally make them fresh to order. Thanks for the comment!

[@SarahKatreenHoggatt]

@@ThroughMyLens - The donuts are so popular, they make them everyday and they usually have two flavors going (Strawberry, pumpkin, blueberry for example) and will create a dozen bag with half of each flavor for you if you ask them.

[@om617yota7]

Cherry was my favorite at Willamette Valley Pie. They also do occasional chocolate cream pies, which my girlfriend LOVES. Sadly, no gluten free options.

[@sammychicken3457]

Forget the scenery, your twins are to too cute. Our daughter had twins 1.5 years ago. A little boy & a gorgeous girl. Thank you for taking us along. Absolutely beautiful country. I loved the home brews. Kind regards from Adelaide, South Australia.

[@brendenkennedy4304]

Hey I lived in Salem for a few years. I loved the Carousel and looking at the big globe and doing the Children's museum. Keep up the great work good sir. I always enjoy your videos a lot.

[@ThroughMyLens]

That is awesome, glad you liked the recommendation. Thanks for the comment!

[@chuckstenberg]

Nice presentation

[@jacobmurphy1132]

Hey I am josh I represent unfazed car group 🙂 if your ever back in salem again we would love to take you out and cruise with you hope you had a good time in salem!

[@trevorlock3615]

You don't want to visit salem! For years we had a membership for Gilbert house but we had to cancel it. There is trash and homeless everywhere in salem it is so dirty and dangerous. Thanks Kate brown!! Our favorite disc golf course was shut down due to the city letting the homeless take it over and made a giant camp there. So gross I avoid salem like the plague

[@DJPez913]

Oh no!!! Not cancelling your membership!! Oh the humanity!! What have you done to support or help the homeless? Seems like you are just complaining and not even treating them as people

[@gardensofthegods]

I'm trying to create an awareness for a teenager who went missing from Salem Oregon January 12th 1975 when he was 16 years old . It probably never should have been listed by police as a runaway as his parents said he was always a well-behaved and responsible teenager who kept in touch on his whereabouts . The night Brian Jiseph ( Joe ) Page vanished , he went to a party on Southeast State Street near 25th with his sister and 2 friends ... she and a friend went out for a little bit and upon their return Joe told them his friend David was having a real bad acid trip and ran out the door . Companions told him to run after Dave and he joined him and Dave's Car a turquoise 1962 Volkswagen Beetle . That was at 2:00 a.m. By 5a.m. David was being arrested by police for stealing a dealership car and speeding down State Street he did not have David with him and David still high said he thought he was in hell . Joe vanished 47 years ago please help us find out what happened to him and if he is still alive and if not how we can discover the truth . If you know anything maybe come back here or go to the Charlie Project on the internet .

[@adoretati10]

As a Salem resident, I clicked on this because it’s generally referred to as so-lame 😅 surrounding areas are beautiful, but the city itself leaves lots to be desired.

[@LatestSquash]

Coming from a small town in New Mexico. Salem really isn’t that bad and has a lot more to offer than most places. Especially considering how much cool stuff is an hour drive in any direction.

[@gordo9104]

@@LatestSquash it really is people are just boring here and are scared to talk to people assuming everyone is a druggy, salem is super fun compare to other towns around

[@BillLaBrie]

Salem’s ok. There’s no one here worth trying to impress. Plus, lots of wood.

[@gordo9104]

@@BillLaBrie you shouldn’t be trying to impress anybody no matter where you at in the world

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Going up to Silver Falls is it near the Abby at Silverton where the monks make their world famous Brandied fruit cake?

[@ThroughMyLens]

No idea, I will have to look that up as I haven't heard of it!

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

I think I misspoke I think it is at Mt. Angel.

[@om617yota7]

@@mkhuntstreasure3192 Monks are in Mt. Angel, 25 mins from Silver Falls. I live in the area, hear the bells from the Monastery when the weather is right.

[@Freya025]

You have got to check out Vagabond Brewery!! Big wig has the best gluten free donuts!!

[@ouidastaley7881]

On April 9 it was announced "Word of Mouth Bistro" has permanently closed. So so sad.😪

[@slayer2580]

I'm surprised the giant homeless camp at the Marion Square skate park didn't make the list!

[@DJPez913]

Im surprised you are surprised

[@PNW_vato]

None of these places look this good in person just so y’all know. Tweakers everywhere too.

[@SlabbyTown]

Murca

[@LIVE.LAUGH.EMPIRE]

Lmao got jumped by a drunk asking if we supported Kate brown and he also pissed himself by the carousel

[@heatherdeavalon]

Thanks for coming! Salem...politics, wine, beer, donuts, coffee, pie... what's not to love!

[@jamestolliver4417]

I was going tongo explore the city. paid for a ticket for an event and everything. But seems to be so much negative yet understanding comments here. Should i just go elsewhere? and if so, where? Will i find less homelessness where i am recommended in this chat? Or is there homeless everywhere you go no matter what? I am seeking places where i dint have to worry about crime and homelessness? does this exsist everywhere? is it basically home os what you make it? Are people moving out of the city or do they do the best they can with what they have as inwould assume in other states and countries? Is it all about beimg careful and mindful of your surroundings? Should i just stay home and not venture out? someone help me with some recommendations. That would be helpful. Thank you in advance.

[@christinacarter4358]

Easy Orchards doughnuts are the BEST!! I will stand in a 30 min line for those apple cider doughnuts. Definitely do not go to Santiam brewery though. Worst location, so-so food and they treat employees horribly. Enchanted forest definitely should have made the list. Well done over all.

[@BestInTheWest8]

Omg when you said 2014 my mind thought of 1914- I’m over here trying to figure out how they’ve been open that long 😂😂😂

[@sabliath9148]

I'd like to throw in a recommendation for Adam's Rib Smokehouse, located on State Street in Salem. It's a nice little barbeque restaurant located right in the heart of the city. In fact, it's not far from the Capitol Building.

[@younggoose7315]

It’s terrible

[@alejandroortega-sanchez1362]

Brooo downtown salem is wild

[@johnsheetz6639]

On a side note if you're into it.they got $20 oz of weed as well that would've went for at least 100- 200 10 years ago my mind is blown.

[@jrm371]

Lived here since 2007. Love it; I’ve never had any issues living here.

[@daveboals5270]

Arm pit of the pacific nw. Followed by the crotch Seattle

[@DJPez913]

An arm pit is south of the crotch? I dont think you thought this through

[@ioiocandy]

You must try Wabi sabi tea on commercial street

[@GTACircus]

Beautiful 😍 🤩 👌

[@juliedyer540]

Sadly Word of Mouth Bistro has shut its doors just recently. Sad loss for the community

[@natalieschmotzer2796]

Someone bought it! It is going to reopen.

[@JimAllhiser]

The employees bought it and it is open now 9/22

[@elizabethbarocio]

Leave,lol. Love, someone who lives in Salem 🤣🤣

[@DJPez913]

You first

[@charlagewalker8802]

Umm, I couldn’t wait to move away from Salem. I lived there for 3 years. Now I live in Beaverton

[@MrKyo200]

Ive literally lived in salem since i was 8 and never gone to most of these places. SAD :(

[@nancybeltran4121]

THE CAPITAL WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION THE HOMELESS POPULATION HAS TAKEN OVER ALSO THE RIVER FRONT PARK IS OKAY ALL I SEEN IN OREGON WAS MOSTLY DISPENSARIES SALEM NEEDS TO UPGRADE THAT AREA BIG TIME THE MILL WAS COOL BUT CREEPY MT ANGEL IS CLOSED ON TUESDAY SO DONT EVEN BOTHER MOSTLY EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED I MISS CALIFORNIA 😢 CANT WAIT TO GO BACK HOME ALSO OREGON STATE HOSPITAL IS ONLY OPEN THURSDAY-SATURDAY SMH

[@mungfam]

The Yard

[@systrex]

Been here for 8 years. Salem sucks. And now there are tons of homeless camps.

[@DJPez913]

Once you leave it will be much better

[@IceCreamCornDawg]

Bruh really had work to find 16 things to do in Salem lol

[@bradquackable]

Ran out of stuff to do IN salem

[@tylershirek3282]

You forgot the best iconic pizza parlor in Salem, Walerys, located in West Salem. Also in West Salem for breakfast, lunch, and desserts with huge portions you must go to Annette's.

[@johnwilliams3415]

Wallerys pizza isn't good anymore it has gone down hill

[@ortac4851]

Benedictine Brewery in Mt Angel, Mt Angel Sausage Company

[@davidk1579]

And if you like to go shopping you can go into the mall in Salem and you might be able to run into some of the fruit nuts that they let out of The nut House every now and then.

[@karolaldana6649]

It would be extremely helpful if you included the prices/fees 👍🏻

[@nancybeltran4121]

THE CAPITAL WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION THE HOMELESS POPULATION HAS TAKEN OVER ALSO THE RIVER FRONT PARK IS OKAY ALL I SEEN IN OREGON WAS MOSTLY DISPENSARIES SALEM NEEDS TO UPGRADE THAT AREA BIG TIME THE MILL WAS COOL BUT CREEPY MT ANGEL IS CLOSED ON TUESDAY SO DONT EVEN BOTHER MOSTLY EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED I MISS CALIFORNIA 😢 CANT WAIT TO GO BACK HOME

[@doublee3886]

During the summer get a lilac milkshake.

[@doublee3886]

at E-Z Orchards.

[@stephenswift5531]

i remember going there with my friends but we got in trouble

[@suburbandude9702]

Do you even live in Salem?

[@petermgruhn]

"Museum of Mental Health" One imagines an endless sea of glass display cases, each with row upon row of carefully preserved mental healths. Each with its own hand written label and special catalog number.

[@om617yota7]

It's unfortunately somewhat less spectacular than that, although they do have a lobotomy table.